question about boutique buying 'protocol' from a new member

[LondonSoho7]

They won't talk about any bags over the phone, they'll get in trouble doing it as it's against store policy to discuss pricing over the phone.

That is true, but when I rang about a bag that was in stock - the SA told me the price for the bag over the phone.

This year I have visited a number of Hermes shops and many in my travels over the years - all seem very helpful, but in the US I find the one on Rodeo Drive most helpful and the only one that actualy said that they get a FEW birkins EACH week... (I think perhaps that is why Victoria B has one in every colour).

Also, remember, SA's are ordinary people and its always worth while getting to know one. They love it when they get asked by name! and the true secret of going up the list is simply knowing to say the right things... and they can bump you down and off the list too being human.

Good luck...

 

[balthus]

I had good karma and walked into NY boutique in 2002 and 2004 and my black box Kelly with GHW and my black clemence Birkin with SGH were on the shelf.

Probably Kelly's were not hard to get 6 years ago but by 2004 the Birkins were not readily available.

DH and I were in NY for a long weekend and walked into Mad Ave boutique early on a Saturday morning.

I turned to the left and saw the Birkin in a case and almost fell to the ground.

I must have been in shock for 30 seconds, immediately got an SA, asked if it was for sale, was told "yes, it had just been put out 5 minutes earlier", said I'd take it.

Then DH was in shock when he saw the price but I told him it was meant to be and I was buying it anyway with my bonus.

When I tell him prices now, he just shakes his head.

So fairytales can come true ...

 

[oregonfanlisa]

Congratulations balthus!!! How exciting to see a birkin on the shelf and be able to buy it right then and there! Things like that are rare, but do happen!! Loved reading your story

 

[CathyRikako]

I walked into the H boutique in Zurich, saw the 35cm gold birkin in togo and palladium hardware and bought it immediately. Yes, it is true. You can actually walk into a store and get lucky.

Wonder if its true about the 2 to 5 years waiting time for a birkin...

 

[jjanais]

I walked into the H boutique in Zurich, saw the 35cm gold birkin in togo and palladium hardware and bought it immediately. Yes, it is true. You can actually walk into a store and get lucky.

Wonder if its true about the 2 to 5 years waiting time for a birkin...

Hi Cathyrikako,

You mean it was just there on the shelf and everybody could buy it ?
I thought that they always keep it behind and only show it to their vip.
Your are very lucky.
One day i want a Birkin also and hope i also will be so lucky like you.

 

[ellayplam]

Hi, Cathyrikako,

I think the 2 to 5 years waiting time means the exact leather/color combo that you specially request for. Cos I got mine 'Ciel' in swift 2 months ago after 8 months wait, by the time being, I actually passed on more than 4 birkins that were on display. Howere, the one that I request is BJ in Clemence, but I decide not to wait when SA rang me and said she got a 'Ciel' in Swift.
Anyway, I am deeply in love with my 1st birkin, and decide to get my 2nd one this coming year. =)

 

[perlerare]

I walked into the H boutique in Zurich, saw the 35cm gold birkin in togo and palladium hardware and bought it immediately. Yes, it is true. You can actually walk into a store and get lucky.

Wonder if its true about the 2 to 5 years waiting time for a birkin...

What was true last year is no longer true this year. Hermes changes....

What was a coveted Birkin last year is no longer a coveted Birkin this year...Market changes...

 

[Nenitaviolin]

Hi, I posted this elsewhere also, but there is no longer any waitlist in San Diego or BH or Costa Mesa store. I just got my first birkin in San Diego out of pure luck.. it was on the shelf, and the SA said they hadn't sold one in a couple of months, so they weren't going to hide them any more because of the economic downturn. "There is no waiting list, it evaporated when the economy tanked." Following week, I was at BH, and they had a birkin on the shelf also along with lots of Kellys. The SA even told me that they had more Kellys in the back if I was interested in a different color. Costa Mesa also had 3 Kellys but no Birkins. I asked all three stores about this so called waiting list, and they said they would put everything out now because so many people have been turning down their SOs and not following through when it was time to pick up. So, they basically put everything out and let fate decide. This is good news! Higher possibiity of finding what you want!

 

[bubbleprincess]

I walked into the Vegas Bellagio, and wasn't really think they would have an orange birkin togo leather in PHW 40cm...just exactly what I want..I was thrilled.. I guess it's just luck. but yeah, I agree we need to develop relationship with 1 specific SA. Thanks for all the tips

 

[Lv-nowwhat]

IN the us you can call a store and order a bag (I am not speaking about Kelly or Birkin) I wanted an Hermes Evelyne last year in a dark color I called a store the SA took my number told me the price and must have ordered it elsewhere Called me back and told me my choice of colors I ordered Graphite 3gm no problems.

 

[fashionistaO]

Nenitaviolin, bubbleprincess, Lv-nowwhat, perlerare, balthus

Hi everyone, Yes with the remark to of the ecomony tanking and lucky for us who are looking to buy .. was at the nyc sale and since the line to pay was long, we were all on the topic of 'just walking in and buying off the shelves' and that 'h' is down 50% but not admitting to the numbers.
There really is no protocol, if they think you will buy(K or B), they will offer.
Although they might want to continue the tale of 3-5 years wait, it really is to drum up sales an hype.
Many retailers have meetings on establishing branding.
But, to do business these days w/ their old ways, it may not be conducive to their bottom line.
And Yes, markets change.

ALL of you were one of the lucky few!

 

[CathyRikako]

Just placed my 'order' for a shoulder birkin... Was told I had to wait for two years. Lets see if the 'weak' economy can help me to get my 3rd birkin earlier...

 

[plpc]

I was told i have to wait 4 years for my 1st birkin ....... Never did saw any Birkin's for sale , but i did saw a Kelly sitting on the shelves last week ..

 

[esyee]

I was on a business trip in Atlanta two weeks ago and was looking for an enamel bracelet in orange. The SA who was helping me was very knowledgeable and friendly, and as I'm browsing all the handbags they had on display, I asked if they had any Birkin 30 in stock. I have been checking several H stores for the last few months as I decided I wanted my first Birkin within the next year.

He went to the back, came back out and told me they had a Birkin 30 in Brown w/GHW and Black w/GHW. I told him I was looking for a Black Togo, Clemence or Swift w/PHW. He asked for my contact info and told me he would call if they got one in. He mentioned that it would take approximately 2-3 months, probably around Christmas time. I asked about shipping if one came in and he stated that he won't be able to ship it and I had to pick it up in person.

Two days later after I got back to SF, he called and left me a message that he just got a Birkin 30, Togo w/PHW in and wanted to know if I wanted it. Of course, I called back and asked him to email me the details so I can convince my DH (he was sticker shocked and still is) that I was going to buy the bag! The SA immediately emailed me the details and I replied at the end of the day to take it. When I called to give my SA the my credit card info, he stated that he would ship it to me overnight for $50 (BTW-I paid the tax rate for California as there's a SF store). He stated that "since he met me" a few days ago, he would ship me the Birkin! I do think w/the economy has impacted their sales and sales approach.

All the best to those looking for a Birkin/Kelly! Be patient and with some luck and timing on your side, you will get what you want!

 

[ari]

I walked into the H boutique in Zurich, saw the 35cm gold birkin in togo and palladium hardware and bought it immediately. Yes, it is true. You can actually walk into a store and get lucky.

Wonder if its true about the 2 to 5 years waiting time for a birkin...

Me too - I went to Marbella asked for a Kelly - 35 togo - and they said - well, by chance we have one. then I asked for Birkin and they had 40 gold togo and 30 Rouge.

How is the boutique in Zurich - I'll be there next week?