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.

 

[Nerja]

Sisters at FSH Part 3

So unlike my lucky sis, it took me another attempt to finally receive the text I have been waiting for. I almost dropped my phone when the text did not start “thank you for your keen interest...” Since my record is 1-3-5 attempts, I thought, am I going to need to try 7 times in a row for the next trip? I now totally understand all the frustration members have been having over this appointment madness last few months.

I was glad to see my appointment time was 10:30 am though. I joked to sis, “eh, I guess I would be drinking something at bread and roses by 11” as I learned not to have high expectations with my luck at FSH.

If sis was the idiot of the day on Monday, she passed that title to me yesterday. (Paris time) Lazy me did not think it was necessary to get to FSH before 10:30 even though the text mentioned of being there “precisely” on time. I left my hotel room around 10:10, thinking I’ll get to the store after the doors are opened and queue gone. But oh no. Uber, what seemed like my best friend since I arrived in Paris is not so friendly on Wednesday morning. First car that accepts my request shows it would take 15 minutes to get to me. I canceled, as that was too late. But it keeps happening to the next and the next... After canceling five cars, one comes up as arriving in 8 minutes. I thought that’s good enough and wait. The driver sends a text saying he is coming, which I thought was so odd. Why would he say that when I could see he’s coming? I then realized he’s one of the drivers I canceled earlier. So I wondered if he’s sending me a message to prevent from canceling again.

I see him getting closer and closer. He’s right around the corner, a minute away. And boom. He disappears! I guess I can’t be sure of what happened but it came out as he “Canceled” on me this time. OMG. I thought I’d have a panic attack. Fortunately, another one 6 minutes away picks up and we eventually get in the car at 10:32.

We rushed to the hostess stand when we arrived and the most powerful woman in that neighborhood, (I kid you not. She really is) aka leather appointment hostess greeted me warmly. She said something along the line how she saw us all the time. And she said it in not a condescending annoying tone but in friendly “I know you guys are real customers” way. Haha. Yes, I’m making too much of everything but I really think she has gotten very used to us.

And interestingly, she leaves her spot right away after she told me someone would be coming soon. Just like how she was with my sister’s appointment. Sis secretly likes to believe she does that to get “the good one” for us. LOL!

Two minutes after a pretty French lady came to introduce herself. I told her about how sis failed to get the lime on Monday, so I would like to get a bag for her. She explains only the passport/appointment holder can get a bag. I explained it’s fine. It would be my gift to sister. Sis isn’t paying. And if there really isn’t a lime at all, then I’d happily take that as the opportunity to get something for myself, a K25 in bright fun colors. I mentioned all the pinky colors I owned, so she won’t be bringing a double. She also asked what I think about anything green. I took it as a hint they have some in stock and it’s great as it is my second fave color after pink. But please nothing like vert Amande, which SA smiled and said “so you really want bright fun colors!”

Before leaving, she asked what else I would like. I thought she meant other bags but she was asking about wallets, in a very hopeful tone. So I added I could get one to match the bag when she gets one as my current one is very worn indeed. She looked very happy to hear that but I didn’t think that fact was so important at the time.

When she reappeared, perhaps around 15 minutes later, holding two boxes. Oh. By the size of the box, it was obvious it was a 25. And I thought maybe the smaller was a SLG.

We were led to the menswear near the elevator, and she slowly opened the box, commenting we would be very happy with what she got. “It’s a Kelly 25... With gold hardware...”

And out came miss lime! Sis was grinning ear to ear!!

We chatted a bit about how nice it is, and how lucky it happened to be with ghw, as I regretted not mentioning that earlier. Sis already has another lime in swift, but in C18. So I was thinking she should really get a ghw to be a bit different. SA seemed glad how sis liked the bag and then started to cross sell silk fourbi that was in the second box. Technically neither of us needed one but the print was pretty compared to the ones I saw in the past and since the bag is swift after all, I decided to get it as well.

And then, she moved on to the wallets, which I must have sounded disinterested, explaining my preferences. she was disappointed that I didn’t want a wallet when she thought I was getting one. My sis suspects her manager approved the bag to be sold, with her belief in me wanting a new wallet. Sis whispered in our native tongue to get the damn wallet as I really HAVE TO.

It is true that I needed a new wallet. But the problem is no H wallet satisfies me. They all have at least one feature I do not like or need. And I never ever carry a long full sized wallet. So I explained more about this and agreed maybe Bearn cases might work. And I also added I’d also be fine with a Kelly as long as it’s phw, so it would be worn with my farandole as a bag, not really a wallet.

However, they only had colors I do not like for Kelly wallets, so it all came down to choosing between two Bearns. Rose lipstick with four slots and cumin with slots on side and change pouch on other. Rose lipstick was too similar in size and color with rose d’ete calvi I was using at the moment, so I gave up with a wallet for myself and got cumin one for sis, kind of matching her newest bag.

I guess I really needed to buy a wallet after all as SA seemed much happier when we settled on it. When checking out at the cashier, I also asked her to show me Tarmacs as one I was using was really worn out. (The only reason I keep using it is because it is my ultimate fave H color, rose shocking) This small request again made her happier. All for just a Tarmac that is under €200.

So no bag and even no wallet for me on this trip. The only H shopping for myself was Tarmac, lol. But the trip was a full blast for sis, so at least one is happy. And in the very end, I got something I’ve been wanting for over two years.

My H fairy of the day gave me her card! And she said I could just contact her to set up future appointments!! OMG!!!

So it looks like my appointment attempts won’t be going up to 7 the next time after all. I think that itself was worth the trip.

Dear @NanamiRyu thank you for sharing your wonderful experience at FSH! I’m sure your sister was thrilled with her SO and her lovely gift from you! I felt as if I had been shopping with you both while reading your posts. And that is so great that you now have an SA for future appointments! Wonderful!

 

[aurevoirkids]

Sisters at FSH Part 3

So unlike my lucky sis, it took me another attempt to finally receive the text I have been waiting for. I almost dropped my phone when the text did not start “thank you for your keen interest...” Since my record is 1-3-5 attempts, I thought, am I going to need to try 7 times in a row for the next trip? I now totally understand all the frustration members have been having over this appointment madness last few months.

I was glad to see my appointment time was 10:30 am though. I joked to sis, “eh, I guess I would be drinking something at bread and roses by 11” as I learned not to have high expectations with my luck at FSH.

If sis was the idiot of the day on Monday, she passed that title to me yesterday. (Paris time) Lazy me did not think it was necessary to get to FSH before 10:30 even though the text mentioned of being there “precisely” on time. I left my hotel room around 10:10, thinking I’ll get to the store after the doors are opened and queue gone. But oh no. Uber, what seemed like my best friend since I arrived in Paris is not so friendly on Wednesday morning. First car that accepts my request shows it would take 15 minutes to get to me. I canceled, as that was too late. But it keeps happening to the next and the next... After canceling five cars, one comes up as arriving in 8 minutes. I thought that’s good enough and wait. The driver sends a text saying he is coming, which I thought was so odd. Why would he say that when I could see he’s coming? I then realized he’s one of the drivers I canceled earlier. So I wondered if he’s sending me a message to prevent from canceling again.

I see him getting closer and closer. He’s right around the corner, a minute away. And boom. He disappears! I guess I can’t be sure of what happened but it came out as he “Canceled” on me this time. OMG. I thought I’d have a panic attack. Fortunately, another one 6 minutes away picks up and we eventually get in the car at 10:32.

We rushed to the hostess stand when we arrived and the most powerful woman in that neighborhood, (I kid you not. She really is) aka leather appointment hostess greeted me warmly. She said something along the line how she saw us all the time. And she said it in not a condescending annoying tone but in friendly “I know you guys are real customers” way. Haha. Yes, I’m making too much of everything but I really think she has gotten very used to us.

And interestingly, she leaves her spot right away after she told me someone would be coming soon. Just like how she was with my sister’s appointment. Sis secretly likes to believe she does that to get “the good one” for us. LOL!

Two minutes after a pretty French lady came to introduce herself. I told her about how sis failed to get the lime on Monday, so I would like to get a bag for her. She explains only the passport/appointment holder can get a bag. I explained it’s fine. It would be my gift to sister. Sis isn’t paying. And if there really isn’t a lime at all, then I’d happily take that as the opportunity to get something for myself, a K25 in bright fun colors. I mentioned all the pinky colors I owned, so she won’t be bringing a double. She also asked what I think about anything green. I took it as a hint they have some in stock and it’s great as it is my second fave color after pink. But please nothing like vert Amande, which SA smiled and said “so you really want bright fun colors!”

Before leaving, she asked what else I would like. I thought she meant other bags but she was asking about wallets, in a very hopeful tone. So I added I could get one to match the bag when she gets one as my current one is very worn indeed. She looked very happy to hear that but I didn’t think that fact was so important at the time.

When she reappeared, perhaps around 15 minutes later, holding two boxes. Oh. By the size of the box, it was obvious it was a 25. And I thought maybe the smaller was a SLG. We were led to the men's, and she slowly opened the box, commenting we would be very happy with what she got. “It’s a Kelly 25... With gold hardware...”

And out came miss lime! Sis was grinning ear to ear!!

We chatted a bit about how nice it is, and how lucky it happened to be with ghw, as I regretted not mentioning that earlier. Sis already has another lime in swift, but in C18. So I was thinking she should really get a ghw to be a bit different. SA seemed glad how sis liked the bag and then started to cross sell silk fourbi that was in the second box. Technically neither of us needed one but the print was pretty compared to the ones I saw in the past and since the bag is swift after all, I decided to get it as well.

And then, she moved on to the wallets, which I must have sounded disinterested, explaining my preferences. she was disappointed that I didn’t want a wallet when she thought I was getting one. My sis suspects her manager approved the bag to be sold, with her belief in me wanting a new wallet. Sis whispered in our native tongue to get the damn wallet as I really HAVE TO.

It is true that I needed a new wallet. But the problem is no H wallet satisfies me. They all have at least one feature I do not like or need. And I never ever carry a long full sized wallet. So I explained more about this and agreed maybe Bearn cases might work. And I also added I’d also be fine with a Kelly as long as it’s phw, so it would be worn with my farandole as a bag, not really a wallet.

However, they only had colors I do not like for Kelly wallets, so it all came down to choosing between two Bearns. Rose lipstick with four slots and cumin with slots on side and change pouch on other. Rose lipstick was too similar in size and color with rose d’ete calvi I was using at the moment, so I gave up with a wallet for myself and got cumin one for sis, kind of matching her newest bag.

I guess I really needed to buy a wallet after all as SA seemed much happier when we settled on it. When we got to the cashier, I also asked her to show me Tarmacs as one I was using was really worn out. (The only reason I keep using it is because it is my ultimate fave H color, rose shocking) This small request again made her even happier. All for just a Tarmac that is under €200.

So no bag and even no wallet for me on this trip. The only H shopping for myself was Tarmac, lol. But the trip was a full blast for sis, so at least one in the family is extremely happy. And in the very end, I got something I’ve been wanting for over two years.

My H fairy of the day gave me her card! And she said I could just contact her to set up future appointments!! OMG!!!

So it looks like my appointment attempts won’t be going up to 7 the next time after all. I think that itself was worth the trip.

CONGRATS!! K25 in lime ghw must be too gorgeous!

 

[idklol123]

How is the Evelyne stock for pm or gm in Paris? Do they have many colors? The idea of making trying to get an appointment for an Evelyne is already exhausting to me...

 

[mygoodies]

Sisters at FSH Part II

Sister’s SA was all smiles when we mentioned the lime bag display downstairs and how she’s been wanting a lime Kelly for quite some time. I felt like she actually did not need to request any other colors as a backup, with SAs attitude. She seemed to appreciate how sis adores lime and knew it was available even though but she did not say it directly.

She was nice enough to lead us to two seats at women’s rtw when soon as she saw them vacant and also brought out drinks herself, immediately after offering. Seriously, some SAs offer but never bring out those darn drinks from our experiences at FSH. So even small details like so made us appreciate this SA.

As for back up color choices if lime isn’t available, sis said something bright and not neutral. SA immediately said FUN, FRESH colors, which is actually what I used to request in my prior visits, and had some SAs give me a puzzled look. So I thought to myself, this new SA is getting even more likable.

She said she would be back in few minutes but did not return for well past 20 minutes. As we mostly say here, that’s a good sign. I was really hoping a successful day for sis as she failed to get a bag during both trips in 2018.

When she finally returned, she was empty handed and hopeful side of me thought, oh, she must be taking us to the viewing room. LOL. I guess I found her so likable, I really did not expect the dreaded phrase from her.

However, she had some more extra things added to “not available/no bag” result. She started out with “I’ll give you two options.”

Option number one. Since sis did not get her lime, she should come back later in the week. At first I thought she meant she should keep trying for another appointment. (Which btw had me imagine us having to pester the lovely Hostess downstairs everyday for the rest of the week. I really really did not want to do that) But what SA Actually meant was an offer of another appointment on Thursday she would set up for sis. While not great as getting the bag now, I thought that was pretty nice, especially it wasn’t as if we are her regulars and I know how coveted appointments are these days. I really thought that was good enough.

But there was still option number 2, which was an offer for an order. Again, I mistakenly thought she meant something like a podium order. It wasn’t. She meant a special order!

Sis looked puzzled, not able to decide what to do. If not in public, I would’ve smacked her head hard to bring her to senses. You see, sis has been longing for a SO for some time now. I’m a laid back user type and she’s a collector type. She collects and cherishes many things. What do this type of people like the best? Limited Editions and VIP goods. Ever since she learned about HSS on SOs, she wanted one. And her SA won’t give her one as I’m sure he has lot more people spending 10 times what she spends. So it sort of became one of her lifetime goals to do a SO. And this idiot was pondering what she should do when that very offer was laid on the table. Sigh...

Again, if we were not in public, I would’ve screamed hard. Instead, I explained what’s happening and then she of course got excited. Next minute, we were checking out swatches and deciding what goes where. I thought of myself as quite imaginative person, but urgh. It was actually a bit difficult to visualize how the bag would look with just the swatches. Color choices were also very limited, due to choosing chèvre, so now sister’s favorite H fairy in the world helped out greatly and sis went with what she approved.

Sis cannot believe how everything was going the way she wanted. With just one attempt at appointment, getting a very nice SA and eventually getting that SO offer. She left FSH a very happy girl even though she did not get a single item.

Feeling good about how it turned out, I offered to use up my appointment to ask for her lime. I am pretty content with what I already have and there isn’t a must have at the moment. Sis joked that I’d have to get an appointment first and at 7:30 that evening I received my fourth rejection text.

Thank you so much for sharing and CONGRATULATIONS on the beautiful Lime for your sis. So sweet of you!!
I must’ve missed it but was this January or December? I hope January as I’m hoping FSH is starting first SO round of 2020

 

[T.Geat]

Hello fellow TPF-ers,

Let me share my story from last November. Sorry for my late posting. Please bear with me if it is too long.

I was going to arrive Paris on Sunday and the next day would be Armistice Day, so I make an appointment before my departure, for a Tuesday appointment. However when I landed in CDG the next morning, a message was already there waiting for me saying my request couldn’t be satisfied. So I enjoyed Paris, strolling around, having fabulous foods, taking loads of photographs for the next two days, Sunday and Monday.

Since I didn’t get FSH appointment for Tuesday, I tried visiting Sèvres store. I got there around 10:00 am, 30 mins before their opening hour and there were about 20 people already waiting in line. So I joined the queue and they let us in one by one directing towards the SAs with their iPads for appointment allocation. I typed in my details and was told to wait for their call or text, 20-30 mins before my appointment. But I decided to wait it out in store, browsing different product sections. After about one and a half hours later, I was called and introduced to one young French SA lady who was quite friendly. She asked me what I was looking for and I gave her my choices. For this time, I was after a specific bag for me and one for my mum too. I was told to wait and she disappeared for about 5 mins. Then she came back with a big box in her hands which made my heart skipped a beat. But while unboxing, she said they didn’t have anything I was looking for, as they didn’t get any delivery for the last two days due to the long weekend. A herbag was revealed to me which I declined. So I left the store and decided to go check out FSH store anyhow. When FSH store was pretty busy so I headed straight to the leather section. As expected, I was told that there was no appointment slot available for me. On my way out, I bumped into my SA from previous visit who got me a noir Kelly. I told her that I couldn’t get appointment for today and was going to leave Paris on Thursday. She replied me that she couldn’t get an appointment for me and asked me to keep trying. So we chatted briefly and I left the store with no bag from both stores on Day 3 of my visit. In the afternoon I tried FSH online appointment for the next day, Wednesday.

Around mid-night, I received a decline text from FSH store, so I decided to go to the Sèvres store in the next morning on my day 4. I arrived Sèvres store the same time like precious day. But on that day, the line was very long, there were about 30-ish people already. They let us in at 10:30 am and by the time I reached the door, the SA was saying that they had run out of appointment for leather department for that day. So I asked her whether I could come back again in the afternoon for another try, she replied it was for the whole day that their appointments were allotted. So I left and checked FSH store in the afternoon for any cancellation of appointment. Again I got a no from them and no bag for my Day 4. So, as a last try before leaving Paris, I make FSH online appointment for Thursday and waited for their reply with heavy heart.

Even for my last day, Day 5, I didn’t get appointment from FSH store. By now, I didn’t have much hope for getting an appointment, let alone scoring a bag.

So my one and only chance to get a bag for me was to try Sèvres store one last time, where appointment slots were quite limited and handed out very quickly. So I decided to go there earlier than usual time in the morning. I was there around 9:00 and a few people in front of me then. When the time came, I put my details in their iPad. This time I knew that I was quite at the front for the queue, so I waited near the counter at leather department. After about an hour or so, I wasn’t called and realised that they were serving a couple who joined the queue behind me earlier at the store front. So I politely complained about my observation to a staff at the counter. She apologised and asked me to wait for a couple of mins again. Then she brought a mid aged SA lady and introduced me to her. That lovely SA directed me to one of the counters, we chatted about how much I was into this brand and about my favourite pieces from Hermes. Then she asked me what I wanted. So again, I told her that I was looking for a HAC 40 in noir or dark blue with Togo leather and PHW for me or if it wasn’t available, I told her that I would take a B30 in noir or etoupe with Togo leather and PHW for my mum. She disappeared for about 10 mins and returned to me with a big box which reminded me of the same incident happened to me on my day 3, so I wasn’t that excited. While she was saying it might be something I like, she took out the bag with dust bag and revealed the bag inside. Voila!!! It was the HAC40 that I had been looking for, for long long time and better yet, it was the exact match of my preference, Togo in noir with PHW. It was my dream came true! She realised that i couldn’t stop smiling and said she was so happy to be able to get me my dream bag.

Along with the new bag, I bought a scarf, a bag charm and two twillies. By that time, I was pretty much done with my shopping in Paris and my worries, then, was how on earth i could bring the gigantic box to the next cities I was visiting and to my country. But that small hassle was sorted out in the end and it was all worth it after all.

 

[WKN]

Hello fellow TPF-ers,

Let me share my story from last November. Sorry for my late posting. Please bear with me if it is too long.

I was going to arrive Paris on Sunday and the next day would be Armistice Day, so I make an appointment before my departure, for a Tuesday appointment. However when I landed in CDG the next morning, a message was already there waiting for me saying my request couldn’t be satisfied. So I enjoyed Paris, strolling around, having fabulous foods, taking loads of photographs for the next two days, Sunday and Monday.

Since I didn’t get FSH appointment for Tuesday, I tried visiting Sèvres store. I got there around 10:00 am, 30 mins before their opening hour and there were about 20 people already waiting in line. So I joined the queue and they let us in one by one directing towards the SAs with their iPads for appointment allocation. I typed in my details and was told to wait for their call or text, 20-30 mins before my appointment. But I decided to wait it out in store, browsing different product sections. After about one and a half hours later, I was called and introduced to one young French SA lady who was quite friendly. She asked me what I was looking for and I gave her my choices. For this time, I was after a specific bag for me and one for my mum too. I was told to wait and she disappeared for about 5 mins. Then she came back with a big box in her hands which made my heart skipped a beat. But while unboxing, she said they didn’t have anything I was looking for, as they didn’t get any delivery for the last two days due to the long weekend. A herbag was revealed to me which I declined. So I left the store and decided to go check out FSH store anyhow. When FSH store was pretty busy so I headed straight to the leather section. As expected, I was told that there was no appointment slot available for me. On my way out, I bumped into my SA from previous visit who got me a noir Kelly. I told her that I couldn’t get appointment for today and was going to leave Paris on Thursday. She replied me that she couldn’t get an appointment for me and asked me to keep trying. So we chatted briefly and I left the store with no bag from both stores on Day 3 of my visit. In the afternoon I tried FSH online appointment for the next day, Wednesday.

Around mid-night, I received a decline text from FSH store, so I decided to go to the Sèvres store in the next morning on my day 4. I arrived Sèvres store the same time like precious day. But on that day, the line was very long, there were about 30-ish people already. They let us in at 10:30 am and by the time I reached the door, the SA was saying that they had run out of appointment for leather department for that day. So I asked her whether I could come back again in the afternoon for another try, she replied it was for the whole day that their appointments were allotted. So I left and checked FSH store in the afternoon for any cancellation of appointment. Again I got a no from them and no bag for my Day 4. So, as a last try before leaving Paris, I make FSH online appointment for Thursday and waited for their reply with heavy heart.

Even for my last day, Day 5, I didn’t get appointment from FSH store. By now, I didn’t have much hope for getting an appointment, let alone scoring a bag.

So my one and only chance to get a bag for me was to try Sèvres store one last time, where appointment slots were quite limited and handed out very quickly. So I decided to go there earlier than usual time in the morning. I was there around 9:00 and a few people in front of me then. When the time came, I put my details in their iPad. This time I knew that I was quite at the front for the queue, so I waited near the counter at leather department. After about an hour or so, I wasn’t called and realised that they were serving a couple who joined the queue behind me earlier at the store front. So I politely complained about my observation to a staff at the counter. She apologised and asked me to wait for a couple of mins again. Then she brought a mid aged SA lady and introduced me to her. That lovely SA directed me to one of the counters, we chatted about how much I was into this brand and about my favourite pieces from Hermes. Then she asked me what I wanted. So again, I told her that I was looking for a HAC 40 in noir or dark blue with Togo leather and PHW for me or if it wasn’t available, I told her that I would take a B30 in noir or etoupe with Togo leather and PHW for my mum. She disappeared for about 10 mins and returned to me with a big box which reminded me of the same incident happened to me on my day 3, so I wasn’t that excited. While she was saying it might be something I like, she took out the bag with dust bag and revealed the bag inside. Voila!!! It was the HAC40 that I had been looking for, for long long time and better yet, it was the exact match of my preference, Togo in noir with PHW. It was my dream came true! She realised that i couldn’t stop smiling and said she was so happy to be able to get me my dream bag.

Along with the new bag, I bought a scarf, a bag charm and two twillies. By that time, I was pretty much done with my shopping in Paris and my worries, then, was how on earth i could bring the gigantic box to the next cities I was visiting and to my country. But that small hassle was sorted out in the end and it was all worth it after all.

Thank you for sharing your lovely experience. It gives other H lovers like me hope that we could be as lucky. I wasn't lucky in my Paris trip last year. Hoping to try again this year - hopefully I will be lucky in time for my 50th birthday! Enjoy your bag!

 

[foxyqt]

Does anyone know if there is good stock / shipments during early March in FSH?

 

[xxDxx]

Sisters at FSH Part 3

So unlike my lucky sis, it took me another attempt to finally receive the text I have been waiting for. I almost dropped my phone when the text did not start “thank you for your keen interest...” Since my record is 1-3-5 attempts, I thought, am I going to need to try 7 times in a row for the next trip? I now totally understand all the frustration members have been having over this appointment madness last few months.

I was glad to see my appointment time was 10:30 am though. I joked to sis, “eh, I guess I would be drinking something at bread and roses by 11” as I learned not to have high expectations with my luck at FSH.

If sis was the idiot of the day on Monday, she passed that title to me yesterday. (Paris time) Lazy me did not think it was necessary to get to FSH before 10:30 even though the text mentioned of being there “precisely” on time. I left my hotel room around 10:10, thinking I’ll get to the store after the doors are opened and queue gone. But oh no. Uber, what seemed like my best friend since I arrived in Paris is not so friendly on Wednesday morning. First car that accepts my request shows it would take 15 minutes to get to me. I canceled, as that was too late. But it keeps happening to the next and the next... After canceling five cars, one comes up as arriving in 8 minutes. I thought that’s good enough and wait. The driver sends a text saying he is coming, which I thought was so odd. Why would he say that when I could see he’s coming? I then realized he’s one of the drivers I canceled earlier. So I wondered if he’s sending me a message to prevent from canceling again.

I see him getting closer and closer. He’s right around the corner, a minute away. And boom. He disappears! I guess I can’t be sure of what happened but it came out as he “Canceled” on me this time. OMG. I thought I’d have a panic attack. Fortunately, another one 6 minutes away picks up and we eventually get in the car at 10:32.

We rushed to the hostess stand when we arrived and the most powerful woman in that neighborhood, (I kid you not. She really is) aka leather appointment hostess greeted me warmly. She said something along the line how she saw us all the time. And she said it in not a condescending annoying tone but in friendly “I know you guys are real customers” way. Haha. Yes, I’m making too much of everything but I really think she has gotten very used to us.

And interestingly, she leaves her spot right away after she told me someone would be coming soon. Just like how she was with my sister’s appointment. Sis secretly likes to believe she does that to get “the good one” for us. LOL!

Two minutes after a pretty French lady came to introduce herself. I told her about how sis failed to get the lime on Monday, so I would like to get a bag for her. She explains only the passport/appointment holder can get a bag. I explained it’s fine. It would be my gift to sister. Sis isn’t paying. And if there really isn’t a lime at all, then I’d happily take that as the opportunity to get something for myself, a K25 in bright fun colors. I mentioned all the pinky colors I owned, so she won’t be bringing a double. She also asked what I think about anything green. I took it as a hint they have some in stock and it’s great as it is my second fave color after pink. But please nothing like vert Amande, which SA smiled and said “so you really want bright fun colors!”

Before leaving, she asked what else I would like. I thought she meant other bags but she was asking about wallets, in a very hopeful tone. So I added I could get one to match the bag when she gets one as my current one is very worn indeed. She looked very happy to hear that but I didn’t think that fact was so important at the time.

When she reappeared, perhaps around 15 minutes later, holding two boxes. Oh. By the size of the box, it was obvious it was a 25. And I thought maybe the smaller was a SLG. We were led to the men's, and she slowly opened the box, commenting we would be very happy with what she got. “It’s a Kelly 25... With gold hardware...”

And out came miss lime! Sis was grinning ear to ear!!

We chatted a bit about how nice it is, and how lucky it happened to be with ghw, as I regretted not mentioning that earlier. Sis already has another lime in swift, but in C18. So I was thinking she should really get a ghw to be a bit different. SA seemed glad how sis liked the bag and then started to cross sell silk fourbi that was in the second box. Technically neither of us needed one but the print was pretty compared to the ones I saw in the past and since the bag is swift after all, I decided to get it as well.

And then, she moved on to the wallets, which I must have sounded disinterested, explaining my preferences. she was disappointed that I didn’t want a wallet when she thought I was getting one. My sis suspects her manager approved the bag to be sold, with her belief in me wanting a new wallet. Sis whispered in our native tongue to get the damn wallet as I really HAVE TO.

It is true that I needed a new wallet. But the problem is no H wallet satisfies me. They all have at least one feature I do not like or need. And I never ever carry a long full sized wallet. So I explained more about this and agreed maybe Bearn cases might work. And I also added I’d also be fine with a Kelly as long as it’s phw, so it would be worn with my farandole as a bag, not really a wallet.

However, they only had colors I do not like for Kelly wallets, so it all came down to choosing between two Bearns. Rose lipstick with four slots and cumin with slots on side and change pouch on other. Rose lipstick was too similar in size and color with rose d’ete calvi I was using at the moment, so I gave up with a wallet for myself and got cumin one for sis, kind of matching her newest bag.

I guess I really needed to buy a wallet after all as SA seemed much happier when we settled on it. When we got to the cashier, I also asked her to show me Tarmacs as one I was using was really worn out. (The only reason I keep using it is because it is my ultimate fave H color, rose shocking) This small request again made her even happier. All for just a Tarmac that is under €200.

So no bag and even no wallet for me on this trip. The only H shopping for myself was Tarmac, lol. But the trip was a full blast for sis, so at least one in the family is extremely happy. And in the very end, I got something I’ve been wanting for over two years.

My H fairy of the day gave me her card! And she said I could just contact her to set up future appointments!! OMG!!!

So it looks like my appointment attempts won’t be going up to 7 the next time after all. I think that itself was worth the trip.

Dear NanamyRyu, i loved reading your exciting and detailed story! So glad that you don't have to deal with the appointment system in the future anymore. This is like hitting the Jackpot Would love to see a pic of the lime beauty!! I'm waiting on one too!

 

[Cygne18]

Sisters at FSH Part 3

So unlike my lucky sis, it took me another attempt to finally receive the text I have been waiting for. I almost dropped my phone when the text did not start “thank you for your keen interest...” Since my record is 1-3-5 attempts, I thought, am I going to need to try 7 times in a row for the next trip? I now totally understand all the frustration members have been having over this appointment madness last few months.

I was glad to see my appointment time was 10:30 am though. I joked to sis, “eh, I guess I would be drinking something at bread and roses by 11” as I learned not to have high expectations with my luck at FSH.

If sis was the idiot of the day on Monday, she passed that title to me yesterday. (Paris time) Lazy me did not think it was necessary to get to FSH before 10:30 even though the text mentioned of being there “precisely” on time. I left my hotel room around 10:10, thinking I’ll get to the store after the doors are opened and queue gone. But oh no. Uber, what seemed like my best friend since I arrived in Paris is not so friendly on Wednesday morning. First car that accepts my request shows it would take 15 minutes to get to me. I canceled, as that was too late. But it keeps happening to the next and the next... After canceling five cars, one comes up as arriving in 8 minutes. I thought that’s good enough and wait. The driver sends a text saying he is coming, which I thought was so odd. Why would he say that when I could see he’s coming? I then realized he’s one of the drivers I canceled earlier. So I wondered if he’s sending me a message to prevent from canceling again.

I see him getting closer and closer. He’s right around the corner, a minute away. And boom. He disappears! I guess I can’t be sure of what happened but it came out as he “Canceled” on me this time. OMG. I thought I’d have a panic attack. Fortunately, another one 6 minutes away picks up and we eventually get in the car at 10:32.

We rushed to the hostess stand when we arrived and the most powerful woman in that neighborhood, (I kid you not. She really is) aka leather appointment hostess greeted me warmly. She said something along the line how she saw us all the time. And she said it in not a condescending annoying tone but in friendly “I know you guys are real customers” way. Haha. Yes, I’m making too much of everything but I really think she has gotten very used to us.

And interestingly, she leaves her spot right away after she told me someone would be coming soon. Just like how she was with my sister’s appointment. Sis secretly likes to believe she does that to get “the good one” for us. LOL!

Two minutes after a pretty French lady came to introduce herself. I told her about how sis failed to get the lime on Monday, so I would like to get a bag for her. She explains only the passport/appointment holder can get a bag. I explained it’s fine. It would be my gift to sister. Sis isn’t paying. And if there really isn’t a lime at all, then I’d happily take that as the opportunity to get something for myself, a K25 in bright fun colors. I mentioned all the pinky colors I owned, so she won’t be bringing a double. She also asked what I think about anything green. I took it as a hint they have some in stock and it’s great as it is my second fave color after pink. But please nothing like vert Amande, which SA smiled and said “so you really want bright fun colors!”

Before leaving, she asked what else I would like. I thought she meant other bags but she was asking about wallets, in a very hopeful tone. So I added I could get one to match the bag when she gets one as my current one is very worn indeed. She looked very happy to hear that but I didn’t think that fact was so important at the time.

When she reappeared, perhaps around 15 minutes later, holding two boxes. Oh. By the size of the box, it was obvious it was a 25. And I thought maybe the smaller was a SLG. We were led to the men's, and she slowly opened the box, commenting we would be very happy with what she got. “It’s a Kelly 25... With gold hardware...”

And out came miss lime! Sis was grinning ear to ear!!

We chatted a bit about how nice it is, and how lucky it happened to be with ghw, as I regretted not mentioning that earlier. Sis already has another lime in swift, but in C18. So I was thinking she should really get a ghw to be a bit different. SA seemed glad how sis liked the bag and then started to cross sell silk fourbi that was in the second box. Technically neither of us needed one but the print was pretty compared to the ones I saw in the past and since the bag is swift after all, I decided to get it as well.

And then, she moved on to the wallets, which I must have sounded disinterested, explaining my preferences. she was disappointed that I didn’t want a wallet when she thought I was getting one. My sis suspects her manager approved the bag to be sold, with her belief in me wanting a new wallet. Sis whispered in our native tongue to get the damn wallet as I really HAVE TO.

It is true that I needed a new wallet. But the problem is no H wallet satisfies me. They all have at least one feature I do not like or need. And I never ever carry a long full sized wallet. So I explained more about this and agreed maybe Bearn cases might work. And I also added I’d also be fine with a Kelly as long as it’s phw, so it would be worn with my farandole as a bag, not really a wallet.

However, they only had colors I do not like for Kelly wallets, so it all came down to choosing between two Bearns. Rose lipstick with four slots and cumin with slots on side and change pouch on other. Rose lipstick was too similar in size and color with rose d’ete calvi I was using at the moment, so I gave up with a wallet for myself and got cumin one for sis, kind of matching her newest bag.

I guess I really needed to buy a wallet after all as SA seemed much happier when we settled on it. When we got to the cashier, I also asked her to show me Tarmacs as one I was using was really worn out. (The only reason I keep using it is because it is my ultimate fave H color, rose shocking) This small request again made her even happier. All for just a Tarmac that is under €200.

So no bag and even no wallet for me on this trip. The only H shopping for myself was Tarmac, lol. But the trip was a full blast for sis, so at least one in the family is extremely happy. And in the very end, I got something I’ve been wanting for over two years.

My H fairy of the day gave me her card! And she said I could just contact her to set up future appointments!! OMG!!!

So it looks like my appointment attempts won’t be going up to 7 the next time after all. I think that itself was worth the trip.

@NanamiRyu, thank you so much for the wonderful story on your FSH adventures. I really enjoyed reading everything. I'm so happy for your sister's SO and how sweet of you to get a Lime K for sister too. Super lucky regarding the business card too! In a way, all of the agony and patience paid off.

Hello fellow TPF-ers,

Let me share my story from last November. Sorry for my late posting. Please bear with me if it is too long.

I was going to arrive Paris on Sunday and the next day would be Armistice Day, so I make an appointment before my departure, for a Tuesday appointment. However when I landed in CDG the next morning, a message was already there waiting for me saying my request couldn’t be satisfied. So I enjoyed Paris, strolling around, having fabulous foods, taking loads of photographs for the next two days, Sunday and Monday.

Since I didn’t get FSH appointment for Tuesday, I tried visiting Sèvres store. I got there around 10:00 am, 30 mins before their opening hour and there were about 20 people already waiting in line. So I joined the queue and they let us in one by one directing towards the SAs with their iPads for appointment allocation. I typed in my details and was told to wait for their call or text, 20-30 mins before my appointment. But I decided to wait it out in store, browsing different product sections. After about one and a half hours later, I was called and introduced to one young French SA lady who was quite friendly. She asked me what I was looking for and I gave her my choices. For this time, I was after a specific bag for me and one for my mum too. I was told to wait and she disappeared for about 5 mins. Then she came back with a big box in her hands which made my heart skipped a beat. But while unboxing, she said they didn’t have anything I was looking for, as they didn’t get any delivery for the last two days due to the long weekend. A herbag was revealed to me which I declined. So I left the store and decided to go check out FSH store anyhow. When FSH store was pretty busy so I headed straight to the leather section. As expected, I was told that there was no appointment slot available for me. On my way out, I bumped into my SA from previous visit who got me a noir Kelly. I told her that I couldn’t get appointment for today and was going to leave Paris on Thursday. She replied me that she couldn’t get an appointment for me and asked me to keep trying. So we chatted briefly and I left the store with no bag from both stores on Day 3 of my visit. In the afternoon I tried FSH online appointment for the next day, Wednesday.

Around mid-night, I received a decline text from FSH store, so I decided to go to the Sèvres store in the next morning on my day 4. I arrived Sèvres store the same time like precious day. But on that day, the line was very long, there were about 30-ish people already. They let us in at 10:30 am and by the time I reached the door, the SA was saying that they had run out of appointment for leather department for that day. So I asked her whether I could come back again in the afternoon for another try, she replied it was for the whole day that their appointments were allotted. So I left and checked FSH store in the afternoon for any cancellation of appointment. Again I got a no from them and no bag for my Day 4. So, as a last try before leaving Paris, I make FSH online appointment for Thursday and waited for their reply with heavy heart.

Even for my last day, Day 5, I didn’t get appointment from FSH store. By now, I didn’t have much hope for getting an appointment, let alone scoring a bag.

So my one and only chance to get a bag for me was to try Sèvres store one last time, where appointment slots were quite limited and handed out very quickly. So I decided to go there earlier than usual time in the morning. I was there around 9:00 and a few people in front of me then. When the time came, I put my details in their iPad. This time I knew that I was quite at the front for the queue, so I waited near the counter at leather department. After about an hour or so, I wasn’t called and realised that they were serving a couple who joined the queue behind me earlier at the store front. So I politely complained about my observation to a staff at the counter. She apologised and asked me to wait for a couple of mins again. Then she brought a mid aged SA lady and introduced me to her. That lovely SA directed me to one of the counters, we chatted about how much I was into this brand and about my favourite pieces from Hermes. Then she asked me what I wanted. So again, I told her that I was looking for a HAC 40 in noir or dark blue with Togo leather and PHW for me or if it wasn’t available, I told her that I would take a B30 in noir or etoupe with Togo leather and PHW for my mum. She disappeared for about 10 mins and returned to me with a big box which reminded me of the same incident happened to me on my day 3, so I wasn’t that excited. While she was saying it might be something I like, she took out the bag with dust bag and revealed the bag inside. Voila!!! It was the HAC40 that I had been looking for, for long long time and better yet, it was the exact match of my preference, Togo in noir with PHW. It was my dream came true! She realised that i couldn’t stop smiling and said she was so happy to be able to get me my dream bag.

Along with the new bag, I bought a scarf, a bag charm and two twillies. By that time, I was pretty much done with my shopping in Paris and my worries, then, was how on earth i could bring the gigantic box to the next cities I was visiting and to my country. But that small hassle was sorted out in the end and it was all worth it after all.

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your story. Your patience and persistence paid off. Wear your HAC in good health!

 

[Coco.lover]

Anyone with regular SA's who now say you have to threw the appointment system?

 

[L etoile]

Has anyone been able to score a rare exotic in Paris without doing a SO?

 

[cloverleigh]

Suuuuper happy for you and sis (of course) this time!!! I love your travel adventures to Paris and so glad this trip was a success. Look forward to you grinning from ear to ear next time. Oh and out of curiosity did you get to pick out a tarmac color to your liking?

Sisters at FSH Part 3

So unlike my lucky sis, it took me another attempt to finally receive the text I have been waiting for. I almost dropped my phone when the text did not start “thank you for your keen interest...” Since my record is 1-3-5 attempts, I thought, am I going to need to try 7 times in a row for the next trip? I now totally understand all the frustration members have been having over this appointment madness last few months.

I was glad to see my appointment time was 10:30 am though. I joked to sis, “eh, I guess I would be drinking something at bread and roses by 11” as I learned not to have high expectations with my luck at FSH.

If sis was the idiot of the day on Monday, she passed that title to me yesterday. (Paris time) Lazy me did not think it was necessary to get to FSH before 10:30 even though the text mentioned of being there “precisely” on time. I left my hotel room around 10:10, thinking I’ll get to the store after the doors are opened and queue gone. But oh no. Uber, what seemed like my best friend since I arrived in Paris is not so friendly on Wednesday morning. First car that accepts my request shows it would take 15 minutes to get to me. I canceled, as that was too late. But it keeps happening to the next and the next... After canceling five cars, one comes up as arriving in 8 minutes. I thought that’s good enough and wait. The driver sends a text saying he is coming, which I thought was so odd. Why would he say that when I could see he’s coming? I then realized he’s one of the drivers I canceled earlier. So I wondered if he’s sending me a message to prevent from canceling again.

I see him getting closer and closer. He’s right around the corner, a minute away. And boom. He disappears! I guess I can’t be sure of what happened but it came out as he “Canceled” on me this time. OMG. I thought I’d have a panic attack. Fortunately, another one 6 minutes away picks up and we eventually get in the car at 10:32.

We rushed to the hostess stand when we arrived and the most powerful woman in that neighborhood, (I kid you not. She really is) aka leather appointment hostess greeted me warmly. She said something along the line how she saw us all the time. And she said it in not a condescending annoying tone but in friendly “I know you guys are real customers” way. Haha. Yes, I’m making too much of everything but I really think she has gotten very used to us.

And interestingly, she leaves her spot right away after she told me someone would be coming soon. Just like how she was with my sister’s appointment. Sis secretly likes to believe she does that to get “the good one” for us. LOL!

Two minutes after a pretty French lady came to introduce herself. I told her about how sis failed to get the lime on Monday, so I would like to get a bag for her. She explains only the passport/appointment holder can get a bag. I explained it’s fine. It would be my gift to sister. Sis isn’t paying. And if there really isn’t a lime at all, then I’d happily take that as the opportunity to get something for myself, a K25 in bright fun colors. I mentioned all the pinky colors I owned, so she won’t be bringing a double. She also asked what I think about anything green. I took it as a hint they have some in stock and it’s great as it is my second fave color after pink. But please nothing like vert Amande, which SA smiled and said “so you really want bright fun colors!”

Before leaving, she asked what else I would like. I thought she meant other bags but she was asking about wallets, in a very hopeful tone. So I added I could get one to match the bag when she gets one as my current one is very worn indeed. She looked very happy to hear that but I didn’t think that fact was so important at the time.

When she reappeared, perhaps around 15 minutes later, holding two boxes. Oh. By the size of the box, it was obvious it was a 25. And I thought maybe the smaller was a SLG. We were led to the men's, and she slowly opened the box, commenting we would be very happy with what she got. “It’s a Kelly 25... With gold hardware...”

And out came miss lime! Sis was grinning ear to ear!!

We chatted a bit about how nice it is, and how lucky it happened to be with ghw, as I regretted not mentioning that earlier. Sis already has another lime in swift, but in C18. So I was thinking she should really get a ghw to be a bit different. SA seemed glad how sis liked the bag and then started to cross sell silk fourbi that was in the second box. Technically neither of us needed one but the print was pretty compared to the ones I saw in the past and since the bag is swift after all, I decided to get it as well.

And then, she moved on to the wallets, which I must have sounded disinterested, explaining my preferences. she was disappointed that I didn’t want a wallet when she thought I was getting one. My sis suspects her manager approved the bag to be sold, with her belief in me wanting a new wallet. Sis whispered in our native tongue to get the damn wallet as I really HAVE TO.

It is true that I needed a new wallet. But the problem is no H wallet satisfies me. They all have at least one feature I do not like or need. And I never ever carry a long full sized wallet. So I explained more about this and agreed maybe Bearn cases might work. And I also added I’d also be fine with a Kelly as long as it’s phw, so it would be worn with my farandole as a bag, not really a wallet.

However, they only had colors I do not like for Kelly wallets, so it all came down to choosing between two Bearns. Rose lipstick with four slots and cumin with slots on side and change pouch on other. Rose lipstick was too similar in size and color with rose d’ete calvi I was using at the moment, so I gave up with a wallet for myself and got cumin one for sis, kind of matching her newest bag.

I guess I really needed to buy a wallet after all as SA seemed much happier when we settled on it. When we got to the cashier, I also asked her to show me Tarmacs as one I was using was really worn out. (The only reason I keep using it is because it is my ultimate fave H color, rose shocking) This small request again made her even happier. All for just a Tarmac that is under €200.

So no bag and even no wallet for me on this trip. The only H shopping for myself was Tarmac, lol. But the trip was a full blast for sis, so at least one in the family is extremely happy. And in the very end, I got something I’ve been wanting for over two years.

My H fairy of the day gave me her card! And she said I could just contact her to set up future appointments!! OMG!!!

So it looks like my appointment attempts won’t be going up to 7 the next time after all. I think that itself was worth the trip.

 

[DH sucker]

Has anyone been able to score a rare exotic in Paris without doing a SO?

How do you define rare exotic?

 

[L etoile]

How do you define rare exotic?

I'm not sure what you're asking. Occasionally, my local store will have croc Bs and Ks that aren't SO.

 

[Summerof89]

I'm not sure what you're asking. Occasionally, my local store will have croc Bs and Ks that aren't SO.

I think, perhaps what she means is (correct me if I am wrong) and what I also want to know: how hard is it to be offered an exotic BKC as a walk in at FSH?