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.

 

[scndlslv]

At what point does FSH become your home store and your prespend counts?

Absolutely no way to know that criteria. I've been shopping there a few times a year since 2015. Took a 3 year break due to the pandemic. When I showed up again last December I was told that FSH is my home store. I have no idea why or how. I do not spend a lot. I mostly buy shawls, fashion jewelry, and a watch back in 2016 but I've been offered a B in my requested specs (except the last time which was a total surprise) almost every visit. There's no rhyme or reason to it.

 

[annaria]

Absolutely no way to know that criteria. I've been shopping there a few times a year since 2015. Took a 3 year break due to the pandemic. When I showed up again last December I was told that FSH is my home store. I have no idea why or how. I do not spend a lot. I mostly buy shawls, fashion jewelry, and a watch back in 2016 but I've been offered a B in my requested specs (except the last time which was a total surprise) almost every visit. There's no rhyme or reason to it.

I'm curious because for the whole of last year I bought WAY more as FSH (including one B). I did get a B from my local store because they owed me a B from 2022.

The question is - does it become easier to get an appointment HAHA!

 

[scndlslv]

I'm curious because for the whole of last year I bought WAY more as FSH (including one B). I did get a B from my local store because they owed me a B from 2022.

The question is - does it become easier to get an appointment HAHA!

The SA that helped me in December told me to contact her the next time I'm coming to Paris. So, we will see. I'm not counting on it though because many people have posted about non-responsive SAs.

 

[acrowcounted]

At what point does FSH become your home store and your prespend counts?

If FSH is the only store in France that you shop, then FSH will be your home store from FSH's POV. I think prespend actually always counts, but especially if you are at the stage of contacting a specific SA for an appointment to shop with them, then it is like any other Hermes SA-client relationship (albeit perhaps with better access to more bags). The lottery appointments are maybe the only place where prespend can be argued to not matter at all, however experiences posted here seem to suggest that it still plays a factor in which bags are offered at a leather appointment even if it doesn't matter for obtaining the lottery appointment to begin with.

 

[annaria]

If FSH is the only store in France that you shop, then FSH will be your home store from FSH's POV. I think prespend actually always counts, but especially if you are at the stage of contacting a specific SA for an appointment to shop with them, then it is like any other Hermes SA-client relationship (albeit perhaps with better access to more bags). The lottery appointments are maybe the only place where prespend can be argued to not matter at all, however experiences posted here seem to suggest that it still plays a factor in which bags are offered at a leather appointment even if it doesn't matter for obtaining the lottery appointment to begin with.

And yeah, it's the only store I visit and buy from in France, and I go about 2x a year.

Mme and I are at phone exchanging or making appointments but I can pretty much walk in and she will help me with anything I might need. And I can always agree on subsequent visits on the same trip. She's gotten me a QB during a random visit so I hope to continue. Way less games and anxiety, I really get along well with her.

Pretty much really have given up on shopping at my local at this point!

 

[QuelleFromage]

This is interesting but doesn’t track with the recent experiences of quite a few of our other forum members who shop FSH mostly remotely with one SA and then visit 1-2 times a year and easily get appointments with their SA and several quota bags to choose from. I wonder how they pick and choose.

Relationship and spend (for non-residents, that is).

If FSH is the only store in France that you shop, then FSH will be your home store from FSH's POV. I think prespend actually always counts, but especially if you are at the stage of contacting a specific SA for an appointment to shop with them, then it is like any other Hermes SA-client relationship (albeit perhaps with better access to more bags). The lottery appointments are maybe the only place where prespend can be argued to not matter at all, however experiences posted here seem to suggest that it still plays a factor in which bags are offered at a leather appointment even if it doesn't matter for obtaining the lottery appointment to begin with.

This is accurate. It's not so much "prespend" as having a history and a profile. That won't get you a lottery appointment, but IF the SA looks at your profile, yes, it will likely help in that appointment (or possibly hurt, if a customer's history is solely iconic bag purchases).

SAs in Paris who are doing lottery and walk-in appointments are insanely busy, so, sometimes they may not pay attention to a profile. This is a good reason to be clear on what you are looking for. (I also always think it's smart not to dress way differently than you normally do - this isn't related to getting an offer but to what you are offered.)

 

[hbr]

This is interesting but doesn’t track with the recent experiences of quite a few of our other forum members who shop FSH mostly remotely with one SA and then visit 1-2 times a year and easily get appointments with their SA and several quota bags to choose from. I wonder how they pick and choose.

I was very surprised to hear this as well, but it came straight from the source. I think the pre-spend and having a profile definitely helps acquire a walk-in appointment. However, this was also relayed to two or three other people that I was traveling with at the time, so it wasn’t just me that was given this information.
I think it’s all very much hit and miss and could very well depend on the SA you get and so many other factors. It all just needs to be taken with a grain of salt I guess.

 

[LovingTheOrange]

As I was checking in for my 3:30 appointment, there was a lady in front of me explaining her situation: "I've been trying every day, I leave tomorrow, etc". She was told that there was nothing available. I later found out that my friend went to fsh around 4pm and was able to get a walk-in appointment.

She told me everyone in front of her had the same story, and were all told to try again. Then somehow she asked for one and they were happy to oblige. I said it's probably because she has an extensive purchase history (as I've seen from some tpf-ers' experience). She said they didn't even ask for her name until 30 mins after they already said she could get an appointment. *shrugs*

Another friend and I were staying across the street from fsh, so she wanted to try the same tactic for fun. She attempted at both 11AM and 4PM (when my other friend was able to get one), and was rejected both times hahah. Another one of fsh mysteries!

Some insight that may (or may not) be helpful:

• Everyone asking for a walk-in appointment has the same story, with different embellishments here or there. Just be nice and gracious, even if you're rejected!
• You don't have to be dressed head-to-toe in H to get a walk-in appointment.
• 4PM seems like the ideal time to check for cancellations/no-shows, as it's one of the latest appointment slots of the day. The store closes at 6:30 and it seems like they try to allocate at least 2h per appointment.
• 4PM is also the time when everyone shows up to ask for a walk-in appointment. At 3:30 (when I checked in), there was only 1 woman ahead of me and no one behind me. The queue for the podium gets long at 4.
• At that time, there is a mixture of responses that they will use to reject you. A simple 'no' after you explain your situation, asking you to continue to try the lottery, handing you a QR code for the website, and an immediate 'no' before you're even able to open your mouth.
• If you're with someone else, the SA will not be able to assist the other person during the walk-in appointment.
• I saw on another "popular purse site" that they no longer offer quota bags for walk-in appointments. My friend got a b25, so I don't think it's a rule.
• Even as a walk-in, the SA may choose to give you you his/her contact information to set up future appointments.

Now that I know someone who was able to get a walk-in appointment, score a quota bag, and receive the SA's info for future trips, my advice would be to keep trying lottery system but also to stop by the store around 4pm to ask! These are my personal observations and are not set rules by H.

 

[Letter]

I’ve been browsing the H website French version (via vpn) and wow the stuff you can just order in France. The cutest rodeos I’ve ever seen. Does that mean they are freely for sale in store as well? Not rationed as they seem to be in the US?

 

[Ali2012]

4PM seems like the ideal time to check for cancellations/no-shows, as it's one of the latest appointment slots of the day. The store closes at 6:30 and it seems like they try to allocate at least 2h per appointment.
4PM is also the time when everyone shows up to ask for a walk-in appointment. At 3:30 (when I checked in), there was only 1 woman ahead of me and no one behind me. The queue for the podium gets long at 4.

When I got my Evelyne last November, I first turned up at around 11am and the guy at the counter told me to stop by again later in the afternoon to see if anyone would be available to help, which I did, and got the bag although it wasn't a QB. When I got my Birkin, I approached the desk without an appt at around 3.30pm, so these points certainly align with my experience.

I have no idea if this helps, but both times I was clear about what I wanted told the person at the desk, ie: "I was hoping to pick up a B30 in a neutral colour while here. I've been trying the lottery system but haven't been successful etc..." Or: "I was hoping to get a mini Evelyne in orange or black, is this something for which I need an appointment?"...

Basically, I asked for a particular bag, NOT an appointment. Lots of people were asking about cancellations or asking for an appointment (some incredibly rudely!) and were being turned away. No idea if it works, but I'm currently 2 for 2 (hoping to be 3 for 3 when I go back in September if I don't get a KTG in my home store soon!) so I could be onto something. Both scores were at FSH, btw.

 

[Bdbunny]

I’ve been browsing the H website French version (via vpn) and wow the stuff you can just order in France. The cutest rodeos I’ve ever seen. Does that mean they are freely for sale in store as well? Not rationed as they seem to be in the US?

The online store for France has separate inventory from the physical stores, similar to the U.S. Some people order from the website and have it delivered to the store for pick up once they arrive in France. There are some posts about it so you can probably search for it. I've never done it before so I can't speak to the process but it seems very straightforward.

I would say the stock at FSH is better overall compared to the U.S. but again, it depends on what you're looking for and what happens to be available that particular day. For example I got a Birdy charm last August (had been waiting a year in the U.S. for one!) but a Pegase in a very specific color was not available the last time I was there a couple months ago. So I don't know that I would describe the situation as "freely available," especially if you have a particular color combination in mind. I would probably just order from the website and pick it up in store if you saw something you liked.

 

[LovingTheOrange]

When I got my Evelyne last November, I first turned up at around 11am and the guy at the counter told me to stop by again later in the afternoon to see if anyone would be available to help, which I did, and got the bag although it wasn't a QB. When I got my Birkin, I approached the desk without an appt at around 3.30pm, so these points certainly align with my experience.

I have no idea if this helps, but both times I was clear about what I wanted told the person at the desk, ie: "I was hoping to pick up a B30 in a neutral colour while here. I've been trying the lottery system but haven't been successful etc..." Or: "I was hoping to get a mini Evelyne in orange or black, is this something for which I need an appointment?"...

Basically, I asked for a particular bag, NOT an appointment. Lots of people were asking about cancellations or asking for an appointment (some incredibly rudely!) and were being turned away. No idea if it works, but I'm currently 2 for 2 (hoping to be 3 for 3 when I go back in September if I don't get a KTG in my home store soon!) so I could be onto something. Both scores were at FSH, btw.

2 for 2 is amazing! Wishing you luck in September as well.

 

[fashionpl]

This is interesting but doesn’t track with the recent experiences of quite a few of our other forum members who shop FSH mostly remotely with one SA and then visit 1-2 times a year and easily get appointments with their SA and several quota bags to choose from. I wonder how they pick and choose.

I feel very fortunate that I'm one of those people. I got a B25 through the lottery appointment last year (through DH) and have been back to Paris twice. Both times I was able to set up an appointment with my SA and both times were able to pick from one QB and one non QB. My husband and I travel to Paris at least twice a year and really get along with our SA. To be honest, we spend more time chatting with the SA than actually picking out the bags. . Good luck to everyone here in finding an SA that they enjoy talking to. And hopefully the dream bag will follow.

 

[xceleritas]

When I got my Evelyne last November, I first turned up at around 11am and the guy at the counter told me to stop by again later in the afternoon to see if anyone would be available to help, which I did, and got the bag although it wasn't a QB. When I got my Birkin, I approached the desk without an appt at around 3.30pm, so these points certainly align with my experience.

I have no idea if this helps, but both times I was clear about what I wanted told the person at the desk, ie: "I was hoping to pick up a B30 in a neutral colour while here. I've been trying the lottery system but haven't been successful etc..." Or: "I was hoping to get a mini Evelyne in orange or black, is this something for which I need an appointment?"...

Basically, I asked for a particular bag, NOT an appointment. Lots of people were asking about cancellations or asking for an appointment (some incredibly rudely!) and were being turned away. No idea if it works, but I'm currently 2 for 2 (hoping to be 3 for 3 when I go back in September if I don't get a KTG in my home store soon!) so I could be onto something. Both scores were at FSH, btw.

If you're looking to get a KTG - both Sevres and George V don't require an appointment!

 

[banislandresident]

Wanted to share a disappointing visit I had at the George V store a few days ago. I finally got an appointment for around 3PM after 2 weeks of trying. Originally it was at 6PM but then morning of it kept jumping around from 2 to 3PM then to 1:30PM and we had to scramble to get to the store.

After checking in at the desk, an SA approached us a few minutes later and got straight to the point - asking what I was looking for. No small talk, no asking if we wanted a drink or anything. I explained my preferences for a small bag - either B or K in a neutral color with ghw, or a C in a neutral color with ghw if B/K wasn't available. The SA left and came back super quickly - probably in around 5 minutes which was a bad sign. She brought out one box and I immediately knew it was a Constance. I was super excited until I saw the color was a bright ass yellow with phw and my heart sank. I respectfully passed on a bag since I was really hoping for a neutral/everyday bag. I then asked her if she had any mini lindys and she said there was none in stock, they didn't receive a shipment today so there were barely any bags available, and def no quota bags. I saw an SA showing some guys an evelyne at another table, so it could be possible there's really not much in the stockroom.

We were in and out in 15-20 minutes; I knew that there was a possibility of this happening esp since we were at the store with the least stock, but was still really hopeful/excited since I finally got an appointment after soooo long.

Now the question I have is: does getting an appointment hurt your chances of getting another lottery appointment? I didn't purchase any bags during this appointment, which I know can hurt your chances of getting another bag in a short time frame. I am in Paris for a few more weeks so will keep trying.