SA experience (need advice)

[LadyD21]

Wow! My SA practically told me that I need to spend the same amount of a birkin to be offered to see one. Argh the sad thing is I can probably spend just enough for a birkin but I don’t know if I can pretty much spend just as much to be offered to see one :S

I would let her words go right over your head because any SA's who tells such a thing, should be laughed at. I would love to see you take a trip to FSH, score your dream B on your first visit to go back home and walk right into her store proudly sporting your new Birkin

I shop at H for the beauty of their craftsmanship, a Birkin is of no interest to me as I love so many of their products. If your goal is to score a B, then definitely find an SA that can help you get there. Plus, I have read on this forum others who's SA is so nice, they barely spent any money and scored a B.

 

[periogirl28]

I would let her words go right over your head because any SA's who tells such a thing, should be laughed at. I would love to see you take a trip to FSH, score your dream B on your first visit to go back home and walk right into her store proudly sporting your new Birkin

I shop at H for the beauty of their craftsmanship, a Birkin is of no interest to me as I love so many of their products. If your goal is to score a B, then definitely find an SA that can help you get there. Plus, I have read on this forum others who's SA is so nice, they barely spent any money and scored a B.

To be fair, there are stores which require equivalent spend before a coveted bag is offered. That is aside from this SA's very weird behaviour. The OP can definitely try Paris but I heard they now also prefer that you prespend for a bag/ SO offer if you have zero purchase history in the system. I can only share what info I read and we know every store and each customer experience may be different.

 

[AnnaE]

Hi guys, I recently started my love for Hermes and had purchased a few items (Evelyne GM, H bracelet and a men 100 shawl). I can't say I'm a consistent spender but I had purchased all these items within a 2-3 month period. I will totally admit that I don't make enough $$ to throw out like 4k here and there every month or so. I do really want to build up a relationship with an Hermes SA and continue to build up my luxury purchase experience. I'm definitely don't purchase only from one brand and I go through phases here and there (Prada, BV, LV, Gucci, Fendi...etc.)

Long story short. I've been working with these one SA but she's kinda...pushy. Yesterday, she had sent me an email to pick up a replacement shawl. She let me know that there's a perfume engraving event going on. I told her that I would love to check it out. She told me that she has an appointment in the morning and that she would be available by 2pm. I went in at 2:04pm and I had purchased some stuff from LV already. She was quite pushy and "upset" that I purchased some perfume for my mom from LV. She asked me "joking" to return it. I tried to polite declined and explained that I was going to come to the store earlier but that she was busy. She responded in an "annoyed" tone and told me that her appointment ended earlier than expected and that she was free. I just avoided to respond to her comment because I didn't really know what to say lol I then asked if I could get a few samples for my mom. She took out one of the samples of the one that I like but I told her that it might be a while before I would purchase any perfume. She awkwardly put it back and kindly walked me out the door.

I honestly have been fascinated by the quality and history of the brand but I also don't want to feel pressure to purchase items whenever I want to check out new things at the store. I want an honest opinion and I want to ask... is Hermes currently just out of my spending and reach at this time? I don't want to have unrealistic expectations because I know my small purchases probably don't benefit the SA. Thanks for reading this really long post.

You need a new SA. Your SA should never be pushy like this. If your ultimate goal is to be offered a Birkin for your mom (reading the thread), it doesn’t sound like this SA will do it anyway.

I hate the idea that SAs treat people differently based on their anticipated spend levels. First of all, this is not what luxury shopping is about, and second, it can backfire. You mention you are 26; in a ten year’s time, you might be the one buying a croc Birkin every month — from a different SA.

My husband went to Paris in college and bought me a scarf at FSH. He could only afford one, but he was treated exceptionally well.

They gave him the whole shebang, too — knotting cards, booklet, lots of extra ribbon. He was exceptionally pleased with his experience.

We can afford lots and lots of scarves now, and my husband still loves the brand and happily spends on it. That’s what luxury shopping should be about.

 

[HKsai]

You need a new SA. Your SA should never be pushy like this. If your ultimate goal is to be offered a Birkin for your mom (reading the thread), it doesn’t sound like this SA will do it anyway.

I hate the idea that SAs treat people differently based on their anticipated spend levels. First of all, this is not what luxury shopping is about, and second, it can backfire. You mention you are 26; in a ten year’s time, you might be the one buying a croc Birkin every month — from a different SA.

My husband went to Paris in college and bought me a scarf at FSH. He could only afford one, but he was treated exceptionally well.

They gave him the whole shebang, too — knotting cards, booklet, lots of extra ribbon. He was exceptionally pleased with his experience.

We can afford lots and lots of scarves now, and my husband still loves the brand and happily spends on it. That’s what luxury shopping should be about.

Your story is what I strive for. I have such good relationships with my Gucci and LV SA. I wasn’t sure if I was spoiled. I know Hermes is “not the same” but I really want to have an enjoyable experience too...and I did until I didn’t make a purchase that one time. It’s just disheartening because the people I see in store are definitely more of their “high profile” clients. My mom’s birthday is coming out. I’m gonna work on finding a new SA. Thanks!!

 

[PJW5813]

You really should not categorise yourself in any way other than a person whose custom is important to the store.
If you compare yourself unfavourably to others you will get that typo of service.

 

[HKsai]

Your story is what I strive for. I have such good relationships with my Gucci and LV SA. I wasn’t sure if I was spoiled. I know Hermes is “not the same” but I really want to have an enjoyable experience too...and I did until I didn’t make a purchase that one time. It’s just disheartening because the people I see in store are definitely more of their “high profile” clients. My mom’s birthday is coming out. I’m gonna work on finding a new SA. Thanks!!

You really should not categorise yourself in any way other than a person whose custom is important to the store.
If you compare yourself unfavourably to others you will get that typo of service.

I try to but it’s so hard! I was making a purchase and trying on stuff. My SA went away for like 20min because her other important client with the croc Kelly walk in. I just kinda awkwardly stood for 20 minutes. I want to receive the same service but at the same time I want to be realistic.

 

[AnnaE]

I try to but it’s so hard! I was making a purchase and trying on stuff. My SA went away for like 20min because her other important client with the croc Kelly walk in. I just kinda awkwardly stood for 20 minutes. I want to receive the same service but at the same time I want to be realistic.

You really need a new SA.

The fact that someone walks in with a croc Kelly means nothing. It could be fake for all you know.

Luxury shopping should be about creating a good experience for everyone, no matter what you are buying.

 

[Love Of My Life]

I try to but it’s so hard! I was making a purchase and trying on stuff. My SA went away for like 20min because her other important client with the croc Kelly walk in. I just kinda awkwardly stood for 20 minutes. I want to receive the same service but at the same time I want to be realistic.

First, this is really unprofessional & second I would not find this acceptable.
You don't or shouldn't feel that you have to try so hard.. Remember you are the "client/buyer"!
I suggest you find another SA that you can connect with & dismiss this particular SA
And do agree that if your SA was that impressed because her so called important client walked in with a "kelly"
more reason that I would not want to work with that particular SA.

 

[PJW5813]

"Be you and stay confident."

If what follows seems harsh, it is because...well, because...you are still whining about getting bad service.
You are getting the service that you are bringing upon yourself.
The ways you describe your experiences show that, you compare yourself unfavourably with other customers, you describe them by the material possessions that they display and you don't; you do not feel yourself worthy to be served in Hermes.
Why were you just standing around awkwardly for twenty minutes?
You let her treat you that way; you should have gone to someone else; asked for a manager; sat down; started handling the merchandise - someone would have soon come to you!
Get it in your head that SA stands for 'shop assistant' - someone to serve your needs.
Forget the inflated title of 'sales associate' that started when 'dustbin men' became, to much derision, 'refuse disposal operatives'.
That certainly does not mean that you have to be umpleasant and disrespectful - although your sa is to you; (note I did not dignify her title with capitals).
You do need to assume an air of someone with a right to be a customer.
I reiterate that that certainly does not mean that you treat the staff in a demeaning manner, as some shoppers are observed to do. Be nice, but be in control.
You have got to be proactive in getting better service for yourself.

"Be you and stay confident."

 

[HKsai]

"Be you and stay confident."

If what follows seems harsh, it is because...well, because...you are still whining about getting bad service.
You are getting the service that you are bringing upon yourself.
The ways you describe your experiences show that, you compare yourself unfavourably with other customers, you describe them by the material possessions that they display and you don't; you do not feel yourself worthy to be served in Hermes.
Why were you just standing around awkwardly for twenty minutes?
You let her treat you that way; you should have gone to someone else; asked for a manager; sat down; started handling the merchandise - someone would have soon come to you!
Get it in your head that SA stands for 'shop assistant' - someone to serve your needs.
Forget the inflated title of 'sales associate' that started when 'dustbin men' became, to much derision, 'refuse disposal operatives'.
That certainly does not mean that you have to be umpleasant and disrespectful - although your sa is to you; (note I did not dignify her title with capitals).
You do need to assume an air of someone with a right to be a customer.
I reiterate that that certainly does not mean that you treat the staff in a demeaning manner, as some shoppers are observed to do. Be nice, but be in control.
You have got to be proactive in getting better service for yourself.

"Be you and stay confident."

What you are saying is so right. When you said I could’ve asked for someone in that 20 minutes, I had like a “you are so right.” I didn’t think of it at all even though how intuitive it sounded. A lot for me to think about.

 

[PJW5813]

"Be you and stay confident." - the best advice

 

[HKsai]

Just an update. I went back to the store 3 times (including today) after my last experience. I just went in and let whoever was willing/available to help me.The first two SAs from the first two visits were super sweet and polite but we didn't "connect." They were kinda quite and reserve. There's nothing wrong with that but I'm used to loud and...casual SA? I was able to score a scarf from each visit and all the SAs were really helpful. I went back again today. I connected with a WONDERFUL SA. She was so fun and talkative. She used herself as the model. She told me about her favorite scarf. She took the time to show me every single color way of each scarf. She even told me the story behind each scarf (exactly what I usually look for when I purchase stuff, I'm so spoiled by my Gucci SA who is basically an encyclopedia). She followed up the visit with an email. I'm to a point that I'm so over focusing on getting the Birkin and I just want to collect scarves. I love going to the store and see what it has the offered. My SA passed by during my first visit and today. She kinda gave me a look and said "you are here" with her head tilted but she just said "hi" today.

 

[oohshinythings]

Just an update. I went back to the store 3 times (including today) after my last experience. I just went in and let whoever was willing/available to help me.The first two SAs from the first two visits were super sweet and polite but we didn't "connect." They were kinda quite and reserve. There's nothing wrong with that but I'm used to loud and...casual SA? I was able to score a scarf from each visit and all the SAs were really helpful. I went back again today. I connected with a WONDERFUL SA. She was so fun and talkative. She used herself as the model. She told me about her favorite scarf. She took the time to show me every single color way of each scarf. She even told me the story behind each scarf (exactly what I usually look for when I purchase stuff, I'm so spoiled by my Gucci SA who is basically an encyclopedia). She followed up the visit with an email. I'm to a point that I'm so over focusing on getting the Birkin and I just want to collect scarves. I love going to the store and see what it has the offered. My SA passed by during my first visit and today. She kinda gave me a look and said "you are here" with her head tilted but she just said "hi" today.

Yay! Sounds like you're well on your way to what an H journey should be!

 

[Lady_S]

Just an update. I went back to the store 3 times (including today) after my last experience. I just went in and let whoever was willing/available to help me.The first two SAs from the first two visits were super sweet and polite but we didn't "connect." They were kinda quite and reserve. There's nothing wrong with that but I'm used to loud and...casual SA? I was able to score a scarf from each visit and all the SAs were really helpful. I went back again today. I connected with a WONDERFUL SA. She was so fun and talkative. She used herself as the model. She told me about her favorite scarf. She took the time to show me every single color way of each scarf. She even told me the story behind each scarf (exactly what I usually look for when I purchase stuff, I'm so spoiled by my Gucci SA who is basically an encyclopedia). She followed up the visit with an email. I'm to a point that I'm so over focusing on getting the Birkin and I just want to collect scarves. I love going to the store and see what it has the offered. My SA passed by during my first visit and today. She kinda gave me a look and said "you are here" with her head tilted but she just said "hi" today.

so glad you found a wonderful SA in the end!!! this is the kind of service that one should expect from a luxury store!