Taking an Hermes break or just slowing down. Feel free to join or give support.
- Thread starter Chanelandco
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I used to purchase Hermes scarves regularly from the store in Glasgow. Had one SA that would help me with specific colours and track them down for me but was never offered any other items. She left and the other SAs were less helpful. I had a baby so my disposable income dropped as I went from full time to part time after maternity leave. The Glasgow store closed so I’ve no where close I can now view the item in the flesh (so it’s speak) so, while I love my collection and can now wear them (as no fear of baby sick down them), I probably won’t be buying any more any time soon.
I have been to my new local boutique to see if I click with an SA… but then holding off from building a “relationship” with the one SA I clicked with because honestly… the website just has more stock to offer that I actually want, without the added stress of dealing with a transactional relationship and the palpable tensions between staff at this boutique... even if just to get popular scarves or shoes.
I have wondered whether I’m just “hurting” my chances to get a quota bag… but, to a person with limited time and “social energy”, no bag is so far worth the relaxing comfort of shopping from my sofa … my needs to discuss fashion/luxury are well met by this forum.
The jury is still out on whether I change my mind about having an Hermes SA relationship, but so far my judgement resonates with this thread and posts like yours.
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To a certain extent the SA can’t control the overall shopping experience. My SA is very good and very nice and I am sure she’d love to get my whatever I want since I buy and never do returns.
The SAs can’t control some of the the policies that make shopping at H less enjoyable than other places like charge send, product transfers, appointments, sales targets and product category priorities etc. The frequency with which some of these change significantly is extremely annoying and out of an SAs control.
The SAs can’t control some of the the policies that make shopping at H less enjoyable than other places like charge send, product transfers, appointments, sales targets and product category priorities etc. The frequency with which some of these change significantly is extremely annoying and out of an SAs control.
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I totally agree with you!
I've been an H customer for over 40 years, I bought my first Kelly in 1980, but I haven't set foot in my local H for over 1 year! I can't be bothered with all their stupid policies, like we have to beg them to sell us a bag....Luckily I was able to buy bags when it was pretty easy, and I have more than enough scarves and shawls so I'm satisfied with what I have. Also, IMO, scarf designs have got worst and worst each season for several years now so there's nothing that I fancy. Most H stuff I've never liked, like RTW, shoes, all the recent bag designs....so it's not at all difficult for me to stay away! I still come here to keep updated and I always find it fun to take a break from "real life".
Sometimes I really wonder ,if the prespend and the games were not there ,how many of us would spend on things that we don't like or we think we like or force to like ,kwim .
I think it’s very easy to fall into the trap of think we like. There are many nice things they offer but are they need to have in such a way that they add something to what one owns? Early in the shopping experience for those who genuinely like the brand it’s easy to find many things to like. And as time passes there are usually some things to like but you get to a point where you have most of what you want or the boutique doesn’t have what you want. Sometimes I think it’s easy to get caught up in the Hermes shopping experience you sometimes end up doing a little bit of a mindless shopping.
During a step back I decided to buy some things that I thought would add something to what I own outside of H and I’m so glad I did. Yes most things I bought from H made me happy and some over the moon happy. However that feeling gets to be less and less over the years esp with the competition. The things I purchased recently from another brand made me remember what I enjoy about luxury shopping - that feeling you get when you spend hard earned money and get excellent service without jumping through hoops and get exactly what you wanted!
Such a great point, my couch is ever so comfy, and that’s a luxury in itself. Plus, if I’m scrolling, who knows what I might find….
I also love the convenience of shopping online and having things delivered. The H site has much more inventory than my local boutique. I've never been impressed with the stock in my local boutique. Either they don't have things or are not in my size. Parking is not easy, and I always forget to get my ticket validated and end up having to pay at the exit. I like shopping with my SA, but I always hate asking how to get something I see online ordered for me or brought in. I texted my SA about something yesterday, asking if they even carried it in-store. My SA replied, saying no, and suggested something else they had in store that didn't interest me. I don't want to be confined to what is only available in the boutique. I only want to buy what I like. The slowing down part will be a result of lack of boutique inventory compared to what is available online.
Congratulations on your baby.
It was sad when they pulled out of House of Fraser. It's so far to Manchester. I used to HoF if I was in Scotland when the new season started. Even though I've been more in/near London lately, I still end-up buying some things online due London crowds and craziness. The last 2 visits to NBS were to pick-up from purchases already made (online) just because I was in town anyway, and Christmas my SA worked with me remotely.
SAs come and go (even though H staff seem to be retained longer). My current SA is young, and even though she's scarf obsessed and excellent at her job, she's fairly low in the 'pecking order' in the store. My old SAs are Head ofs - but there's no point in making appointments and bothering them for a scarf or fragrance, I know who their other reg. clients are. If I need another bag (can't think why) different store.
The most important thing is to wear and enjoy what we've already bought. I tell myself that everyday, it helps me pick up something even if I'm only going to potter around the house. I'll chuck on a scarf, bangle, or loop a Chain d'Acre scarf-ring on a Barenia necklace and it cheers me up.
A customer who likes QBs (especially if he/she has none yet) is someone that an SA can prey on. Not saying all SAs do it. But what I am saying is that knowing what some people will do and buy just to be offered a QB, then the SA can use that as a leverage or weapon to coerce one to buy H items that they don't really like, with a promise of getting a Q bag. Even when moneyed, how many would really want to buy a USD55K Folding Screen from H that are not after being offered a rare item from them? Note that they are not known or popular for making items like that. And for that price, I am sure one could find someone who really specializes in that kind of thing---and it's obviously not H who does that.
I'm heading to my homestore to pick up some CNY red envelopes this Saturday, and I'm gonna pick up my last purchase ( a RG Faradole necklace ) in Q1 of this year. I am feeling the financial stress and it is unpleasant. I need to slow down before I get into some real debt. Shopping is supposed to be enjoyable, and I will slow down until it feels that way again.
A necklace isn’t worth financial stress (especially a necklace that you can easily get for half the price via resellers). I’d strongly advise you to skip it.
Shopping should be enjoyable indeed. Moreover, feeling in control of your finances is absolutely priceless. I second acrowcounted's advice of skipping the necklace. I have never regretted going cold turkey whenever I have felt like I was over-indulging. There will always be more beautiful items in the future.
Thank you, I appreciate the advice. My SA ordered it for me, and we already agreed on the transaction. This last purchase will not make a huge difference in terms of financial stress (it is only $2.3k). But I'm stopping. I even told my SA that I'm stopping after this. I am not sure how she feels about it but I need to stay sane.
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