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.

 

[NightCat1313]

This has probably been answered but I’m not getting the email to confirm the appointment. Has that happened to anyone else?

yes, just try again a little later.

 

[justdennis84]

View attachment 5947485

You posted many gorgeous outfits but this is my absolute favorite. Simply stunning!

Did DH ask about RTW from the FW24 collection by any chance?

 

[880]

You posted many gorgeous outfits but this is my absolute favorite. Simply stunning!

Did DH ask about RTW from the FW24 collection by any chance?

Am so sorry, we completely forgot in the long wait for her to come up with bags. I did catch a glimpse of what looked like interesting bomber jackets and shirts for men at CdG, but Paris was mainly a furniture and art trip.

 

[justdennis84]

Am so sorry, we completely forgot in the long wait for her to come up with bags. I did catch a glimpse of what looked like interesting bomber jackets and shirts for men at CdG, but Paris was mainly a furniture and art trip.

I’ll ask myself on Monday Shopping for art and furniture in Paris sounds amazing. Hope you were successful

 

[Peony822]

Ladies (and gents) - heading to Paris for a few days, wish me luck with the appointment system or a walk in... I messaged with an SA I met last summer but she's not there this week, and she didn't really respond when I subtly mentioned I would love a leather appointment, so looks like I'll be playing the lottery again!

Please update us on your experience! I’m going to Paris in a couple months and would love to hear your story

 

[ooowern7]

Hi all, I would like to share my experience. I was able to score a K25 for my mum in nov 2023 in Paris after a year of shopping history with my SA. My SA said not to ask for a QB the next visit.

Few weeks ago, I reached out to my SA for an SO which is coming up soon through text. He first told that he will ask about it but not sure if it's possible. In less than a minute, he replied with "no chance as you gotten the Kelly recently" After that, I thought to myself that even though this SO is given, I might not receive it this year, if lucky maybe end of this year. It's also my 21st this year so I thought this could be my perfect gift. Anyway, I am going to Paris in April to celebrate my birthday, I do hope my Hermes SA will work his magic but I am not confident if I can get my dream QB . Wish me luck guys and I will update my story soon.

Just wondering anyone out there has gotten an SO this season from ur SA in Paris? and anyone has the same experience as me ?

 

[expatwife]

Hello! I apologize if this question has already been asked. I used to be able to walk in to FSH, buy some items for a few thousand and be offered a bag. But the last few years, it's a flat no when I ask about a bag and no matter how many times I try to get an appointment via their online system, I just don't - either get a rejection or nothing at all.

So the question is: I travel to Paris for work twice a year. Is there any way to build a relationship with an SA? Can you recommend an SA who is willing to do it? Any Paris Hermes store will do. Please PM me if you can help. Thanks a lot!

 

[shiningb3b3]

If you go to Paris and shop a little bit there and build an SA relationship your first time - is there any way to ask for a special order bag for the future?

 

[Deleted 793791]

If you go to Paris and shop a little bit there and build an SA relationship your first time - is there any way to ask for a special order bag for the future?

If you build a relationship, then yes. But, it's not easy to build a relationship if you are not local. (They can tell that you are one of visitors if you don't speak French fluently anyway.) Also, it is not easy to build a relationship because the SAs in Paris do not rely on the commission.

 

[880]

I was able to score a K25 for my mum in nov 2023 in Paris after a year of shopping history with my SA. My SA said not to ask for a QB the next visit.

Few weeks ago, I reached out to my SA for an SO which is coming up soon through text. He first told that he will ask about it but not sure if it's possible. In less than a minute, he replied with "no chance as you gotten the Kelly recently

You got a bag for your mom and are expecting an SO delivery but think/are worried/ or are told that it might be delayed? I think I’ve read similar posts; you could try a few key word searches. If you were expected an SO order to be delivered, I think I’ve read that a client could not purchase (ETA : if their quota had been fulfilled for that year ). If I have misunderstood, and you wish to place an SO, I would go by what your SA has told you. Either way, I don’t think you can count on an SO arriving by x date in time to celebrate a personal event. Perhaps think of its eventual arrival as a belated birthday present.

I used to be able to walk in to FSH, buy some items for a few thousand and be offered a bag.

If a person wants a relationship at FSH, and is focused on bag acquisition, I think chances of success are somewhat low. There are simply too many individuals in this position nowadays. Once you have the relationship, I have been told my numerous SAs, SMs and others at FSH, that spend simply doesn’t matter as they do not work on commission. I was offered a 25K my first visit with no spend, but the appt was a one of, arranged by someone else. There was however no guarantee of a bag. My obtaining a regular SA for subsequent appts was solely based on DH’s ability to have meaningful conversations with just about anyone. It also helps that he is genuinely interested in process; how things work; and how things are crafted, rather than bag acquisition. On subsequent appts, I was fortunate to be offered a QB and other bags with minimal spend. If possible, I would try to contact your old SA from the days when you were able to get a bag, or simply walk in and see if you click with any SA in particular when you are next there.

time - is there any way to ask for a special order bag for the future?

If you have an SA, you could ask for her opinion on the likelihood of an SO or a la carte bag. But, I think the SO opportunities are offered by an SA to those that they wish to offer a bag, and none has been found, or to regular clients.

Of course, all of my opinions are simply based on my own experience and what I have been told. Others may have been told different things.

 

[FrenchNewbie]

If you go to Paris and shop a little bit there and build an SA relationship your first time - is there any way to ask for a special order bag for the future?

It is a very complex thing in the world of H. I went to Paris for my very first time and I was able to get a quota bag, AND built a very good relationship [seemingly...as only time will tell] with an SA there, AND also got the chance to place two special orders in the spot.

I realize that what happened to me was absolutely bananas and that it was a magical fairy tale for me. I also realize that I should never ever expect it to be replicated, as others shouldn't as well. Of course you will probably get 10 different responses to your questions; I am merely reporting my individual experience during my trip. You may get very lucky and hit it off with an SA that you encounter, so don't be afraid to pop the question...the worst he or she can say is no, right?

 

[880]

It is a very complex thing in the world of H. I went to Paris for my very first time and I was able to get a quota bag, AND built a very good relationship [seemingly...as only time will tell] with an SA there, AND also got the chance to place two special orders in the spot.

I realize that what happened to me was absolutely bananas and that it was a magical fairy tale for me. I also realize that I should never ever expect it to be replicated, as others shouldn't as well. Of course you will probably get 10 different responses to your questions; I am merely reporting my individual experience during my trip. You may get very lucky and hit it off with an SA that you encounter, so don't be afraid to pop the question...the worst he or she can say is no, right?

Your experience was magical for most of us when we read your narration! It was like a fairy tale come true

 

[expatwife]

You got a bag for your mom and are expecting an SO delivery but think/are worried/ or are told that it might be delayed? I think I’ve read similar posts; you could try a few key word searches. If you were expected an SO order to be delivered, I think I’ve read that a client could not purchase (ETA : if their quota had been fulfilled for that year ). If I have misunderstood, and you wish to place an SO, I would go by what your SA has told you. Either way, I don’t think you can count on an SO arriving by x date in time to celebrate a personal event. Perhaps think of its eventual arrival as a belated birthday present.



If a person wants a relationship at FSH, and is focused on bag acquisition, I think chances of success are somewhat low. There are simply too many individuals in this position nowadays. Once you have the relationship, I have been told my numerous SAs, SMs and others at FSH, that spend simply doesn’t matter as they do not work on commission. I was offered a 25K my first visit with no spend, but the appt was a one of, arranged by someone else. There was however no guarantee of a bag. My obtaining a regular SA for subsequent appts was solely based on DH’s ability to have meaningful conversations with just about anyone. It also helps that he is genuinely interested in process; how things work; and how things are crafted, rather than bag acquisition. On subsequent appts, I was fortunate to be offered a QB and other bags with minimal spend. If possible, I would try to contact your old SA from the days when you were able to get a bag, or simply walk in and see if you click with any SA in particular when you are next there.

I want to build a relationship not only for a bag acquisition but for other items as well. The problem is all the SAs that I was working at FSH never respond to any emails. Not having commissions explains it. I think in the past 15 years of buying H I have shown enough interest in how things are made, sometimes I know more about scarves and the artists who created those designs than the SAs. My old SAs don't work there anymore.
I guess my questions is if someone has that one SA that is actually responsive and is open to building relationship, I'd appreciate the contact. Thanks!

If you have an SA, you could ask for her opinion on the likelihood of an SO or a la carte bag. But, I think the SO opportunities are offered by an SA to those that they wish to offer a bag, and none has been found, or to regular clients.

Of course, all of my opinions are simply based on my own experience and what I have been told. Others may have been told different things.

 

[880]

I want to build a relationship not only for a bag acquisition but for other items as well. The problem is all the SAs that I was working at FSH never respond to any emails. Not having commissions explains it. I think in the past 15 years of buying H I have shown enough interest in how things are made, sometimes I know more about scarves and the artists who created those designs than the SAs. My old SAs don't work there anymore.
I guess my questions is if someone has that one SA that is actually responsive and is open to building relationship, I'd appreciate the contact. Thanks!

Hermes as a traditional company does not encourage electronic communication. The explicit directive in NY, home to the largest US Maison is to do everything they can do to bring the client to the store. It’s my understanding that they are not given extra time to answer emails or texts. so they have to juggle it in between clients. IMO on,y, you cannot build a relationship without regular, in person visits to an SA after you have built some rapport. I only have my own experience to go by, but I imagine Paris as even more traditional, idk. Good luck.

 

[DavidFincher]

I started my H journey in 2015 in London at the Royal Exchange. This is a tiny store but mighty in terms of sales of men's ties (as it is in the London Financial district). I moved to Paris a few years ago and have simply not found my groove here in terms of finding an SA or a store that I prefer. I'm not French but I speak French fluently and always make clear that I live in France permanently. The problem is that there are three stores in Paris and all three of them cater largely to tourists (I think that perhaps the Sevres store (Left Bank) might have a larger proportion of local customers). FSH is of course the flagship and tourists on a Hermes mission will naturally make their way there. George V feels like a bit of an afterthought--it's larger than the average Hermes boutique but far smaller than the other two Paris stores. I have a feeling at George V that the customers are mainly overflow from the nearby Champs Elysees and the flagship stores of LV, Saint Laurent, Dior and Cartier.

So strangely building a relationship with an SA is harder in Paris even though it is the home of Hermes. I have had much warmer welcomes in H stores in some smaller cities (for example, Dublin and Padua spring to mind, I was able to quickly develop a rapport with the staff in those stores). I imagine that in a smaller French city it would be easier. In Paris one is competing not just with the locals but with well-heeled tourists who come to Paris for the explicit purpose of dropping thousands of euros at Hermes.