Switching SA in the same store
- Thread starter RitaLA
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How about this. My SA left and she gave me contact info of another SA. I contacted this new SA and bought something from him, but I didnt feel the connection. I’m planning of getting a new SA. Should I feel awkward entering the boutique, without asking for him? And what if I get assigned this same SA? I’m feeling like taking a break from H so he wont remember me and I can continue the journey with a new SA.
Of course not. It’s your prerogative to shop with whomever you want. Browse around and if someone else seems good, go for it.
In the end, as clients, we are one of many in any SA’s roster. They smooth out such details and transitions every day. If we feel strongly about working with someone else, no one at the boutique will take this personally. I say this assuming that if one is such a whale that he or she has racked up enormous amounts with one SA, that it’s not an issue, so long as the boutique retains said custom. Of course, one might have to build up some profile with the new SA, but that may simply be a matter of time. JMO
Edited: As requested
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I'm hoping that some of you may be able to offer me some guidance as well! I am considering whether it would be beneficial for me to switch SAs. Mine has been nice, but I'm starting to wonder if I might work better with someone else. I've been shopping with the current SA for about three months, with two in-person visits and some orders placed by text.
I've heard advice for people to go in on their SA's day off and meet someone new, however that's really not possible for me due to my work schedule and the fact that I don't live close by (I'd need to take time off of work to visit on their day off - I can't just pop in easily).
That said, what would you suggest in my case? Should I just go in without an appointment, and see who I'm assigned to? I think I would feel so awkward if my current SA were to see me (assuming they remember me). I've also met an SA in another state that I visit a few times a year, and I almost want to just start working with her instead (even though that boutique is a plane ride away) just to avoid all the awkwardness lol.
I've heard advice for people to go in on their SA's day off and meet someone new, however that's really not possible for me due to my work schedule and the fact that I don't live close by (I'd need to take time off of work to visit on their day off - I can't just pop in easily).
That said, what would you suggest in my case? Should I just go in without an appointment, and see who I'm assigned to? I think I would feel so awkward if my current SA were to see me (assuming they remember me). I've also met an SA in another state that I visit a few times a year, and I almost want to just start working with her instead (even though that boutique is a plane ride away) just to avoid all the awkwardness lol.
It actually doesn't sound that bad to me. Could you elaborate on why you don't feel comfortable with your current SA, considering it's only been 3 months, two visits in person and it sounds like she's actually taking yoir orders via text? Perhaps she's already trying her best in this current situation? Some SAs don't even respond to their well-established clients nowadays. I am worried that you may not actually find anyone more helpful at your local store.
That's a fair point! Essentially, it's difficult getting a response at times, and it leads to me overthinking and feeling stressed about the situation. Sometimes I hear back very promptly, and other times I follow up after about a week or so passes. I keep wondering if they're ghosting me, or if maybe they don't enjoy working with me. I hate to follow up and double-text because I fear that it comes across as me pestering them or being demanding, but I also don't want to just leave things hanging if there are items I'm hoping to order from them, and if I'm trying to build a relationship with them (hard as it is when it's somewhat long distance).
Most recently, I had to cancel an appointment because something stopped me from making the trip to the city, and I never heard back from them, even when I reached out a week later inquiring about something I'd like to order. So, I also worry that they've written me off because I cancelled. Can you tell that i worry a lot, all the time, about everything? Lol.
Perhaps the fluctuations with responsiveness is totally normal, and I need to stop taking it personally and stop worrying that I'm annoying them? Of course, I will always continue to be polite, respectful, kind, etc., so in saying this, I mean that maybe I need to just get better at managing the anxiety on my end.
I think if you feel in person appointments go well, then there is nothing to worry about, getting vibes face to face beats any text exchange. The delayed responses are nothing to worry about. It could be her days off or perhaps she's completely swamped at the store. I would just relax and go with it and at this time not worry too much. This is because I have never changed SA in any one store except when they retired or were transferred to another city and all these were either smooth transitions directly to their managers or I was reassigned by their managers to a new SA. This means I never have to deal with any awkwardness at the stores when I visit. I wish you luck and much enjoyment shopping Hermes.
This sounds like a completely normal, newish relationship with an H SA in 2023. Unfortunately, I don’t think switching SAs will lead to any change or decline in worrying.
Honestly, it's really helpful even to hear that this is normal. I think that in and of itself will help me to stop worrying that this is a "me problem" or that my SA is trying to brush me off.
I don't mean this unkindly but just step back..take a deep breath.. and remind yourself.
its only shopping.
There are many situations that life may throw at us that may cause stress, anxiety, etc etc and shopping for luxury goods should not be one of them.
I overthink, I'm a terrible worrier and get anxious over all kinds of stuff so I do understand those feelings that you're going through but I really think you shouldn't allow yourself to get so worked up about what is a luxury pastime.
Be kind to yourself, take a step back and think..She's a sales associate her job is to sell to you.
You don't have to be her friend or she yours, you are one of many clients and Hermes SA's are overwhelmed with clients and client requests.
Don't take her lack of communication personally.
Perhaps buy some items online if its easier and allows you to get what you seek with less stress.
good luck
No offense taken! This is what my husband reminds me of every time I bring it up haha. "It's only shopping," "It's only a bag," "It's just a sales associate." (The last one not being said out of any disrespect to SAs, but rather in recognition that the relationship I have with an SA of any company is obviously far less important in my life than relationships with friends and family, etc.). I definitely do recognize that this has become a target for my anxiety to get funneled into! And while there's so, so much helpful information out there on the internet about shopping at Hermes, I also sometimes thinks it backfires because it gets me so worried about doing things "right or wrong."
I don't mean to go off topic - all this is to say that I agree with you!
Just wanted to post a quick update and say that I followed up with my SA about a week after my last request, and they got right back to me and were so apologetic about the delay, saying that it's been so busy. I think you all are right, that I probably need to learn not to take it personally if I'm not hearing back, and that it doesn't necessarily mean my SA doesn't like me! I truly understand if they aren't able to get back to me right away, so my discomfort with it hasn't been coming from a demanding place of needing their attention ASAP - it's more come from a worry that I've done something that leads them to disengage.
Anyway, I just share this in case it's ever helpful for anyone else who's experiencing something similar!
Anyway, I just share this in case it's ever helpful for anyone else who's experiencing something similar!
Thank you all for your recent help and feedback! I paid a visit to my SA recently and felt like things are going well.
That said, I’ve been working with them for about 4 months now with probably 3.5k spend (estimating). I realize that in Hermes world, this isn’t a ton, but I’m wondering if it’s a bad sign that I haven’t received any bag offers at all in this time. Is this unusual, or a sign that my SA may not be great at getting me bags going forward? Would you switch in this position, or keep riding it out with the SA you’ve been working with? It’s hard to gauge what is normal without any other frame of reference!
That said, I’ve been working with them for about 4 months now with probably 3.5k spend (estimating). I realize that in Hermes world, this isn’t a ton, but I’m wondering if it’s a bad sign that I haven’t received any bag offers at all in this time. Is this unusual, or a sign that my SA may not be great at getting me bags going forward? Would you switch in this position, or keep riding it out with the SA you’ve been working with? It’s hard to gauge what is normal without any other frame of reference!
I don't think there really is a frame of reference when it comes to Hermes lol! Stores, countries and customer experiences all vary. If you enjoy shopping with your current SA I wouldn't change. Continue to buy only what you like. A bag offer will come eventually. Of late, there has also been a large influx of new customers and limited stock since the pandemic making things more challenging, especially for smaller boutiques.
Honestly 3.5k and 4 months is really really early in Hermes world these days. A more reasonable expectation would be $10k.