Adding a datapoint to this: I purchased a Kelly Picnic in 2019 (ish), and I'm confident my familiarity with the store had more to do with me receiving the bag vs spend. I do realize things have changed since then, but like others have mentioned, these bags aren't for everyone. Whenever I casually inquire about a special edition bag (ie Birkin Cargo), I'm met with a "Oh, are you interested? Would you like one?" response.
Spend threshold for B/K/C
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I completely agree with your assessment. Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, it was not uncommon to receive a special bag as a token of appreciation for your loyalty to a particular boutique. However, with the rise of social media, the demand for these coveted items has skyrocketed, making them even more difficult to obtain. I recall being able to secure a shadow Birkin in 2020, but now it seems that even getting a standard quota bag has become quite the challenge.
Echoing this. I purchased a Mini Kelly Picnic mid-2022 and it was a complete surprise to me. I genuinely believe this was because I had great, very friendly relationships with all the SAs/SM at the store, and by this point, I no longer lived in this country and this hadn't been my home store for half a year. My SA then moved to a larger, more competitive store in the same city and upon first visit at this location, I was surprised with a box MKII. Four months later, I was surprised with a Kelly en Desordre. At the second location, I was most definitely *not* a top spender.
Similarly to DD8, when I inquire about SOs or special edition bags such as the Kelly Colormatic, Birkin Cargo, I've been met with a "Would you like one?" I've also been asked without prior inquiry if I'd like a Shadow Birkin, Faubourg, Idole, etc. I think this is purely based on my relationships with my SA/SM, but also strengthened immensely by the fact that I ride and most of my purchases are from the equestrian collection. When I was surprised with the Desordre, I had barely any history at this very competitive flagship, but the SMs would refer to me as their "little rider," and loved that I loved Hermes for its heritage.
Knowing that you have a quota bag confirmed, what is your take on holding off on spending until it arrives. I never imagined I’d be in this predicament, but here I am. I’m interested to hear how others have handled this situation. My purchases can absolutely wait, nothing is necessary. Thank you!
Which country are you shopping in? If it’s the US, I firmly don’t believe there is such a thing as a quota bag “being confirmed” and just waiting around for it to arrive. Sure there can be indications from an SA that something might be coming soon but imo, until a client is walking out the door with a paid for bag, nothing is confirmed or certain. Until you have the bag, you don’t have the bag. I’d behave irrespective of the promised bag. If there are things I want to buy, I’d buy them. If I felt like holding off, I’d hold off. In the US, it’s not a clear reset to zero prespend, all account history counts, so carry on.
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I think it’s also important to consider if you need to use some of the $ on the bag.
For myself, I just don’t have the extra funds to keep casually splurging. So when I was told a qb would be coming for me soon, I took just a bit of space. I usually went once a month so I missed a month. Then there was something I loved, so I texted her to make an appointment and she said I have something for you.
If I was in a situation where I didn’t have to really plan/save for a qb, I probably would’ve kept going in but maybe pulled breaks a tiny bit. There’s so much I love but I can’t spend that freely! Maybe one day!
Hope this is helpful.
This is super helpful. Two weeks ago I went in and my SA mentioned that he is working on my second quota and that he would try for September. Obviously I know that’s not guaranteed but I don’t have unlimited funds so was planning to tone it down for the next few weeks in case a nag truly is forthcoming. It’s good to see that plan isn’t totally I’ll advised.
Thank you for the sound advice. I think many of us get into this situation. I shop every 2-3 weeks, not shop…SPLURGE!! So I know it’s bag time!! Time to take a break. Let’s see how everything plays out.
I know, nothing is ever guaranteed. And the bag I want is taking time to get. When does the 2 quota bags a year reset, Jan 1??
Curious, do you think your SA would have contacted you about having a bag if you didn’t reach out when you did?
To me, your scenario reads “taking a break” could have equated to no bag. Obviously glad it didn’t! But for others(mainly those who don’t have a steady history with their SA/store) I’d caution taking a step back when an SA gives the impression of a bag forthcoming. Like @acrowcounted said “until you have the bag(purchased and in hand), you don’t have the bag.”
I've never had an SA tell me a bag was coming by a certain time...which would actually be nice! I'm usually surprised with a bag while I'm in the store shopping or they text me "I have something for you. Can you come TODAY." But then again, I don't really have a specific wishlist. The one time I did request something very specific, my SA never confirmed he had it for me prior to my visit. I had no idea until he showed it to me.
Happy to hear! I guess my point was that in my experience, toning it down didn’t “lose” the qb for me.
I have no idea, I assume it’s possible she would have, especially if she did see our relationship as long term (it was my first).
The interesting thing was when I got there she was like wait you wanted something else too I forgot?
But you’re right, it could’ve been that if I didn’t text her she would’ve forgot about my wish or her comment or something. I do know around dec she said that it would have to be going into the new year. So I didn’t come in during jan.
Honestly, I think that when it comes to spending, it happens very often that questions are met with “buy what you love, and if you can’t afford to do so/don’t like anything, go through a reseller”. I’m sure this is very solid advice but I wanted to offer an anecdote as an extra piece.
Of course, everyone says every experience is different and determined on so many factors. But I figured I should at least share!
Absolutely. And I'm sorry I wasn't trying to imply you shouldn't share your experience. I'm sure OP appreciated it and I hope her outcome is successful like yours!
Same. After my first offer(which did come over email), the following two out of three offers came when I was in the boutique shopping during my appointment.
I will say that I have playfully hinted at my SA whenever a certain milestone is coming up that I would love to have a bag to celebrate, etc. and my SA has come through for me on a couple of occasions ahead of the milestone. Usually she'll say something like "I think I can make that happen" if it's looking good and then I'll just a call or text that they got something in, usually close to the milestone. Otherwise, it's been totally out of the blue. I've never been guaranteed anything ahead of time.