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.

 

[Love Of My Life]

I have to laugh sometimes bc these are after all simply bags. In H subforum, members sometimes describe clients of long tenure or high spend as VIPs. Others simply use a bag offer metric. And, among those of us lucky enough to get bag offers, a VIP would be someone who gets increasingly better offers and preferential treatment … while I’m not @hbr , the term VIP seems to be a an increasingly higher moving target lol

And that VIP status seems to be in the eye of the beholder..

 

[tinkerbell68]

I have to laugh sometimes bc these are after all simply bags.

THIS ^^^^^^^

I know it's easy to get things all out of perspective but, particularly in this thread, I remind myself that Paris itself is magical and getting all worked up about whether or not I get a lottery appointment or an SA is nice or I get a walk-in appointment only detracts from what should be an amazing visit to one of my favorite cities in the world. They're just bags...that I like

 

[Veritybelle]

THIS ^^^^^^^

I know it's easy to get things all out of perspective but, particularly in this thread, I remind myself that Paris itself is magical and getting all worked up about whether or not I get a lottery appointment or an SA is nice or I get a walk-in appointment only detracts from what should be an amazing visit to one of my favorite cities in the world. They're just bags...that I like

+2. When I read posts by people who seem to have spent their entire time in Paris ricocheting from one H boutique to the next in an endless cycle, hoping for an appointment that never comes, or (more and more often these days) is slightly disappointing when it does, I wonder about the value of those travel experiences. Paris is such a wonderful city and an H boutique, yes, even FSH, is just an H boutique.

 

[hbr]

@londonbridge1605
I guess the word VIP is really subjective. In regards to my comment about my dear friend, in my mind, and I think in her own mind, due to her long-standing loyalty to the house and her high spending across all metiers, that warrants being a VIP. She used to be given special order opportunities and exotics. I think these days things have changed and perhaps, those factors no longer warrant a VIP status.

 

[QuelleFromage]

+2. When I read posts by people who seem to have spent their entire time in Paris ricocheting from one H boutique to the next in an endless cycle, hoping for an appointment that never comes, or (more and more often these days) is slightly disappointing when it does, I wonder about the value of those travel experiences. Paris is such a wonderful city and an H boutique, yes, even FSH, is just an H boutique.

+3. I live here, and there are things to experience around nearly every corner that are (dare I say it) better than a handbag. I know shopping is a valid hobby like golf or fly-fishing or collecting ceramics or whatever, but still....

I guess the word VIP is really subjective. In regards to my comment about my dear friend, in my mind, and I think in her own mind, due to her long-standing loyalty to the house and her high spending across all metiers, that warrants being a VIP. She used to be given special order opportunities and exotics. I think these days things have changed and perhaps, those factors no longer warrant a VIP status.

This makes her a VIP at least in my eyes It is of course possible to lose an SA or SM and find oneself in a very different world, but this does usually even out; anyway, no one should judge themselves or others by their bag offer record. We also all know this is an unusual time with this particular brand and it is very very unlikely things stay this way.

 

[birkin_thirsty]

+3. I live here, and there are things to experience around nearly every corner that are (dare I say it) better than a handbag. I know shopping is a valid hobby like golf or fly-fishing or collecting ceramics or whatever, but still....

This makes her a VIP at least in my eyes It is of course possible to lose an SA or SM and find oneself in a very different world, but this does usually even out; anyway, no one should judge themselves or others by their bag offer record. We also all know this is an unusual time with this particular brand and it is very very unlikely things stay this way.

I’m curious to know why you think it unlikely for things to stay this way? i think some may have guessed in the early 2000s with that scene in SATC, that things weren’t likely to stay that way, but competition has only gotten more aggressive. But I’m a newer collector so have a bit of difficulty reading the tarot cards here

 

[stephbb9]

Does anyone have any pictures of the displays in the stores in Paris please?
I would love some eye candy until I get there hopefully soon.

 

[periogirl28]

Does anyone have any pictures of the displays in the stores in Paris please?
I would love some eye candy until I get there hopefully soon.

Ok here you go. It might have changed since I was there a couple weeks ago. I randomly took these as they packed my things at the counter.
FSH internal display on the floor near the cashiers. 😘

 

[sakurablossoms1234]

@londonbridge1605
I guess the word VIP is really subjective. In regards to my comment about my dear friend, in my mind, and I think in her own mind, due to her long-standing loyalty to the house and her high spending across all metiers, that warrants being a VIP. She used to be given special order opportunities and exotics. I think these days things have changed and perhaps, those factors no longer warrant a VIP status.

I have to emoji laugh sometimes bc these are after all simply bags. In H subforum, members sometimes describe clients of long tenure or high spend as VIPs. Others simply use a bag offer metric. And, among those of us lucky enough to get bag offers, a VIP would be someone who gets increasingly better or more offers and preferential treatment … while I’m not @hbr , the term VIP seems to be a an increasingly higher moving target lol

Chiming in on the definition of VIP status in Paris as well as other global Hermes stores.

What I’ve enjoyed across different countries

1. Invites to attend RTW trunk shows
2. Invites to attend private sale
3. Invites to attend expositions/events on pre-launch day
4. Invites to client parties/dinners
5. Opportunities for exotic SO
6. Opportunities for normal SO
7. Opportunities for watch SO
8. Seasons Greetings card from boutique
9. Blue box offers

Why I don’t consider myself a VIP

1. No birthday bouquets
2. No festive gifts sent to home
3. No dedicated charge de clientele in Paris (but I have a SA who helps me across departments and gives QB offers)
4. Don’t hit 200K prespend annually (this number has been floating around on TPF)
5. Not considered longstanding client of any store - I’m an expatriate who moves from country to country for work every few years so my client duration with specific stores are generally 3-5 years. But overall I’ve been an Hermes client for 15 years +.

 

[papertiger]

To stay on-topic, can we get to Paris (only) TY

 

[stephbb9]

Ok here you go. It might have changed since I was there a couple weeks ago. I randomly took these as they packed my things at the counter.
FSH internal display on the floor near the cashiers. 😘

Thank you!😊

 

[Kuma_Lisa]

My DH and I will be visiting Paris in July, and I am really excited! This is only my second time in Paris, and my first time ever was last year. We went to FSH the last time, but I was so overwhelmed and nervous at the time and felt like I was an imposter and not really worthy of being there (all made up in my head, I know). I managed to ask to purchase a belt and that was it! Haha! So I would love to go back to FSH in more relaxed mindset this year and really enjoy their beautiful displays and look through a large variety of items they have there. Regarding the workshops and their rooftop garden, unless you are fortunate enough to have a prior arrangement made, we cannot be a walk-in customer and ask to tour.. correct? I also would love to go to Sèvres boutique for their library and cafe, and I am wondering 1) how difficult it is to get in to the boutique (how bad is the line/queue to enter?) and 2) how difficult is it to get a table at the cafe nowadays? And lastly, between all three boutiques, which boutique has the most furniture pieces for sale on display? Thank you in advance for all the Hermes Paris veterans here for sharing any insight🙏

 

[coffee2go]

+2. When I read posts by people who seem to have spent their entire time in Paris ricocheting from one H boutique to the next in an endless cycle, hoping for an appointment that never comes, or (more and more often these days) is slightly disappointing when it does, I wonder about the value of those travel experiences. Paris is such a wonderful city and an H boutique, yes, even FSH, is just an H boutique.

Same! I’ve been to Paris many times and never wanted to waste time playing H game, this time I scored the lottery appointment by a pure luck on a first try, which was the cherry on top of this trip.

Also since I travel a lot, seeing all the same boutiques everywhere, doesn’t make me interested in going to the same stores in different countries, since most of the items can be found online anyway. But I like to window shop if there’re different concepts used for each country/market, like Hermes does

My DH and I will be visiting Paris in July, and I am really excited! This is only my second time in Paris, and my first time ever was last year. We went to FSH the last time, but I was so overwhelmed and nervous at the time and felt like I was an imposter and not really worthy of being there (all made up in my head, I know). I managed to ask to purchase a belt and that was it! Haha! So I would love to go back to FSH in more relaxed mindset this year and really enjoy their beautiful displays and look through a large variety of items they have there. Regarding the workshops and their rooftop garden, unless you are fortunate enough to have a prior arrangement made, we cannot be a walk-in customer and ask to tour.. correct? I also would love to go to Sèvres boutique for their library and cafe, and I am wondering 1) how difficult it is to get in to the boutique (how bad is the line/queue to enter?) and 2) how difficult is it to get a table at the cafe nowadays? And lastly, between all three boutiques, which boutique has the most furniture pieces for sale on display? Thank you in advance for all the Hermes Paris veterans here for sharing any insight🙏

Please please don’t ever consider yourself “not enough” for Hermes! After all, even if you buy the cheapest thing at the store, you’re a Client, with capital C!, giving them your hard earned money. I can relate that seeing really crazy expensive items and the vibe in general can make one’s inner critic feel not “deserving” to be there (also I feel like French vibe is just a bit snobbish and alienating at times😅), but you should remind yourself that it’s SA’s job to assist clients, so even if you’re not spending $$$ today or each time you visit, it doesn’t mean you’re any less than someone else. It’s all about the mindset!

Before my first leather appointment at FSH, what made me feel really good that day was going for a nice breakfast with my DH and then going to my favorite place in Paris, Place Vendôme, to admire all the beautiful architecture and then walk through the Ritz, I’d love to spend more time there that morning, but my appointment was constantly moved up in time, so at some point I got fed up and we just went straight to the store. Anyway, I think dressing comfortably and feeling your best is the best way to approach any SA, just be kind and gentle, and good luck with your Hermes plans and enjoy Paris!

 

[tinkerbell68]

My DH and I will be visiting Paris in July, and I am really excited! This is only my second time in Paris, and my first time ever was last year. We went to FSH the last time, but I was so overwhelmed and nervous at the time and felt like I was an imposter and not really worthy of being there (all made up in my head, I know). I managed to ask to purchase a belt and that was it! Haha! So I would love to go back to FSH in more relaxed mindset this year and really enjoy their beautiful displays and look through a large variety of items they have there. Regarding the workshops and their rooftop garden, unless you are fortunate enough to have a prior arrangement made, we cannot be a walk-in customer and ask to tour.. correct? I also would love to go to Sèvres boutique for their library and cafe, and I am wondering 1) how difficult it is to get in to the boutique (how bad is the line/queue to enter?) and 2) how difficult is it to get a table at the cafe nowadays? And lastly, between all three boutiques, which boutique has the most furniture pieces for sale on display? Thank you in advance for all the Hermes Paris veterans here for sharing any insight🙏

I’m afraid I can’t answer your questions re FSH as I am definitely not a VIP though I will say it was VERY crowded when we visited briefly in May just to admire all the displays.
I love the Sevres store which I think of as my local as we always stay nearby. I have visited many many times and have only seen a line at opening (presumably people with appointments or hoping for appointments!) As for the cafe, I have often seen vacant tables but I’ve only visited in the spring and fall and have no idea what it might be like in the summer particularly given the Olympics.

 

[Kuma_Lisa]

Same! I’ve been to Paris many times and never wanted to waste time playing H game, this time I scored the lottery appointment by a pure luck on a first try, which was the cherry on top of this trip.

Also since I travel a lot, seeing all the same boutiques everywhere, doesn’t make me interested in going to the same stores in different countries, since most of the items can be found online anyway. But I like to window shop if there’re different concepts used for each country/market, like Hermes does


Please please don’t ever consider yourself “not enough” for Hermes! After all, even if you buy the cheapest thing at the store, you’re a Client, with capital C!, giving them your hard earned money. I can relate that seeing really crazy expensive items and the vibe in general can make one’s inner critic feel not “deserving” to be there (also I feel like French vibe is just a bit snobbish and alienating at times😅), but you should remind yourself that it’s SA’s job to assist clients, so even if you’re not spending $$$ today or each time you visit, it doesn’t mean you’re any less than someone else. It’s all about the mindset!

Before my first leather appointment at FSH, what made me feel really good that day was going for a nice breakfast with my DH and then going to my favorite place in Paris, Place Vendôme, to admire all the beautiful architecture and then walk through the Ritz, I’d love to spend more time there that morning, but my appointment was constantly moved up in time, so at some point I got fed up and we just went straight to the store. Anyway, I think dressing comfortably and feeling your best is the best way to approach any SA, just be kind and gentle, and good luck with your Hermes plans and enjoy Paris!

Thank you so much for your kind reply and word of encouragement! We are fully committed to not let H consume our energy in Paris but really enjoy being there. We still would love to visit the boutiques but without putting too much pressure on ourselves or get attached to a particular outcome! Will report back!