One thing I have learned recently is that not everyone's path to a qb will be the same, even at the same boutique. In my example, I didn't buy RTW or FJ and was offered a Birkin very very soon into my relationship with my SA, but I bought what I loved and I have a great relationship with my SA. You will see a lot of people suggesting purchases in those categories to boost your chances, but I dont think its always 100% necessary if that makes sense. I think SA's can sniff out people that are buying a bunch of varied items just to get an offer as opposed to people who buy in the categories they love. If you love silk and RTW and you find yourself purchasing more in those categories, I would just continue with what you love. There's no need to amass a stock of slgs and other items that you wouldn't use. I think people place too much weight on variety and hitting some sort of formula, but in my opinion I dont think it needs to be so methodical and planned out. I would just buy what you love, be kind, share your enthusiasm, make your qb desires known to your SA and leave the rest up to the powers that be.
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Thank you. Yes, I had a great SA but she left so I wasn’t sure how it works. I just bought whatever I wanted with her and did get some offers in the past. Hopefully my new SA is good too. thanks
I totally agree! Also, it's sometimes unfair and frustrating but it really depends on where you are shopping too, so you can really drive yourself crazy comparing yourself to people who live in different locations, different store, different SA... there are so many variables and no "formula" so I feel it's best to make sure to try and enjoy the shopping experience and see how it goes!
J
Justlikewhatilike
In my experience, I feel that most importantly is to trust the SA that one has chosen to work with.
My SA explicitly informed me that it is easier to get bag if we buy rtw. She will also advice if I am buying too many of any single type of item. But this is really not universal. My SA has been able to get my quota bag approvals from SM without any purchase of rtw and fj.
Although I suppose how hard my SA tries for me is dependent on our relationship that is not to be taken for granted.
My SA explicitly informed me that it is easier to get bag if we buy rtw. She will also advice if I am buying too many of any single type of item. But this is really not universal. My SA has been able to get my quota bag approvals from SM without any purchase of rtw and fj.
Although I suppose how hard my SA tries for me is dependent on our relationship that is not to be taken for granted.
My SA was recently promoted to a Maison manager but has kept his clients and sells throughout the store. For QB bag offers, it was my understanding that the SM first had to allow my SA to make the offer and then approve his choice. He is able to transfer items for me, no problem; I don’t know if he gets SM approval. For a transfer that results in a sale, i believe my SA would get credit. Another issue may be that the transferring store may wish to retain the requested item for their own clients. At chanel RTW, I know that a certain amount of red tape and horse trading goes on.
re the beach robe example, I wouldn’t worry. although the SA and SM would rather stock in store be sold, everyone would prefer you buy what you love (to do otherwise is pointless and might generate dissatisfaction or a return. I assume you are on the path to receiving a QB; however, the issue is long standing customers may not have received theirs yet (due to Covid supply chain disruption). So if it takes a while, the delay is not personal.
these are only my opinions (from my own experience). I hope others will chime in to correct or modify or add. Good luck!
Not sure about the ratio for a C19. But I got a C24 not too long ago..while I personally believe that pre-spend is secondary..and that your rapport and relationship with your SA comes first..for those who are curious, I will reveal that the bag was offered when my spending reached about 80% of what the bag costs. I only buy what I truly like and wear or use..but doing the addition now, that is the amount involved. Also, of all my quota bags..the wait for the Constance was the longest wait for me! (About 6-7 mos). Prior to this offer, I had an SA from another store whom I had a spending of over what the bag costs..yet 0 offer/s for a Constance. And yes, I severed ties with that SA already. SA was very good..that SA sold me whatever I asked for..even if it is something not very easy to find..except for QBs! So I followed my gut feeling and moved on. And yes..no hard feelings. Business is business. That SA already has a lot of clients. And..I am very happy with my C24.
vikky177 said:
Yes, I would say the "true long-term Hermes" customer is probably only 5%-10% of the customer base. Most people's Hermes "Journey" is probably on avg. 2-3 years. I mean who can afford to casually spend $30K-$50K a year on bags and luxury for decades?
Yes, I would say the "true long-term Hermes" customer is probably only 5%-10% of the customer base. Most people's Hermes "Journey" is probably on avg. 2-3 years. I mean who can afford to casually spend $30K-$50K a year on bags and luxury for decades?
Yes. There are some people who do that. However, the question becomes, do you really want to allocate that amount to “H” budget every year?
Not sure if this is OOT but that’s what I mean: the 'true' H customers do not have to budget or be willing to budget for this amount or care about spend ratios. This is the group H is after, who simply buy because they can.
Not sure it works like that. Sure, if you have a couple of yachts to kit out and a stable of thoroughbreds you are a sought after prize customer.
But in reality businesses need the ‘average’ customer too. Someone who goes in to buy a scarf for an Anniversary or a Dinner service set for a wedding gift, a lipstick even or a twilly for an old Kelly - that sort of thing. No?
J
Justlikewhatilike
I dunno how it works too. But I am sure those with a couple of yachts, etc. would be a lot more challenging to keep them engaged than the ‘average’ customer.
By challenging, I mean they would already have the ‘basic’ bkc in various leathers and precious skins, many classic items, furniture probably, lined their car/yacht seats with Hermes leather, ala carte, horizon projects….might take a lot more “special” items to engage them.
Not necessarily from my experience. There are many individuals I know who can absolutely budget even more than that very comfortably, but their priority is not H or designer shopping. They dress in indie and non designer clothes. Then there are those in similar financial situations that make designer shopping a mandatory/high category. Anyways, the more you allocate to this H budget category, the more important you become at the store. I’ve seen how those with high H budgets are treated at these stores.
I shop at Madison and I am at the low end of the totem pole. But, I’ve been a customer there for over 10 years. I certainly don’t buy a lot but I buy what I like and it spans multiple departments. I’ve recently ventured into shoes and have considered RTW but I’m too petite to fit into anything except maybe a T-shirt!!! I love my SA - she’s very sweet and she knows I’m low key. I’ve gotten a few bags through the years and will continue to purchase other items simply bc I love the brand. As my last kid is almost off to college, I’ll have more discretionary income and will buy more because there’s always so much I want but have to curb my spending. I’m not a VIP but I’m loyal and a longtime customer so hoping that wins me some brownie points!
If you are a billionaire, for sure you are well-connected and you already have the highly-coveted H items that you like (assuming H interests you). However, I doubt that H can keep the billionaire's interest for a long time. They have other things in mind and a different kind of lifestyle. A billionaire buying H items is just like an average person buying some candies in the grocery.
H is a marketing genius. When you deny a person something, it becomes more "attractive and challenging" for them usually. I doubt buying H will be a challenge for these billionaires. Therefore, H also needs a "regular person" with some money to spare and go on this "journey".....even for just 3 years.....and multiply that by the thousands of "regular people" willing to go thru that journey.....that produces H so much money, obviously.
Interestingly, I have yet to see billionaires Priscilla Chan, MacKenzie Scott, and Melinda French (all were married to or was once married to one of the richest people in this planet) carry a Birkin/H items. If they did and I just missed it, would love to see a pic.
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