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

[AuthenticFox]

I'm hopefully a success in progress. I started my Hermes journey about 10 months ago. My pre-spend is probably close to 2:1 with this last trip (H08 for the husband and some other things). I wouldn't say I haven't received anything... I was able to purchase a constance to go wallet in noir with gold hw. On this last shopping trip, I casually brought up that we would be back in a month for my birthday... my SA immediately put my birthday in his phone and brought up my wishlist independently. My "local" store is over an hour away from my house and is a smaller midwest store.

I'll update in hopefully just over a month with a B/K!

 

[periwinklepenguin]

I'm hopefully a success in progress. I started my Hermes journey about 10 months ago. My pre-spend is probably close to 2:1 with this last trip (H08 for the husband and some other things). I wouldn't say I haven't received anything... I was able to purchase a constance to go wallet in noir with gold hw. On this last shopping trip, I casually brought up that we would be back in a month for my birthday... my SA immediately put my birthday in his phone and brought up my wishlist independently. My "local" store is over an hour away from my house and is a smaller midwest store.

I'll update in hopefully just over a month with a B/K!

I hope you get your bag next month! Thanks for sharing!
Can I ask how a wishlist initially came up? Was this the first discussion of it, or had you/your SA brought it up prior? I see a lot of different info about wishlists depending on the stores, and even having combed through a lot of this forum and other resources onlie, I still feel confused!

 

[haute okole]

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!

I am a BH client and I have the opposite experience. I am treated exceptionally well there and have been asked if I would be interested in, may accept and/or refused some insane bags, Picnic, Fauberg, Himalayan, Diamond exotic and other limited editions. I have never had a wishlist, but have been a client for a decade and my SA knows my style. Since I am a stay at home Mom, I do not have a huge budget. What I do have is a great time when I shop with my SA and we are constantly laughing the entire time I am there. I think the relationship is key. I was in clothing sales in college and I try to be the shopper that I loved taking care of when I was the Sale Associate; low maintenance, kind and decisive who spends enough to bring my sales target up.

BTW, I did try FSH and was sorely disappointed with my shopping experience compared to the superlative service at BH. Yes, I pay up to 30% more in the US, plus the crazy LA sales tax, but it is worth it to me.

 

[tinkerbell68]

I hope you get your bag next month! Thanks for sharing!
Can I ask how a wishlist initially came up? Was this the first discussion of it, or had you/your SA brought it up prior? I see a lot of different info about wishlists depending on the stores, and even having combed through a lot of this forum and other resources onlie, I still feel confused!

I was also super confused and super intimidated by the idea of asking for a birkin. A wise and more experienced tPFer, @Israeli_Flava , suggested that I bite the bullet and bring up my wishlist with my SA. The next time I saw my SA, I mentioned that I was interested in a birkin and she immediately asked what colors, sizes and leathers I would like. I can only imagine that most SAs know that their clients might be interested in purchasing a bag and are just waiting for us to initiate the conversation. You’ve got this…go for it!

 

[Veritybelle]

Can I also add that discussing it openly might allow you to better frame your wish list for success if you have a good SA. My sense is that in some stores you might want to be quite specific about colours etc but in others expressing your wishes in a more flexible way might be more effective.

 

[shazzy99]

I really enjoy reading these stories, as everyone has such different experiences.
My H story started about 10-15 years ago and was always because of the scarves. I would watch the US website for new seasons (AU had nothing on the website back then), and would pop into store maybe once or twice a year to see what I could pick up. This continued up until about 2 years ago.
Met a lovely SA who started my wish list, and placed order for me for chypres. I tried to contact her a few times for an appointment and found out she had moved to admin ☹️.
Forward another few months and had a new SA reach out to me as chypres had come in. I went in to pick them up and while the SA was new at the time, I had such a great vibe from her and even after that first meet, knew she would be my SA going forward. She gave me her number and I would then message when I was looking for something. She is so proactive in finding things for me, and I’ve probably spent more $ purely due to the fact I can now find what I want or she can order for me, rather than just going into store randomly to see what I could find and walking out empty handed a lot of the time.
I’ve never pushed for a bag, as I know there are some clients at my home store that drop $100k at a time, so my spending is nowhere near others. We talk a lot of fashion and she knows I have a love for another brand as well. She has been great in giving suggestions that are my style and is pretty clear about what is attainable or not.
At Christmas time, probably just over a year since meeting her, she surprised me with a Kelly. I honestly never thought I would get a bag at my home store. It was such a great experience and she was excited for me as she knew I would love it. She even commented it was fate that she became my SA, and it was just meant to be. It was nice to hear that.
Since then she has managed to get me a K to go, and a herbag all in my exact specs I wanted. She knows I don’t want a B, maybe that makes me a bit easier than others. She tries so much to find things I like and that just makes me want to spend only with her as she puts in the effort.

 

[nat74]

I’m fairly new to the H game too so hopefully my success story will inspire you somehow. I “officially” started the H game a year ago in late May 2022. Before that in November 2021, I went to Hawaii and shopped at both Ala Moana and Waikiki for the first time with Hermès. I asked for Picotin 18 at both places. Ala Moana offered me a black Picotin 18 PHW a day after I spent about 3.5K on accessories and sandals and I took it. Waikiki offered me a black mini Evelyne also in PHW without a single purchase and I also took it.

I remember last April when Austin opened the new boutique a lot of people went there and someone told me to try there too. I didn’t go bcuz I was like if I knew for sure or if someone could guarantee me that after I spent 10K or so I will get a Birkin then I’ll go . Birkin has been my dream bags since many years but I didn’t want to start the journey bcuz like you, I was so worried about the uncertainties, about how much I have to spend before getting an offer and whether or not I’ll get exactly what I wanted, etc. Anyway, last year someone referred me to my current SA and she’s out of state. I took a chance and started my journey with the SA by text and I’ve been doing orders via text only. The first thing I ordered from my SA was the Heure H diamond watch and then twillies, scarves, tablewares and shoes after that. Since I don’t shop in person I was being bold to up bring up my wishlist with her via text a week after my initial contact with her lol. I asked her if I could started bringing up my wishlist and asking her questions about the leather types, styles, sizes and advices, etc. Then I told her that my birthday will be in June and my hubby was willing to gift me a Birkin for my b’day so if she could help us that would be great. She said she didn’t have any availability at the moment but told me to send her my wishlist so I did. Then around the end of July, she told me that she’s working on my bag! I then told her that August xx is my wedding anniversary so since I couldn’t get the bag on my b’day getting it on the anniversary would be awesome. A week before my anniversary (also about a bit less than 3 months since I started my journey with her) she texted and offered me the B30 in black Togo with rose gold hardware. Needless to say I accepted it right away and booked my ticket to pick up my baby. So I ended up getting my first QB in about 3 months after I started the journey. And I met my SA in person for the first time when I went there to pick up the bag.

 

[periogirl28]

Having a lovely relationship at a remote store means even if I haven't shopped there for 2 years, it's a warm welcome back and the shoe SA (not even my SA) offering all the Chypres she has in my size because," These are very popular." How would could I not continue to maintain a relationship there?

 

[QuelleFromage]

I am a BH client and I have the opposite experience. I am treated exceptionally well there and have been asked if I would be interested in, may accept and/or refused some insane bags, Picnic, Fauberg, Himalayan, Diamond exotic and other limited editions. I have never had a wishlist, but have been a client for a decade and my SA knows my style. Since I am a stay at home Mom, I do not have a huge budget. What I do have is a great time when I shop with my SA and we are constantly laughing the entire time I am there. I think the relationship is key. I was in clothing sales in college and I try to be the shopper that I loved taking care of when I was the Sale Associate; low maintenance, kind and decisive who spends enough to bring my sales target up.

BTW, I did try FSH and was sorely disappointed with my shopping experience compared to the superlative service at BH. Yes, I pay up to 30% more in the US, plus the crazy LA sales tax, but it is worth it to me.

I have to agree with this. I've been a client at BH for almost ten years and it's one of my favorite boutiques in the world. They have always treated me like gold, even though my spend there is really low (especially for that store, where there are regulars dropping $500K every visit!). (I've never been offered a Himalayan though!)
I keep this store as one of my "home" stores just because I like the experience there so much.

 

[WisteriaLux]

I’m fairly new to the H game too so hopefully my success story will inspire you somehow. I “officially” started the H game a year ago in late May 2022. Before that in November 2021, I went to Hawaii and shopped at both Ala Moana and Waikiki for the first time with Hermès. I asked for Picotin 18 at both places. Ala Moana offered me a black Picotin 18 PHW a day after I spent about 3.5K on accessories and sandals and I took it. Waikiki offered me a black mini Evelyne also in PHW without a single purchase and I also took it.

I remember last April when Austin opened the new boutique a lot of people went there and someone told me to try there too. I didn’t go bcuz I was like if I knew for sure or if someone could guarantee me that after I spent 10K or so I will get a Birkin then I’ll go . Birkin has been my dream bags since many years but I didn’t want to start the journey bcuz like you, I was so worried about the uncertainties, about how much I have to spend before getting an offer and whether or not I’ll get exactly what I wanted, etc. Anyway, last year someone referred me to my current SA and she’s out of state. I took a chance and started my journey with the SA by text and I’ve been doing orders via text only. The first thing I ordered from my SA was the Heure H diamond watch and then twillies, scarves, tablewares and shoes after that. Since I don’t shop in person I was being bold to up bring up my wishlist with her via text a week after my initial contact with her lol. I asked her if I could started bringing up my wishlist and asking her questions about the leather types, styles, sizes and advices, etc. Then I told her that my birthday will be in June and my hubby was willing to gift me a Birkin for my b’day so if she could help us that would be great. She said she didn’t have any availability at the moment but told me to send her my wishlist so I did. Then around the end of July, she told me that she’s working on my bag! I then told her that August xx is my wedding anniversary so since I couldn’t get the bag on my b’day getting it on the anniversary would be awesome. A week before my anniversary (also about a bit less than 3 months since I started my journey with her) she texted and offered me the B30 in black Togo with rose gold hardware. Needless to say I accepted it right away and booked my ticket to pick up my baby. So I ended up getting my first QB in about 3 months after I started the journey. And I met my SA in person for the first time when I went there to pick up the bag.

Great story and congrats on your lovely B30! I’m curious to know which city is your SA located?

 

[880]

@conu, IMO those who succeed generally have strong profiles (this is a moving target based on your particular store demographic) as well as manners and patience (with some allowances made for long standing relationships). I did re read @nat74’s account, and she listed a number of purchases that preceded her offer, including a diamond H heure watch. And, while @haute okole is very modest re her relationship and profile with her BH SA, I know from shopping with her that most of us would consider her profile to be quite healthy too

ETA: watch purchases do help. I got my first three offers (one an etoupe B30) when DH bought one of the first Hermes H08 watches to arrive at the Madison boutique.

 

[FlairBear]

I think really your store demographics matters, your SA matters, how much clout they have, and patience. My friend has bought fine jewelry and home goods. She has a strong profile, but she hasn’t been offered a bag yet. We have always been nice and polite. Also some people have a slight advantage, better chance of success, if they are referred to a good SA; they have a better chance of succeeding vs a complete unknown newcomer. All these factors matter.

 

[jimmyshoogirl]

I agree that it definitely depends on your stores demographics but also profile health. I’d also add length of shopping and when you stated recently comes into your pay as well. My local store seemingly doesn’t require as much prespend and isn’t *as* competitive as others. However, we don’t get the variety and quantity of stocks that the more competitive stores get. It’s so many variables.

For instance I want a Bleu Electrique b35. My store only ordered black and grays (not even the popular gold!) for this year. I went ahead and bought a preloved wishlist color in RP. Pretty much the same with 30s. Although they do get more colors than the 35s, just not as much. However, they order a range colors/styles of 25s in both Birkin and Kelly’s because it’s the most popular. BUT because the 25s are so in demand that would make the wait longer lol

This info came from multiple SAs and the SM at my local store.

You’d drive yourself crazy trying to figure out the “how’s.” Just shop for things that you want and the offers will eventually come. Or be prepared to wait years if you don’t buy. There’s always the reseller route!

For my store I’m considered to have a healthy spend, definitely not so much for NY or BH . I have not received a craie b30 with r/ghw just yet but my request is very specific. My sa said that all they need is the shipment to arrive and it’s mine. For now, she will also only offer me what’s on my wl which is fine with me; I don’t need any distractions lol. She’s a straight shooter and so am I. However, I don’t consider my experience a failure. I’ve bought a lot of things that I love! I got a wishlist bag (constance 18) within 5 months of shopping. I’m right at a year shopping. My sa is super friendly and always responsive unless she’s off. The sm is really nice! I enjoy my time at the store. Even if a b doesn’t materialize; I’ve enjoyed the experience!

ETA: oh I did get a b30 from Paris which my SA is THE biggest prize! She doesn’t know if any of her clients that’s gotten a Birkin or Kelly from Paris

 

[YellowJesus]

Hi,

Long time lurker, my wife just got her B25 Black on GHW.

I’d like to share my two cents based on my observations

The success rate is 100% if you..
- have the capability to prespend
- your SA acknowledges your intention and capability to keep spending as a loyal H customer
- don’t be a dick to your SA

There’s no luck involved, just purchasing power.

There are always larger fish than ourselves so just let it go if you can’t get the hottest colour of the season, there are thousands of whales throwing insane money at H and I’m 100% sure they’ll get what they want before us.

 

[tinkerbell68]

I agree that it definitely depends on your stores demographics but also profile health. I’d also add length of shopping and when you stated recently comes into your pay as well. My local store seemingly doesn’t require as much prespend and isn’t *as* competitive as others. However, we don’t get the variety and quantity of stocks that the more competitive stores get. It’s so many variables.

For instance I want a Bleu Electrique b35. My store only ordered black and grays (not even the popular gold!) for this year. I went ahead and bought a preloved wishlist color in RP. Pretty much the same with 30s. Although they do get more colors than the 35s, just not as much. However, they order a range colors/styles of 25s in both Birkin and Kelly’s because it’s the most popular. BUT because the 25s are so in demand that would make the wait longer lol

This info came from multiple SAs and the SM at my local store.

You’d drive yourself crazy trying to figure out the “how’s.” Just shop for things that you want and the offers will eventually come. Or be prepared to wait years if you don’t buy. There’s always the reseller route!

For my store I’m considered to have a healthy spend, definitely not so much for NY or BH . I have not received a craie b30 with r/ghw just yet but my request is very specific. My sa said that all they need is the shipment to arrive and it’s mine. For now, she will also only offer me what’s on my wl which is fine with me; I don’t need any distractions lol. She’s a straight shooter and so am I. However, I don’t consider my experience a failure. I’ve bought a lot of things that I love! I got a wishlist bag (constance 18) within 5 months of shopping. I’m right at a year shopping. My sa is super friendly and always responsive unless she’s off. The sm is really nice! I enjoy my time at the store. Even if a b doesn’t materialize; I’ve enjoyed the experience!

ETA: oh I did get a b30 from Paris which my SA is THE biggest prize! She doesn’t know if any of her clients that’s gotten a Birkin or Kelly from Paris

So much good info in here @jimmyshoogirl A great reminder of all the variables that might effect one's shopping experience and that every relationship and experience with Hermès will be different...it is not a 'game' with specific rules for how to 'score' a bag.