The Hermès game : should I keep fighting ?

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May I ask what bag you were hoping for?

Totally agree re playing nice and building rapport. If you have previously bought off vintage market, it is totally possible to do it again.
I was hoping for a Kelly Pochette.

I have been going to the Virginia/Washington, DC Hermès since ~1990. I have gone through many SAs and have developed long term friendships with some. I’ve bought significant amounts of Hermès across all Hermes product lines with possible exception of China, since DH is not particularly careful about fragile stuff. When the DC store opened at City Center, I sat right next to the SM for the dinner. I had a different SA now. After spending more $ than I care to admit, I refuse to play the horse manure games that the DC store has pulled on me. So I have gone the reseller route and abandoned the KP pursuit. It galls me that I am treated as if my business and loyalty no longer matters. But here we are. I know of other long time clients that have been treated similarly.

I am not buying $40-100K+ in RTW and jewelry at Hermès. There are plenty of people who are those customers. The DC store is catering to those persons.
 
Here is my experience in the Dallas Boutique.
I went in carrying a pre-loved B 35 and wanted to see an Evelyne.
I purchased the Evelyne that day, along with an Oran Sandal bag charm.
A couple of weeks later, I had the same SA (whom I absolutely LOVE :hugs: ) and purchased a Garden Party, along with two twillies for the handles and an Orange H Shopping bag charm.
I let my SA know I was interested in purchasing a new Birkin and she said she would take note of this.

I also have to mention that I have always been treated like a VIP in this boutique. My SA has introduced me to all the employees, including the assistant manager and the store manager.
It's like I'm going home when I visit this boutique since I know everyone and it's all on a first name basis. :yahoo:
Along the way, I guess I formed a "bond" with my SA and later went back and purchased a scarf and looked at a Picotin 22.

Another week goes by and I receive a telephone call from my beloved SA saying she had my bag for me.
I went to the boutique and there was a Gold Togo B 35 with my name on it.

I've since purchased some more charms, twillies, along with a book, and a Calvi to send to my best friend and put in a mention that I really wanted a Kelly bag. :hbeat:
She said she would do what she could for me in that regard.

She texted me on Thursday saying she had a Rodeo bag charm waiting for me and some other things she thought I might like.
I also told her that I was interested in purchasing a Picotin 22 and wondered if she had one available in stock.
She said they had a large shipment coming on Tuesday and to be prepared.
So, I'm going to the boutique this Wednesday and see what she has in store for me.

Don't give up hope. :no: Develop a really good relationship with your SA and things just might appear before you know it. :yes:
 
I was hoping for a Kelly Pochette.

I have been going to the Virginia/Washington, DC Hermès since ~1990. I have gone through many SAs and have developed long term friendships with some. I’ve bought significant amounts of Hermès across all Hermes product lines with possible exception of China, since DH is not particularly careful about fragile stuff. When the DC store opened at City Center, I sat right next to the SM for the dinner. I had a different SA now. After spending more $ than I care to admit, I refuse to play the horse manure games that the DC store has pulled on me. So I have gone the reseller route and abandoned the KP pursuit. It galls me that I am treated as if my business and loyalty no longer matters. But here we are. I know of other long time clients that have been treated similarly.

I am not buying $40-100K+ in RTW and jewelry at Hermès. There are plenty of people who are those customers. The DC store is catering to those persons.

That is so disappointing. I am very sorry to hear that, I feel that the Kelly Pochette is coveted, yes, but doesn't warrant lots and lots of pre-spend!
I sometimes do feel very disheartened, where I have waited 18months + for a particular bag, but (a) I have had lovely offers in between, and (2) I know my store has not received stock of the particular style/colour I am after. Nobody else from my home store has posted anything on social media to suggest otherwise.

I am not sure what colour you are after, but I truly hope you find it. You are such a long-standing client, which really does count for a lot I think.
 
I was hoping for a Kelly Pochette.

I have been going to the Virginia/Washington, DC Hermès since ~1990. I have gone through many SAs and have developed long term friendships with some. I’ve bought significant amounts of Hermès across all Hermes product lines with possible exception of China, since DH is not particularly careful about fragile stuff. When the DC store opened at City Center, I sat right next to the SM for the dinner. I had a different SA now. After spending more $ than I care to admit, I refuse to play the horse manure games that the DC store has pulled on me. So I have gone the reseller route and abandoned the KP pursuit. It galls me that I am treated as if my business and loyalty no longer matters. But here we are. I know of other long time clients that have been treated similarly.

I am not buying $40-100K+ in RTW and jewelry at Hermès. There are plenty of people who are those customers. The DC store is catering to those persons.
That is so unfair im sorry
 
Hi,

I hope you are all well ! I'm currently questioning my Hermès game methodology (because I’m starting to loose hope) and would be happy to read about your opinion or your own experience :smile:
(to the mods : if I’m out of the rules, do not hesitate to delete my post).

I fell in love with Hermès a while ago and bought four B35s in the preloved market during the 2010s. However, I have started to play the « Hermès game » in 2020 only (so I'm pretty new here!) mostly because I’m dreaming of a Kelly 28 in Gold with GHW. But this game is so hard to maintain :biggrin:. I have built relationship with three SAs, one in my hometown store in France and two in London, UK (I do live in London). They know about my wish. In maybe five months, I have bought two bags (Picotin 26 and Evelyne 29), sandals, scarves and tons of twillies. I also use to visit the website like 10 times a day to check if there’s something new (I have missed a cute Mini Lindy in Rouge de Coeur and GHW btw…). To conclude, I’m 100% focused on Hermès now and have even sold most of my other luxury brand pieces for financing this.

Unfortunately, for now, I haven’t been offered anything and one of my SAs told me it's gonna be very a long wait. However, I’ve read here and there (Instagram, Youtube, this forum…) that some newbie customers in Europe seem to get offered quota bag quite « easily » this year (with, for instance, just buying one scarve).

I feel I’m not playing the game the right way…What do you think ? Do you think I’m trying too hard and just need to cross my fingers, rather than buying, buying…?

I would also be happy to read your own (good and bad) experiences about the Hermès Game :smile:.

Many thanks and stay safe.

Hi hun ~ My two cents about this matter. I just buy quota bags through a reseller because i can trust her, she treats me well and i get the exact specs that i want, i dont have patience and i wanted an specific seasonal colour (Kelly28 in gris mouette palledium hw)! For the other fun bits such as fine jewelry, twillies, shoes, homewear, i shop directly in Hermes because i love the items, not because i have the pressure to buy buy buy in order to get a quota bag. So my advise would be to enjoy the journey and dont feel pressured to get a bag. If you cant wait, then your impatience has a premium price tag in resellers side hahaha My guess is Hermes is going to become more and more exclusive and H bags more scarce so if you only like their bags, then i would go to preloved market but if you love the brand, then just enjoy each piece you buy and one day you will get a bag. Dont buy anything you dislike or wouldnt buy just to get a bag. And regarding to relationships with SA, think of it as a good friendship. It takes time but if you dont like your current SA, move on regardless of how much you shopped with them previously, it doesnt matter, they wont help much to get you a bag but if you have a good chemistry with your SA, they will do anything to help you out! Best of luck ~
 
I'm not going to move/delete this thread because it's a personal reminder for all newbies. If you feel you're playing a 'game' it may be better to stay with resellers. I will merge any new personal stories about playing the 'game' to this one.

1. From your title I was expecting to hear you've been waiting 10 years for a coveted bag. One year is not long. There's a wait list in London now (not sure if that applies to all of the UK). Basically for any 25 B or K it may be easier to go to a reseller.

2. You've scored other bags. An Evie or a Pico is good going in London, let alone both.

3. Since you've bought 2 H bags in one year, are you using them? Do you like them? You have other H bags, what's the reason you still need another bag? (perhaps you got rid of all your other bags and are thinking exclusively only H?)

4. Buying other bags is not going to get you a quota bag. Not even a few silks. Walk-ins and tourists do this everyday of the week. If you wanna get serious and just want B/K/Cs, buy homeware, watches, fine jewellery and RTW and then call it 'fighting'.

5. Make an appointment and go at 10am when your SA won't feel as pressured and ask them to explain about the actual thing you're buying. They have people begging for the same bags all day every day, you're just another.

6. People who say stick to one SA don't know London. High turnover of staff (esp Selfridges and Harrods) and most SAs designated to specialist depts, or are just general and PT/temps, in NBS it's very hierarchical and no one dares step on another's toes. Not all SAs are equal. Just think about H like a hairdresser where the owner/head stylist costs twice the price of a normal stylist and 10 x the price of a n apprentice, get the picture? At H the 'heads' only come out by appointment (for reg and referrals) your SA has to get all requests put through due process so s/he probably can't give you an answer straight away, same if your SA is Head of women's Silk or Men's RTW, they will have to 'wait and see', if a bag is available, and get back to you if one 'appears'. It sounds like a game, but it's hierarchy and territory in such big stores.

7. If you're competing for a bag of certain specs they can sell to someone who spends £10K + every couple of months, forget it.

8. If they feel you'll get your 'trophy' bag and they'll never see you again, forget it. Don't bring up the bag too often.

9. As someone in this thread has already said even when they 'scored' (I hate that word too) a K 32 in Paris, it wasn't to their specs and ended-up moving the bag along. May as well go the reseller route.

10. If the 'game' is getting you down (and again as has already mentioned) buy 'the' bag via a reseller and enjoy your trips to H without the pressure.

Don't forget it's a very difficult year for everybody, everything takes longer.


For more info on London https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/hermes-boutiques-in-london.197582/
For more info on London's new 'waiting-list' system https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/new-rules-for-buying-quota-bags.1032900/
Plus lots of threads on Paris (different rules FSH) and France
 
If you really want your dream bag, I would buy from a reseller. If you want to build a relationship with a SA and are in it for the long haul, then stay with one store and enjoy the journey. There are always different rules for loyal customers and those that are buying things just to get a birkin or kelly. The SA's can spot them a mile off! The exception to this rule is those stores in holiday destinations or where there are a high number of tourists. I'm sure if you visited one of those stores and made it clear you are willing to spend a lot to get the bag you want, they will oblige.
 
Hi,

I hope you are all well ! I'm currently questioning my Hermès game methodology (because I’m starting to loose hope) and would be happy to read about your opinion or your own experience :smile:
(to the mods : if I’m out of the rules, do not hesitate to delete my post).

I fell in love with Hermès a while ago and bought four B35s in the preloved market during the 2010s. However, I have started to play the « Hermès game » in 2020 only (so I'm pretty new here!) mostly because I’m dreaming of a Kelly 28 in Gold with GHW. But this game is so hard to maintain :biggrin:. I have built relationship with three SAs, one in my hometown store in France and two in London, UK (I do live in London). They know about my wish. In maybe five months, I have bought two bags (Picotin 26 and Evelyne 29), sandals, scarves and tons of twillies. I also use to visit the website like 10 times a day to check if there’s something new (I have missed a cute Mini Lindy in Rouge de Coeur and GHW btw…). To conclude, I’m 100% focused on Hermès now and have even sold most of my other luxury brand pieces for financing this.

Unfortunately, for now, I haven’t been offered anything and one of my SAs told me it's gonna be very a long wait. However, I’ve read here and there (Instagram, Youtube, this forum…) that some newbie customers in Europe seem to get offered quota bag quite « easily » this year (with, for instance, just buying one scarve).

I feel I’m not playing the game the right way…What do you think ? Do you think I’m trying too hard and just need to cross my fingers, rather than buying, buying…?

I would also be happy to read your own (good and bad) experiences about the Hermès Game :smile:.

Many thanks and stay safe.
SAs sense desperation. So just keep on buying what you truly like to buy and politely remind them of your wish list frequently. Do not buy just to please them or in the hopes of scoring the bag of your dreams. And, when you don't expect it anymore, that's when the 1st offer happens, I think. Good luck!
 
SAs sense desperation. So just keep on buying what you truly like to buy and politely remind them of your wish list frequently. Do not buy just to please them or in the hopes of scoring the bag of your dreams. And, when you don't expect it anymore, that's when the 1st offer happens, I think. Good luck!
This is it in a nutshell!!! :yes: :hugs:
 
I disagree with focusing on one store or even one country. I shop regularly in three countries and it's been fine. Paris and London are two good choices, too :smile: Lots of inventory in both.

I would just say be patient and enjoy your shopping; don't buy anything you don't love; the bag will come. Yes, London is saying they have a straight "waitlist" now but that's horse hockey. What you spend and who you work with, especially their department and seniority, affects what you get in London. You don't just put your name on a list and wait to be called, like a bakery ;)
 
Depending on your leather choice, this should be relatively easy to obtain preloved. If you are open to a heritage leather bag, which you can then Spa ( either with Hermes or other), the prices can vary from very reasonable to a little above list. Years ago, I submitted reseller bags to be spa serviced and never had a problem.

The leather I want for my K28 is a sellier box leather (the patina of the box leather seems really gorgeous throughout the years, I feel I would still love the bag at 60). It's a shame the preloved market price for Hermès quota bags are so high, compared to the boutiques. The SPA after buying preloved is a good idea, thanks, I will take a closer look :smile:.
 
The leather I want for my K28 is a sellier box leather (the patina of the box leather seems really gorgeous throughout the years, I feel I would still love the bag at 60). It's a shame the preloved market price for Hermès quota bags are so high, compared to the boutiques. The SPA after buying preloved is a good idea, thanks, I will take a closer look :smile:.
Wait, did you ask your SA for a K28 Sellier Box in Gold color with GHW? Because I don’t think that even exists (or at least haven’t seen any in my four years of following H) which would explain why they said it would be a very long wait...
 
Wait, did you ask your SA for a K28 Sellier Box in Gold color with GHW? Because I don’t think that even exists which would explain why they said it would be a very long wait...

That does explain it... no such thing exists.
Black box is actually being produced right now and slightly increased production compared to previous years, so there is a chance to buy in store. However, the price of box is quite a bit more than another leather (such as epsom, which we frequently see for sellier kelly bags).

I actually don’t necessarily think you’ll pay a big premium at all if you buy a black box k28 from reseller market.

Now, if you’re talking heritage leathers, perhaps you like barenia? But I don’t think k28 in barenia is something you’ll see often...

I disagree with focusing on one store or even one country. I shop regularly in three countries and it's been fine. Paris and London are two good choices, too :smile: Lots of inventory in both.

I would just say be patient and enjoy your shopping; don't buy anything you don't love; the bag will come. Yes, London is saying they have a straight "waitlist" now but that's horse hockey. What you spend and who you work with, especially their department and seniority, affects what you get in London. You don't just put your name on a list and wait to be called, like a bakery ;)

I would say yes you can travel and build profiles in different stores, but Quelle Fromage seems to be VIP and long-time client. If you don’t have a large budget and just buy here and there, I think it may be better to focus on one place.
She’s totally right about Hermes not being a bakery, haha.
 
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