question about boutique buying 'protocol' from a new member
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Hi,
My SA has offered me croc mini constance and matte croc lindy. Although I had spoken with her a few days before and asked to be "wait-listed" on a regular leather bois de rose/etoupe/etain lindy, I dont know why Im usually offered the exotics. how do you say no nicely without getting bumped down
the list for the bags you really want? Even with belts, they usually offer the crocodle ones, haha! they seem to have a lot of stock on those.
I called the Manhasset NY H store and actually found a SA who explained to me how the wait list worked for their boutique. Twice a year January and April they have a special night where you could come in a meet with the owner of the store and pitch your requests for Birkin bags to him. I was told that the wait list was then generally 18 months to 2 years and that all the birkins that came into that store where already spoken for. There was also no promise that your reqest would make it to the list or that anyone could get invited to this event.
I was also told, after asking, that the Madison Ave. store may actually get some Birkins in stock, so they were worth calling. All of this information I got out of a SA during one phone call, so I was very pleased with myself.
I was also told, after asking, that the Madison Ave. store may actually get some Birkins in stock, so they were worth calling. All of this information I got out of a SA during one phone call, so I was very pleased with myself.
Since I'm going to Las Vegas in a couple of days... and this is probably a no-brainer question, but what are the chances of me walking out with a birkin when I have no prior relations with the SA and have no intention of purchasing any other accessories or bags, other than the birkin?
I'm buying this for my sister who is visiting Paris currently. And even after buying a couple bags and a few accessories, they're still not selling her a birkin (or maybe they're just out of stock??)
I'm buying this for my sister who is visiting Paris currently. And even after buying a couple bags and a few accessories, they're still not selling her a birkin (or maybe they're just out of stock??)
Yes, it works...even in Paris, Hong Kong and London too.Really? What store? Do you know someone this worked for?
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Yes, it works...even in Paris, Hong Kong and London too.
I would love to know more details.
I cant really say too much...sorry, but I think the stores are wary of resellers and people just looking. I have bought my bags with not very much fanfare, just really by walking in and asking. I found a bag at Heathrow and when I went to the Hermes store in Paris, there was a bag available. I have called some stores and they have been beyond graceful and incredible. I called the Seattle store once and was shocked by how territorial they were. That was my first experience with the closed waitlists etc, but sometimes just walking into the store works.
Totally agree. It's the luck of the draw as is most things when dealing with human beings.....you can walk into a boutique one day, and the SA who greets you may be having the day of his/her life (house finally paid in full, kids graduated from college with no debt or obtained their first full time job, s/he just got engaged, etc.)....or the SA may take an instant liking to you because you remind them of someone in their family or a good friend...or the SA may simply like your voice over the phone (or think they know you)...or a client could have refused to take a bag they ordered (if you are there and witness it, it becomes your bag rather than another VIPs as long as you promptly ask for it!)....or, admittedly this is rare, you could be given a bag-right in the store-after it was returned from spa by a client who no longer wants it (happened to a friend of a friend who was, needless to say, an extremely happy recipient!) Apparently, this client determined she did not want a rouge bag in both leather and in croc so gave away the leather version when she came to pick up the croc)....walking into the store or calling during these times are apt to get you good service....however, as humans go.....if the SA is just mildly aggrieved by the 15th request that day for a B or K (yes, H makes them, and the question is always-well, where else can you buy them?--but repetition of anything gets boring/frustrating after awhile)....or the SA may be simply having a bad day (did not want to come to work, is ill (or child is ill), was treated poorly by customers earlier, are thinking about debts and bills, had a fight with BF/DH)....well, walking into the store at that time will probably result in poor treatment/conversation.....
It's like Vegas....pure luck of the draw--the only thing that obviates this is a relationship....and lots of H stock on shelves, of course....
wow J just read this you posted a YEAR ago... and now almost a year later, you have your gorgeous B... have you felt that you've been treated differently at the boutiques now when you walk in with it???? very curious to know!
OMG I love your new signature!!! So cool
It's funny I wrote that a year ago! In my frustration of course
In my experience, it makes a HUGE difference. I know everyone has different experiences, but for me, the only way to get a Birkin, or really anything for that matter, was to already have a Birkin. Also, I called ahead and made an appointment with my now-SA who another member recommended to me, so that also showed I was serious about becoming a repeat customer maybe.
Before when I would walk in, I would be completely ignored and not given any real help-- but the first time I walked in with my Birkin, every SA was smiling at me, asking if I had already been helped... etc etc. Trust me, I am very happy about this-- because I really want to collect more special H bags and jewelry and even home goods, and having their help is wonderful. But I just wish they had been as attentive when I walked in without a Birkin..
OMG I love your new signature!!! So cool
It's funny I wrote that a year ago! In my frustration of course
In my experience, it makes a HUGE difference. I know everyone has different experiences, but for me, the only way to get a Birkin, or really anything for that matter, was to already have a Birkin. Also, I called ahead and made an appointment with my now-SA who another member recommended to me, so that also showed I was serious about becoming a repeat customer maybe.
Before when I would walk in, I would be completely ignored and not given any real help-- but the first time I walked in with my Birkin, every SA was smiling at me, asking if I had already been helped... etc etc. Trust me, I am very happy about this-- because I really want to collect more special H bags and jewelry and even home goods, and having their help is wonderful. But I just wish they had been as attentive when I walked in without a Birkin..
my siggy is all your idea of course so thank you for it!
that is soooo interesting how their attitude towards you has changed now when you walk in with a B... i don't like to hear it, they should treat all customers the same regardless of what you wear/carry, but it is human nature i guess.
I usually do my H shopping by phone at several boutiques where I have long standing relationships. That said, I've never cared about what bag I'm carrying when I walk into any H boutique in any city. But what I've always done is have the name of a recommended SA prior to walking into a boutique I've never visited before. The thought of having to dress to shop is galling to me.
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