What to expect at first Hermes appointment?

[ItsPurseonal]

Hello Hermes experts! I am asking for your advice and insights on Hermes appointments to view bags. I was just in the store today taking a look at the leather colors/variations in person so I know what I want when buying my first Hermes bag (hopefully B and hopefully in the next couple months!). I've been following these threads for awhile and trying to do my research learning from you all, but color is so hard to gauge in photos!

When the SA approached to ask if I needed help, I explained that I was just looking at the colors for now because I want to buy a new bag but hadn't seen many of the colors in person yet. He offered me his card and said I should set up an appointment with him where he can show me what they have in stock and we can discuss pros/cons of various styles. I didn't explicitly tell him I was looking for a B because I got too shy to ask if that's a possibility! Will he even bring one out to show me at an appointment? Or was the offer for an appointment just an empty gesture and they will not actually allow me to book an appointment? Any insight/advice you all have would be really helpful. Thank you!

 

[Love Of My Life]

First, don't be shy. The SA gave you his card because he wants to "help you". Let him do his job.
Suggest you make the appointment & see where it all leads to.
SA's can give you insight pro/cons that will help you get to the right bag for your needs., So I would
call, set up the appointment & have a good time looking at the colors & leathers that are available
& just so that you are not disappointed, you may have to wait for your dream bag to arrive, but at the end
it is all worth it.
Enjoy your day & your experience at Hermes

 

[showgratitude]

Hello Hermes experts! I am asking for your advice and insights on Hermes appointments to view bags. I was just in the store today taking a look at the leather colors/variations in person so I know what I want when buying my first Hermes bag (hopefully B and hopefully in the next couple months!). I've been following these threads for awhile and trying to do my research learning from you all, but color is so hard to gauge in photos!

When the SA approached to ask if I needed help, I explained that I was just looking at the colors for now because I want to buy a new bag but hadn't seen many of the colors in person yet. He offered me his card and said I should set up an appointment with him where he can show me what they have in stock and we can discuss pros/cons of various styles. I didn't explicitly tell him I was looking for a B because I got too shy to ask if that's a possibility! Will he even bring one out to show me at an appointment? Or was the offer for an appointment just an empty gesture and they will not actually allow me to book an appointment? Any insight/advice you all have would be really helpful. Thank you!

At the end of the day, an H SA is out there to make a sale and to make a living. Of course he will show you what you are looking for under normal circumstances, and assuming what you are looking for is in their store and is not a highly coveted item. Look around, ask questions, and buy something you truly like. Then, you can ask about buying a B next time.

 

[ItsPurseonal]

Thank you both! I guess I was just so surprised he suggested an appointment given all the stories I've read about how difficult it is to buy a bag if you don't have purchase history with the store. But you are right, nothing to lose and I will enjoy the experience. Hope to be back soon to share what I came out with! Thanks again!

 

[acrowcounted]

Thank you both! I guess I was just so surprised he suggested an appointment given all the stories I've read about how difficult it is to buy a bag if you don't have purchase history with the store. But you are right, nothing to lose and I will enjoy the experience. Hope to be back soon to share what I came out with! Thanks again!

I wouldn’t go into it expecting it to be an appointment for a birkin or anything like that. He probably just wanted to find a time he could devote to helping you, perhaps he was about to be off shift or had another client coming in soon and knew that it wasn’t the right time to give you his full attention. I would anticipate him showing you standard stock bags like evelyne, Bolide, Lindy, Halzan, etc to gauge your preferences in size, leather, color, style, and hopefully you would make a purchase and then start down the path to an eventual quota bag offer. Good luck!

 

[HKsai]

It’s quite common for them to ask potential clients to set up an appointment. This allows them time to actually help you and provide a pleasant experience. I have to say that setting an appointment is not an indicator for a B. I would also not ask for a B but rather casually bring up when you can (definitely not the first 2-3 appointments though...depending on your relationship and the dynamic between you and your SA).

 

[skybluesky]

Call, text or email (whatever forms of communication are on his card) to find a time that works for you and for him. This way, it won't be rushed and just relax and let him offer you water/tea/coffee and learn from him. As you're talking, you can learn about what bags you like and let him know that you'd like a B. It can take a while to get the exact kind of bag you want.

Don't overthink it.

 

[haute okole]

I was not offered a Birkin until I spent in excess of $25k in Ready to Wear in one sitting. I was not shopping with the ultimate goal being a Birkin. Truth be told, I was a little tipsy and in the mood to shop. I got a call sometime later to specifically come in and pick a Birkin of my choice whenever I was available. You will know when you are offered a Birkin or a Kelly or a Special Order because they tell you.

 

[fabuleux]

I guess I wouldn't completely rule out getting a B on your first time. Reading this forum, it has happened before. But as others wisely suggested, temper your expectations and enjoy the experience. Also, Birkins are great but Hermès offers many other types of bags that are equally beautiful and your SA might show you something that surprises you!

 

[Purse_Shoe_Lover]

Hello Hermes experts! I am asking for your advice and insights on Hermes appointments to view bags. I was just in the store today taking a look at the leather colors/variations in person so I know what I want when buying my first Hermes bag (hopefully B and hopefully in the next couple months!). I've been following these threads for awhile and trying to do my research learning from you all, but color is so hard to gauge in photos!

When the SA approached to ask if I needed help, I explained that I was just looking at the colors for now because I want to buy a new bag but hadn't seen many of the colors in person yet. He offered me his card and said I should set up an appointment with him where he can show me what they have in stock and we can discuss pros/cons of various styles. I didn't explicitly tell him I was looking for a B because I got too shy to ask if that's a possibility! Will he even bring one out to show me at an appointment? Or was the offer for an appointment just an empty gesture and they will not actually allow me to book an appointment? Any insight/advice you all have would be really helpful. Thank you!

Any updates? Did you make an appointment?

 

[ItsPurseonal]

Any updates? Did you make an appointment?

I ended up buying a new Chanel jumbo (unexpectedly but I saw it and had to have it)! So unfortunately the budget for Hermes has dwindled but I am hoping to go back in the next couple months. I have been researching other bags that I like from Hermes - the Picotin and Garden Party seem fabulous bags if a Birkin isn't in the cards yet

 

[SPBiaes]

Like others said, an appointment is for the SA to help you personally - so you will have a more intimate experience than any walk-ins. I always arrange an appointment with my SAs - no matter it's Hermes or Chanel. Because of the appointment, once I show up, they will drop their walk-in clients immediately and work with me.

 

[Purse_Shoe_Lover]

I ended up buying a new Chanel jumbo (unexpectedly but I saw it and had to have it)! So unfortunately the budget for Hermes has dwindled but I am hoping to go back in the next couple months. I have been researching other bags that I like from Hermes - the Picotin and Garden Party seem fabulous bags if a Birkin isn't in the cards yet

Haha I understand seeing something you just can’t pass on! Pico or GP are both great bags - you won’t be disappointed with either!

 

[Etriers]

Hello Hermes experts! I am asking for your advice and insights on Hermes appointments to view bags. I was just in the store today taking a look at the leather colors/variations in person so I know what I want when buying my first Hermes bag (hopefully B and hopefully in the next couple months!). I've been following these threads for awhile and trying to do my research learning from you all, but color is so hard to gauge in photos!

When the SA approached to ask if I needed help, I explained that I was just looking at the colors for now because I want to buy a new bag but hadn't seen many of the colors in person yet. He offered me his card and said I should set up an appointment with him where he can show me what they have in stock and we can discuss pros/cons of various styles. I didn't explicitly tell him I was looking for a B because I got too shy to ask if that's a possibility! Will he even bring one out to show me at an appointment? Or was the offer for an appointment just an empty gesture and they will not actually allow me to book an appointment? Any insight/advice you all have would be really helpful. Thank you!

I ended up buying a new Chanel jumbo (unexpectedly but I saw it and had to have it)! So unfortunately the budget for Hermes has dwindled but I am hoping to go back in the next couple months. I have been researching other bags that I like from Hermes - the Picotin and Garden Party seem fabulous bags if a Birkin isn't in the cards yet

It sounds like he was being friendly, helpful and businesslike. This is all good! This is exactly what everyone constantly says they want from a SA, and the kind of courteous, civilized experience they want from H, and this is the kind of decorous, methodical experience for which H is revered by those of us who love H, and derided by those who don’t. You will have no earthly idea of what the appointment will hold or what he will offer unless you go. I suggest you hold no assumptions.

Schedule a time, enjoy a refreshment if it is offered, take your time looking at the various styles/colors/HW/leathers and ask every single question you have about bags, or the buying process or the company or his particular store. This is what it’s all about. If you want a Birkin, tell him you’d like to own a Birkin! There is no reason to beat around the bush. Tell him what size and color you love, and/or ask for his help and advice in choosing one. You may be pleasantly surprised that your desires just happen to match their stock on hand that day. He may also note your wishes and keep you in mind as stock arrives. He may ask you to do a SO. Who knows? Go with an open mind and a happy attitude and see what happens.

 

[Tina_Bina]

Curious to know what happened and if you scored your dream bag yet. Love the advice given here since I’m going through the same first experiences myself