Paris trip for Hermes

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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.
 
I am now catching up with some of the recent posts, and wanted to share some of my thoughts. Please see below:

Of course, I'm hoping for a leather appointment, but for now, the Picotin 18 and CTG would make me very happy.
Picotin 18 is possible; I got it (in Ostrich) through walk-in at FSH. I also got an offer for mini Picotin, but declined it. I have also asked about CTG in the Dept of SLGs on the first floor of FSH. The SA checked my profile and asked me to wait. But, the SA came back with empty hands. The SA asked me to come visit again in other days, but I didn't have time for further visits as I came back to the US. I hope you have a great time in Paris!

Some people believe high spend is key, but my SAs have always told me that it simply doesn’t matter bc there is no commission. From this thread, I’m not sure that being local makes a difference either.
Agreed. What I love about Hermes stores in Paris was that no pre-spend was assumed. So, I just bought the items however I want through different SAs and stores.

But, it is important to note this: The SA in Sevres told/advised me that it is better to stick with 1 store and 1 SA and work on it consistently in the future (even if multiple SAs are acting cool with me since I am not local, perhaps...?).

I’ll share my story. While I’ve always had a permanent SA in my home city, I’ve been shopping with various SAs in Paris during my vacays over the years until one day, one of the leather SAs whom I got on well with during a leather appt extended her mobile number to me for future visits. I took it as a sign that she’s taking me on as her regular client and stuck to her loyally. She’s now my forever SA.

How does one get picked up you ask..hmmm it could be a combination of various factors - luck, rapport, a well rounded profile across metiers, potential as a long term client and not one who will disappear after scoring a QB. It’s all part of maintaining the relationship with your SA I guess. I don’t know how else to describe this either. Of course. The high spenders have their special route.
I also agree with this. In my recent trip to Paris, I actually shopped with various SAs in FSH and Sevres. I was hoping to find one SA who can potentially be my permanent SA, but did not have that luck. I guess I still need to work on finding the right SA... But, it just is so difficult because SAs perceive me as non-local, etc.

The last time in December at FSH they processed the VAT without having to do a return. There was even a dedicated SA to retrieve and handle online orders. It was an easy process.
Agreed. I've done it and confirm that this is an easy process.

I would love to hear your experiences in scoring non-QBs, specifically mini lindys and other sought after popular models in Paris 😊
Non-QBs are doable/possible. I declined all non-QBs, including Geta, Roulis, etc. But, I have seen many others getting non-QBs offered. Hope this helps!
 
In Paris, I only shop at FSH. My FSH SA can cross departments including leather, and every visit I have gotten a QB offer and a non QB offer. My FSH SA sometimes brings in another SA for men’s RTW for DH. In the US, I only shop with my local home store. In both cases, I do not have a wish list. The Sas choose based on what they know of my preferences. My FSH spend is minimal compared to my local store.
 
In Paris, I only shop at FSH. My FSH SA can cross departments including leather, and every visit I have gotten a QB offer and a non QB offer. My FSH SA sometimes brings in another SA for men’s RTW for DH. In the US, I only shop with my local home store. In both cases, I do not have a wish list. The Sas choose based on what they know of my preferences. My FSH spend is minimal.
 
I am now catching up with some of the recent posts, and wanted to share some of my thoughts. Please see below:


Picotin 18 is possible; I got it (in Ostrich) through walk-in at FSH. I also got an offer for mini Picotin, but declined it. I have also asked about CTG in the Dept of SLGs on the first floor of FSH. The SA checked my profile and asked me to wait. But, the SA came back with empty hands. The SA asked me to come visit again in other days, but I didn't have time for further visits as I came back to the US. I hope you have a great time in Paris!


Agreed. What I love about Hermes stores in Paris was that no pre-spend was assumed. So, I just bought the items however I want through different SAs and stores.

But, it is important to note this: The SA in Sevres told/advised me that it is better to stick with 1 store and 1 SA and work on it consistently in the future (even if multiple SAs are acting cool with me since I am not local, perhaps...?).


I also agree with this. In my recent trip to Paris, I actually shopped with various SAs in FSH and Sevres. I was hoping to find one SA who can potentially be my permanent SA, but did not have that luck. I guess I still need to work on finding the right SA... But, it just is so difficult because SAs perceive me as non-local, etc.


Agreed. I've done it and confirm that this is an easy process.


Non-QBs are doable/possible. I declined all non-QBs, including Geta, Roulis, etc. But, I have seen many others getting non-QBs offered. Hope this helps!
In regards to non QB, you said you declined them all. Was the picotin purchased by another person in your party?
 
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In regards to non QB, you said you declined them all. Was the picotin purchased by another person in your party?

While getting 2 bags (Kelly messenger GM and B35) for myself (and I did not have to go through the lottery system), my sister has attempted the leather appointment via online everyday. She was not able to secure it at all. (She has an account in Paris and had about 3,000€ spent in her account.) So, in Day 8, I walked into the FSH with her and asked for any possible cancellations. (She doesn't speak English or French, so I had to deal with everything in English.) We were then paired with one of the leather SAs and went to the 2nd floor (or the 1st floor in France, lol). She was originally hoping to get a B30 touch (or other regular B30 in etoupe, etc.), but they did not offer any B or K. So, she ended up getting Picotin 18 in Ostrich (black/GHW).

PS. Because this Picotin 18 was under my sister's account, I did not include it in my "My Collection."
 
I am now catching up with some of the recent posts, and wanted to share some of my thoughts. Please see below:


Picotin 18 is possible; I got it (in Ostrich) through walk-in at FSH. I also got an offer for mini Picotin, but declined it. I have also asked about CTG in the Dept of SLGs on the first floor of FSH. The SA checked my profile and asked me to wait. But, the SA came back with empty hands. The SA asked me to come visit again in other days, but I didn't have time for further visits as I came back to the US. I hope you have a great time in Paris!


Agreed. What I love about Hermes stores in Paris was that no pre-spend was assumed. So, I just bought the items however I want through different SAs and stores.

But, it is important to note this: The SA in Sevres told/advised me that it is better to stick with 1 store and 1 SA and work on it consistently in the future (even if multiple SAs are acting cool with me since I am not local, perhaps...?).


I also agree with this. In my recent trip to Paris, I actually shopped with various SAs in FSH and Sevres. I was hoping to find one SA who can potentially be my permanent SA, but did not have that luck. I guess I still need to work on finding the right SA... But, it just is so difficult because SAs perceive me as non-local, etc.


Agreed. I've done it and confirm that this is an easy process.


Non-QBs are doable/possible. I declined all non-QBs, including Geta, Roulis, etc. But, I have seen many others getting non-QBs offered. Hope this helps!
Congratulations on a stupendous Hermes shopping trip! So lucky on all fronts! So lucky your friend who works at Hermes was able to hook you up with a leather appointment, and did I read this correctly, you scored TWO walk-in appointments at 2 different stores, Sevres and FSH? Can you tell us your secret?? Some people have said they have better luck going in the afternoon, what did you think? Also, what did you say to get the walk-in appointment? Did you ask the leather desk specifically for a men's bag and specifically for a Picotin? Do you think that was a better strategy than asking for a cancellation?

Also why didn't you just get the picotin at your leather appointment? Do you think you could have asked the leather SA who sold you the B35 for a pictoin later? Was it the same leather SA who helped you last time you went to FSH? You said you're still looking for a permanent SA... would you consider them your "permanent SA"?

You really did get some very special bags. I love the bleu de prusse color as well. We would love to hear more details so we can be lucky like you too!

Ah ETA: just saw your recent post that you went with your sister back to FSH...but would still love know if you think a specific time of day helped and what exactly you said to get a walk in appt! Did your sister ask for a cancellation or specifically for a Picotin?
 
Congratulations on a stupendous Hermes shopping trip! So lucky on all fronts! So lucky your friend who works at Hermes was able to hook you up with a leather appointment, and did I read this correctly, you scored TWO walk-in appointments at 2 different stores, Sevres and FSH? Can you tell us your secret?? Some people have said they have better luck going in the afternoon, what did you think? Also, what did you say to get the walk-in appointment? Did you ask the leather desk specifically for a men's bag and specifically for a Picotin? Do you think that was a better strategy than asking for a cancellation?

Also why didn't you just get the picotin at your leather appointment? Do you think you could have asked the leather SA who sold you the B35 for a pictoin later? Was it the same leather SA who helped you last time you went to FSH? You said you're still looking for a permanent SA... would you consider them your "permanent SA"?

You really did get some very special bags. I love the bleu de prusse color as well. We would love to hear more details so we can be lucky like you too!

Ah ETA: just saw your recent post that you went with your sister back to FSH...but would still love know if you think a specific time of day helped and what exactly you said to get a walk in appt! Did your sister ask for a cancellation or specifically for a Picotin?

Sure! Let me try to elaborate the best I can:
- Before I leave for my trip to Paris, I only had 1 leather appointment confirmed at FSH.
- Day 1: Arrived in Paris; Didn't go to any of H stores. I just checked-in, had dinner, and relaxed.
- Day 2: Went to FSH and got multiple small non-leather items (e.g., tableware).
- Day 3: I just walked into Sevres; went to the leather reception (downstairs) and asked them that I want a men's bag. They checked my profile and asked me to wait. When I finally got paired with the SA, I asked her that I want a Kelly messenger (a PM size, any neutral color, and PHW). The SA came back with a big orange box. She said that they don't have any PM size and only has a GM size left. I tried it on and accepted it.
- Day 5: I showed up for the leather appointment at FSH. I asked for B35 black/PHW/any leather. They did not have the specs I wanted. I was offered to pick either bleu de prusse or bleu jean; both were in togo and GHW. I accepted the bleu de prusse one. The SA also offered me some other non-QBs (e.g., Geta, Roulis, Picotin, etc.), but I declined them all. (My sister and I had no interest for non-QBs anyway...)
- Days 6-8: I kept shopping and got small items (e.g., leather tray, men's RTW, etc.) + I had a 1 day trip to Belgium.
- Day 8: I just helped my sister scoring a Picotin 18 in Ostrich (black/GHW). We just asked for any cancellation and did not mention any specific bags. She originally had no desire of getting a non-QB, but when she saw Picotin in Ostrich, she changed her mind. lol. Prior to Hermes, she shopped at Chanel (located in 19 Rue Cambon). So, we went to the FSH late afternoon. (I honestly don't know if late afternoon was good, but it just worked out for us.)
- Day 9: Came back in the US. (My flight was at 1 pm-ish, so didn't do any shopping.)

*Note: I had all different SAs at FSH and Sevres for all bags and non-leather items.

Some additional thoughts:
- I was in FSH and Sevres last January. So, some of SAs actually recognized me. I am not sure if that was helpful.
- To me, it is easier to score a QB in Paris but not with the exact specs I want. In January, I was hoping to get a B40 or K42 during my leather appointment in FSH, and both of them were not available. So, I got a B30 (gris pale and PHW) for my sister. This time, I was actually hoping to get a B35 in black/PHW or PHW with any neutral colors that are not etoupe, blue or green. But, I ended up getting a blue one in GHW. (But, after getting it, I became a fan of it...)
- So, in my home store in the US, I may have to play the game of "pre-spend" and "SA relationship," but my SA will help me get the bag with the exact specs I want. (But, I may have to wait for a long time...) In Paris, I will get a QB easier and instantly (with minimal spending and no SA relationship) but the specs are random.
- I've been shopping at Hermes less than a year thus far. I am getting very close to get it done. But, I am also considering to continue shopping at FSH regularly (twice a year or so) since I have always had great time there. (I actually have lots of mixed feelings with my home store in Madison Maison, and I am not a big fan of "pre-spend" things in the US.)

Hope this helps!
 
Sure! Let me try to elaborate the best I can:
- Before I leave for my trip to Paris, I only had 1 leather appointment confirmed at FSH.
- Day 1: Arrived in Paris; Didn't go to any of H stores. I just checked-in, had dinner, and relaxed.
- Day 2: Went to FSH and got multiple small non-leather items (e.g., tableware).
- Day 3: I just walked into Sevres; went to the leather reception (downstairs) and asked them that I want a men's bag. They checked my profile and asked me to wait. When I finally got paired with the SA, I asked her that I want a Kelly messenger (a PM size, any neutral color, and PHW). The SA came back with a big orange box. She said that they don't have any PM size and only has a GM size left. I tried it on and accepted it.
- Day 5: I showed up for the leather appointment at FSH. I asked for B35 black/PHW/any leather. They did not have the specs I wanted. I was offered to pick either bleu de prusse or bleu jean; both were in togo and GHW. I accepted the bleu de prusse one. The SA also offered me some other non-QBs (e.g., Geta, Roulis, Picotin, etc.), but I declined them all. (My sister and I had no interest for non-QBs anyway...)
- Days 6-8: I kept shopping and got small items (e.g., leather tray, men's RTW, etc.) + I had a 1 day trip to Belgium.
- Day 8: I just helped my sister scoring a Picotin 18 in Ostrich (black/GHW). We just asked for any cancellation and did not mention any specific bags. She originally had no desire of getting a non-QB, but when she saw Picotin in Ostrich, she changed her mind. lol. Prior to Hermes, she shopped at Chanel (located in 19 Rue Cambon). So, we went to the FSH late afternoon. (I honestly don't know if late afternoon was good, but it just worked out for us.)
- Day 9: Came back in the US. (My flight was at 1 pm-ish, so didn't do any shopping.)

*Note: I had all different SAs at FSH and Sevres for all bags and non-leather items.

Some additional thoughts:
- I was in FSH and Sevres last January. So, some of SAs actually recognized me. I am not sure if that was helpful.
- To me, it is easier to score a QB in Paris but not with the exact specs I want. In January, I was hoping to get a B40 or K42 during my leather appointment in FSH, and both of them were not available. So, I got a B30 (gris pale and PHW) for my sister. This time, I was actually hoping to get a B35 in black/PHW or PHW with any neutral colors that are not etoupe, blue or green. But, I ended up getting a blue one in GHW. (But, after getting it, I became a fan of it...)
- So, in my home store in the US, I may have to play the game of "pre-spend" and "SA relationship," but my SA will help me get the bag with the exact specs I want. (But, I may have to wait for a long time...) In Paris, I will get a QB easier and instantly (with minimal spending and no SA relationship) but the specs are random.
- I've been shopping at Hermes less than a year thus far. I am getting very close to get it done. But, I am also considering to continue shopping at FSH regularly (twice a year or so) since I have always had great time there. (I actually have lots of mixed feelings with my home store in Madison Maison, and I am not a big fan of "pre-spend" things in the US.)

Hope this helps!
Ah thanks for that info! Sounds like you did indeed get very lucky! And maybe late afternoon is a good time to try the leather desk lol.

Btw, just wondering, you said you had different SAs for everything... was it the same leather SA who helped you with the B35 this time as last time you were at FSH?

I also really enjoy my shopping trips to Paris and I prefer it to shopping in the US honestly. I do have an "everything SA" at FSH who sells across categories and I usually make my appointments directly with my SA and we have a great relationship. And of course it's always a joy to visit Paris!
 
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Ah thanks for that info! Sounds like you did indeed get very lucky! And maybe late afternoon is a good time to try the leather desk lol.

Btw, just wondering, you said you had different SAs for everything... was it the same leather SA who helped you with the B35 this time as last time you were at FSH?

I also really enjoy my shopping trips to Paris and I prefer it to shopping in the US honestly. I do have an "everything SA" at FSH who sells across categories and I usually make my appointments directly my SA and we have a great relationship. And of course it's always a joy to visit Paris!

I had all 3 different leather SAs at FSH for B30 in January, and B35 and Picotin 18 this month.

Oh, I forgot to mention one more thing: In Sevres, the SA that offered me the Kelly Messenger said that the SAs rotate their departments. So, she worked in the leather dept when I got the bag. But, in other days, she works in RTW, etc. (I thought it would make sense since they don't get commission??)

I also love H stores in Paris because all items were like 30% cheaper than the US after accounting for the tax refund and exchange rate.

For my jacket (https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/jeu-d-adresse-varsity-jacket-H457810HA01XXS/), for example, I paid 1,500€ in Paris. But, I would get the 150€ refund (10%). So, it would be (1500-150) x 1.09 [exchange rate] = USD $1,471.50 for me. If I had gotten the same jacket in Madison Maison, I would have to pay for $1,950 + taxes (8.875%) = $2,123.06. So, I saved $651.56 (=2,123.06 - 1,471.50) for this jacket alone. It was a fun part of trip, and makes me feel comfortable to coming back to Paris more regularly. :biggrin:
 
Sure! Let me try to elaborate the best I can:
- Before I leave for my trip to Paris, I only had 1 leather appointment confirmed at FSH.
- Day 1: Arrived in Paris; Didn't go to any of H stores. I just checked-in, had dinner, and relaxed.
- Day 2: Went to FSH and got multiple small non-leather items (e.g., tableware).
- Day 3: I just walked into Sevres; went to the leather reception (downstairs) and asked them that I want a men's bag. They checked my profile and asked me to wait. When I finally got paired with the SA, I asked her that I want a Kelly messenger (a PM size, any neutral color, and PHW). The SA came back with a big orange box. She said that they don't have any PM size and only has a GM size left. I tried it on and accepted it.
- Day 5: I showed up for the leather appointment at FSH. I asked for B35 black/PHW/any leather. They did not have the specs I wanted. I was offered to pick either bleu de prusse or bleu jean; both were in togo and GHW. I accepted the bleu de prusse one. The SA also offered me some other non-QBs (e.g., Geta, Roulis, Picotin, etc.), but I declined them all. (My sister and I had no interest for non-QBs anyway...)
- Days 6-8: I kept shopping and got small items (e.g., leather tray, men's RTW, etc.) + I had a 1 day trip to Belgium.
- Day 8: I just helped my sister scoring a Picotin 18 in Ostrich (black/GHW). We just asked for any cancellation and did not mention any specific bags. She originally had no desire of getting a non-QB, but when she saw Picotin in Ostrich, she changed her mind. lol. Prior to Hermes, she shopped at Chanel (located in 19 Rue Cambon). So, we went to the FSH late afternoon. (I honestly don't know if late afternoon was good, but it just worked out for us.)
- Day 9: Came back in the US. (My flight was at 1 pm-ish, so didn't do any shopping.)

*Note: I had all different SAs at FSH and Sevres for all bags and non-leather items.

Some additional thoughts:
- I was in FSH and Sevres last January. So, some of SAs actually recognized me. I am not sure if that was helpful.
- To me, it is easier to score a QB in Paris but not with the exact specs I want. In January, I was hoping to get a B40 or K42 during my leather appointment in FSH, and both of them were not available. So, I got a B30 (gris pale and PHW) for my sister. This time, I was actually hoping to get a B35 in black/PHW or PHW with any neutral colors that are not etoupe, blue or green. But, I ended up getting a blue one in GHW. (But, after getting it, I became a fan of it...)
- So, in my home store in the US, I may have to play the game of "pre-spend" and "SA relationship," but my SA will help me get the bag with the exact specs I want. (But, I may have to wait for a long time...) In Paris, I will get a QB easier and instantly (with minimal spending and no SA relationship) but the specs are random.
- I've been shopping at Hermes less than a year thus far. I am getting very close to get it done. But, I am also considering to continue shopping at FSH regularly (twice a year or so) since I have always had great time there. (I actually have lots of mixed feelings with my home store in Madison Maison, and I am not a big fan of "pre-spend" things in the US.)

Hope this helps!

Congrats! It’s encouraging to hear success stories like yours.

Mind if I ask how much you have spent in FSH (or other H stores in Paris) on non-leather (non-bags) items before your B/K offers?
 
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Congrats! It’s encouraging to hear success stories like yours.

Mind if I ask how much you have spent in FSH (or other H stores in Paris) on non-leather (non-bags) items before your B/K offers?

January 2024:
- Opened a new account in FSH with 950€ spent on a sweater.
- Next day, during my leather appointment, I got:
1) Kelly Depeches 36 (vert de gris; Togo; PHW)​
2) Birkin 30 retourne (gris pale; Epsom; PHW)​
- Even after acquiring these 2 bags, I still spent around 6,000€ in other metiers across FSH and Sevres because I wanted to and it was way cheaper than the US.

June 2024:
- Before my leather appointment, I spent about 1,800€ in other metiers across both FSH and Sevres (mainly tableware and men's RTW).
- Then, I got 2 bags offered in different days:
3) Kelly Messenger retourne GM (fauve; Barenia Faubourg; PHW)​
4) Birkin 35 retourne (bleu de prusse; Togo; GHW)​
- Even after acquiring these 2 bags, I still spent around 4,000€ in other departments (mainly men's RTW) because it was, again, so cheaper than the US.

I felt much more comfortable spending my money and time in Paris when there was no "pre-spend", "waiting", or "SA relationship" game. I literally had no pressure about "pre-spend" things in Paris, and that's why I love Hermes in Paris so much.
 
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