Where do you purchase your new VCA items? Online, boutique, NM, anywhere else?

[slyeee]

I recently learned VCA online can look at the availability at boutiques, but not NM boutiques.

My first purchase was via online, and the huge gray box and all that came with it was enough reason for me to continue online route, although I’d love to see and try the items in person. Unfortunately, the closest store is NM and they have very low inventory and I didn’t have such positive experience at my NM VCA.

Here is a photo of the package it came in, does boutique shopping also include all these items? A friend of mine told me that she didn’t get the green travel pouch or the gray box.

 

[Venessa84]

That grey box is something, right?!? I’ve only received that when purchasing online. My in store purchases came with everything else but the grey box. The only thing additional I received was a little butterfly which from my understanding is only available at the Short Hills location.

 

[slyeee]

That grey box is something, right?!? I’ve only received that when purchasing online. My in store purchases came with everything else but the grey box. The only thing additional I received was a little butterfly which from my understanding is only available at the Short Hills location.

The first box is already filled with cards, letters, show tickets, I am going to need about 3-4 more boxes to put rest of sentimental cards and photos away.

 

[DS2006]

I shop long distance through a boutique at the moment. But I have to admit, I've considered ordering something online just to get that outer box!

 

[couturequeen]

Primarily NM and boutique (in-person when traveling, mostly via mail). Now with the NM near me closed, all via boutique. My hubby got me gift online before so I do have one big box that I adore.

 

[lovieluvslux]

I debated on purchasing on-line. My first bracelet was purchased at VCA boutique. NM was my first choice as I had a large gift card, but due to Covid, I couldn't find anyone reliable to follow up and inventory was low. My next purchase will be on-line as it a smaller one. My next one after that will be with my SA at boutique.

 

[pinkrose398]

I'm in Canada and I made my purchases previously from the boutique because I really like my SA there. I made one purchase off the website and received the giant velvet box, which was really lovely. I will continue to buy from the boutique though because I want to support my SA.

 

[jyyanks]

I have a great SA at Nieman but he’s having trouble tracking down some items for me. Am I better off calling the boutique? Trying to be loyal but I do live close to the NYC store so wondering if I’ll have better luck there.

 

[gris.etain]

I'm buying all my pieces at the boutique and I like my nice SA but I'm now thinking of getting something online just to get that velvet box

 

[DS2006]

I have a great SA at Nieman but he’s having trouble tracking down some items for me. Am I better off calling the boutique? Trying to be loyal but I do live close to the NYC store so wondering if I’ll have better luck there.

There's a shortage of certain items across the country. But if your NM SA can't access what you want, I'd certainly call a boutique and ask.

 

[BigAkoya]

The huge box is awesome, and I agree with @DS2006 , sometimes I want to order an item online just to get a box!
But I personally think ordering from a real SA, even if out of town, is best. You never know when you need to service a piece, resize, get an extra pouch, etc... and a real SA can help you. I use a real SA solely for the after care service in case I need something. If you are a regular buyer, the little gifts are nice too (e.g. books, chocolates, Christmas gift). Not that gifts matter, but it's nice.

 

[jyyanks]

There's a shortage of certain items across the country. But if your NM SA can't access what you want, I'd certainly call a boutique and ask.

Thank you for the great advice. I will give him a few days and if I don’t hear from him, am planning to visit the boutique this weekend. I’m looking for a signature bracelet in an xs and mop earrings.

 

[DS2006]

Thank you for the great advice. I will give him a few days and if I don’t hear from him, am planning to visit the boutique this weekend. I’m looking for a signature bracelet in an xs and mop earrings.

I would hope there would be good stock on those two items, but it they may not have all sizes of the bracelet, for example. If you go on the VCA site and click on the items you are interested in, if it says "Call for availability", that indicates there is a low supply and you can't just order from the website. France has been shut down a good bit, so I imagine production is way behind.

 

[slyeee]

When this pandemic is over, I’ll try to find a VCA boutique and build a relationship with SA. Thank you for all the new knowledge I’ve gained, while I love the gray box, I would much prefer having SA that I can work with.

 

[chiaoapple]

Wow I never knew online purchases came with a big box! But in any event, I think finding a long-term SA is still the best. They can find and reserve pieces for you, you can message them directly with any questions, sometimes provide info on upcoming releases and price increases (although sometimes this forum is more informative!), etc. I also recently got a special order, which I think is easier to make happen if you have a good SA.