Scarf purchase in the Arctic

[baileysgirl]

Hello- I recently went to Hermes in Manhasset Long Island to purchase a scarf. I have hear lots of stories about SAs not being too friendly- and I now know what they meant.

While there were no specific rude words stated, the SA was definitely icy. I made sure that I did not waster their time- I was probably in the store for a total of 3 minutes before deciding what to purchase. Also, the store was not very busy. There was an SA in the back of the store helping another customer with a belt, and another SA near the counter helping two women with enamel bracelets- which easily left about 2 SAs free to roam around. In the end I felt rushed to decide since she was not very friendly so I decided on India Dust in blue. She led me to the counter to be "rung up" and I asked her if I could get a scarf instruction booklet she said she would have to look for one downstairs. She then proceeded to dump me to a young girl whose task for the day seemed to be to finish purchases transactions with customers and walk away. After a couple of minutes waiting for the girl to finish ringing me up- I asked her if I could get a scarf instruction book and she looked in one drawers and said there were none left. Meanwhile the first lady never came back; I saw her primping herself in a mirror in the middle of the store .

Now here is the kicker- I spent $350 on a scarf in a store that was not on the forefront of customer service- and to top it off, now I have no idea how to tie the darn thing! My husband was quite annoyed with me for even giving them business due to their behavior.

This was my first venture into Hermes...and I am a bit apprehensive to ever return.

 

[Chipper]

Oh goodness, that's unfortunate that you had a terrible experience!

SA's at high end luxury boutiques are commonly hit-or-miss, in my opinion. I would give it another chance and not let this one occurrence spoil your love for Hermes.

I hope you have a great time on your next shopping visit

 

[hermesmonkey]

Baileysgirl, I am so sorry to hear of your experience. I have never been treated like that at any H boutique. As for the scarf tying book, I believe you can find someone on tpf who has an extra. If not, let me know, and I can have my SA send you one.

I hope you do return to H...it's probably my favorite place to shop.

 

[Kallie Girl]

Oh, gosh, how awful!!! I have been to four H boutiques and all were great... Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte and Madison Ave. Nothing at all like what you have described. I am so sorry that this was your first H experience. Bummer!

 

[elle tee]

I am so sorry you had a bad H boutique experience! I consider myself very lucky that I have had good experiences so far. As for how to tie your scarf, there are a couple resources on this board, like the 'What Scarf/Pointu/Pochette Are You Wearing Today?' thread, the 'Hermes Scarf Lover's Kama Sutra' thread or the 'How-to Guide for Scarves' thread (might be hard to find without the search function, though that's supposed to be back up soon). Those three have lots of photos of members wearing their scarves and are a great source of inspiration! Also, if you browse the scarves on Hermes.com, you should see a link to "playtime with your scarf"- this will allow you to download the scarf booklet as a .pdf in two parts. Hope you get some good ideas, enjoy your scarf!

 

[Steelsapphire]

Baileysgirl--------I know what you mean about icy SAs. I went to a Hermes store and the lady behind the counter rolled her eye-balls at me. I was disgusted and left within 2mins.

Not giving up, I went several blocks downtown to another Hermes outlet, and met a decent and polite SA who sold me a very nice scarf. I spent about 30mins in that store.

The way I see it is, if you want to buy a scarf, you will have to try a few to see if it suits, before deciding on one. You're not wasting their time. It's their job to serve you.

I detest rude SAs.

 

[Luvbolide]

Unfortunately, I, too have had mixed experiences at H boutiques. Even at the local one where I go quite often and many of them at least recognize me! I have chalked it to the individual personalities of the SAs. Some are just plain rude and lazy in my view.

That said, I do love H scarves so I do go back - often! I have found an SA that I like and who is very nice and very patient. She always has me try a scarf on - you are right, until you see it on, you won't really know how it looks. She does not make me feel rushed. When I am kind of "browsing", I always tell her to go ahead and help someone else if they come in to see scarves as well. I don't want to monopolize her time when it usually takes me awhile!

My suggestion is that you find an SA who is nice and who is friendly and deal just with him/her.

As far as the booklet, you can go to the H website and click on "Customer Service" and ask them to send you one. That is usually how I get mine. I would mention that you just purchased a new India Dust scarf but didn't get a booklet - I am sure they will get one right out to you.

And welcome to the slippery orange slope of H scarves - they are wonderful!