Paris trip for Hermes

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Please try to stay on topic. I realise because of the complexity of some of the posts members may veer off but in answer do not 'go there'.

For info and questions on US customs please post on the thread below: post https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/us-customs-discussion-airports-importing.905560/

Detaxing (to US from Europe) https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/best-way-to-detax-after-h-in-europe.178302/

or non-US destinations: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/does-h-store-paris-wants-to-ship.605014/page-3

For questions relating to prices https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/reference-hermes-current-prices.102567/page-357

For traveling with boxes https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...me-hermes-boxes-when-traveling.1044553/page-5




I will leave this reminder as a sticky because tthis is often a thread that new members (or new Hermès lovers) post on - hopefully temporarily.
 
@elite_dxb thanks for sharing. May I ask if you had already purchased the watch before you asked for the bag? Or did you simply tell the SA you wanted a watch and a bag? I’m curious because I’ve also tried shopping in jewelry section at George V and when I asked the SA there for help with a bag, they said no you have to go to the leather department. I’ve read here that many have had luck with the strategy of shopping for other things first but that didn’t work for me. Maybe it’s because they want you to go through with the other purchases first and not just browse.

No I didn’t purchase the watch first. I told him I’m looking for a watch. I tried a couple then settled on one and told him I will take it. Then told him that I’m interested in a bag and that I got rejected many times and I stood in queue early morning. He said I’m not sure, try coming back in the morning, I then said jokingly of course (ok no problem I can stand and freeze to death) he laughed then asked what I wanted and got me the bag. I really think it’s more about your attitude and the SA’s mood. Hope this helps and good luck ❤️
 
No I didn’t purchase the watch first. I told him I’m looking for a watch. I tried a couple then settled on one and told him I will take it. Then told him that I’m interested in a bag and that I got rejected many times and I stood in queue early morning. He said I’m not sure, try coming back in the morning, I then said jokingly of course (ok no problem I can stand and freeze to death) he laughed then asked what I wanted and got me the bag. I really think it’s more about your attitude and the SA’s mood. Hope this helps and good luck ❤️

This reminds me my adventure in London's store (quick off topic, sorry). Had pre-owned Kelly with me, the SA asked where I got it from, I said 'Used as you'd never sell me a Kelly, I'm too poor'. He lauged and offered me K32 sellier for a walk-in. It is indeed luck & attitude & SA current mood.
 
A total failure this trip!!!

Can’t hide my disappointment! And I agree not to alter your trip for the appointment.

I was debating hard whether to go as the appointment was confirmed earlier than I thought (5th try when I expected it to arrive on 7th try) but since I was quite lucky on past visits and that I knew the plot so I thought I might make the cut.

Made the mistake as I didn’t notice the current situation in Paris. Was told early Dec was a good time to go and didn’t expect the strike, which to me, has started already.... it was all red and road blocks and “accidents” on google map. Traffic was terrible.

And since I said I was in a hurry to catch the flight back (day trip which took me 8 hrs to get there, stayed for one hour and spent 5 hrs to get home), the SA wouldn’t want to waste my time so a straight-up “No B, no K, no C and no Lindy” and the appointment ended in 30 seconds. The Homeware SA comforted me that if the leather SA said no then there must be no stock. And there was no delivery due to the strike.

So be careful if you are in Paris! But then the backlog might mean that there would be plenty of bags to come. Finger crossed for u all H-lovers!
 
One more question...I'm considering buying a Birkin from a consignment shop before my trip to Paris (there's a color I've really been wanting that's available online!). Do you think it helps to wear an Hermes bag to your appointment so that they know you appreciate the brand and aren't a reseller? Or would I look like too much of a suck up? :biggrin: Do you think it helps?
For one appointment this year I carried an Alexander Wang studded rocky which I quite liked. For the second appointment, I carried a black oversized Coach anniversary bag beautifully detailed with leather stitching and leather piecing. Bag was like 10 years old and rarely used. I got it during the craze for large bags. Coach was changing designers at that time so the bag in no way resembles current or past Coach bags. I liked its wide leather chain which formed the crossbody strap.

Curiously, the bag had an embossed coach and horse very similar to H's new Caleche cuff . I pointed out the embossed design to the SA. I certainly didn't shirk from carrying a non-H bag.

The studded AW rockie went with my black studded shoes. I figure I looked coordinated, especially with my b&w outfit. I think that's the message that came across. B&W was probably a good choice b/c it was tailored and a bit reserved in style and color. The SA clearly approved of black (for me).
On the other hand, wearing rather heavy (thick) corduroy flared culottes (knee length, looked a lot like a skirt) to H maybe was a little sporty for my second visit. I also wore black hosiery, and a black and sienna plaid jacket with an agate and silver necklace.

What the SA glommed on to was my big bag. The bag she presented to me was a 35 kelly in gold, a large bag. I was somewhat hesitant (read: not immediately thrilled) but the bag has grown on me as I've begun carrying it. After I returned home, I bought an H crossbody strap which distributes the weight of the bag better than the original skinny bag strap.
I had the same SA each time.

Actually I didn't carry an H bag during either visit. I didn't want to flaunt an H bag, to try to deliberately impress the SA b/c FSH is filled with people carrying H bags. So how would my H bag make me stand out in a sea of H bags? Whenever I said, "oh, I have this and I have that," I could see that there was a chance my words were a big yawn to the SA. H is not interested (IMHO) in the merchandise from past seasons, it's excited about current offerings.
 
This reminds me my adventure in London's store (quick off topic, sorry). Had pre-owned Kelly with me, the SA asked where I got it from, I said 'Used as you'd never sell me a Kelly, I'm too poor'. He lauged and offered me K32 sellier for a walk-in. It is indeed luck & attitude & SA current mood.
A witty exchange worked! :tup::tup::tup::tup::tup::tup:
 
Hello,

I wanted to share my experience at FSH and George V. Its quite long but bare with me. I started applying for appointments for myself and dad 3 days prior to our arrival. All 3 appointments were rejected followed by 2 more rejections for my self and 3 for dad while we were in Paris.

day 1, appointment at FSH already rejected. walked into George V browsed non bag items and asked if I might be able to to see an SA regarding a bag, they asked me to come back the next day early morning.

day 2, appointment at FSH rejected again; I stood in queue 30 minutes before George V opened and 30+ were already waiting ahead of me. Chatted with a lovely girl while waiting and she told me she was offered a kelly cut and a b25 but she didn’t like the colours. She also mentioned that the SA told her that they receive stock ever day! She asked him how many! He said (well can’t say but more than enough !) Walked in and was asked what I wanted By the hostess; requested and appointment and was told (no appointments)! Left George V headed to FSH browsed some SLG and asked the SA nicely if I might be able to get an appointment and he told me to come back at 3pm and he specifically asked me to ask the hostess once only since they (Hate) being asked so many times!

I left the store called my friend and told her what happened! She said her friend was able to secure an appointment through a lady who has a strong relationship with someone at FSH! She asked me if I was willing to contact her and see I said why not! Texted the lady explained my issue and she asked me to send my passport # contact# mobile # email and full name! 30 minutes later she called and said she spoke to someone (Not an SA) she handles vips I guess. She was told that I have a good purchase history in Europe! She even named the countries I purchased from! So yes ladies they can retrieve your your purchase history if they want (not the SA). She said she will try to secure an appointment a 6pm but told her she cannot guarantee it.

anyways went back to FSH at 3 and was told (sorry sorry no appointment)! Honestly the hostesses are quite rude.

on my way back to the hotel, I said let me try George V again! Walked in (it was a fish market) i met a girl chatted with her and was told she was offered a birkin 30 in ostrich after purchasing a (not expensive) watch! So I told the sales I’m interested in a watch! Then asked him nicely if I might be able to find something else and mentioned I wanted a b25 in A classic colour! And guess what I was offered a b25 in Etoupe! He asked for my passport number and I told him I have recent purchases in Europe he said (I can only see what you purchased from France). So yes a normal SA can’t find your purchases on his device. (Kindly note I wasn’t wearing anything fancy that day; only a p18 and Hermes cashmere scarf).

Funny thing that later that day, I received and email confirming my appointment at FSH the next day! As I mentioned before I wanted a bag and dad was trying for my sister! I knew that if I go I will be rejected because I already bought a quota bag!

day 3, woke up not feeling well, so dad insisted on queuing at George V although he just had a knee surgery! And he stood for 2 hours And 15 people were already ahead of him. A nice SA met him, took his list came back with nothing! I felt so sorry for dad but I was too sick to queue!

called the lady again, asked her if she can secure and appointment for dad, she said go with your dad for your appointment but ask that the purchase is under his name! And she advised me to dress up nicely!

Went with dad to FSH since my appointment was at 4 pm; I was carrying my crocodile Kelly cut with fancy jewellery. Was assigned with an SA very soon after arriving and explained that the appointment is under my name but dad wanted to purchase a bag for my sister! She was hesitant but I explained that he had many rejections and that he stood in queue for 2 hours although he recently had a surgery. Honestly the moment I saw her face I knew (no bag for today). She asked for the list, I gave her a large variety of colours came back 20 minutes later and said no stock for today. I mean come on! We all know they do have stock; they have the largest stock in the entire planet. I guess she simply wasn’t interested, Anyways thanked her and left the shop.

from my experience; it has nothing to do with how well you dress up or how much you spend (unless you’re buying high end jewellery) it really really depends on the SA weather you click with him or not and honestly if it’s meant to be it’s meant to be. I mean a girl told me she was already rejected 25 times! I felt sorry for her.

Sorry for the detailed story; I hope it helps in a way.

I felt for your Dad who was nice enough to queue up for your sister. My parents would never go bother going with me let alone line up. LOL ! I'm glad at least you were offered a B25. The SA I met at George V was extremely nice and found me and my friend a couple of bag charms. She even gave us her business cards and said we can contact her next time we are in Paris.

I would say that the only thing that I don't like about FSH is telling people to come back at a specific time and still cannot squeeze someone in for an appointment. I'm sure that there are always some SAs available to help. And I wish that the appointment system is only for Bs and Ks. Why would one waste time getting rejected if they only want a Garden Party or Bolide?
 
Dear @ladybug333 when I applied around end of January this year, I scored appointment after 3rd try. But I guess it changed now because as you knew, many people got appointment after 5th and 6th try (even 10th).

First, If you travel with someone else it will increase the chance to score appointment at FSH. For example when I went with my husband, I applied with his passport 3 days in advance of our trip (all rejected). Then the day before my arrival I applied with mine (also rejected). After 4th try he got appointment and I got mine after 3rd try. What I mean here is by using other's passport to apply earlier, you can increase your odd without fear that your passport will get blocked because you miss an appointment. Make sure the passport holder doesn't care about his/hers got blocked by Hermes (oh my god, sorry DH) :cool: Also don't use children passport as well, my SA was super annoyed telling her stories about people applying with their children's passports.

Second, Maybe it is a good idea to shop in both George V and FSH before you got any appointment. Strategically in George V to build purchase history and find nice SA (hopefully). In FSH, you should just enjoy your time. Enjoy the eye candies, the shop, the people, it really is a sight to see. And buy only when you found something you like (but there are many irresistible things in Hermes :biggrin:)

If you love the bag from the consignment web, then buy it. Does it help scoring a B/K/C in FSH? I kind of doubt it. This year I went 4 times to FSH. 2 times I used my Kelly, once I got offered other Kelly that I don't like (and said no to the bag), other time was said no bag. The other 2 times I wore my mini Chanels and both I scored 2 beautiful Kellys. So yeah... go figures...

Lastly, even when you don't score a bag. Enjoy Paris at its best. Down the road in Honore is an awesome chocolatier called JP Hevin. I don't like chocolate but his is a magic for a broken heart (just in case)

Btw guys. Remember last time I wrote that I refused a Vert Amande Kelly in FSH?
So I contacted my SA and we made appointment. I brought a paper written with exactly 5 bags that I want and give it to her. She said that it made her life easier and left for 15 mnts. She came back with a box and I saw her smiling already. The shop is full so she was taking me to a space nearby the marble stairs, in between the floors (the heck I knew there is this kind of place, Is this a maze or a shop?). Basically no one pass by except Hermes SAs.
Then she show me this Kelly 28 Epsom Sellier in Etain with GHW!!
View attachment 4605516
I took her home with an Anemone constance long wallet.

May the Hermes goddess be with you.

Good advice and congrats to scoring a K28 Sellier.
 
This reminds me my adventure in London's store (quick off topic, sorry). Had pre-owned Kelly with me, the SA asked where I got it from, I said 'Used as you'd never sell me a Kelly, I'm too poor'. He lauged and offered me K32 sellier for a walk-in. It is indeed luck & attitude & SA current mood.
Omg that’s so funny I think I might use the same phrase next time I love it!
 
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I felt for your Dad who was nice enough to queue up for your sister. My parents would never go bother going with me let alone line up. LOL ! I'm glad at least you were offered a B25. The SA I met at George V was extremely nice and found me and my friend a couple of bag charms. She even gave us her business cards and said we can contact her next time we are in Paris.

I would say that the only thing that I don't like about FSH is telling people to come back at a specific time and still cannot squeeze someone in for an appointment. I'm sure that there are always some SAs available to help. And I wish that the appointment system is only for Bs and Ks. Why would one waste time getting rejected if they only want a Garden Party or Bolide?
Exactly, it’s obvious the appointment made is for a k/b
I felt for your Dad who was nice enough to queue up for your sister. My parents would never go bother going with me let alone line up. LOL ! I'm glad at least you were offered a B25. The SA I met at George V was extremely nice and found me and my friend a couple of bag charms. She even gave us her business cards and said we can contact her next time we are in Paris.

I would say that the only thing that I don't like about FSH is telling people to come back at a specific time and still cannot squeeze someone in for an appointment. I'm sure that there are always some SAs available to help. And I wish that the appointment system is only for Bs and Ks. Why would one waste time getting rejected if they only want a Garden Party or Bolide?
than you for your kind words; my dad is indeed nice and he was very patient ❤️
you are absolutely right; why would they ask someone to come back and try at 3pm to be rejected again! I mean honestly it’s not like we have nothing else to do. But I learned my lesson; next time I will not waste my day going back and forth between FSH and George V.
 
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I mentioned before that I am in Paris this week. When I have been rejected for appointment for the 4th time, I decided to try at George V this morning.

I thought that George V opens at 10:15, and so I decided to queue up at 9. Unfortunately, the store opens at 11 today! Which means I have to stand in such a cold weather for 2 hours :yucky:Anyway, I overcame it and was attended by a SA once the store opens.

I told the SA that I want a watch, gold earing and would like to check if there is a Constance. I was escorted to the 2nd Floor to choose my earing and watch (both are not expensive) After that, the SA went to find a bag for me.  My Constance finally comes to me :heart::heart::heart: It is a Constance 24 etoupe epsom in GHW. (the photo cannot show the color well)
IMG_20191204_142117.jpg
So thankful that I completed all BKC collections in Paris. I particularly love Constance and it comes to me lastly. :tup:

Wish everyone have your dream come true in Paris :love:
 
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