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.

 

[QuelleFromage]

Just a heads up/reminder for everyone wondering where their SA is/why it’s been so long…
We pretty much close up here in Paris for holidays starting in late July. This coming week people are trickling back in, but it’s considered pretty normal to be absent all of August without explanation because everyone understands (if they even notice because we are all at the beach or in the countryside lol).
In addition, a large number of H SAs take their vacations in July because August is a more pleasant month to work: the stores are quieter.

So between these two things it’s very normal not to have heard from a French SA in the past couple months.
Hope that helps

 

[Ali2012]

If you're that desperate for a bag, you could always just buy one off resale? Then you can also pick the color and hardware to your liking. From your post history it doesn't sound like you're interested in other H items so I don't think you would want to shop from the boutique anyways.

Also from what I've gathered on this forum the Paris lottery is very competitive, so there are going to be many others who didn't get an appointment. Your experience is going to be the majority experience. think it's unhealthy to hyperfixate on the success stories because those are rare cases.

And before you come after me lol, I'm very new to H, only started shopping this year, don't own any BKs but I'm not in any rush to get a bag. I think you should just take it slow and maybe consider resale. Don't let the Paris appointment ruin your vacation. It's just a bag...

I totally agree with you, but the opportunity to reply with the famous "It's not a bag, it's a Birkin" line from SATC was too good to pass up!

 

[C.F.]

If you're that desperate for a bag, you could always just buy one off resale? Then you can also pick the color and hardware to your liking. From your post history it doesn't sound like you're interested in other H items so I don't think you would want to shop from the boutique anyways.

Also from what I've gathered on this forum the Paris lottery is very competitive, so there are going to be many others who didn't get an appointment. Your experience is going to be the majority experience. think it's unhealthy to hyperfixate on the success stories because those are rare cases.

And before you come after me lol, I'm very new to H, only started shopping this year, don't own any BKs but I'm not in any rush to get a bag. I think you should just take it slow and maybe consider resale. Don't let the Paris appointment ruin your vacation. It's just a bag...

I’m not “ coming after you “ but it is easy for someone to say “it’s just a bag” , especially if they already have one or have had success with the lottery system or at their home store . IDK if you own a Birkin , Kelly or any of the other beautiful bags they offer .

I love purses . That’s all . The Birkin is my holy grail and I would love to purchase one directly from a Boutique . A fresh new one , that’s not all banged up , scratched , worn out , for 3x or even 4x the retail price . The fact that people mark up bags that are all worn out or brand new SOLELY because they make them so hard to get at the boutique is more in my eyes the bigger scam than the lottery system .

You are correct that from my previous post history that I am not interested in “buying useless stuff” to attain a purchase history in efforts to be offered to spend over 10k of my hard earned money . That in it self is ridiculous that I have to be offered to spend money somewhere .
I don’t want a cup or saucer , blanket or pillows . Those things are useless to me . The Birkin or Kelly wouldn’t be useless .

My home store is just as useless as the lottery system as it’s beyond competitive with people doing their pre spend of upwards of 100k to attain bags that the store says they don’t have anyways. So what’s the point . Everyone , myself and even you , are allowed to have their opinions. Everyone’s feelings are justified . So before you go telling me it’s “just a bag” we will see how you feel when you want to get one . Please get back to me when that day comes and I have a strong feeling that you’ll be having a hard time even with your spending history .

 

[C.F.]

I totally agree with you, but the opportunity to reply with the famous "It's not a bag, it's a Birkin" line from SATC was too good to pass up!

It 100 % isn’t just a bag . Why must they make it so hard to get ! Even in sex and city they had a waitlist that Samantha could physically write her name down for LoL ! Could you imagine an episode where she has to do the lottery system ? HYSTERICAL !

 

[C.F.]

Oh gosh.. I can feel your frustrations. Girl it’s just that you’ve chosen the wrong month to visit Paris. August is when Paris empties out - bag artisans, shopkeepers, restaurant owners, and bakers leave too. Hence stock level for bags are low.

The appointment system is not a scam. I got a slot this year and my friend scored one last year. I accompanied her to her appt.

It’s a lottery system and demand far outstrips supply of appointments. While I’ve been lucky this year, my mantra has always been to maintain the relationship with my home store and anything else from Paris is a bonus.

Hope you’ll feel better soon. Cheer up and enjoy the remaining of your holiday!

Thank you for feeling my frustrations and I’m glad you and your friend were able to secure appointments .

My post was just out of sheer frustration. It wasn’t only Hermes who let me down on my trip . Every store was a complete waste of time . Chanel was out of stock of everything , Rolex , Cartier , and Longchamp . I have enough LV so I didn’t go in there , I was like surely I can just go home with a Le Pliage Eiffel Tower tote as a souvenir . Sold out ! LoL I was so deflated at that point I didn’t know what to do .

I just put so much energy into thinking this trip to Paris would be my chance to get a bag from Hermes because my home store is so ridiculously competitive.

I’m trying to cheer up and enjoy the rest of my holiday but it’s very depressing to not get offered or be able to purchase anything you wanted to prior to leaving on your vacation . I had big dreams and hopes of shopping and it being my 10 year wedding anniversary gift , and not being able to bring something special home just made me extra sad .

 

[C.F.]

It is not because your experience with the lottery appointment has not being successful that you can question other's experience, like they don't tell the truth about it ...

If you want my experience with all the truth :
- Started in 2021 to get an appt : Scored one after 6-7 attempts, was not able to go. Tried walk-in appointment : Was granted one 2 out 3 times but got no QB out of those Walk-ins.

- Applied again at least 100x times between summer 2021 and January 2023 when I finally got an appointment : Got a B30.
- Decided to apply again after 3 months as it might take time before another one : Got an appointment at first try : Got a K28 and a L26.


I am really sorry for you not to be able to get your dream bag but applying just few times for the lottery and not getting one is very common.

Hope you will get what you want at some point

Thank you for telling me your truth and taking the time to respond to me post . I appreciate it .

You are correct about saying that I shouldn’t judge other peoples success stories . I’m just beyond frustrated at trying for so long to get something , be treated so terribly each and every time I’ve gone into an Hermes store . I’ve been to over 100 of them all over the world and each and everyone has treated me like the scene in Pretty Woman almost every single time . Like I’m not worth it to shop there . It’s just very frustrating after reading all over the purse forum that Paris is basically your only option to get offered one . I had very high hopes and expectations especially being there for 4 days . Which I understand isn’t alot but I tried every single day and to be let down every single time was a big bummer . It was just Hermes , but every store I tried to shop at was out of stock or sold out of everything I tried to get .

I hope I get my dream bag someday soon . Thank you for saying that .

 

[acrowcounted]

Thank you for telling me your truth and taking the time to respond to me post . I appreciate it .

You are correct about saying that I shouldn’t judge other peoples success stories . I’m just beyond frustrated at trying for so long to get something , be treated so terribly each and every time I’ve gone into an Hermes store . I’ve been to over 100 of them all over the world and each and everyone has treated me like the scene in Pretty Woman almost every single time . Like I’m not worth it to shop there . It’s just very frustrating after reading all over the purse forum that Paris is basically your only option to get offered one . I had very high hopes and expectations especially being there for 4 days . Which I understand isn’t alot but I tried every single day and to be let down every single time was a big bummer . It was just Hermes , but every store I tried to shop at was out of stock or sold out of everything I tried to get .

I hope I get my dream bag someday soon . Thank you for saying that .

Hermes has a limited stock of iconic bags and sky high demand for those bags. They have to use some sort of filtering system to determine how to sell the bags because there simply aren’t enough bags to go around to everyone who, like you, desperately wants one. IMO, they have created a fairly straightforward roadmap for how to be in consideration: become a loyal easy to work with returning customer at your local store. You’ve decided that you don’t want to follow that roadmap or even try it. That’s fine, but then you really can’t reasonably complain about not being successful. The Paris lottery system should be seen as a last ditch, or cherry on top, method for a little French magic. It’s not intended to be the main route for a client to connect with the brand, which is what a big brand like Hermes seeks to create, devoted returning customers. It’s not personal, it’s just how they’ve decided to handle their business.

 

[Buildingprofile]

Thank you for telling me your truth and taking the time to respond to me post . I appreciate it .

You are correct about saying that I shouldn’t judge other peoples success stories . I’m just beyond frustrated at trying for so long to get something , be treated so terribly each and every time I’ve gone into an Hermes store . I’ve been to over 100 of them all over the world and each and everyone has treated me like the scene in Pretty Woman almost every single time . Like I’m not worth it to shop there . It’s just very frustrating after reading all over the purse forum that Paris is basically your only option to get offered one . I had very high hopes and expectations especially being there for 4 days . Which I understand isn’t alot but I tried every single day and to be let down every single time was a big bummer . It was just Hermes , but every store I tried to shop at was out of stock or sold out of everything I tried to get .

I hope I get my dream bag someday soon . Thank you for saying that .

I think all of us can hear your frustration and anxiety virtually. It's a familiar feeling for many here, particulary on this thread, where it seems like far more successful stories are posted and few of the people not getting appointments or bags post anything, because... what is there to say. For the thousands of lottery applications and requests for walk-in's, there must only be, what, 20-30 BKs sold via appointment per boutique per day, IF THAT? Social media is even worse - some of these "I stumbled in and got a mini kelly and my lovely SA sent me flowers at my hotel!" stories seem downright suspicious (or truly truly lucky).

I agree that it's so much easier for those who have "scored" an online appointment - and have gotten a bag from it (or for some, bagS) - to share encouraging words.

Finally, I agree that getting a bag fresh from the boutique is a unique experience in and of itself.

Who are we kidding... if you're a TPF reader and make a Paris trip, you're hoping that you'll beat the odds and get a Hermes appointment. I'd imagine a % of us here dedicate signficant time in Paris for shopping, or maybe even specifically patrolling the H boutiques for a walk-in appointment. Perhaps a % of us here even go to Paris JUST for shopping, not even for sightseeing. And then there are the folks who near within flying distance who apply every single day for an appointment and rush in for the dream if they get the magic ticket.

I don't really have any other words or encouragement beyond what others are saying. Just wanted to give you a virtual hug if I could. So sorry that your Paris trip felt like such a drag. Hope you find your path with luxury shopping going forward, with Hermes and others, be it going reseller or taking a break or keep trying at your home boutique or even doing another Paris trip at some point. Hope you're able to find some other Paris highlights or meals to remember at least. Wish you a very very happy 10 year anniversary, luxury shopping or not.

100 boutiques around the world? If that's not an exaggeration, it must be some sort of record!

 

[shopinlovet]

I totally agree with you, but the opportunity to reply with the famous "It's not a bag, it's a Birkin" line from SATC was too good to pass up!

THIS was the first thing that popped into my mind!!! Hahahahaha!

 

[oohshinythings]

Hermes has a limited stock of iconic bags and sky high demand for those bags. They have to use some sort of filtering system to determine how to sell the bags because there simply aren’t enough bags to go around to everyone who, like you, desperately wants one. IMO, they have created a fairly straightforward roadmap for how to be in consideration: become a loyal easy to work with returning customer at your local store. You’ve decided that you don’t want to follow that roadmap or even try it. That’s fine, but then you really can’t reasonably complain about not being successful. The Paris lottery system should be seen as a last ditch, or cherry on top, method for a little French magic. It’s not intended to be the main route for a client to connect with the brand, which is what a big brand like Hermes seeks to create, devoted returning customers. It’s not personal, it’s just how they’ve decided to handle their business.

"It’s not personal, it’s just how they’ve decided to handle their business."

This, 1000%. As much as we love to talk about it as a relationship, love for the brand, journey etc...let's not forget it's ultimately a *business* relationship. Their priority is always going to be with building the most profitable, loyal customers.

 

[880]

If you're that desperate for a bag, you could always just buy one off resale? Then you can also pick the color and hardware to your liking. From your post history it doesn't sound like you're interested in other H items so I don't think you would want to shop from the boutique anyways.

Also from what I've gathered on this forum the Paris lottery is very competitive, so there are going to be many others who didn't get an appointment. Your experience is going to be the majority experience. think it's unhealthy to hyperfixate on the success stories because those are rare cases.

And before you come after me lol, I'm very new to H, only started shopping this year, don't own any BKs but I'm not in any rush to get a bag. I think you should just take it slow and maybe consider resale. Don't let the Paris appointment ruin your vacation. It's just a bag...

100%. I buy both well priced authentic resale (vintage); my local boutique; and, FSH. Not all resale is hideously banged up and overpriced. I wish everyone on this thread the best of luck, and hope you can enjoy Paris. I do find Paris wonderful, and there have been many times over the years when I counted myself fortunate simplify to be there (I didn’t have the budget to shop much back then)

ETA: Hermes is so coveted these days that it has the luxury of cherry picking its customers. And, it has restricted supply to the extent that the bags become rewards for those customers who become loyal clients and who buy and love its other metiers. I agree that it’s simply the business model, but I would also say that it is far easier to find a beautiful bag at resale or develop a loyal local relationship than to get a bag in Paris. IMO only. I will stop here bc I am echoing other members like @oohshinythings and @acrowcounted

 

[shopinlovet]

It 100 % isn’t just a bag . Why must they make it so hard to get ! Even in sex and city they had a waitlist that Samantha could physically write her name down for LoL ! Could you imagine an episode where she has to do the lottery system ? HYSTERICAL !

That’s why I like the system in place in London. From what I read, they take down the exact bag you want (size, hardware, color, leather, etc) and will try to match you to that exact bag. It may take years but I read that people don’t have to spend a lot and they get the bag they want.

 

[Martyp]

Thank you for telling me your truth and taking the time to respond to me post . I appreciate it .

You are correct about saying that I shouldn’t judge other peoples success stories . I’m just beyond frustrated at trying for so long to get something , be treated so terribly each and every time I’ve gone into an Hermes store . I’ve been to over 100 of them all over the world and each and everyone has treated me like the scene in Pretty Woman almost every single time . Like I’m not worth it to shop there . It’s just very frustrating after reading all over the purse forum that Paris is basically your only option to get offered one . I had very high hopes and expectations especially being there for 4 days . Which I understand isn’t alot but I tried every single day and to be let down every single time was a big bummer . It was just Hermes , but every store I tried to shop at was out of stock or sold out of everything I tried to get .

I hope I get my dream bag someday soon . Thank you for saying that .

Annoying and frustrating, it sure is! Depressing... is a little bit extreme to me
Maybe you overestimated Paris shopping and the magic that can happen. If your home store "is ridiculously competitive", can you imagine Paris with aaalllll the local clients + aaaallll the tourists?! It's even more competitive, hence that lottery system so 10 customers out of 10.000/20.000/50.000 (?) might be lucky every day. People probably underestimate how many people are not lucky.
I'm a local client here, I've applied more than 70 times in 22 months now and still haven't got a spot!
Don't take it personally as you say you felt "let down" and "not worth it" which are terms that shouldn't apply to a shopping experience, as bad as it was.
I hope you get your dream bag someday... but try to forget "soon" and if it does happen "soon", you'll be over the moon.

 

[Martyp]

That’s why I like the system in place in London. From what I read, they take down the exact bag you want (size, hardware, color, leather, etc) and will try to match you to that exact bag. It may take years but I read that people don’t have to spend a lot and they get the bag they want.

Paris used to be like that, but what about tourists who are just there for a few days and want to visit an H store and try their luck?
The lottery in Paris seems unfair but at least, everybody has a (very small) chance.

 

[gi201]

What an absolute sick joke . Currently in Paris . I tried to get a leather appointment via the lottery website with both my husband’s passport number as well as mine . Different emails , different phone numbers . I tried 4 days in a row , only to get denied every single time . The final day , they didn’t even bother to send us denial emails , or no such luck emails , and when I emailed the client email provided on their email they sent , I asked why I had not gotten a rejection or a confirmation, and they replied , “ just take the no email response as a rejection “ . I was like isn’t it all computer generated anyways since it’s a lottery . This whole lottery system thing is such a joke . Its ridiculous. I know I’m only venting here and there are bigger problems in in the world . “People are dying Kim” , but it’s just so deflating and upsetting . I even went into to all the Hermes stores trying to ask for a canceled appointment and nothing happened . They were all booked for the day . I’m can’t believe I wasted so much time , energy and efforts while on my vacation . I’m very tired of trying for a Birkin bag . It’s NEVER going to happen from a boutique at this point . This will be my 6th year trying from the boutique and I am just sick to my stomach over trying . I have wasted so much time and energy out of my life trying to secure something that will never ever come . On top of all of that , the employees are garbage people with terrible attitudes . I’m sure I’d turn into an awful person when people treat me like garbage when I tell them that there is nothing to offer them . The whole Paris appointment system is just a scam and I doubt anyone posting their success is letting you know the full

Frustration is a very strong and powerful emotion most of the time hard to understand. I don’t have much to add to what has already been said here, I just hope that the negative feelings you have had during this trip subside and that you are able to experience the beauty and joy that Paris has to offer. Wishing you all the best.