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.

 

[iwanta30B]

It’s time for me to contribute my story! This thread has helped me so much and I couldn’t be more thankful.

I was in Paris from Dec 2 to Dec 9. I was in Tuscany the week before. I decided to get some rejections out of the way with both me and my husband’s passports. We got rejected twice before we even landed in Paris. I got rejected a third time on Dec 2 but lo and behold, I got an appointment on my first full day in Paris (Dec 3)!!!!!! I was shocked. I was initially debating how early to start applying for appointments but I’m glad I only did 2 days worth. I was a little shocked that I got it on my 4th try. DH tried 6 times before he finally got an appointment on the 7th try.

My appointment was initially at 6:45pm and the store closes at 7 so I was quite concerned that they would no longer be interested in selling me anything. But I had a facial appointment at 3pm so I figured I’d just go right after my facial ended around 5-5:30pm. The time of my appointment didn’t start to change until around 4pm that day and my husband was keeping track of it. It got pushed to 6:50pm at first so I took my time walking to the store. As I was getting closer to the store, the time kept moving up! I started speed walking at this time and by the time I was 2 blocks away around 5:45pm, it said come see the leather appointment desk now.

So we went to the leather desk and the SA was polite. I ended up getting a male SA which surprised me. I ended up chatting with another SA before my SA reached about dog collars for my pup and they brought the dog collar out! I decided to get that. Then my SA showed up.

We actually sat right in front of the leather appointment desk at first. My SA asked me how he could help me. I decided to be pretty direct. I was looking to get my first Hermes bag and gave him a very short list. I wanted a black retourne K28, black or etain B30 and all with PHW preferably. He also asked about my past purchase history which I mentioned I had gotten some things 2 years ago when I visited. Then he went away for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, I was chatting with some other SAs around about dog things.

When my SA came back, he said “we’re ready for you” and my heart was thumping out of my chest! He brought us to one of the private rooms with a mirror as a door and I saw a big box sitting in the middle of the room with some other small boxes. He ended up taking out a K32 Sellier in Etoupe with GHW but unfortunately it’s not my kind of color. I said it was a beautiful bag but not really what I’m looking for right now. Inquired about K28 or K25 again and he said they didn’t have any unfortunately. But he said let me go check for a B30 and in classic colors and no GHW. I feel like I should’ve corrected him that I was only interested in some classic colors but I didn’t at that time.

At this point I was worried that I wouldn’t be getting anything at all! But he came back with 2 big boxes this time. He took out a Gold B30 Veau Jonathan with GHW and I just stared at it and was like OMG! It wasn’t on my list but wow I’ve always thought about getting a classic like this!!!! He said I know it’s GHW, but this is a classic. I actually knew I didn’t like Gold with PHW so I’m really glad I got a Gold with GHW!! Before I said I was going to take it, I asked him what was in the other box and it was a Rouge H GP which I wasn’t interested in. It definitely didn’t take me long to accept the Gold B30!! It was actually surprisingly smaller than I expected but I liked the size. I had never tried out any B or Ks before so this was a first.

He brought out a fourbi and the shopping bag charm and I decided to get the shopping bag charm! I went downstairs to try on some twillies and got a pair. All in all, I had a really fast and polite experience.

We went back again on Dec 5th to shop for other things. I decided to return my twillies and got a pair of Amore sandals and my first Calvi/Bastia in the new color Bleu Brume. DH got his first H item! A belt. And somehow DH got an appointment for the very next day. So, maybe that little purchase history helped?

I decided to send DH to his appointment alone the next day. His appointment time was initially at 11:35am but got pushed back to around 12:20pm before he was seen. At this time I was only looking for a black Kelly and unfortunately he was unsuccessful.

All in all, it was an amazing trip! Thank you so much to everyone for all the information on this thread!!!

I was thinking the same about trying the FSH online appointment systems few days before my arrival. But still struggling, thinking what if I got the appointment before my arrival? that'd waste my chance. How do you think?

 

[periogirl28]

ABSOLUTELY!. Just came back from Paris and my advice to those who intend to buy bags JUST KEEP TRYING and asks different SA's on the leather department. Tried the online appointment for nearly a week, NOTHING. Here's what i found from George V and FSH:
1. Do i need appointment for bag purchases?
( Yes - if u approach the hostess at the front door or u meet nasty SA's. If you can't charm your way of getting assigned leather SA, just wonder around the dep and ask multiple SA's to try your luck. It worked for me)
2. Is it a strict rule 1 passport = 1 bag?
( NO, it depends on your SA. I bought 2 bags from the same SA, she didn't even check my passport to view my purchase history - which most of you know the "norm" thing they do)
3. Best time to hunt?
George V - when they open around 10.15AM. FSH ( try opening time and after 4 pm)
4. Can i purchase accessories/footwear then ask for bag?
DON'T waste time. Only leather SA's are allowed to sell bags. Head straight to leather department unless you really intend to purchase other things.

So, in a span of 2 days I managed to score 3 bags ( picotin, bolide and 2002). H hunting is really a hit and miss. Some SA are really sweet and pleasant while some are just plain NASTY, just don't get brushed off. Good luck to those in Paris.

I don’t think she needed to check your passport for the bag styles you purchased.

 

[Darma]

Tried three days in a row, and received rejections for all three. Walked in late afternoon today and no luck. The SA, who sold me a B30 last January and gave me his business card, seemed cold this time insisting he could do nothing and every one needs an appointment.

In three days, I didn’t run around like I did last year among three stores. I realized it’s really a waste of my precious time in Paris and ruining my enjoyment in this city. So this time, I am laid back, whatever. I feel much better. I am leaving for Lyon tomorrow and may get lucky over there. Who knows, right?

 

[nymeria]

Tried three days in a row, and received rejections for all three. Walked in late afternoon today and no luck. The SA, who sold me a B30 last January and gave me his business card, seemed cold this time insisting he could do nothing and every one needs an appointment.

In three days, I didn’t run around like I did last year among three stores. I realized it’s really a waste of my precious time in Paris and ruining my enjoyment in this city. So this time, I am laid back, whatever. I feel much better. I am leaving for Lyon tomorrow and may get lucky over there. Who knows, right?

Glad you are enjoying your trip- that's what you will remember. Smart cookie! ( and fingers crossed for Lyon!!)

 

[HMuse]

I don’t think she needed to check your passport for the bag styles you purchased.

I met a nasty one in George V who checked that i've already purchased a picotin and refused to sell me the bolide unless i buy other things. I passed and got lucky in FSH with the spec i wanted. So yes, if you meet those who try to give you a hard time WILL check irregardless of the style.

 

[HavLab]

Tried three days in a row, and received rejections for all three. Walked in late afternoon today and no luck. The SA, who sold me a B30 last January and gave me his business card, seemed cold this time insisting he could do nothing and every one needs an appointment.

In three days, I didn’t run around like I did last year among three stores. I realized it’s really a waste of my precious time in Paris and ruining my enjoyment in this city. So this time, I am laid back, whatever. I feel much better. I am leaving for Lyon tomorrow and may get lucky over there. Who knows, right?

Sorry to read this, it is so frustrating to not get an appt. Good luck in Lyon!

 

[Hillychristie]

I met a nasty one in George V who checked that i've already purchased a picotin and refused to sell me the bolide unless i buy other things. I passed and got lucky in FSH with the spec i wanted. So yes, if you meet those who try to give you a hard time WILL check irregardless of the style.

I'm beginning to agree with some who say that with H, you'll never know the rules now. In June 2018, when I purchased a Noir B30, the SA told me she couldn't sell me a Constance as well because the appt is only under one name - my DH. In Feb 2019, I could buy a K28 and an Halzan under my name. The same SA tried to look for a C too and said I could still buy the C in the same purchase but there wasn't any C available. The common rule in both experiences is that the purchases must be made under the name of the appointment holder. Then came the latest experience in Dec last yr when I bought a K25 and the SA asked who should she charge the bag to- me or DH - even though the appt was under my name. <Scratch head >
It seems to me that meeting the right SA is the rule of the day .

 

[HMuse]

I'm beginning to agree with some who say that with H, you'll never know the rules now. In June 2018, when I purchased a Noir B30, the SA told me she couldn't sell me a Constance as well because the appt is only under one name - my DH. In Feb 2019, I could buy a K28 and an Halzan under my name. The same SA tried to look for a C too and said I could still buy the C in the same purchase but there wasn't any C available. The common rule in both experiences is that the purchases must be made under the name of the appointment holder. Then came the latest experience in Dec last yr when I bought a K25 and the SA asked who should she charge the bag to- me or DH - even though the appt was under my name. <Scratch head >
It seems to me that meeting the right SA is the rule of the day .

ABSOLUTELY!.

 

[Keight@8]

Sorry, I’m so confused. I just want a Garden Party 36 tote. Super basic. Do you think I still need an appointment? This seems so silly - they sell it online! Also the appt site for FSH is only one day in advance and requires a passport number to hold? Is that even legal (requiring that level of PII in a GDPR world)???

 

[daisyjo]

I believe at FSH you need an appointment (in theory anyway) to ask for a Garden Party. However at George V when I was there in mid-December I just asked the jewelry SA who was helping me with bracelets if she could check for a Garden Party. She pulled out her phone and told me they had some in 36 but I was looking for 30 at the time. Hint - from my experience if you can interact with a more seasoned, slightly older SA it seems a little easier to gain some latitude on the "rules". That is of course just my opinion.

 

[Keight@8]

I believe at FSH you need an appointment (in theory anyway) to ask for a Garden Party. However at George V when I was there in mid-December I just asked the jewelry SA who was helping me with bracelets if she could check for a Garden Party. She pulled out her phone and told me they had some in 36 but I was looking for 30 at the time. Hint - from my experience if you can interact with a more seasoned, slightly older SA it seems a little easier to gain some latitude on the "rules". That is of course just my opinion.

Ah, this is super helpful, thank you.

 

[smileygirl]

I am thinking about spending one day in Paris on jan 18, but it also happens to just precede the haute couture fashion week. My main purpose would be to swing by hermes to see if I can grab some RTW and jewellery as well as a quota bag. Do members rate my chances (assuming I get an appointment)? TIA!

 

[psoucsd]

I am thinking about spending one day in Paris on jan 18, but it also happens to just precede the haute couture fashion week. My main purpose would be to swing by hermes to see if I can grab some RTW and jewellery as well as a quota bag. Do members rate my chances (assuming I get an appointment)? TIA!

Likelihood of getting an online appointment with just 1 day there is not great.

Still, there is a possibility depending on amount spent on RTW and jewelry and/or connection with SA.

 

[fo1]

I am thinking about spending one day in Paris on jan 18, but it also happens to just precede the haute couture fashion week. My main purpose would be to swing by hermes to see if I can grab some RTW and jewellery as well as a quota bag. Do members rate my chances (assuming I get an appointment)? TIA!

It’s nearly impossible scoring an appointment through the system , I arrived in Paris on Monday 6th Jan, I tried booking an appt everyday till Thursday 9th. I received the same sms and email;

Thank you for your keen interest in Hermes. Unfortunately due to a large number of requests we are unable to consider your application further. Our hostesses remain at your entire disposal for any additional information.
I logged in the request immediately at 10.30am everyday, I think I was the first on the site too .
Wednesday was crazy busy at all the stores, so I couldn’t even get an app at George V which usually doesn’t require you to book online. I was in the queue before they opened around 9.45, there were already people in front of me. Bookings were closed. It’s so frustrating!

 

[WKN]

It’s nearly impossible scoring an appointment through the system , I arrived in Paris on Monday 6th Jan, I tried booking an appt everyday till Thursday 9th. I received the same sms and email;

Thank you for your keen interest in Hermes. Unfortunately due to a large number of requests we are unable to consider your application further. Our hostesses remain at your entire disposal for any additional information.
I logged in the request immediately at 10.30am everyday, I think I was the first on the site too .
Wednesday was crazy busy at all the stores, so I couldn’t even get an app at George V which usually doesn’t require you to book online. I was in the queue before they opened around 9.45, there were already people in front of me. Bookings were closed. It’s so frustrating!

I was told that the online appointment is done on a random basis - so it doesn't really matter that you're the first to book etc as you would be randomly selected. Also I was advised, for the physical queue, one would get a better chance to be the first ten customers if one is at the store at least one hour before. But I totally feel your frustration as I was in your place last October!