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.

 

[C4l3B]

My Paris experience isn't over yet. Honestly, I have another week here. But here are my notes so far...

On the morning of the first day I made my purchase at the FSH store, and same day at 6 PM, I got my first bag as a walk-in at the Sevres store. It was a Picotin 18.

When I said I couldn't get an appointment at Sevres, they asked if I had a profile in the country. My profile had the belt and scarf I bought that day. They asked which bag I wanted, and the SA came directly with the bag in the color and size I wanted.

Later, my second purchase with the same SA was home goods. I didn't ask for a bag, but at the end of that shopping trip, the SA gave me her card.

I went to the FSH store a second time to pick up the scarf I had ordered online. While complaining about not being able to get an appointment, I found myself upstairs.

In this context, I directly asked for a Kelly 25 Sellier, specified a specific color, but also mentioned that if that color wasn't available, black or etoupe would work too. I emphasized that if there was a Kelly in another color, I would like a Constance to go in the specific color I wanted.

The SA really wanted to give me something, so he brought a Constance Elan in the color range I specified. I think the best offer you can get in a walk-in appointment is a Constance.

Now I have a connection with at least two SAs. Their behavior towards me was delightful.

I don't want to seem ungrateful. Getting two bags in a week in Paris should be a good result, I suppose. However, my dream Kelly is still my goal.

You can get B and Ks from walk in appts. My wife haven’t had success for lottery appts for the past 3 years in fact never had any. But she has walk in appts every year.. I have no idea how.. it’s just her.. and she doesn’t speak French..

 

[Itsnotabagitsabirkin]

Agreed- just try to enjoy the moment and ask for what you are hoping for….its kind of the SA to make time for you- so I think you are already in a better position than most. Just remember, the reason the magic happens is because you have absolutely no power in the process- your only power is your positive attitude! Good luck- and I think you have already “won”- how nice to be remembered after many years!!!

Great advice thankyou

 

[Hermes❤️er]

Aside from FSH, does George V and Sevres also have SAs only able to sell in one department?

Yes both do. Sevres has been my home store for over a year when I’m in Paris, which is every 2-3 months but I purchase from George V and FSH at times too if what I’m after is only available there and in my personal experience not all SAs can sell across all departments x

 

[rumes]

You can get B and Ks from walk in appts. My wife haven’t had success for lottery appts for the past 3 years in fact never had any. But she has walk in appts every year.. I have no idea how.. it’s just her.. and she doesn’t speak French..

That’s wonderful then 😍😍😍😍😍

 

[PhoebsKC]

Hi everyone, I have been researching in the forum for a while but never posted. I moved to Paris last summer (American) and recently became interested in Hermes, specifically the Picotin 22. I have been requesting Leather Appointments through the lottery rather religiously for myself and my husband since December with no luck so far. I work near FSH so I will sometimes drop in to check for cancellations but the answer is always no, even when I specify that I just want a Picotin/non-QB and have said that I am local. I also had no luck when stopping by George V on one occasion. A week or two ago my husband and I went in to FSH and hit it off with an SA in scarves so I ended up purchasing a few items I had been wanting for some time for my anniversary. The SA said she was not able to assist me with bags (maybe she was less senior based on other discussions here?) and my purchases in Paris have had no effect on my lottery luck thus far. Would you all recommend that I try establishing a relationship with an SA in another store (I am interested in some Twillys and possibly some sandals once summer weather actually comes to Paris) either in Paris (Sevres?) or elsewhere in France on future travels (thinking Strasbourg or Lyon)? Also open to other tips from locals. Thank you!

I realize I never did an update to my post, here it is:

I was near the Sevres location for lunch about a week after posting here on PF and decided to pop in and try my luck. All of the SAs were very friendly and when first approached I said I was interested in a Picotin 22 and some twillys. I was directed downstairs to the leather desk to see about appointments. There was a short line and the two people before me were turned away. Once my turn, I said I was interested in a Picotin 22 and asked if I could receive a walk-in appointment. The very nice man initially said no, he did not have visibility on their stock, and I would have to try online. I explained I was local and had been trying for some time to obtain a lottery appointment. I also mentioned I had been at FSH the previous week and purchased some items. He took sympathy on me and saw all of my online requests when he asked for my email. He then saw my Paris profile with purchases when looking up my French phone number. He told me to wait and he would see what he could do as he had an appointment that was late. Less than 10 minutes later I was offered a Picotin 22! I ended up turning it down as it was GHW and beautiful but not my color preference (I think it was Biscuit?) and the only one Sevres had in stock.

But… I did not leave empty handed. When researching the Picotin, I also found myself drawn to the classic look of the Bolide; so I asked the SA for any stock before heading out. To my surprise I ended up falling in love with the most beautiful Bolide 1923- 25 in Etoupe! (The SA said she also had it in green and light purple). Luckily my husband was able to swing by and agreed to the higher price tag. I still love the Picotin and want to add her eventually but I think the Bolide is better for my everyday lifestyle in Paris as it is more secure with the zipper and has more carrying options.

While waiting for my husband the SA told me B/K/C are generally offered only if you have an online/VIP appointment and if they have stock that day. Sevres did not receive a lot of anything QB and non-QB the day I was there so I feel extra lucky in my find! Also the Sevres store is stunning!

For the record- I still try for the lottery every few days and still have had no luck. Since my Bolide I have also purchased a few more Twillys so in my case having a pre-spend has not been tied to having better success at the lottery.

Thank you again to everyone!

 

[mmvv22]

I want to share about my few last days in Paris. We decided not to drive to Deauville because we checked the weather and it showing that it will be chilly and windy. So we decided to stay at Paris and just enjoy the city. We went to several vintage and consignments stores to browse H bags and also watches. So many repainted or altered vintage bags, I was shocked. At first I didn’t know what to look for or how to spot of bag was retouched or repainted. But after talking to H spa specialists they gave some hints of how restored bag looks like. We found only 1 store that gave honest description which bag was repainted and which is not. But after all I decided to not risk.

Today on our last day I was not going even to go to FSH but my husband said he will go and ask for walk in. I didn’t even go to leather desk and to my surprise he was granted walk in and we used my name and passport since I have RTW purchase history. SA came pretty fast we were seated on chairs (without table). SA was not friendly from the start and looked irritated with us without reason to be honest. I listed my wish list. He left and for about 20 mins we were observing area. 2 different parties was taken somewhere else so I know they were offered a QB. Other two tables were offered 24/24, jypsiere and bolide, picotine. I started to feeling hope that SA is taking that long to return. But after 20-25 minutes he returned empty handed and said “I don’t have anything to offer to you”. I don’t think he even said that he sorry. I asked about any non quota bags at least. He said “no”. I was really surprised that he didn’t even offer something. I don’t know if I’m first person who was granted a walk in and was not even offered a non quota bag. So it was definitely bitter taste for H experience. I understand how busy they are and they can’t offer to any client a bag but saying “nothing for you even non QB” while others are offered so many options of non QB felt like personal slap in a face to be honest.

Anyway I had a very nice vacation regardless of shopping. I just wanted to share it just in case if someone will have similar experience they would know that happens to someone else also. Because I’ve never read about being granted a walk in and not being offered anything so I was not mentally prepared that it could happen considering that SA at Sevrés said that’s he would consider me as a good client at FSH based on my purchase history.

 

[DR2014]

I want to share about my few last days in Paris. We decided not to drive to Deauville because we checked the weather and it showing that it will be chilly and windy. So we decided to stay at Paris and just enjoy the city. We went to several vintage and consignments stores to browse H bags and also watches. So many repainted or altered vintage bags, I was shocked. At first I didn’t know what to look for or how to spot of bag was retouched or repainted. But after talking to H spa specialists they gave some hints of how restored bag looks like. We found only 1 store that gave honest description which bag was repainted and which is not. But after all I decided to not risk.

Today on our last day I was not going even to go to FSH but my husband said he will go and ask for walk in. I didn’t even go to leather desk and to my surprise he was granted walk in and we used my name and passport since I have RTW purchase history. SA came pretty fast we were seated on chairs (without table). SA was not friendly from the start and looked irritated with us without reason to be honest. I listed my wish list. He left and for about 20 mins we were observing area. 2 different parties was taken somewhere else so I know they were offered a QB. Other two tables were offered 24/24, jypsiere and bolide, picotine. I started to feeling hope that SA is taking that long to return. But after 20-25 minutes he returned empty handed and said “I don’t have anything to offer to you”. I don’t think he even said that he sorry. I asked about any non quota bags at least. He said “no”. I was really surprised that he didn’t even offer something. I don’t know if I’m first person who was granted a walk in and was not even offered a non quota bag. So it was definitely bitter taste for H experience. I understand how busy they are and they can’t offer to any client a bag but saying “nothing for you even non QB” while others are offered so many options of non QB felt like personal slap in a face to be honest.

Anyway I had a very nice vacation regardless of shopping. I just wanted to share it just in case if someone will have similar experience they would know that happens to someone else also. Because I’ve never read about being granted a walk in and not being offered anything so I was not mentally prepared that it could happen considering that SA at Sevrés said that’s he would consider me as a good client at FSH based on my purchase history.

I'm so sorry this happened to you, @mmvv22.

 

[880]

I want to share about my few last days in Paris. We decided not to drive to Deauville because we checked the weather and it showing that it will be chilly and windy. So we decided to stay at Paris and just enjoy the city. We went to several vintage and consignments stores to browse H bags and also watches. So many repainted or altered vintage bags, I was shocked. At first I didn’t know what to look for or how to spot of bag was retouched or repainted. But after talking to H spa specialists they gave some hints of how restored bag looks like. We found only 1 store that gave honest description which bag was repainted and which is not. But after all I decided to not risk.

Today on our last day I was not going even to go to FSH but my husband said he will go and ask for walk in. I didn’t even go to leather desk and to my surprise he was granted walk in and we used my name and passport since I have RTW purchase history. SA came pretty fast we were seated on chairs (without table). SA was not friendly from the start and looked irritated with us without reason to be honest. I listed my wish list. He left and for about 20 mins we were observing area. 2 different parties was taken somewhere else so I know they were offered a QB. Other two tables were offered 24/24, jypsiere and bolide, picotine. I started to feeling hope that SA is taking that long to return. But after 20-25 minutes he returned empty handed and said “I don’t have anything to offer to you”. I don’t think he even said that he sorry. I asked about any non quota bags at least. He said “no”. I was really surprised that he didn’t even offer something. I don’t know if I’m first person who was granted a walk in and was not even offered a non quota bag. So it was definitely bitter taste for H experience. I understand how busy they are and they can’t offer to any client a bag but saying “nothing for you even non QB” while others are offered so many options of non QB felt like personal slap in a face to be honest.

Anyway I had a very nice vacation regardless of shopping. I just wanted to share it just in case if someone will have similar experience they would know that happens to someone else also. Because I’ve never read about being granted a walk in and not being offered anything so I was not mentally prepared that it could happen considering that SA at Sevrés said that’s he would consider me as a good client at FSH based on my purchase history.

I’m so sorry this happened. I do shop both boutique and resale and have found good deals, but I have not tried resale in Paris. Thank you for the detailed post of your experience. I do agree with @PhoebsKC that it seems online and prearranged appts seem to have the best luck of getting a BK these days.

 

[mmvv22]

I’m so sorry this happened. I do shop both boutique and resale and have found good deals, but I have not tried resale in Paris. Thank you for the detailed post of your experience. I do agree with @PhoebsKC that it seems online and prearranged appts seem to have the best luck of getting a BK these days.

Thank you. I will definitely take advice and start building relationship at closest store. Even it’s 4 hours drive. I’ll try to see if I can find a SA to work with even though it will take time. Next year we want to explore different countries and cities so I won’t be back to Paris for few years. And it’s not like I’m obsessed with getting a QB bag. If it comes it comes. It was just tempting to get it from FSH because of better price and tax refund and last year luck

 

[Lolablack123]

1) Can someone advise where the leather desk is at FSH and George V?
2) Are you able to apply if you’re in France but just using cellular data, or do I really need to find local Wi-Fi to connect?

TIA!

 

[Letter]

1) Can someone advise where the leather desk is at FSH and George V?
2) Are you able to apply if you’re in France but just using cellular data, or do I really need to find local Wi-Fi to connect?

TIA!

You need to connect to local
WiFi - or be on a vpn set to France.

George V leather desk is immediately inside the store on the right.

 

[Letter]

Headed to Paris for the Olympics and to H in Paris for the first time. I’m new at this (have a purchase history though at my US local boutique). I’d like to get my first QB ever.

1). Can I only try to make an online leather appt once I reach Paris (can’t book from US)?

2). Due to the Olympics are my chances nil of getting an appt? Or will they have stock?

3). If I score an appt, can I ask directly for the bag I want or do I have to purchase other stuff prior to the appt?

4). Would it help me to tell my local SA that I’m going to Paris (could they help me to get an appt or put in a “good word” to increase my chances of getting my 1st QB?

Thank you H gurus😃

you can use a vpn set to France to apply from the US. You can only apply for the next day and you can only apply from 10:30 to 7:00 (I can’t exactly remember the times). You cannot apply when the stores are closed basically - so you cannot apply on a Sunday for a Monday appt. You have to apply Saturday for Monday.

 

[Itsnotabagitsabirkin]

Hi lovelies,
I had my appointment today at FSH (Saturday afternoon) and was worried it was a bad time and day for quota bags. Thanks to everyone who reassured me. I was worried the SA assigned to me was going to immediately shut me down and say no B or K before giving me a chance. Luckily, my SA was very friendly and we had a great chat before the SA went to find a bag. I asked for a B or K smaller than 30 (already have). I wanted to be able to use it at night time too. I asked for noir or a pop of colour. I was offered blue. It was beautiful but I knew I didnt love it. So I was honest and told the SA that I didnt love the colour. Im so glad I was honest with the SA and myself because then I asked if there was orange… here it is 😍

 

[hbr]

Hi lovelies,
I had my appointment today at FSH (Saturday afternoon) and was worried it was a bad time and day for quota bags. Thanks to everyone who reassured me. I was worried the SA assigned to me was going to immediately shut me down and say no B or K before giving me a chance. Luckily, my SA was very friendly and we had a great chat before the SA went to find a bag. I asked for a B or K smaller than 30 (already have). I wanted to be able to use it at night time too. I asked for noir or a pop of colour. I was offered blue. It was beautiful but I knew I didnt love it. So I was honest and told the SA that I didnt love the colour. Im so glad I was honest with the SA and myself because then I asked if there was orange… here it is 😍

Congratulations! Love these success stories from FSH! Annnd… on a Saturday afternoon! 🥳

 

[millivanilli]

I want to share about my few last days in Paris. We decided not to drive to Deauville because we checked the weather and it showing that it will be chilly and windy. So we decided to stay at Paris and just enjoy the city. We went to several vintage and consignments stores to browse H bags and also watches. So many repainted or altered vintage bags, I was shocked. At first I didn’t know what to look for or how to spot of bag was retouched or repainted. But after talking to H spa specialists they gave some hints of how restored bag looks like. We found only 1 store that gave honest description which bag was repainted and which is not. But after all I decided to not risk.

T

I am happy that you had some nice days in Paris, though not scoring a bag and having a not so nice SA
Mind sharing the one store that was honest in the descriptions, please?

Had a unpleasant experience with C. square, bag was clearly treated w/ a color...