Hello All!
This is officially my first post here, but given all of the great information that has been shared and I have read in preparation for my first H visit in Paris, I felt that I should share my experience - this will be fairly long winded, but I would like to share as much detail as possible, but long story short: was in Paris Friday to Sunday, had issues requesting appointments with 1 out of 2 passports and was unsuccessful in getting an appointment or a bag.
Prior to visiting Paris, we stopped in Monaco for a few days. In Monaco, I was politely, albeit bluntly told that QBs are available for residence only. When the SA saw my BF’s expression, she quickly added that bags are sometimes given to non-residence residents who frequently shop at the Monte Carlo store. For context, my BF was offered a B several years ago while scarf shopping for his mother at the FSH store. To him, he thought I was crazy watching countless YouTube videos and reading all of the information I could get my hands on prior to our trip in order to increase my chances of scoring a B or K.
We enjoyed another week of vacation travelling to other countries, but finally it was time for Paris! We booked the earliest flight we could from Athens, to ensure we had the better part of the day in Paris, just in case we were granted an appointment. The evening before, I applied for appointments via the website using both of our passports, I immediately received the confirmation email that my request was submitted, but he did not. We tried a few times, and still nothing. We emailed the customer service contact - they promptly responded but were not particularly helpful. The next morning we arrived in Paris, I eagerly turned on my phone as soon as the plane landed to check my email - nothing. Once settled, we made our way to the FSH store where I was advised that if no email is received it means that you have not been given an appointment. I inquired about cancellations but was told nothing was available. We used this time to browse and picked out several smaller items to buy such as scarves etc. We were there shortly after lunch time, the store was pretty busy. I was unable to get any assistance in the footwear department, but was helped within 5 minutes of looking at the scarves. The SA that assisted me was able to also help me with my shoe inquires as well. While browsing and shopping, I saw many lucky ladies (probably 5-6) having successful leather appointments (being showed a B or K, or picking twillies for their new beauties) - I did note that I think all of these customers were all carrying an H bag, particularly a B or K. Before leaving, I noticed another person was at the leather appointment welcome desk, I stopped by in case there were any cancellations during that time, which sadly, there was not. We tried walking in one last time that evening where again, there were no appointments available, but the person was, however, able to submit an IT request regarding the issue of my BFs appointment requests not being successful - later that evening my BF applied for an appointment for the following day, and the confirmation email came through right away. Neither of us received any email that evening (Friday) informing us on whether we did or did not get an appointment.
The next morning (Saturday) we made our way back to FSH, which was not overly busy, but of course, no cancellations yet at this time. The young lady at the desk said I could try again later. So, later on that afternoon we made our way back, this time, the store was bustling and extremely busy. I got in line at the leather desk, where I was cut in front of on two occasions of people storming in front of me just as it was about to be my turn. When I was finally able to take my turn, again, no appointments (no surprise here given how busy the store was).
It was now Saturday afternoon and we were leaving the next day. Despite all of the wonderful advice I have read on this thread, I spent far too much time and energy worrying and trying my luck at H during my short visit to Paris. By now, my lovely BF understood why I had invested so many hours preparing for our visit to Paris H store. Seeing my disappointment, BF suggested we take a walk through one of the Chanel boutique. Here we met the loveliest SA (and I realized how dismissive most, but not all, of the SAs I interacted with at H were in comparison). This shopping experience was far more relaxed and less stressful - I ended up with a beautiful baby pink classic flap along with some small accessories and we enjoyed our last evening/morning in Paris before heading home.
In the end, I wish I spent less time obsessing and worrying about getting an appointment but overall, our time in Paris was lovely, but I will repeat what others have previously advised: enjoy your time in Paris, and that Paris isn’t solely for leather appointments. Try to keep a positive attitude and try to manage your expectations, which can prove to be challenging when you feel that you are on an emotional rollercoaster!
I am looking forward to my next visit to Paris where I will try my luck again at H. But in the meantime, wishing all of you lovelies the best of luck in Paris and on your H journeys
