Qualities of a good client advisor?
- Thread starter HAZE MAT
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I don't think this is a methodical checklist kind of thing where you arrive as if you're an interviewer. Go to a store, have an interaction, see how it strikes you. Do you click, was it pleasant, did you appreciate the person's knowledge. You know--shopping.
In order of priority:
1) Subjective - I have to like the SA. We have to sort of click with each other and get along well.
2) Objective - Honesty. When I have a question on comfort and wear and tear, just be honest.
3) Objective - Needs to be relatively knowledgeable about the brand, brand's history, what they are selling for each season, the theme or inspiration behind each collection, how bags and clothes are worn, etc. (brand enthusiasm is appreciated but not necessary)
4) Subjective - Know what kind of client I am. I will say straight up that I don't shop too often, I take a long time to decide what to buy, and I do not buy a lot. Therefore, I don't expect my SA to contact me too frequently nor try to make every encounter a sale.
Honorable mentions
1) Using the word "exclusive" is a pet peeve of mine. I don't like it when an SA says it multiple times. Or how limited something is, or that is very special, bla bla bla. I'd rather have the SA explain to me why it is so "exclusive" or "special" (ie. craftsmanship), than just throwing those words around.
Again, I too don't really have a checklist. I don't sort of go through the list and evaluate like it's an exam.
Liking the SA and connecting positively gets the foot in the door. As I communicate and shop with my SA, based on my experience, I'll be the one to judge whether this relationship will work out based on the factors described above.
1) Subjective - I have to like the SA. We have to sort of click with each other and get along well.
2) Objective - Honesty. When I have a question on comfort and wear and tear, just be honest.
3) Objective - Needs to be relatively knowledgeable about the brand, brand's history, what they are selling for each season, the theme or inspiration behind each collection, how bags and clothes are worn, etc. (brand enthusiasm is appreciated but not necessary)
4) Subjective - Know what kind of client I am. I will say straight up that I don't shop too often, I take a long time to decide what to buy, and I do not buy a lot. Therefore, I don't expect my SA to contact me too frequently nor try to make every encounter a sale.
Honorable mentions
1) Using the word "exclusive" is a pet peeve of mine. I don't like it when an SA says it multiple times. Or how limited something is, or that is very special, bla bla bla. I'd rather have the SA explain to me why it is so "exclusive" or "special" (ie. craftsmanship), than just throwing those words around.
Again, I too don't really have a checklist. I don't sort of go through the list and evaluate like it's an exam.
Liking the SA and connecting positively gets the foot in the door. As I communicate and shop with my SA, based on my experience, I'll be the one to judge whether this relationship will work out based on the factors described above.
.Takes you out to lunch
.Sends you hand written cards
.Texts you back within 24 hours or within a few hours is even better
.Invites to events
.Emailed collection previews
.Ability to reserve and when they say they call back they actually do…(so few follow through)
Shopping can be done anywhere so going above and beyond is what it takes to entice me to open my coin purse. 🤣
.Sends you hand written cards
.Texts you back within 24 hours or within a few hours is even better
.Invites to events
.Emailed collection previews
.Ability to reserve and when they say they call back they actually do…(so few follow through)
Shopping can be done anywhere so going above and beyond is what it takes to entice me to open my coin purse. 🤣
LA in many ways is a retail city of special client services. There are many clients & service has to be
exemplary. Whatever is on your list of expectations should be shared as you are
getting to know each other stage. SA's have limitations & others have a free hand.
Perhaps someone in personal shopping could be helpful
Not sure that there is a "right formula".. Just walk into a store you are interested in,
have an interaction & go from there.
Having an objective opinion about what your style needs are certainly helps, being candid
about what your comfortable price point zone is counts & just seeing where the relationship
goes will help guide you & those extra special services will come your way JMO
exemplary. Whatever is on your list of expectations should be shared as you are
getting to know each other stage. SA's have limitations & others have a free hand.
Perhaps someone in personal shopping could be helpful
Not sure that there is a "right formula".. Just walk into a store you are interested in,
have an interaction & go from there.
Having an objective opinion about what your style needs are certainly helps, being candid
about what your comfortable price point zone is counts & just seeing where the relationship
goes will help guide you & those extra special services will come your way JMO
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Honestly, I like my SAs and vice versa. But, all one needs is an SA that understands the rhythm of your shopping habits and your aesthetic.
Sweet, thanks for the advice everyone. I have been building up my SA's slowly. I have a solid contact at the Beverly Center Balenciaga (and probably LV), Rodeo LV, Rodeo Dior, Rodeo Gucci, and Rodeo Alexander McQueen so far. I still need one for Versace (sadly enough folks there neglected me) as well as in Hermes and Fendi... etc.
For many if these brands, SAs take clients more seriously for RTW rather than bags. It seems like this is bc 1. A rtw client tends to be a repeat client, season after season, so long as the collection appeals. 2. Bags tend to sell themselves, and for rtw clients, accessories were historically considered secondary (with escalating price points, this is less true than it used to be, but attitudes take a while to shift)
(This is based on what premier brand SAs have told me; ymmv)
I’m in NY, not LA, but I prefer to focus my spending on one local store. The more invested you are locally, the better an SA can get to know you; your taste; your budget; your spend. It is generally also easier for an SA to grow an existing client than start fresh. I do also shop 2X year in Paris H FSH, where I do have a dedicated SA, and in Asia, where I do not. But, my spend there is significantly less
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Forgot to add, sometimes an SA at another premier brand can make a recommendation. DHs brunello SA worked with someone whose best friend was at Chanel. Even SAs of premier bag and rtw brands cross over into fine jewelry . (Some Dior SAs moved to VCA) it cannot hurt to ask
Agreed, our beloved Hublot SA, has his faves at Chanel and Cartier if anything happens to my faves!