San Francisco Hermes Store

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#2,056
SF is my home store and like what you already know, PA is smaller and has less inventory. I live closer to PA and I’ve attempted a few times to meet an SA to click with but didn’t. SF I believe has more welcoming SAs, but that’s just my experience. I suggest you go to both and feel it out.

I’ve only gotten 1 B25 in SF and that was 4 years ago when my SA found out I was preggers and offered it to me as a push present. But then again I’ve never asked for that size anymore.

My SA doesn’t care if I spend tens of thousands with her. I found out she prefers that I buy harder to sell items. Like the last time, I just texted her for an Apple Airtag and a couple of blushes, and she offered me a CTG. Granted it’s not a quota bag, but still hard to get. A few months ago I bought a scarf and some twillys, and she offered me a couple of C24s.

And try to go on weekdays during business hours. When everyone is at work.

And patience is always key. Due to Covid and low production, almost everyone is waiting longer for an offer. Especially if it’s a coveted bag like a B25.
 
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#2,057
I would like to add that almost of all the coveted bag (for example B25 and K25) are “reserved“ for customers that have already built a relationship with the store/SA (regardless of spending $) unless you can make an immediate impression with a SA who is willing to go out of his/her ordinary way (and bypassed their long awaited customers) to request the B25 for you after few purchases, and most likely not in the “popular“ colors. Good luck on your journey.
 
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#2,058
Would anyone be willing to recommend an SA in SF store? I'm not having any luck in Palo Alto, my SA is lovely/chatty in person, but completely unresponsive via text (either responds in a few days or not at all re item availability) and not motivated to get items from other boutiques / online (random shoes / home goods / scarves, etc). Looking for someone who will help me hunt down designs I love. Not sure if I'm expecting too much, but all my Chanel SAs respond almost immediately and are super helpful in tracking down specific items, so quite annoyed I have to chase after H SAs.
 
#2,059
To echo @Ethengdurst - I can walk to PA but never really clicked there so I shop at SF. The extra distance works well for me because I _really_ enjoy many of the non-bag items so PA would be way too convenient. Quota bags are not a primary h shopping goal for me though otherwise PA might be easier from a showing up in person perspective.
 
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#2,060
Sweetpea84 said:
Hi there!
I’ve been thinking a lot about that dream bag, a b25. I’ve been reading and watching a lot of videos and how others do get lucky in getting an offer without a purchase history. I live in the Bay Area so closest Hermès location to me are SF and Palo Alto and I’ve read that it’s very difficult to get an offer even for those who spend so much already. I am hoping to not spend on things that I don’t love to get this opportunity. I do have a few small things in mind but that’s about it. So, I’m looking for any advice or guidance from anyone that can help make this dream a possibility for me :smile:
It will also be helpful if someone can give their experience with either locations.
Thank you so much advance!

ps. I’ve decided No on the pre-loved/reseller route
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I agree with the others, SF seems like an easier location (and they have the most beautiful store and it's HUGE). B25s are still really covetable so you'll have to develop a good relationship with your SA and be patient. You might have to wait a few years (but obviously there are no hard and fast rules like another poster said).

It was always hard for me to get the exact SLGs I wanted at PA, and I will say SF is like a wonderland of SLGs and twillies (at least the few times I've been there).
 
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#2,061
Thank you everyone for your taking the time to write me your tips and input. I think I’ll check out SF first before Palo Alto. From what I read, it seems that a b25 is hard one to get but how do you feel about me asking for either a 25 or 30? Would that give me more flexibility? I do however, would only like to stick to neutral colors and I am open to silver or gold hardware.
Lastly, how is the parking and accessibility in getting into the store in SF? I dont go to the city very often :(
 
#2,062
I also have a question about possibly choosing SF as my home store. I live in SF proper so this store is super close for me but I hate going downtown because of parking, traffic, tourists, and crazy people.

I started my H journey not very long ago - I went to the Palo Alto store twice in six months because it’s easier to park and because I go to SJ on a regular basis. I met an SA who seemed to be nice, but I think he just liked that he could speak mandarin with me. The first time I was there I bought a belt and an Avalon throw (my first two H purchases) and the second time I was looking for multiple pairs of Oran sandals but he didn’t really help me look for colors and kept trying to push things like the Evelyne TPM on me (which is a style I’m not a fan of.) I also got very tired having to speak mandarin for the whole visit. He never did follow up with me on other sandal colors after I left…

My H goal would be maybe a few BKC but I’m open to developing a relationship at another store since I travel often. Vegas? Or even FSH or another location in France? (I speak French and was offered a B35 at FSH last week with no purchase history.) I do have a good friend who has a great SA at SF but I don’t know anyone there - however, they were lovely when I needed holes punched in my belt and Palo Alto wouldn’t do it for me. What do you guys think? Try and make SF my home store?
 
#2,063
During my last visit at the SF H store, we finally mentioned to our SA that we would like to get a B or K. At this point, we've spent about 7.5k and visited about 4 times. We mostly bought items on the commisionable/harder to sell categories such as a letter tray....I know, it's quite ridiculous to spend $800+ for that but my fiance wanted it lol. Anyways, our SA advised that he comes back to see her another time when it's less busy to discuss my wish list and then make another appointment with her so the both of us can come visit and she might have something special for me.

Does this sound promising at all based on everyone's experiences with this store? I dont want to get my hopes up in case the "something special" is going to be some other handbags other than a B or K.

Thanks!
 
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#2,064
ladipilot said:
During my last visit at the SF H store, we finally mentioned to our SA that we would like to get a B or K. At this point, we've spent about 7.5k and visited about 4 times. We mostly bought items on the commisionable/harder to sell categories such as a letter tray....I know, it's quite ridiculous to spend $800+ for that but my fiance wanted it lol. Anyways, our SA advised that he comes back to see her another time when it's less busy to discuss my wish list and then make another appointment with her so the both of us can come visit and she might have something special for me.

Does this sound promising at all based on everyone's experiences with this store? I dont want to get my hopes up in case the "something special" is going to be some other handbags other than a B or K.

Thanks!
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Something special could mean anything - could even be a rodeo or something interesting that she thinks you might like - but is often related to some sort of bag! If you're open to a larger bag, maybe she would offer what's available that day - but it's odd because you didn't even get to tell them what your wishlist is? To be honest stock seems low so I wouldn't get my hopes up too much if she doesn't even have your preferences down yet!
 
#2,065
silksuitcase said:
Something special could mean anything - could even be a rodeo or something interesting that she thinks you might like - but is often related to some sort of bag! If you're open to a larger bag, maybe she would offer what's available that day - but it's odd because you didn't even get to tell them what your wishlist is? To be honest stock seems low so I wouldn't get my hopes up too much if she doesn't even have your preferences down yet!
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That is a very good point! I am even more uncertain now :confused1:. I guess we'll just have to wait and see when I have my next appointment. All fingers crossed!
 
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#2,066
Sweetpea84 said:
Thank you everyone for your taking the time to write me your tips and input. I think I’ll check out SF first before Palo Alto. From what I read, it seems that a b25 is hard one to get but how do you feel about me asking for either a 25 or 30? Would that give me more flexibility? I do however, would only like to stick to neutral colors and I am open to silver or gold hardware.
Lastly, how is the parking and accessibility in getting into the store in SF? I dont go to the city very often :sad:
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SF is my home store and since Covid hit, the downtown has gotten substantially worse in terms of safety. I now park at the Union Square garage and my husband is pretty insistent that he go with me each time. Many times my SA just sends me the requested item. Since I have a long term relationship with my SA, changing to PA isn't an option right now. The store is only a block and a half from that garage so I dress inconspicuously, wear a cross body bag and stay very aware. Inventory has been low most times I've visited, but I do think their stock is better than what I've read about PA. All the SAs there are super nice, but as I said, I've been going there for many years. If you can be mindful of your surroundings, I think it's worth shopping at the SF boutique.
 
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#2,067
tensgrl said:
SF is my home store and since Covid hit, the downtown has gotten substantially worse in terms of safety. I now park at the Union Square garage and my husband is pretty insistent that he go with me each time. Many times my SA just sends me the requested item. Since I have a long term relationship with my SA, changing to PA isn't an option right now. The store is only a block and a half from that garage so I dress inconspicuously, wear a cross body bag and stay very aware. Inventory has been low most times I've visited, but I do think their stock is better than what I've read about PA. All the SAs there are super nice, but as I said, I've been going there for many years. If you can be mindful of your surroundings, I think it's worth shopping at the SF boutique.
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Thank you so much for your response! Great tip and you gave me better insight. I will definitely bring someone with me too since I’m not to familiar with the area. I hope to gain a good relationship with an SA and get that dream bag :)
 
#2,068
Sweetpea84 said:
Thank you everyone for your taking the time to write me your tips and input. I think I’ll check out SF first before Palo Alto. From what I read, it seems that a b25 is hard one to get but how do you feel about me asking for either a 25 or 30? Would that give me more flexibility? I do however, would only like to stick to neutral colors and I am open to silver or gold hardware.
Lastly, how is the parking and accessibility in getting into the store in SF? I dont go to the city very often :sad:
Click to expand...

SF is also my home store and I also dread going there for the same reason @tensgrl mentioned. I've been going with my fiance everytime to be safe. If you go during the weekend, there's plenty of street parking near the store and I always find a spot within 2 blocks. There's also the Sutter/Stockton garage 2 blocks away that I use sometimes. Although I love going there during the weekdays but the parking is nonexistent (all commercial zones) unless you park in the garages.
 
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