Treatment in Hermes Stores

[chicinthecity777]

Also, just like to say I agree with Myken re the Marseille store; they were really lovely when I visited there and also the fantastic staff in Aix. Just won't take hot husband & DS's next time I visit! And I meant hot as in hot & bothered from weather, not top-totty hot!! Quite happy to take one of those along

I loved most high-end stores in Marseille! And Aix store is not bad either! Although rather small.

 

[sonaale]

It's been a long time since I studied it, but my recollection of contract law is as Kathrin says; when a shop puts its wares out on display it is just an offer to sell; you then must agree the price and it is only when the seller has accepted payment from the buyer that the contract becomes binding between both parties. Until then, no-one is under any obligation. I don't think it's changed since then.


Agreed. This is still current contract law in the United States.

 

[mistikat]

It's been a long time since I studied it, but my recollection of contract law is as Kathrin says; when a shop puts its wares out on display it is just an offer to sell; you then must agree the price and it is only when the seller has accepted payment from the buyer that the contract becomes binding between both parties. Until then, no-one is under any obligation. I don't think it's changed since then.


Agreed. This is still current contract law in the United States.

That is the essence of contract law - offer, consideration, acceptance, but it's not as straightforward as that when it comes to purchasing items (and there are differences when it comes to online and in person sales. For example, retailers don't always have to honor an erroneous price.

I still don't see how Hermes is forcing anyone to buy. And I agree that though it is indeed disappointing if an item on hold for you is sold to someone else, unless it's been paid for, I don't think they have any obligation to hold it.

 

[bluediamond35]

The Hermes in Brown Thomas at Dublin were very nice and friendly. They had no K or B two weeks ago. It's a very small location so I don't know if they get it frequently or if they were holding for locals. They said they had a long wait list for taupe Evelyn. Has anyone bought from them?

 

[lesyeux]

That is the essence of contract law - offer, consideration, acceptance, but it's not as straightforward as that when it comes to purchasing items (and there are differences when it comes to online and in person sales. For example, retailers don't always have to honor an erroneous price.

I still don't see how Hermes is forcing anyone to buy. And I agree that though it is indeed disappointing if an item on hold for you is sold to someone else, unless it's been paid for, I don't think they have any obligation to hold it.

I was angry and disappointed for that they sold it after they promised me that the bag was for me, and it was just weird that the first day it was for me and asked me to purchase the second day, and when I went there the second day, it was suddenly not for me.

Actually I got forced to buy one time in Paris before, the manager of the shop forced me to purchase two pieces of products(non-bags involved) at one time when I clearly said I couldn't transport the two big pieces at the same time and wished to pay one piece first and pay the other one the day after, but he refused and shouted at me that if I don't pay the two pieces at that day, I will be finish in Hermes. I don't know if anyone could understand being shouted at in front of all the staff and customers, especially at a woman. But very nicely I got a good official apology from Hermes which comforts me a lot, and I purchased the two pieces in another shop instead.

 

[newbiebag]

Actually I got forced to buy one time in Paris before, the manager of the shop forced me to purchase two pieces of products(non-bags involved) at one time when I clearly said I couldn't transport the two big pieces at the same time and wished to pay one piece first and pay the other one the day after, but he refused and shouted at me that if I don't pay the two pieces at that day, I will be finish in Hermes. I don't know if anyone could understand being shouted at in front of all the staff and customers, especially at a woman. But very nicely I got a good official apology from Hermes which comforts me a lot, and I purchased the two pieces in another shop instead.

This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard. First off, unless the manager tied you down and robbed your credit cards to make the purchase, it isn't "forced." I find it hard to believe that a Hermes SA let alone a SM raised their voice at a customer. If indeed he did that and told you that "will be finish in Hermes," you still have the power to REFUSE the purchase. The point is, you wanted a relationship with them so you stuck around and bought the goods even though you felt abused. I get it. I know how awkward and embarrassing it can feel to be called out at a luxury store. I was at Neiman Marcus Chanel and was at the cashier paying for a classic flap bag. I was debating on which CC to use to get the most reward points because I'm frugal. The SA got impatient and LOUDLY made a snide comment eluding to the fact that I was cheap. You know what I did? I left the bag with her and walk away without finishing the purchase. I don't know what annoys me more. The fact that you would let someone bully you into making a purchase or that fact that you are not taking any responsibility for your actions and blaming it on how Hermes "forced" you.

 

[HauteFashionDia]

LOL, never be intimidated its their job to cater to you! Have fun! Always remember that! LOL not a fort Reminds me of the Hublot store

 

[jellyv]

[Originally Posted by lesyeux Actually I got forced to buy one time in Paris before, the manager of the shop forced me to purchase two pieces of products(non-bags involved) at one time when I clearly said I couldn't transport the two big pieces at the same time and wished to pay one piece first and pay the other one the day after, but ]


Other than statements, what was the use of force you speak of? If someone else didn't put items into your hands and submit your means of payment at the register, the person who would have engaged in this purchase was you.

Can you see that this doesn't register as being "forced," at least to me?

 

[MSO13]

I was angry and disappointed for that they sold it after they promised me that the bag was for me, and it was just weird that the first day it was for me and asked me to purchase the second day, and when I went there the second day, it was suddenly not for me.

Actually I got forced to buy one time in Paris before, the manager of the shop forced me to purchase two pieces of products(non-bags involved) at one time when I clearly said I couldn't transport the two big pieces at the same time and wished to pay one piece first and pay the other one the day after, but he refused and shouted at me that if I don't pay the two pieces at that day, I will be finish in Hermes. I don't know if anyone could understand being shouted at in front of all the staff and customers, especially at a woman. But very nicely I got a good official apology from Hermes which comforts me a lot, and I purchased the two pieces in another shop instead.

You were clearly treated badly on other occasions by Hermes. You made a choice to buy these items from Hermes after you were apparently satisfied with their apology. They did not force you to buy anything. That manager was rude and a jerk but they can't MAKE you do anything. It was your choice always. I'm sorry he yelled at you. I would never spend a penny with a company that made me feel that way.

I don't understand what you're trying to prove here though. No one is arguing that you weren't treated badly and that it wasn't rude and weird what they did with the bag you had ordered. I just don't agree that they forced you to do something or did anything illegal.

 

[lesyeux]

[Originally Posted by lesyeux Actually I got forced to buy one time in Paris before, the manager of the shop forced me to purchase two pieces of products(non-bags involved) at one time when I clearly said I couldn't transport the two big pieces at the same time and wished to pay one piece first and pay the other one the day after, but ]


Other than statements, what was the use of force you speak of? If someone else didn't put items into your hands and submit your means of payment at the register, the person who would have engaged in this purchase was you.

Can you see that this doesn't register as being "forced," at least to me?

I don't know how to define force,
As I could quote his words as
"Take your credit cards now and pay them"
"You have to pay them together today"
"If you don't pay them today, I promised you are finished in hermes, along with your friends"
"Now stop saying, I don't want to listen, pay them"
And he clapped on the table and shouted at me, I felt "been forced", but anyway like you said, he was never managed to force me to pay, I always got the choice to leave.

 

[MYH]

Hey, just to throw in my two cents....

Yes, there are games that are played at the store. The SAs want you to buy other things before offering you a B or K. But if you don't want to play, you can leave or just not play along! Luckily for me, I actually do like the other items they sell. Jewelry, SLGs, shoes, scarves, homeware, etc. And most of the time, I am not chasing a hard to find bag. I'm not even looking for a birkin or kelly at the moment, but just the other week, as I was paying for a pair of sandals on the 2nd floor of the BH store, I was told by my SA, "the fastest way to a B is to buy stuff here on the 2nd floor!". I just smiled and laughed...I didn't even ask for one.

In general, in all the stores I've been to, I was first eyed kind of cooly from afar. When I ask to see an item and can talk knowledgeably about leathers and colors as well as bag names, they start warming up to me. And by the time the whole visit is done, we are good chums. I have had both disinterested and friendly service in the same store by different SAs. If my regular SA is around, then I am taken care of. If they are not around, then it really depends on the SA that I approach. Sometimes they act disinterested, sometimes friendly. It's really just luck of the draw. I regularly shop in about 4 stores now and I am generally recognized by the staff. I wouldn't say I have ever been spoken rudely to so I feel rather fortunate. I sympathize with all those that have been mistreated and have shared their experience here. That isn't right and just isn't the decent way to treat anyone.

 

[Mandy K]

Hey, just to throw in my two cents....

Yes, there are games that are played at the store. The SAs want you to buy other things before offering you a B or K. But if you don't want to play, you can leave or just not play along! Luckily for me, I actually do like the other items they sell. Jewelry, SLGs, shoes, scarves, homeware, etc. And most of the time, I am not chasing a hard to find bag. I'm not even looking for a birkin or kelly at the moment, but just the other week, as I was paying for a pair of sandals on the 2nd floor of the BH store, I was told by my SA, "the fastest way to a B is to buy stuff here on the 2nd floor!". I just smiled and laughed...I didn't even ask for one.

In general, in all the stores I've been to, I was first eyed kind of cooly from afar. When I ask to see an item and can talk knowledgeably about leathers and colors as well as bag names, they start warming up to me. And by the time the whole visit is done, we are good chums. I have had both disinterested and friendly service in the same store by different SAs. If my regular SA is around, then I am taken care of. If they are not around, then it really depends on the SA that I approach. Sometimes they act disinterested, sometimes friendly. It's really just luck of the draw. I regularly shop in about 4 stores now and I am generally recognized by the staff. I wouldn't say I have ever been spoken rudely to so I feel rather fortunate. I sympathize with all those that have been mistreated and have shared their experience here. That isn't right and just isn't the decent way to treat anyone.

I can definitely relate to this. I was served by a very nice male SA at the Sydney boutique a few months ago. While he was friendly from the outset (and I might add I was wearing no H whatsoever at the time- just my Chloe Paraty bag which I often use for travelling) when I started asking about bracelets and then asking for very specific colours he then really warmed up to me and went over and above my expectations in terms of his great service. I also think that it helped that my best friend and I were genuinely interested in all of the H products and spent a lot of time gushing over their home fragrances. I left that day with a bracelet, a candle and a calvi and the whole experience was marvellous. He didn't push any other sales onto me and I think it helped that it became apparent to him that I was familiar with (and loved!) a wide range of products from the brand (not just a B or K)

 

[VigeeLeBrun]

I don't know how to define force,
As I could quote his words as
"Take your credit cards now and pay them"
"You have to pay them together today"
"If you don't pay them today, I promised you are finished in hermes, along with your friends"
"Now stop saying, I don't want to listen, pay them"
And he clapped on the table and shouted at me, I felt "been forced", but anyway like you said, he was never managed to force me to pay, I always got the choice to leave.

lesyeux, he sounds rather demanding and intimidating and of course no-one can force someone to buy anything. This is not the H that I know and love.

newbiebag, this is exactly what I would have done ~ walked away from a purchase ~ if a snide remark was made. Good for you.

 

[Monceau]

according to German laws they wouldn't break any law. Over here you do not have to sell anything to anybody, even if you have it in stock. As a trading person, you have the right to refuse to sell anything, without giving any reason. It is called " freedom of contracts". So you don't have to sell, clearly not, even if you sit in the middle of 100 Birkin bags, you have the right to say " no, I don't like your nose, so I won't sell anything to you

Sorry, but this is a missconception, that shops HAVE to sell.

Just to come to the topic: I've been treated nothing but perfect and nice in my shop.

Interesting. In the U.S., we have protected class groups, such as race, religion, age, disability, etc. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on these protected classes, so a business cannot legally refuse to sell a product to someone based on their status within one of these protected class groups.
Not only is it bad business to tell a customer that you won't sell to them because of a personal trait, if that customer is in a protected class, it is illegal to refuse goods or services based on a desire to discriminate.

Clearly, one can easily say "we have none of that product available" and leave it at that, but in the U.S., a business cannot say "we refuse to sell that product to you because you are too old, or disabled, or the wrong race or religion."

 

[Monceau]

I might add that I have always been treated well at every H boutique I have visited. I believe I am respectful and considerate of the boutique employees, and they have always reciprocated in kind.

I did have one awkward encounter via phone recently. I had called a boutique to enquire about a price adjustment for items I purchased via phone order in June. Since there was a decrease in July, and a policy of price adjustments offered on purchases made in June, I called to request an adjustment for refund or credit. It was not my usual boutique, so I have no personal history or relationships there, but I was told that I was the first person to ask for an adjustment, and that their regular customers do not care about things like adjustments or refunds. The associate I spoke with actually laughed as he told me their customers don't ask for such things. I was told they would have to call me back, because it was such an unusual request. I still have not heard back, and now I feel uncomfortable about contacting them again. it's not like it's a life changing amount, around $150.00, but it would have been nice to apply it to something else. However, now I'm not sure I want to face the awkwardness again of asking.