Wanted to share my experience over the last few days in Paris --- leaving tomorrow morning so no more Hermes for me (at least in France) this trip. Mods feel free to delete if this is too long!
This was a solo trip; meeting up with DH in Italy after my Paris tour. Tried for an appointment every day (4 days) with no store preference but since I was by myself, had limited chances.
Visited FSH my first-full day (a Tuesday) for the first time. Such a beautiful, bustling shop. I didn't have a leather appointment but knew I wanted some espadrilles and the rose flash Orans. Had a super sweet SA who complimented my non-H shoes, helped me with exactly what I was looking for & chatted throughout the appointment. I felt like we were building a solid connection and she asked me a lot of questions about where I live (NYC) and what it's like there. After awhile, I asked her if she had any advice on visiting the stores and obtaining a leather appointment, letting her know I had already tried twice and failed but was hoping for the next day. She said she couldn't help since she only worked in shoes but advised me to not give up on the system. When she asked if I was interested in anything else I said I was also looking for a small change purse. Since she only worked in shoes, I was handed off to another SA. This SA was polite but not warm and friendly like the previous one. Very direct and not up for any small talk at.all. Before I could mention any specifics about the change purse I wanted, she said "our selection is very low. We hardly have any". I said I'd still love to see what they had. She brought out one option which was a gorgeous raisin color, more my preference than those on display which were not for sale. I let her know how much I loved the color and happily asked to purchase. She brought me over to the register where we connected again with the SA I bought the shoes from while my purchases were being packaged and I waited for the VAT paperwork. By this point, the SA who offered me the change purse had left so it was just the SA who'd found the shoes for me. She re-emphasized how I shouldn't give up on the appointment system after we talked some more so I left pretty hopeful there would be some magic for me in the coming days.
Sadly, the next day no dice on the leather appointment again and I had planned activities all day so didn't make it to any of the stores.
My last full day I again hadn't received a leather appointment. I figured what do I have to lose... so I set out to arrive at Sevres right when it opened. I'd heard about the morning opening lines at FSH and since it was pouring down rain I figured I'd try my luck where I wouldn't be waiting outside. At check-in I cut right to the chase and ask about a leather appointment --- so when the check-in SA asked what I was looking for, I mentioned that I'd been in Paris since Monday, had a great experience shopping at the flagship store and was, ultimately, hoping to purchase my dream bag but hadn't been able to secure a leather appointment. The SA said sadly there were no appointments at Sevres available and even more limited that day because there was a special fashion show and even the SAs were confused as to what was going on. It seemed oddly chaotic and there were hardly any customers in the store so it made sense to me. They recommended I go to George V or FSH as soon as possible to enquire since it was my last day. I asked which they thought would have the better chance and they said George V so I hopped in a cab and headed there!
At George V, I thought I'd be a little less direct at check in since I did want to purchase some cosmetics regardless. The SA I worked with in cosmetics was really kind and I waited to ask about a leather appointment after she'd seen my purchase history from the previous days in my account before bringing it up. Once I did, she said "hmm let me check" & brought me over to a woman who seemed to be in charge of the appointment management for the day. She mentioned to the check in SA that I was here on my last day, had shopped over the week but hadn't landed an appointment yet. Sadly, the woman in charge said there was no way to get an appointment, no cancellations and no wait-list. I said sounds like it is not possible but thank you for checking and that I'd had a great experience shopping and seeing the beautiful stores. I ended up chatting with the SA who helped me in cosmetics while I waited to check out and watched her scroll through my profile a few times as I was checking out and especially after I pulled out my Bearn wallet.
I'll also mention that each time I visited stores, I was put together, dressed in a mix of designer and non & carrying my Picotin.
I tried not to get my hopes up too much after hearing what a mixed bag the reservation system is but I'd definitely psyched myself up about the possibility of getting my first K or B. I think having DH or a friend with me would've helped for doubling my reservation chances and certainly for the moral support. Regardless, visiting and shopping in the stores was a positive experience overall. Wishing better luck to others who're visiting!
But yes, when all stars aligned anything is possible.