Hi everyone! I’ve been following this thread for a few years and wanted to share my non-QB success story. I’m trying to be detailed, so it’ll be long:
I was in Paris for a week, and applied daily with no results. After having a beautiful and lovely week in both Marseille and Paris, I dedicated my last day to Hermès. I lined up at FSH before opening and walked around for a second to muster some courage 😂 After people had cleared out, I politely (in French) asked for any availability. The host asked me to come back and try again at noon.
I came back at noon and a different hostess instructed me that the store was very behind on appointments and I could try to come back at 3pm. At this point, I really debated coming back for a 3rd time. I thought it could be a run-around, but having done everything I wanted to on my vacation I went back at 3.
When I came back, the line was 5 people long. They were dressed FABULOUSLY—all with beautiful quota bags. Every single one was denied an appointment. I lost a lot of hope when I saw them all get denied. Somehow, I caught the eye of the 10:30am host I spoke with at the stand and they smiled at me. I immediately took that as my signal and went over. I said (in French) hello again and that I was told to try coming back at 3. They said they remembered me and instructed me to “follow them”. I still feel like the luckiest person ever for getting a walk-in leather appointment.
While I was waiting on a leather sales associate to help me, I realized that the host never asked me what bag I was looking for. I took that as my opportunity to shoot my shot again and ask for a B25 or B30. When I asked, I said “I know this is absolutely impossible”. The sales associate replied very positively and didn’t immediately say “no BKC” like I’ve seen many times in this thread. To be quite honest, a Mini Kelly is likely waiting for me at my home store and the whole point of my attempt at a leather appointment was to get a beautiful Arçon bag. BUT! It’s a freaking leather appointment at THE Hermès so of course I’m going to ask for my first Birkin!
The SA wanted me to practice my French (very kind) so we spoke in French for a bit and I told them my color preferences. I took a big risk, and when they asked if that’s “all I was looking for” I said yes. They said “if I come back empty handed, you’ll be okay with this”? I said “yes. I’m just happy to be here.”
They came back with 3 boxes in 10 minutes. I knew as soon as they left that I had made some mistakes with my preferences. I was too wishy washy on 25 or 30, and didn’t even specify hardware. Regardless, they came back with a mini jypsiere, an Evelyne, and a Geta bag. I tried them on and we talked about colors and leathers. I think I showed a lot of love/knowledge for the brand at that time and they enjoyed it. I then politely asked for an Arçon bag and was immediately brought out the most beautiful bag I’ve ever seen. It was exactly what I wanted: Arçon in Barenia + Barenia Faubourg.
At the end of the day, I feel so excited to have had the experience and got to shoot my shot. I took home a gorgeous bag that I’m going to love forever. It was a beautiful and lovely day. Thank you to all of you guys for the tips, pointers, and encouragement.
Note about FSH: I have seen a lot of people complaining about how “rude” sales associate are there. To be very straightforward, I have never had a more lovely experience at Hermès (besides my home store). I made small talk with at least 5 different SAs and talked about everything with them from D-Day 😂 to the weather in the UK. I visited the store 3 times (+ 3 various days for various items) and literally the sales associates were SMILING at me. Sometimes, you get what energy you give 🤷🏽♀️
