Was going to post on a throwaway account, but I will be transparent. I do think Mel reads and responds well to criticism so I hope she hops in here.
I like Mel. I like her channel. She has been so helpful with leather and color guides. I feel for her watching this video, but in watching her videos previously, I will note that DH has mentioned that she sounded a bit desperate. He also asked if she was a reseller. I think Mel is truly passionate about the brand, but if DH--a stranger who knows/cares nothing about Hermes, but is a normal human being who can read people--thinks that there is something off, I wonder how it came across in store.
Why I found the SA response not surprising:
-I found it strange that there was a birkin/kelly ask EVERY MONTH. Especially in the most difficult specs. Especially when first time bags are generally easy to come by, but your third may be more difficult. Especially when she sold her first bag within 6 months (despite the justification) in a very public way. I feel like if she had chilled, bags would have appeared.
-The SA clearly was not interested in answering the wishlist/waitlist questions. The SA also seemed to realize that she was putting as much work with Mel as she was with clients who spend more.
-It was completely reasonable for the SA to read that last email (the one preceding the client firing) as aggressive, borderline threatening. The way I read it was "you refuse to get me a B/K 25, I am cancelling my future appointments". Now, I think Hermes should have just said "fine, peace out" (see my points below).
-I think Mel is spot on when she said the brand/Sydney Store doesn't want her as a client; let them go girl!
What I found disheartening: I think Mel is being honest about the SA telling Mel about her client. I also believe Mel was told waitlist, but I think it was naïve of Mel to believe that the waitlist exists. I know it varies country to country, but this forum makes pretty clear that these bags are elusive, nothing is promised. I think Hermes' response was overdone (if it is being accurately retold). The store should have reached out and said that they apologized for the SA churn and that they were looking forward to serving in the future with a new SA who would be better equipped to service her. Mel may, however, have burned her bridges and no SA wants to work with her. I also tend to think that H may want to remove her as a customer. I think H ideally wouldn't deal with influencers at all, but rather would have only celebrity endorsements alongside rich clientele. And while, they have bought into the necessity of the influencer (yay for equality?), but may prefer to engage larger influencers or influencers with a certain look. I won't directly state anything more nefarious at play.
Two final thoughts (and my opinion only): One--An H bag is NOT an anniversary gift. It does not symbolize your love. It is a singular object meant for one person's use and flex. We aren't entitled to these bags to begin with and I certainly don't think our spouses prize the bags as much as they cherish us. Two--Is anyone else interested in seeing what the response to the video will be? H and public. I know the views will be through the roof so that is overall a plus for her.
One final question: Aussie H Lovers, do you have any laws on right to sell/refuse to sell?
Thanks all for reading my tome. Mel-if you are reading, I wish you the best of luck hun.
