What percentage of people who try to get B/Ks succeed?

[WhiteBus]

Hello it really depends on multiple factors. This multiple factors come into play such as where your store is, how much you’ve spent, how long you’ve built your profile, what bag you’re asking for, etc..

Based on experience, and I’m sure it’s been discussed here, the best way to get a quota bag is to stick to one SA you like working with and just continue buying items you like from them. IMO, it’s also best to let them know the quota bag you’re after but not early on in your relationship or in a way your purchases revolve around it. I feel like you have to establish yourself as a returning client instead of a client ready to ditch them once they’ve offered you what you want.

That is the key

 

[Dreaming of H]

A huge missing component to this question is really getting the bag the person wants.

If it was just about getting a B/K, any B/K, you'd likely see more success stories, but that's not what it's about (for most people). We're looking for the bag that WE want, and while there might be some flexibility on something like hardware or a few color choices presented, I would hope someone who is asking for a B25 would be offered or accept, for example, a Birkin 35, or a HAC 32. That's not what they are looking for and therefore would likely not be offered this bag, but perhaps they could be if that's what they wanted. Would that be considered a success story?

I agree with other posters here that the most important thing is to build a rapport with your SA, and understand that it's a marathon and not a sprint.

I'm 14+ years into buying and loving Hermes and only once I found SAs that I connected with and have been shopping with for many years did I feel it finally "click".

 

[periwinklepenguin]

I really appreciate all who have taken the time to answer! Although there are lots of other discussions in this forum, it's helpful to hear some of you definitively say that it CAN happen and most likely will, with time. This is what I haven't really been able to concretely gather from reading other threads, so thank you!
A couple months ago, I saw a reddit post (now deleted) about someone who had spend 100k at their store and hadn't been offered a bag. From a financial perspective, I might have to take my H journey a bit slower than others, so I'm okay with that and am alright with being patient - but the idea of spending 100k over the course of a year or so, like that poster did, is completely unrealistic for me haha.
I also appreciate the advice to buy things you love. To be honest, I had previously thought that I would never "play the Hermes game," but after going in and finding a few things I liked, and after browsing the website more, I've started to find that there's actually a long list of things that I would genuinely love to have, bag or no bag. So, if nothing else, I know that I will at least end up with some beautiful things that I like over time, which is a win!

 

[momoc]

A huge missing component to this question is really getting the bag the person wants.

If it was just about getting a B/K, any B/K, you'd likely see more success stories, but that's not what it's about (for most people). We're looking for the bag that WE want, and while there might be some flexibility on something like hardware or a few color choices presented, I would hope someone who is asking for a B25 would be offered or accept, for example, a Birkin 35, or a HAC 32. That's not what they are looking for and therefore would likely not be offered this bag, but perhaps they could be if that's what they wanted. Would that be considered a success story?

I agree with other posters here that the most important thing is to build a rapport with your SA, and understand that it's a marathon and not a sprint.

I'm 14+ years into buying and loving Hermes and only once I found SAs that I connected with and have been shopping with for many years did I feel it finally "click".

this. For some people going reseller make more sense not because they can’t get something from the store eventually…but because they can’t get 1) exactly the bag they want in a specific color/leather/hardware/size etc. AND 2) get it instantaneously without needing to wait AND 3) get it by paying an exact amount of money instead of having uncertainty of how much the whole thing will end up costing.

If one is not interested in other Hermes merchandise, doesn’t want to wait, dislikes uncertainly, has a very exact spec for the bag they want (and of course other things like no easy access to a boutique…) all that would be very logical reasons to go reseller. They exist for a reason (even though many of us don’t like it). The question we see frequently asked in this forum isn’t really “how many of you get a bag eventually” but “how many of you got the bag of your dream within X timeframe and spending less than Y?”

I’m a believer that if one is happy to explore the many other offerings of the brand, and have patience, then shopping Hermes boutique is fun, and the bags will show up in due time. However I understand that some people are just interested in the bags and that’s totally fair, and everyone should do whatever makes the most sense for them.

 

[periwinklepenguin]

this. For some people going reseller make more sense not because they can’t get something from the store eventually…but because they can’t get 1) exactly the bag they want in a specific color/leather/hardware/size etc. AND 2) get it instantaneously without needing to wait AND 3) get it by paying an exact amount of money instead of having uncertainty of how much the whole thing will end up costing.

If one is not interested in other Hermes merchandise, doesn’t want to wait, dislikes uncertainly, has a very exact spec for the bag they want (and of course other things like no easy access to a boutique…) all that would be very logical reasons to go reseller. They exist for a reason (even though many of us don’t like it). The question most are asking isn’t really “how many gets a bag eventually” but “how many gets the bag of their dream within X timeframe and spending less than Y?”

But if one is happy to explore the many other offerings of the brand and does not mind being patient, then shopping Hermes boutique can be fun, and the bags will show up in due time.

This all makes sense! Thanks so much for the perspective. I don't feel super specific on what I want - there are honestly so many leather colors that I like, that I almost worry my SA will not take me seriously if (down the line) I put in a wish for a Birkin and am open to tons of different colors. The uncertainty is definitely the part I don't like though! This is just a personality trait of mine where I really prefer to know what's going to happen, plan ahead, be prepared, etc. But at the same time, I also feel like going the reseller route kind of takes the excitement and fun out of it, to a degree. At least that's how I feel now - who knows if that will change!

 

[tinkerbell68]

This all makes sense! Thanks so much for the perspective. I don't feel super specific on what I want - there are honestly so many leather colors that I like, that I almost worry my SA will not take me seriously if (down the line) I put in a wish for a Birkin and am open to tons of different colors. The uncertainty is definitely the part I don't like though! This is just a personality trait of mine where I really prefer to know what's going to happen, plan ahead, be prepared, etc. But at the same time, I also feel like going the reseller route kind of takes the excitement and fun out of it, to a degree. At least that's how I feel now - who knows if that will change!

I too very much like to have a plan and know when and how things will happen so that I can be prepared. But I also have to agree with various other posters that part of the excitement and fun of getting your first (and second and third) offer is the entire experience: finding some H items that you love, developing a relationship with your SA and, eventually, getting an offer. You're totally right that the reseller route takes that fun out of it.
I'll also confirm that, as you note, there are so many beautiful H leathers and colors and thus more than one bag that I'd love to have. Had I gone the reseller route in the first place, I might have 'the' bag that I wanted but would have missed out on other things, including bags, that I wouldn't have discovered or considered without an SA (and all the AWESOME posters on tPF!!!)

 

[Veritybelle]

This all makes sense! Thanks so much for the perspective. I don't feel super specific on what I want - there are honestly so many leather colors that I like, that I almost worry my SA will not take me seriously if (down the line) I put in a wish for a Birkin and am open to tons of different colors. The uncertainty is definitely the part I don't like though! This is just a personality trait of mine where I really prefer to know what's going to happen, plan ahead, be prepared, etc. But at the same time, I also feel like going the reseller route kind of takes the excitement and fun out of it, to a degree. At least that's how I feel now - who knows if that will change!

You may think going the reseller route might take the fun out of it, but personally I find it’s just as exciting when that long sought-after bag arrives from a reseller (I shop resellers for vintage). But then I was also the sort of new mother who thought having the baby was more important than being pregnant lol

 

[880]

I am a failure. I ended up at almost 2:1 before I gave up and resorted to a reseller. I am in the Los Angeles/OC area. I felt my store was too competitive based on my friend spending way more than me and still not getting a quota bag eventhough she seemed to have a great relationship with her SA; she is STILL waiting and it’s been just about 3 years. Her spend is like 4:1. My attempted relationship with my SA was definitely subpar to hers, no drama, nastiness, etc…all fine courteous etc. I was just a bit more uncomfortable, anxious, and maybe intimidated by her and by the whole game. I didn’t vibe with her like I did with my other SAs at Chanel, Dior, LV etc. I was also a bit more upfront in the beginning saying I wanted a quota bag which maybe perhaps didn’t sit well with my SA. Also, she seemed to ghost me after she offered me a non quota bag which wasn’t really what I wanted, because she expected me to accept it, drop everything and come down that afternoon although the store is not located that close to my house and would take me at least an hour and a half to get there. I also have little patience maybe and need instant gratification when I want something. My dream is to get a bag in Paris, but I have already been unsuccessful once. I ended up going through a reseller and now just pop by the stores to buy random things or online, no pressure. I know, I like other H things, besides quotas, but yeah no pressure. I have also joked with 3 friends of friends who I know who have connections, where they can possible throw me a bone lol, if they don’t need another quota. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I feel like I need to start over with a new SA if I want to play the game and get offered a quota in a new store.

I am a FAILURE at the game… sitting in the sidelines with my 1 B25 from a reseller.

I agree with @hermesgeek , @nakedmosher2of3, @ny.lon , @momoc, @WhiteBus , @tinkerbell68, and others

I think you did the right thing . I don’t buy anything from an SA I don’t like. I don’t buy anything that I don’t love

@JalebiLover , check the Vegas shopping thread, click here: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/las-vegas-hermes.673194/page-116

 

[FlairBear]

I agree with @hermesgeek , @nakedmosher2of3, @momoc, @WhiteBus , @tinkerbell68, and others

I think you did the right thing . I don’t buy anything from an SA I don’t like. I don’t buy anything that I don’t love

Yeah, I wouldn’t buy things that I don’t really want especially from an SA that doesn’t like me. I do like non-leather Hermes as well, but yeah pretty sure I don‘t want to spend 5:1 and wait 2-3 more years to get a bag that may never come. I will definitely try again for my future bags, but I need to start all over most likely at another store with a different SA.

 

[tinkerbell68]

You may think going the reseller route might take the fun out of it, but personally I find it’s just as exciting when that long sought-after bag arrives from a reseller (I shop resellers for vintage). But then I was also the sort of new mother who thought having the baby was more important than being pregnant lol

Yes resellers are definitely the way to go to find the perfect vintage bag!!!

 

[showgratitude]

I really appreciate all who have taken the time to answer! Although there are lots of other discussions in this forum, it's helpful to hear some of you definitively say that it CAN happen and most likely will, with time. This is what I haven't really been able to concretely gather from reading other threads, so thank you!
A couple months ago, I saw a reddit post (now deleted) about someone who had spend 100k at their store and hadn't been offered a bag. From a financial perspective, I might have to take my H journey a bit slower than others, so I'm okay with that and am alright with being patient - but the idea of spending 100k over the course of a year or so, like that poster did, is completely unrealistic for me haha.
I also appreciate the advice to buy things you love. To be honest, I had previously thought that I would never "play the Hermes game," but after going in and finding a few things I liked, and after browsing the website more, I've started to find that there's actually a long list of things that I would genuinely love to have, bag or no bag. So, if nothing else, I know that I will at least end up with some beautiful things that I like over time, which is a win!

I think that spending 100K and not getting a QB offer happens when an SA senses that a client is willing to spend a lot to get a QB offer but then will disappear or be inactive for long periods of time after getting a QB.
If you enjoy going into the store and buying the things you love, your SA/SM will know that eventually. And offers may come after that.
I have said it before, but I will say it again. In the past, when I was focused on getting a bag, I was not offered one. But when I just take my sweet time to look around and buy what I truly like, that is usually the time when I get offered a bag (even when I don't mention wanting a bag). I think that SAs truly sense desperation.

 

[periwinklepenguin]

I am a failure. I ended up at almost 2:1 before I gave up and resorted to a reseller. I am in the Los Angeles/OC area. I felt my store was too competitive based on my friend spending way more than me and still not getting a quota bag eventhough she seemed to have a great relationship with her SA; she is STILL waiting and it’s been just about 3 years. Her spend is like 4:1. My attempted relationship with my SA was definitely subpar to hers, no drama, nastiness, etc…all fine courteous etc. I was just a bit more uncomfortable, anxious, and maybe intimidated by her and by the whole game. I didn’t vibe with her like I did with my other SAs at Chanel, Dior, LV etc. I was also a bit more upfront in the beginning saying I wanted a quota bag which maybe perhaps didn’t sit well with my SA. Also, she seemed to ghost me after she offered me a non quota bag which wasn’t really what I wanted, because she expected me to accept it, drop everything and come down that afternoon although the store is not located that close to my house and would take me at least an hour and a half to get there. I also have little patience maybe and need instant gratification when I want something. My dream is to get a bag in Paris, but I have already been unsuccessful once. I ended up going through a reseller and now just pop by the stores to buy random things or online, no pressure. I know, I like other H things, besides quotas, but yeah no pressure. I have also joked with 3 friends of friends who I know who have connections, where they can possible throw me a bone lol, if they don’t need another quota. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I feel like I need to start over with a new SA if I want to play the game and get offered a quota in a new store.

I am a FAILURE at the game… sitting in the sidelines with my 1 B25 from a reseller.

I appreciate you sharing your story, even if it wasn't successful in the conventional manner! When I read your story, I think of that as a success that you made the decision to break away from something that wasn't working for you and find a way to get your bag in a manner that made more sense for you. It sounds like your area is super competitive, and like that played a big role too! I think that I, too, would have become frustrated and impatient at that point. If it stops feeling fun, then it probably isn't worth it to continue with that route! It sounds like your shopping experiences are more enjoyable now where it doesn't feel that there's pressure attached!

 

[BippityBoppityBirkin]

I am a failure. I ended up at almost 2:1 before I gave up and resorted to a reseller. I am in the Los Angeles/OC area. I felt my store was too competitive based on my friend spending way more than me and still not getting a quota bag eventhough she seemed to have a great relationship with her SA; she is STILL waiting and it’s been just about 3 years. Her spend is like 4:1. My attempted relationship with my SA was definitely subpar to hers, no drama, nastiness, etc…all fine courteous etc. I was just a bit more uncomfortable, anxious, and maybe intimidated by her and by the whole game. I didn’t vibe with her like I did with my other SAs at Chanel, Dior, LV etc. I was also a bit more upfront in the beginning saying I wanted a quota bag which maybe perhaps didn’t sit well with my SA. Also, she seemed to ghost me after she offered me a non quota bag which wasn’t really what I wanted, because she expected me to accept it, drop everything and come down that afternoon although the store is not located that close to my house and would take me at least an hour and a half to get there. I also have little patience maybe and need instant gratification when I want something. My dream is to get a bag in Paris, but I have already been unsuccessful once. I ended up going through a reseller and now just pop by the stores to buy random things or online, no pressure. I know, I like other H things, besides quotas, but yeah no pressure. I have also joked with 3 friends of friends who I know who have connections, where they can possible throw me a bone lol, if they don’t need another quota. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I feel like I need to start over with a new SA if I want to play the game and get offered a quota in a new store.

I am a FAILURE at the game… sitting in the sidelines with my 1 B25 from a reseller.

My heart literally aches reading this. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE. Those SAs are predatory losers (sorry, not sorry). It’s time to switch up the strategy…I can say this with confidence because my home boutiques are also LA/OC and you are not alone:

I was just lamenting about this with a local stylist. He told me one of his clients has spent $250K at Rodeo across every category you can imagine…and their grand first (and only) offer: a B35 in a bright blue that was anything but what she desired, and with the attitude of ’you should take what I give you and be happy’. I’m not sure how that translates in percentages, but it’s wrong!

I’m very happy for LA/OC customers there who are having positive experiences. I really, truly am. BUT. What you’ve described has become the known reputation of our particular boutiques.

*GENERALLY SPEAKING*, there are obviously exceptions, the SAs at Rodeo and South Coast are all going through the motions. They are not the best ambassadors of the brand. They don’t know their product in/out. They absolutely DO pressure you to spend, spend, and then spend some more while texting you “hope to have something special for you soon!” while inviting you to an event to spend some more. It’s demoralizing. It’s anxiety inducing. It’s stressful. Which is NOT what Hermes wants.

Ok…I don’t know about percentages, but here‘s some encouraging stats wrapped up in a little advice for my fellow LA/OC tactic survivor:

Go to Paris. Try and secure a leather goods appointment. Shake your anxiety. Show up with a smile, because you’re in Paris and shopping is meant to be fun! And instead of throwing pennies (which is actually thousands) in the LA/OC H wishing well, save all the shopping you would have done at those boutiques anyway and do it George V. Or FSH. Or Sèvres. Be open and honest and ask them for what you’d like! Once I made the painful decision to not support LA/OC any longer, I got rewarded in Paris. Yes, I have a healthy spending history at George V and FSH because I am a genuine lover of the brand and products. BUT - they have always treated me fairly, the way it should be. And from three trips, I have added a B30, a K25, a Kelly To Go, a Kelly Depeches 25, a Kelly Elan, and a gorgeous Constance 24 Ostrich to my growing collection. I have no/low expectation (only hope!) when I shop. One time the best the Hermes Parisian Gods could offer me was a 24x24…which by the way, I wear and LOVE because to me Hermes is much, much more than just Kellys and Birkins (although those are mighty, mighty fine!)

Also…there’s no shame in buying from a trusted reseller. I’ll do it if the bag is ultra-rare/hard to get and there’s no insane price tag associated with it. It stinks we have to do it, but aren’t we blessed and fortunate that we can? My friend who is a Hollywood agent says MOST of his clients buy and build their collections from resellers. I live for a good auction! I scored some bags via auction that if I shopped at Hermes for decades I may not be offered: Shadow B25 in Noir (MY DREAM BAG!) and a Kelly Cut Diamond Noir Crocodile Clutch (I DIE!) and a Matte Alligator Mimosa B30 (PURE SUNSHINE!) Some OGs may disagree. But ”the game” is real, and not for me either.

So please consider giving Paris another chance. It would make me so happy to hear that you scored something you love there. And you are not alone in how you feel re: LA/OC boutiques! Trust me, I nearly gave up too. But don’t let our local boutiques and their tactics discourage you.

PS - I believe there’s also something to committing to smaller boutiques in France. I once went to Hermes while in Deauville for Arqana, the salespeople there could not have been more lovely, and they had an Endless Road Birkin 50 sitting out for whoever would like it!! I couldn’t believe my eyes. And if you’re a fan of Chanel, Coco’s very first boutique was in Deauville! They have a fabulously charming hotel there - Hotel Barriere - that stars have been staying at for 100+ years. Hermes is just steps away.

Peace, love, and orange kisses!

 

[880]

Which is NOT what Hermes wants.

I agree with many of your points, but I believe Hermes corporate truly doesnt care if we love the brand. one of my reasons for this belief is due to Hermes branching out into very profitable depts like beauty which have nothing to do with the core specialities. Only that we spend, in order to be beneficial to the bottom line. IMO, SAs are really between a rock and a hard place due to increasingly high sales goals and pressure from both corporate and clients. I don’t think that the client who spent 250K USD for 35B was treated fairly, and of course there are unscrupulous SAs, but I also believe that there is more to that story. I do know BH clients who get along with their SAs and get offers. I love FSH, and I’m very fortunate to have an SA there (I‘ve gotten a bag on every trip with relatively little spend), but I do love shopping my Madison home flagship too. JMO

ETA: from reading the Paris thread, it is becoming increasingly difficult for newcomers, even those who obtain lottery appts, to get offers. I actually believe it’s not just whether you and your SA hit it off during an appt, but think perhaps there is an additional calculus at play ( perhaps an SA assigned to lottery appts may only give x number a day, or is limited to y storage area in the basement, IDK lol).

 

[WhiteBus]

. . . I don’t think that the client who spent 250K USD for 35B was treated fairly, and of course there are unscrupulous SAs, but I also believe that there is more to that story. . .

That is often the case with stories on here!