Paris trip for Hermes

[papertiger]

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.

 

[HPassion]

Congrats! I got the same bag in FSH! I use it more than b/k now

 

[cherylc]

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?

I CANNOT AGREE MORE. ugh, obviously I always want a chance for a B or K but there have been times like my last trip where I really only wanted to try for a mini lindy or regular lindy on one of my past trips. of course this time I couldn't secure an appointment but heard tons of mini lindys were being offered during the time I was there. so sad.

 

[ShoooSh]

Reporting from Paris!
SUCCCESSSS!!!
Will come back with full story after im back home!
Endless trials for mom, sister&I since Saturday, absolute failure in George V & Sevres!
But magic did happen in the last day when i was completely hopeless & i cant be thankful enough.
Thanks to my fellow tpfer for the ongoing support @S2jewels ♥️

 

[little.bear]

Reporting from Paris!
SUCCCESSSS!!!
Will come back with full story after im back home!
Endless trials for mom, sister&I since Saturday, absolute failure in George V & Sevres!
But magic did happen in the last day when i was completely hopeless & i cant be thankful enough.
Thanks to my fellow tpfer for the ongoing support @S2jewels [emoji813]️

Looking forward to hearing about your story

 

[ladybug333]

Hi! Based on my own personal experience, my suggestion would be to make your purchases prior to requesting an appointment, if possible. The appointment system is random however, I still think that there could be some connection to having a purchase history. I've never asked for a bag at George V, so I can't advise you on which store to make these purchases, but I FSH does tend to have more stock, in general. You can definitely request an appointment before you leave, but be prepared to get the appointment on the first try- that exact scenario happened to me this summer. I couldn't make the appointment so I tried to "reschedule" it and I wasn't successful at doing so. It was a busy time so I"m sure that's why they couldn't accommodate me. A friend of mine had a similar experience and she called the store and told them her situation, they told her not to worry and to come in when she arrives and they would accommodate her (which they did).

Hope this helps! Good luck and enjoy your trip!

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) 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 )

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.

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.

While I do not think carrying an Hermes bag would improve ones chances of being offered another, I am very sure the SAs clock whatever Hermes you wear or carry. This might be as a clue or guide to what you might like ( cashmere/ RTW) or need ( accessories/ SLGs to match ) or also in appreciation of vintage, rarer or bespoke items. Believe me.

Thank you all so much for your tips and experiences!

 

[ladybug333]

I noticed that stock seems low during Fashion Week, but from the previous years I've read in this thread, that tends to be during women's fashion week in February.

I'm going to be in Paris from Jan 13-20, 2020, and I just discovered that these are the exact dates of Men's Fashion Week in Paris. Do you think stock will be low at this time, too? Or is it typically just during Women's Fashion Week (which is late Feb)?

 

[nymeria]

Reporting from Paris!
SUCCCESSSS!!!
Will come back with full story after im back home!
Endless trials for mom, sister&I since Saturday, absolute failure in George V & Sevres!
But magic did happen in the last day when i was completely hopeless & i cant be thankful enough.
Thanks to my fellow tpfer for the ongoing support @S2jewels ♥️

Cannot wait to hear!

 

[ayc]

Reporting from Paris!
SUCCCESSSS!!!
Will come back with full story after im back home!
Endless trials for mom, sister&I since Saturday, absolute failure in George V & Sevres!
But magic did happen in the last day when i was completely hopeless & i cant be thankful enough.
Thanks to my fellow tpfer for the ongoing support @S2jewels ♥️

congrats!! can't wait for your reveal!!

 

[Gen_lux]

Hello all!! I want to share my shopping experience with you from last month. It was my birthday and DH gifted me a Europe trip for total of 3 weeks. 2 weeks in October, went home (Vegas) for 4 days then back to Europe again for another week. I spent 5 days in Paris and all that 5 days I tried the online FSH appointment for myself and another for my husband and all being rejected. So everytime we received a rejection in the evening we decided to queue the following morning to either Sevres or George V. So my first day I went to George V but that was in the afternoon since we got to Paris from London via Eurostar around noon. As I got there they said no more appointments available. So I just walked around the store and found some fine jewelry, I waited for 45 minutes for somebody to help me until a nice gentleman whom I forgot his name helped us, he spoke perfect English and was very patient, I spent almost 3k euros and inquired if somebody can help us with leather goods and he said everyone is busy. The following day we were there again, (After being rejected by FSH online)in queue for 2 hours in a 39 degree rainy morning, we were 5th in line. As we entered I was paired with a girl who can barely speak English, i told her my wishlist which includes bkc in medium to smaller sizes and a mini evelyne she came back with a mini plume in electric blue mysore, I think of all Hermes bag this was the not so pretty bag, no offense to whoever like this style. I felt defeated and left the store right away. The next day we decided to go to the Sevres store (again after being rejected) and in queue for 2 hours in another 39 degree rainy morning, we were 2nd in line, this time my husband and I split, my SA was nice she offered me tea after she shook my very cold hands, told her my wishlist, offered me a lindy 30 in etoupe color, and I said this bag won't work for me, she asked if would consider a B35 and I said I already own 1 and it was too big for me. (I should have said yes, since it is cheaper in France) I thanked her and left sad and went looking for my husband. My husband was offered a mini evelyne, clemence in etoupe. I was so excited. His SA was so nice that I ended up buying a lot, we got 2 orange shopping bag charms, a pair of neo ankle boots, a pair of oran sandals (my very first oran), 7 twillies, 7 petit H charms, 2 passport holders, 3 leather bracelets, I don't remember the rest (some of our boxes are unopened yet) . So in my opinion I have a better experience at Sevres location, they're more organized than the George V location. We also went to LV place Vendome after our previous bad offers from Hermes. Much better experience in LV, they treated us like royalty and even gave us free tickets to their Fondation museum after spending almost 10k euros. I wish any Hermes can do the same. We also visited Hermes from Amsterdam , Portugal and London. No luck with BKC, and I again they will say its only offered to local clients even after spending 4K euros in Amsterdam and 5k euros in Lisbon.

 

[chkpfbeliever]

Hello all!! I want to share my shopping experience with you from last month. It was my birthday and DH gifted me a Europe trip for total of 3 weeks. 2 weeks in October, went home (Vegas) for 4 days then back to Europe again for another week. I spent 5 days in Paris and all that 5 days I tried the online FSH appointment for myself and another for my husband and all being rejected. So everytime we received a rejection in the evening we decided to queue the following morning to either Sevres or George V. So my first day I went to George V but that was in the afternoon since we got to Paris from London via Eurostar around noon. As I got there they said no more appointments available. So I just walked around the store and found some fine jewelry, I waited for 45 minutes for somebody to help me until a nice gentleman whom I forgot his name helped us, he spoke perfect English and was very patient, I spent almost 3k euros and inquired if somebody can help us with leather goods and he said everyone is busy. The following day we were there again, (After being rejected by FSH online)in queue for 2 hours in a 39 degree rainy morning, we were 5th in line. As we entered I was paired with a girl who can barely speak English, i told her my wishlist which includes bkc in medium to smaller sizes and a mini evelyne she came back with a mini plume in electric blue mysore, I think of all Hermes bag this was the not so pretty bag, no offense to whoever like this style. I felt defeated and left the store right away. The next day we decided to go to the Sevres store (again after being rejected) and in queue for 2 hours in another 39 degree rainy morning, we were 2nd in line, this time my husband and I split, my SA was nice she offered me tea after she shook my very cold hands, told her my wishlist, offered me a lindy 30 in etoupe color, and I said this bag won't work for me, she asked if would consider a B35 and I said I already own 1 and it was too big for me. (I should have said yes, since it is cheaper in France) I thanked her and left sad and went looking for my husband. My husband was offered a mini evelyne, clemence in etoupe. I was so excited. His SA was so nice that I ended up buying a lot, we got 2 orange shopping bag charms, a pair of neo ankle boots, a pair of oran sandals (my very first oran), 7 twillies, 7 petit H charms, 2 passport holders, 3 leather bracelets, I don't remember the rest (some of our boxes are unopened yet) . So in my opinion I have a better experience at Sevres location, they're more organized than the George V location. We also went to LV place Vendome after our previous bad offers from Hermes. Much better experience in LV, they treated us like royalty and even gave us free tickets to their Fondation museum after spending almost 10k euros. I wish any Hermes can do the same. We also visited Hermes from Amsterdam , Portugal and London. No luck with BKC, and I again they will say its only offered to local clients even after spending 4K euros in Amsterdam and 5k euros in Lisbon.

Heads off to you for standing in the cold with husband two days in a row at different locations. Being one of the first in line, I would hope that they understand the effort that you took and offer a BKC to you. With the amount that you spent in all three stores and rest of Europe, I think you would have been offered a bag in Vegas after two visits.

 

[chkpfbeliever]

For those that are in Paris now, please stay safe. I just watched the riots on TV and the tear gas is horrible. Still can't believe that I was there just six weeks ago.

 

[luvpetal]

I just left Paris this morning. FSH was operating per normal yesterday despite the strike.. But getting out of Paris was a nightmare. Super long queue for flight check-in due to lack of staff and people were missing their connecting flights.

I was only in Paris for two days, specifically for an appointment with my H fairy in FSH on 4 Dec. It was a super wonderful experience as she’s super sweet and always comes up with the most beautiful bags I had been dying for a pink B/K as I have a few neutrals and I really love pink.. She offered me a choice of RT ostrich K25 or Rose d’Ete swift K25. They have only just started to release Rose d’ete (Summer Rose) bags so it’s hot off the press! Both were pretty so it was a very difficult choice.. But I went with RT ostrich K25 at the end since it’s just irresistible and I love a sellier K (although I managed to let a water droplet fell on the bag while washing my hands earlier today, and the water stain is not completely out yet )

Hopefully they can reach an agreement soon and the strike would end.. Stay safe, everyone!

 

[Phiona88]

Congrats! Pics please!

 

[S2jewels]

I just left Paris this morning. FSH was operating per normal yesterday despite the strike.. But getting out of Paris was a nightmare. Super long queue for flight check-in due to lack of staff and people were missing their connecting flights.

I was only in Paris for two days, specifically for an appointment with my H fairy in FSH on 4 Dec. It was a super wonderful experience as she’s super sweet and always comes up with the most beautiful bags I had been dying for a pink B/K as I have a few neutrals and I really love pink.. She offered me a choice of RT ostrich K25 or Rose d’Ete swift K25. They have only just started to release Rose d’ete (Summer Rose) bags so it’s hot off the press! Both were pretty so it was a very difficult choice.. But I went with RT ostrich K25 at the end since it’s just irresistible and I love a sellier K (although I managed to let a water droplet fell on the bag while washing my hands earlier today, and the water stain is not completely out yet )

Hopefully they can reach an agreement soon and the strike would end.. Stay safe, everyone!

Congrats dear..

I just want to ask you if you don’t mind, when you arrange your appointment with your SA do you mention your wishlist or not?

Because am going this month and already emailed an Jewlery SA that I met on my last visit and reserved a gold bangle.. am just curious if I mention that am interested in buying a bag.. or just wait till I meet her in person..

 

[Rose.b]

Hello all! Just want to share my experience with H this week, although it’s not a successful one, still hope it’s informative for others to try next week.

Arrived at Paris last week Thursday, applied for an appointment everyday and finally granted one on the 5th try, husband on the 6th (I read it somewhere that it usually takes a day longer for men to get an appointment lately, probably because they know we tourists come in pair and it’s always for the wife.) My appointment was a day before the riot, I already knew I won’t get anything fancy from FSH since everyone has been telling me there won’t be deliveries. My appointment was 4.30 but pushed to 6.30 in the end (store closes at 7pm), went there and asked for a B/K/C/L but they have nothing except Picotin 18 and Evelyn 29 which I politely rejected. I was told that those are the only bags available that day. Went there again at 5.30pm on the day of riot for my husband’s appointment and was again told there’s no deliveries and there will not be any until Saturday. Both SAs were friendly although they didn’t have anything I want. This is my second unsuccessful trip this year, I usually manage to score something, not sure if its getting harder to get offered at FSH these days, or it’s just my bad timing haha!

On a side note, I did not queue for Sevres and George V because the queue is so bad this time. I can’t imagine standing in the cold for 2 hours, I feel so bad for those who did and didn’t get offered their wishlist I wish they know how much effort we H lovers put in sometimes just to get a bag we want.

Anyway I believe there’ll be good inventory next week since there’re not many being offered since last week Good luck ladies!