Travel Tips, Blindstamp issues, and H store etiquette

[jeyatlin]

Hi there,

I've just gathered enough courage recently to register after reading through some fabulous threads (gosh, you know a lot of stuff!)

So needless to say, I'm new to Hermes and have just started collecting. Unfortunately, I live nowhere near an actual H store, but I travel a lot so I can visit various H stores in the process.

1. I'm going to LA on Tuesday and wondered which of the 2 stores are better to go to.

2. I'm going to Europe at the end of the month (London and Paris primarily, but will stop in Copenhagen and Amsterdam as well). Any advice on well stocked stores or good SAs to ask for?

3. Blindstamp question- where, in relation to the craftsman's mark, is this supposed to be located? The ones on my bags (Evelyne GM, 34 Lindy, and 30 Birkin) are all located to the right of the craftsman's mark. I've seen pictures of bags with the blindstamp located to the left. Or is this not an issue and blindstamps can be on either side?

4. If I've already established a relationship with a SA and a SM of one store, is it taboo to do the same at another store? Do you even mention that you have a relationship with another store if you're in a different store?

5. Last question (I promise!) How do ppl normally wear the lock, clochette & key on the bag? I haven't used my Birkin or Victoria II yet (am in love with my Lindy in Blue Jean right now) so I'm not sure what to do with them.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[Les Tambours]

Hi jayatlin and welcome! I can't answer all your questions but for inventory nothing beats the Hermes mothership at Fauburg St Honore in Paris and if you can't find what you want there the nearby concession in the Hotel Georges V has an excellent reputation for inventory and service. Although I'm UK based i'd concentrate on Paris rather than London just because the inventory is better by and large.

Blindstamping needs more of an expert than me but I would expect the marks to be on the right.

There is no limit on getting on well with sales assistants anywhere. Nobody in their right mind would do you down because you travel about several locations. They still need your dollars! And there are massive time differences in receiving inventory across the world because of the limited production runs. The major cities of the US for instance seem to receive the new season's scarves earlier than the UK so if you're in the right place at the right time you should buy as you please.

Personally I don't wear the clochette etc on my Kelly - I think it clutters the look. It's all just a matter of personal taste.

Happy hunting in LA.

 

[_bella_]

Hi jeyatlin, so glad you finally decided to join! Welcome, and I hope you make posting a regular thing.
I'll just respond to the questions I can answer
I don't think there's any better store to visit than the mothership, but while in Paris visit the George V store as well. Are you looking for anything in particular?
Amsterdam is my home store and the SA's are lovely. It is small though, but has a decent bag stock. I'll PM you names of SA's to look out for when you visit.

I have never experienced any negative reaction to my shopping at other stores. I don't really have much of an established relationship with any other SA's besides those at my home store. They know I travel and recently when I told them I had seen a bag they had PO'd for me at another store they were shocked I hadn't bought it. It's a little different for you not having a store you visit in person regularly.

Regarding your last question, every person likes something different. Have a look at the Your Hermes in action thread to see how some ladies (and gents!) like to wear their locks/clochettes/breloques.

Again, welcome! :buttercup:

 

[jeyatlin]

Thanks for your replies, ladies

Les Tambours- I was hoping you'd say that London had good stock b/c I'd be there for about a week so could visit those stores more often. Alas, I'll spend my only day in Paris parked in the mothership then

_bella_- Thanks for the thread. And as to looking for something in particular... when you've just begun your Hermes collection, isn't everything on your list? I'm looking for a Massai GM & matching wallet (in Gold maybe?), a 37 Bolide & wallet (no particular color, so any suggestions?), and 3 wallets to match my current 'single' bags. Perhaps a Black or Red (or both) Kelly Long Wallet? Any other types of long wallets that are nice? I've got a Blue Jean Dogon to match my Lindy and like that one quite a bit. Just thought that I should get other colors in other styles... And if I happen to 'run' into a 35 Birkin in Rouge H, the bright royal blue color, Orange, Burgundy, or Olive, I might need to treat myself... hahaha.... Ok, maybe not getting all the things on my list at once. It might be all too overwhelming for my budget

 

[mrssparkles]

jeyatlin, Welcome to the Orange Side.

I can't help with your 1st and 2nd question - hope the tPFers from both places can assist you further.

3. Blindstamp question- where, in relation to the craftsman's mark, is this supposed to be located? The ones on my bags (Evelyne GM, 34 Lindy, and 30 Birkin) are all located to the right of the craftsman's mark. I've seen pictures of bags with the blindstamp located to the left. Or is this not an issue and blindstamps can be on either side?

As far as I know, there is no fixed positions. Up to the craftsman's fancy.

4. If I've already established a relationship with a SA and a SM of one store, is it taboo to do the same at another store? Do you even mention that you have a relationship with another store if you're in a different store?
If you're new to your H store, do not mention the other H store. If you are in the US, your SM and SA will come to know of your purchases anyway. Isn't it already in place that there is a central customer datebase now?

I personally think that for clients with very deep pockets, all the H stores would love to have them shop at their stores, and they would seem eager to make the sale. It's like if their store doesn't, they know the client will go to another. So they may as well make the move first.

(It is not the same where I am. We have 2 H stores, and loyalty to one makes a HUGE difference to what clients get offered. And purchases with DFS stores don't even count!)

5. Last question (I promise!) How do ppl normally wear the lock, clochette & key on the bag? I haven't used my Birkin or Victoria II yet (am in love with my Lindy in Blue Jean right now) so I'm not sure what to do with them.

Check out all the Hermes in Action pictures.

Have loads of fun in your Hermes journey. It's a lifetime thing ... so do enjoy all your purchases however fast or slow.

 

[jeyatlin]

jeyatlin, Welcome to the Orange Side.

I can't help with your 1st and 2nd question - hope the tPFers from both places can assist you further.

3. Blindstamp question- where, in relation to the craftsman's mark, is this supposed to be located? The ones on my bags (Evelyne GM, 34 Lindy, and 30 Birkin) are all located to the right of the craftsman's mark. I've seen pictures of bags with the blindstamp located to the left. Or is this not an issue and blindstamps can be on either side?

As far as I know, there is no fixed positions. Up to the craftsman's fancy.

4. If I've already established a relationship with a SA and a SM of one store, is it taboo to do the same at another store? Do you even mention that you have a relationship with another store if you're in a different store?
If you're new to your H store, do not mention the other H store. If you are in the US, your SM and SA will come to know of your purchases anyway. Isn't it already in place that there is a central customer datebase now?

I personally think that for clients with very deep pockets, all the H stores would love to have them shop at their stores, and they would seem eager to make the sale. It's like if their store doesn't, they know the client will go to another. So they may as well make the move first.

(It is not the same where I am. We have 2 H stores, and loyalty to one makes a HUGE difference to what clients get offered. And purchases with DFS stores don't even count!)

5. Last question (I promise!) How do ppl normally wear the lock, clochette & key on the bag? I haven't used my Birkin or Victoria II yet (am in love with my Lindy in Blue Jean right now) so I'm not sure what to do with them.

Check out all the Hermes in Action pictures.

Have loads of fun in your Hermes journey. It's a lifetime thing ... so do enjoy all your purchases however fast or slow.

Thanks mrssparkles. The 'orange side'- fabulous
I don't know about a central customer database. Could someone else chime in on this one?
I'll tread lightly when I visit other stores. My SM has been extremely good to me and I wouldn't want to jeopardize our relationship. She offered me a Birkin during my first trip there w/o me asking for one! I was stunned and elated, of course.
It's taken me over 10 years to gather up the courage to walk into a H store and now, I'm completely hooked! Way too addictive...