Treatment in Hermes Stores

[seasounds]

Yea I’ve thought of that too. I don’t like H just because of a Birkin, though it is my HG.
I wanted the Picotin and well as a garden party 30. Plus a lot of twillies and SLGs lol.
It’s weird that the SAs have been dismissing all the smaller sales though.

You might want to search for threads that speak to commissions wrt to slgs and silks. I don't know how much they "count" towards building a profile for a quota bag. Just sayin' in case your ultimate goal is a B offer.

Might not seem fair, but I guess this business model works for H and the limited supply of bags.

 

[cavalla]

Thank you for your reply!
Yes I know it’s been very early. My problem isn’t really with the SAs not knowing about getting a certain item, it’s that they don’t even want to help, they flat out tell me no.
Where I hear stories of other SAs helping track down certain styles.
I wouldn’t mind waiting at all.

The scarf trip was the third trip I made to the boutique in person, Wednesday. I bought the pico Monday actually I think. I called in the morning and they told me they didn’t have it and then when I called the 800 number to see what the next boutique that had it would be, they told me it was my local one. I’m not sure what the 800 number can track down for you, they told me they can look up items in an us store besides leather items. Anyway, the point was that it was in the store when I went. So the SA didn’t bother to look when I first asked.

I called about the twilly today. I just wanted to make sure it was there before I made the trip.

It took me years to find my current SA. I used to live in NYC and worked with another nice SA back then. It also took me a few months if not an year to find her. I've run into an SA that said no we don't have anything today before I even said anything. It was so ridiculous that I found it hilarious. I've had an SA just walked away from me in the middle of showing me a scarf when she saw a customer that she found / thought more important. An SA told me a scarf was too many seasons ago (wrong!) and was no longer in stock with a disdainful laugh when it was sitting right there under the counter glass. From my observation, such rude SAs don't tend to stick around too long, but be prepared that it does take time to find "your SA" and develop a rapport. It takes time for you to find one that you can hit it off with and offer you what you like, and for the SA to know that you're a true H fan before they start offering you something.

Maybe this will make you feel better? 99 times out of 100, our store doesn't even pick up the phone. That's just how they operate. My SA doesn't respond to all my emails, but whenever I'm in store, he always has something he knows I'll love waiting for me. Every SA is different. Patience is really important when it comes to H, and don't spend time on SAs that you can't stand their style.

 

[MissChristine]

It took me years to find my current SA. I used to live in NYC and worked with another nice SA back then. It also took me a few months if not an year to find her. I've run into an SA that said no we don't have anything today before I even said anything. It was so ridiculous that I found it hilarious. I've had an SA just walked away from me in the middle of showing me a scarf when she saw a customer that she found / thought more important. An SA told me a scarf was too many seasons ago (wrong!) and was no longer in stock with a disdainful laugh when it was sitting right there under the counter glass. From my observation, such rude SAs don't tend to stick around too long, but be prepared that it does take time to find "your SA" and develop a rapport. It takes time for you to find one that you can hit it off with and offer you what you like, and for the SA to know that you're a true H fan before they start offering you something.

Maybe this will make you feel better? 99 times out of 100, our store doesn't even pick up the phone. That's just how they operate. My SA doesn't respond to all my emails, but whenever I'm in store, he always has something he knows I'll love waiting for me. Every SA is different. Patience is really important when it comes to H, and don't spend time on SAs that you can't stand their style.

Aww thank you for your reply.
You’re so right, I just need to chill and go with the flow.
Maybe I’ll take a trip to New York tomorrow since it’s the weekend.
I love my SA at LV, so I think I became spoiled with her :/

 

[WonderWoman76]

I'm very new to Hermes but I’ve fallen in love with it the past few weeks.
I went into the only boutique in my state and wanted to take a look at all the pieces. As soon as I went it, it didn’t feel welcoming? Almost like everyone was grumpy. I told myself that it was all in my head and continued to browse and as a SA some questions about different bags I was interested in. She didn’t really seem into it, but she wrote down some bag names on her card and then I left. I wanted to purchase a SLG but she told me to do it online and that she didn’t have much time or options to show me in store.
I went home to research the bags and then decided on the Picotin.
I went back to see her and purchased the bag with her. I also purchased a fragrance for my mom.
I asked her if she can help track down another bag for me and she said that she doesn’t know what comes in so, no.
I asked her if the leather Atout pouch is still available and If she can help track one down. She said no, check online.

I asked her if she could put me on the wishlist for a Birkin in Noir. She told me that I wouldn’t be a candidate to get an offer for one and pretty much made me feel like it would never happen.
I was carrying my chanel classic flap and she points to it and says “Birkins are handmade unlike that (point to my bag).

I wanted to get my friend a scarf for her bday and I called to see if they had the one I wanted. They said no.
I called the 800 number to see where I can track one down and they told me my boutique had them. I go in, there it is.

Some time goes by and I call the 800 number to ask about a twilly and they told me my boutique has one in stock. I don’t really want to call, but I do.
I called the boutique and asked to speak with my SA about making sure the twilly is in store (only showed one on the system) and to set it aside so I can go in to buy it. It’s an hour drive so I wanted to be certain it was there. Well she was too “busy” to do that. And the other SA said she was too busy as well and that I would get a call back. 3 hours later no call.

I feel super discouraged. I feel like she doesn’t think my business is good enough. Or that if I’m not making a huge bag purchase that she can’t help me with smaller items.
I’ve tried a couple different SAs in the store and they all have that same attitude like they can’t be bothered.
I hate having to call them and to bother them but I’m far away so I want to make sure the stuff is there before I do a 2 hour round trip ride.
I love Hermes but there isn’t another boutique close by and I feel like I will never be able to build a relationship with a SA and “earn” my dream bag. B25

No way would I ever purchase anything from them. I would box up everything I got there and take it back. In doing so I would remind that sales associate that she is a clerk, and the only thing that separates her from the gal checking out groceries at Walmart is the overpriced garbage she sells.

 

[WonderWoman76]

This isn't impossible. Similar stories crop up from time to time. However, this is not common practice--and if it were common practice for a particular boutique/SM, that location should be avoided. That said, I do read a surprising number of posts by people who have purchased something and are debating whether to keep it. Of course we may change our minds occasionally, but I think doing so too often with Hermes, given the relative scarcity of the items and the high demand, is unwise from a relational perspective. That is, it can annoy your SA/SM!

But, you’re paying the money. They’re there to serve you.

 

[MissChristine]

You might want to search for threads that speak to commissions wrt to slgs and silks. I don't know how much they "count" towards building a profile for a quota bag. Just sayin' in case your ultimate goal is a B offer.

Might not seem fair, but I guess this business model works for H and the limited supply of bags.

Doesn’t really matter to me. I’m buying the items because I want/like them even if they don’t give me a birkin offer.

 

[xincinsin]

But, you’re paying the money. They’re there to serve you.

You encounter bad SAs everywhere, not just in high-end stores. I've been ignored by sales staff in convenience stores, bookstores and once, a cashier at a small quiet supermarket who was too busy flirting with the security guard to do her job. They get paid whether or not the business makes money, so they have no incentive to earn your money. MissChristine's experience was bad and, if possible, she should try to take her H business elsewhere, but it is unfortunately common in many shops. There are SAs which I avoid in my H because I've suffered or witnessed their snooty attitude.

 

[seasounds]

Doesn’t really matter to me. I’m buying the items because I want/like them even if they don’t give me a birkin offer.

Good for you!

I merely made this suggestion because you stated that a B was your HG and you seemed upset that this SA would never offer you one.

It’s fine just to rant - we all need a chance to blow off some steam.

 

[MissChristine]

Good for you!

I merely made this suggestion because you stated that a B was your HG and you seemed upset that this SA would never offer you one.

It’s fine just to rant - we all need a chance to blow off some steam.

Believe me, I didn’t think she would offer me a B anytime soon. I just didn’t like the attitude with not only the B, but everything else.
But yes, I was extra upset yesterday because I was heated by the whole situation.
I woke up feeling much better and understand that there will always be snooty SAs everywhere. You can’t change them, you can only change who you do business with.
So I’m taking a trip to NY with my mom today to hunt down another H store. We won’t be able to do this often, but it will be worth it.

 

[leuleu]

Believe me, I didn’t think she would offer me a B anytime soon. I just didn’t like the attitude with not only the B, but everything else.
But yes, I was extra upset yesterday because I was heated by the whole situation.
I woke up feeling much better and understand that there will always be snooty SAs everywhere. You can’t change them, you can only change who you do business with.
So I’m taking a trip to NY with my mom today to hunt down another H store. We won’t be able to do this often, but it will be worth it.

I think that when a SA tells you to buy online, there is a big problem for the SM and the shop.

 

[Carrierae]

I think when the SA told you to shop online, that should be a good sign to move on to someone else. I don’t think she clicked, and it would be an absolute waste to continue working with her.

If I were you, I would go back and shop around without asking for anyone. Look around and make friendly chit chat. If you don’t find anyone that you click with, try another day or eventually another store.

I’ve never had an issue with an SA tracking something down for me, and I’m no where near a regular or VIP. I’ve had instances where they didn’t respond emails or return phone calls for them, but I recognize that they are busy and get pulled away to the floor frequently (which is where they make their money).

It doesn’t sound like this SA wants to work with you...even on easier requests. Maybe you rubbed her the wrong way...maybe she’s rude...we’ll never know. The best thing you can do if you want a B is to hold on purchases (in store or online) until you find an SA you click with.

There’s been many times I’ve had things transferred in and it took MUCH longer than just ordering online (with the back and forths to calls/emails, mail to store, mail to me, etc)....but it does help show appreciation and loyalty to your SA.

 

[Gigllee]

No way would I ever purchase anything from them. I would box up everything I got there and take it back. In doing so I would remind that sales associate that she is a clerk, and the only thing that separates her from the gal checking out groceries at Walmart is the overpriced garbage she sells.

Omg! I’m literally rolling on the floor reading this. Like Rotflmao.

 

[Rouge H]

I'm very new to Hermes but I’ve fallen in love with it the past few weeks.
I went into the only boutique in my state and wanted to take a look at all the pieces. As soon as I went it, it didn’t feel welcoming? Almost like everyone was grumpy. I told myself that it was all in my head and continued to browse and as a SA some questions about different bags I was interested in. She didn’t really seem into it, but she wrote down some bag names on her card and then I left. I wanted to purchase a SLG but she told me to do it online and that she didn’t have much time or options to show me in store.
I went home to research the bags and then decided on the Picotin.
I went back to see her and purchased the bag with her. I also purchased a fragrance for my mom.
I asked her if she can help track down another bag for me and she said that she doesn’t know what comes in so, no.
I asked her if the leather Atout pouch is still available and If she can help track one down. She said no, check online.

I asked her if she could put me on the wishlist for a Birkin in Noir. She told me that I wouldn’t be a candidate to get an offer for one and pretty much made me feel like it would never happen.
I was carrying my chanel classic flap and she points to it and says “Birkins are handmade unlike that (point to my bag).

I wanted to get my friend a scarf for her bday and I called to see if they had the one I wanted. They said no.
I called the 800 number to see where I can track one down and they told me my boutique had them. I go in, there it is.

Some time goes by and I call the 800 number to ask about a twilly and they told me my boutique has one in stock. I don’t really want to call, but I do.
I called the boutique and asked to speak with my SA about making sure the twilly is in store (only showed one on the system) and to set it aside so I can go in to buy it. It’s an hour drive so I wanted to be certain it was there. Well she was too “busy” to do that. And the other SA said she was too busy as well and that I would get a call back. 3 hours later no call.

I feel super discouraged. I feel like she doesn’t think my business is good enough. Or that if I’m not making a huge bag purchase that she can’t help me with smaller items.
I’ve tried a couple different SAs in the store and they all have that same attitude like they can’t be bothered.
I hate having to call them and to bother them but I’m far away so I want to make sure the stuff is there before I do a 2 hour round trip ride.
I love Hermes but there isn’t another boutique close by and I feel like I will never be able to build a relationship with a SA and “earn” my dream bag. B25

This behavior is totally unacceptable and my next step would have been to ask to speak to the store director. Hopefully after expressing your concerns your treatment improves and you’ll be able to maintain a relationship with that store.

 

[acrowcounted]

Believe me, I didn’t think she would offer me a B anytime soon. I just didn’t like the attitude with not only the B, but everything else.
But yes, I was extra upset yesterday because I was heated by the whole situation.
I woke up feeling much better and understand that there will always be snooty SAs everywhere. You can’t change them, you can only change who you do business with.
So I’m taking a trip to NY with my mom today to hunt down another H store. We won’t be able to do this often, but it will be worth it.

How was your NY trip today?

 

[xincinsin]

Believe me, I didn’t think she would offer me a B anytime soon. I just didn’t like the attitude with not only the B, but everything else.
But yes, I was extra upset yesterday because I was heated by the whole situation.
I woke up feeling much better and understand that there will always be snooty SAs everywhere. You can’t change them, you can only change who you do business with.
So I’m taking a trip to NY with my mom today to hunt down another H store. We won’t be able to do this often, but it will be worth it.

Hope you found an H with a friendly SA

Sharing a fun perspective on SAs: I dropped by H unexpectedly because I was in the area and I had this feeling that the scarf I wanted had arrived. Walked in and was told my SA was not in that day and another SA whom I work with had just gone on her dinner break. I didn't mind just browsing for a while but my H doesn't like to leave anyone unattended. So this young lady comes along to assist me. I suspect she is from the office, rather than the sales floor - sometimes they are expected to help if the ratio of sales staff to customers goes wonky. She wasn't unfriendly, just very intense and not smiley. She thawed when I told her exactly what I wanted. And then thawed further when I greeted another SA who had just returned from his break. My next visit, when I told my SA about the encounter, she laughed and said I'd made an impression on the intense young lady - she had never had a customer before who came armed with colour print-outs of the scarf range I think I intimidated her