I'm typically more of a lurker than a contributor but this thread has provided me with wonderful information (not to mention hours of entertainment). I would love to give back to the community and to share with everyone my experience at FSH last week.
My husband and I only had one and half days in Paris coming off of a road trip from Munich. We had planned to arrive earlier on Friday so we can try our luck at FSH. Unfortunately, we did not get there until 6pm right before closing. There was only one person in front of us in the line at the Leather section while another large group was being assisted. They were trying on all the display Birkins. My husband didn't understand. He said to me "Look at all those Birkins those people are buying! There must be a Kelly available for you!" So while we were in the short 15 minute queue, I tried to regurgitate all the information I had gleaned from TPF. I tried to explain to him that those were display only and if you were offered one, it would be done away from the rest of the line. He insisted that I was trolling him and making all these things up since it was just too crazy.
When it was our turn, I was upfront with the SA and informed her that I was looking for a smaller Kelly perhaps 25/28 in a neutral color and gold hardware. She said that she didn't think there was any available but she would check. She went to the computer terminal located right next to her. After about 30 seconds she responded that there was none available as it was already very late in the day. She did not ask us to come back on another day. We thanked her and moved along.
Afterwards we went to the scarf section where it was complete mayhem. I tried to find someone to assist me. I approached an SA who was folding up some scarves but she yelled at me "I'm busy with someone else!!" I brushed it off and went further down the scarf section and stood patiently while someone acknowledged me. Finally, another SA approached me and I quickly chose a Les Confessions scarf in the light purple. She assisted me to the registry. It was getting very late and none of the registers wanted to take us. She was obviously embarrassed and apologetic but I told her it was no big deal. It's Friday night after all and I'm sure everyone was ready to start the weekend. Upon locating a register, I filled out the paperwork as it was my first time purchasing in an Hermes in France. Ponied up my 350 euros and off we went.
I almost didn't want to go the next day on Saturday as I've read that it is difficult with no deliveries. But my husband encouraged me to go. We arrived probably around 12pm. The queue was longer this time, approximately 6-7 parties in front of us. Despite the tedium of line, it was actually a curious place to people watch--a diverse mix of families and travelers. A large group being assisted was turned down for Birkins and instead opted for a Mailbox in Black. Another group was offered a 35 Birkin in Orange (I admit it! I eavesdropped!). Not sure if she turned it down as she was looking for a Black.
Finally! It was my turn after about 40 minutes. A different SA from yesterday approached me and the first thing she did was apologize for the long wait. What struck me was how sincere she was as I'm sure the queue is consistently long and not out of place--for her to acknowledge it was really appreciated.
I related to her the same thing as I did yesterday: I was looking for a smaller Kelly preferably 25/28 in gold hardware in a neutral tone. And then as a last minute ditch I decided to add that I've always admired the color raisin. She took all of this information on a notepad. She asked me how long was I going to be in Paris as they might not have anything available. My husband laughed and said unfortunately we're going back to the States tomorrow first thing in the morning. I also said that it's a pity as we were only in Paris for a day and a half. We came by yesterday at closing as we drove in from Munich and today was our last chance. She then asked me for my passport and noted either my name or Passport # on the notepad and said she would check for us.
I also want to add that the lady to the right of us was being asked the same questions. The male SA who assisted her also took down all the information on a notepad and requested for her passport.
In the meanwhile, the lady to my left was looking at a Black Picotin.
We probably waited for about 10 to 15 minutes at the counter (it could be shorter but both my husband and I were getting slightly tired and delusional. We started hypothesizing that they were watching us from the security cameras! We need to look trustworthy! We need to look like good honest upstanding citizens!). While we were still waiting, the lady to my right was told "No, there was nothing left today, no K and no B" The lady responded "None at all?" SA said "Very sorry, we have absolutely nothing today."
Finally our SA returned and she asked "would you follow me upstairs?" I don't know who was more excited, my husband or I.
She asked us to take a seat and she said "I think you're going to like this very much." She slowly teased her out of the dust bag and there she was: my 28 Kelly Retourne in Togo Raisin with GHW. It basically was everything I envisioned her to be. Of course, we took it
Before I go on any further, I just want to say that I had a lovely experience with my SA even if she did not offer us a K. She was gracious, kind, and diffused a situation with a few rowdy children beautifully. I did not ask for her name despite wanting to thank her personally. But I figured it would be best that I don't seem like I'm going to track her down or spread her name around as it was obvious I would not be a frequent repeat customer at FSH as I live in the States. Even now, I hope that I had expressed my own appreciation adequately when I left. The security, the managers, everyone was nothing but genuinely welcoming and unpretentious. While I did get barked at by one scarf SA, she ultimately tried to find me another SA to assist me discreetly. Like I said, it was Friday and we're all human.
While waiting in line, I did witness other parties followed by SA's heading up to the second floor with larger boxes. Also witnessing that another party in front of me was offer a B, my limited experience would indicate that stock did not seem more severely limited in August. Bags were definitely being offered and purchased.
Unfortunately as others have indicated, there is no one magic formula for success. I dressed casually in a blazer, t-shirt, and shorts wearing a pair of very scuffed oxfords accompanied by an ever sadder looking Longchamp Pliage that's been through hell. My husband looked like a quintessential tourist in a t-shirt, khakis, and a murse for his camera (I know, can't take him anywhere. All he was missing was a very large plastic visor headgear to complete the look.) However, I do genuinely believe that if I was not specific in my preference, the likelihood of being offered something would probably be a little less.
Thank you everyone for allowing me to share. My purchase experience at Hermes was magical. I've always been a fan but I'm afraid I've sunk deeper into a point of no returned this time. When I return to Paris, I'll probably attempt this all over again
Be persistent, don't lose hope and have an amazing time in Paris!
