Strengthening H relationship for a B/K or Garden Party?

[Elaria]

I currently own a 35 B and a 35 K, and I truly adore them both. I got them from AFF a few years ago. I have now been a South Coast Plaza Hermes client with one SA in particular for 3, almost 4 years. Only popping in a few times a year for SLGs, leather goods, perfume, twillies, etc. I have never asked for a B or K, but have asked for other leather items to no avail, so I don't dare to try for a B or K.

I am now interested in the Garden Party or potentially getting another B (30cm) or K (32cm), preferably B. I am wondering if you think it is worth it to try and develop a better relationship with my SA by frequenting the store more often and purchasing other items in the Home, Fine Jewelry (I've been eyeing a rose gold pendant), and Shoes. I love almost all things H, but have been frequenting other fashion houses for the past year because there are less games played, no stock-fibs told to my face, and I don't have to wait until my SA is working for me to go in and purchase things. Part of the luxury experience of shopping I appreciate is being able to have the store hours work with my free-time, not me arranging my free-time to work with the store.

I have read through the entire "Maintaining an H relationship" thread, which is very helpful. I have started to pick up on how I am being treated there and realize I need to call ahead of time to make sure my SA is in and to let her know when I will be in so that she has time to assist me. Also, it works best to deal with my SA only. When my SA is either busy or not in all other SAs coldly tell me they have nothing in stock when I ask.

Onto the good stuff...I like the idea of the GP because it is open like the Birkin, but the B is fancier and more of a wow bag, whereas GP is understated chic. I know overall I would prefer a B or K, but at the same time I will have to be more careful with it and feel worse if a scratch or blemish occurs than with a GP due to the price alone. I don't have a GP, but have always admired it. I am thinking about it over the B/K because I have heard of horror stories of SAs leading you on for years to buy more and more while never offering a B or K. I don't think my SA would do that to me, but I've heard my home store is notoriously difficult to score a B/K at. There are a lot of walk-ins and customers way wealthier than I am, so I can see how I would be placed lower down on the list of B/Ks at this location.

I don't want to purchase anymore items from re-sellers and would prefer to only shop with my SA at the boutique or h.com. I would just hate to spend months and years of spending to still be told they don't have anything in stock. On the other hand, I could put the money spent on a GP towards a B or K and be very patient and hope that one day the offer will come along. I just can't help but feel somewhat desperate going this route, but I feel that the experience will be much more rewarding if I do actually end up being offered one. Anyone who has bought from the boutique and re-sellers care to share their preference and why? Thanks!

 

[PJW5813]

Think of it as shopping at Hermes not shopping with a SA.
Don't expect SAs to be psychic.
Stop being intimidated and pussy footing around.
If you 'don't care to ask', you won't get.

 

[Lilikay]

I currently own a 35 B and a 35 K, and I truly adore them both. I got them from AFF a few years ago. I have now been a South Coast Plaza Hermes client with one SA in particular for 3, almost 4 years. Only popping in a few times a year for SLGs, leather goods, perfume, twillies, etc. I have never asked for a B or K, but have asked for other leather items to no avail, so I don't dare to try for a B or K.

I am now interested in the Garden Party or potentially getting another B (30cm) or K (32cm), preferably B. I am wondering if you think it is worth it to try and develop a better relationship with my SA by frequenting the store more often and purchasing other items in the Home, Fine Jewelry (I've been eyeing a rose gold pendant), and Shoes. I love almost all things H, but have been frequenting other fashion houses for the past year because there are less games played, no stock-fibs told to my face, and I don't have to wait until my SA is working for me to go in and purchase things. Part of the luxury experience of shopping I appreciate is being able to have the store hours work with my free-time, not me arranging my free-time to work with the store.

I have read through the entire "Maintaining an H relationship" thread, which is very helpful. I have started to pick up on how I am being treated there and realize I need to call ahead of time to make sure my SA is in and to let her know when I will be in so that she has time to assist me. Also, it works best to deal with my SA only. When my SA is either busy or not in all other SAs coldly tell me they have nothing in stock when I ask.

Onto the good stuff...I like the idea of the GP because it is open like the Birkin, but the B is fancier and more of a wow bag, whereas GP is understated chic. I know overall I would prefer a B or K, but at the same time I will have to be more careful with it and feel worse if a scratch or blemish occurs than with a GP due to the price alone. I don't have a GP, but have always admired it. I am thinking about it over the B/K because I have heard of horror stories of SAs leading you on for years to buy more and more while never offering a B or K. I don't think my SA would do that to me, but I've heard my home store is notoriously difficult to score a B/K at. There are a lot of walk-ins and customers way wealthier than I am, so I can see how I would be placed lower down on the list of B/Ks at this location.

I don't want to purchase anymore items from re-sellers and would prefer to only shop with my SA at the boutique or h.com. I would just hate to spend months and years of spending to still be told they don't have anything in stock. On the other hand, I could put the money spent on a GP towards a B or K and be very patient and hope that one day the offer will come along. I just can't help but feel somewhat desperate going this route, but I feel that the experience will be much more rewarding if I do actually end up being offered one. Anyone who has bought from the boutique and re-sellers care to share their preference and why? Thanks!

Straight to the point, based in my own experience:
1. Make sure you email your SA and set up a date before visiting the store;
2. Once at the store, carefully select everything you actually love and would be happy to by. I would suggest a pair of shoes, a scarf, a enamel bracelet or maybe a small piece of jewelry.
3. Try to find something they would have to order for you so you would have to come back and pick it up later, and keep it rolling. Scarfs, twillies and bracelets are awesome for this purpose.
4. Visit the store at least once a month and buy at least a scarf or something small.
5. After spending almost the same amount of the bag, what can take maybe 3 to 6 months depending on what are you up to, you can start a conversation like how you love some shade of color and how you would love to have a bag match with your lovely H items.
6. Always carry your bags and never tell them you got them from a reseller.
7. Try always to be patient and nice.
Good luck with your hunting

 

[Elaria]

Straight to the point, based in my own experience:
1. Make sure you email your SA and set up a date before visiting the store;
2. Once at the store, carefully select everything you actually love and would be happy to by. I would suggest a pair of shoes, a scarf, a enamel bracelet or maybe a small piece of jewelry.
3. Try to find something they would have to order for you so you would have to come back and pick it up later, and keep it rolling. Scarfs, twillies and bracelets are awesome for this purpose.
4. Visit the store at least once a month and buy at least a scarf or something small.
5. After spending almost the same amount of the bag, what can take maybe 3 to 6 months depending on what are you up to, you can start a conversation like how you love some shade of color and how you would love to have a bag match with your lovely H items.
6. Always carry your bags and never tell them you got them from a reseller.
7. Try always to be patient and nice.
Good luck with your hunting

Thank you for the great advice. I don't have her e-mail yet, but hopefully I will get it soon. I'll ask her next time I am in for something.

 

[Lilikay]

Okay, tell her you have a wishlist and you will need her help to pick all the items in the future so it would be great to have her email so you can let her know when you are coming by...

 

[happy27]

I’m going to say get the GP now because it serves different functions than the B/K. you know you will have the funds for B/K when the time is right. Well I believe if someone’s bag budget only allows for one B/K and nothing else in their bag collection, then they probably shouldn’t spend that much on a bag to begin with!

I have the GP and it’s a beautiful, classic bag. I don’t need to worry about babying it, getting the look in certain occasions and can take it traveling easily. By all means build your relationship with your SA for the next B/K but you will get a lot of joy using the GP and also shows the store that you have a genuine appreciation of their products outside of the converted pieces!