photo courtesy @naziiinsta
Summer traveling is in full swing and Dear PurseBop has the answers to your questions. We answer what items build your pre-spend profile, how to dress and feel confident in Hermès to be taken seriously, whether it is easier to get a leather appointment in Paris or Spain, where to process your VAT forms when traveling to multiple cities in Europe this summer, and much more.
Be sure to read to the end for more community members’ experiences in Paris with getting an online appointment or walk in appointment and what they scored. You will not want to miss the reports from this week.
We would love to share your summer shopping experiences in any city you travel to this summer. Click here to submit your questions and to share your shopping experiences. And read all the questions and answers submitted by our community members here.
Dear PurseBop: What is a Hermès Push Offer?
At Hermès certain special bags are sent to boutiques from Paris although the store did not order or request the bag(s). These bags are designated “push offers.” Read more about these bags and what bags are considered push offers by clicking here.
photo courtesy @m.t.l1968
Dear PurseBop: Is It More Difficult To Be Offered An Exotic Non-Quota Bag or a Leather Quota Bag?
As we know, at Hermès it is getting more difficult to get offered a leather quota bag due to the increased popularity in the brand. But is it easier to get offered an exotic non-quota bag while waiting for the offer of a leather bag? Click here for Dear PurseBop’s advice.
photo courtesy @stellaw2021
Dear PurseBop: If I Buy Gifts For My Family and Friends Is It Counted Toward My Pre-Spend?
Buying items you love at Hermès is always a good idea to build your profile and maintain a good relationship with your SA. Find out by clicking here what else you could do to build your pre-spend profile while waiting for your next quota bag offer.
photo courtesy @msrach_
Dear PurseBop: How Do I Present Myself to a Paris SA to Be Taken Seriously and Be Offered a Birkin or Kelly?
Many people wonder if there is anything special they should wear while shopping in a Hermès boutique, particularly in Paris, to increase their likelihood of being offered a Birkin or Kelly. Read Dear Pursebop’s tips here for everything you need to know before you go shopping.
photo courtesy @nay_naija
photo courtesy @im.trangdang
Dear PurseBop: While Traveling Through Europe This Summer When Should I Process My VAT Refund Forms Received in Each Country
One of the may advantages of shopping in Europe for luxury items is the VAT refund you are entitled to if you live outside the EU. If you are traveling to multiple EU countries it is important to submit your VAT refund forms properly so you receive a refund quickly. Dear Pursebop has tips on where to process the forms here.
Dear PurseBop: Is It Easier to Get A Leather Appointment in Paris or Spain This Summer?
Shopping at Hermès in all the countries in Europe is exciting. Many times different locations have inventory that is not available in your home store. However, to get a leather appointment in Paris is completely different than any other country. Read Dear PurseBop’s insight and strategies here.
photo courtesy @fayelovepink
Community Members' Recent Hermès Paris Shopping Experiences
We receive many messages daily on Instagram about people’s Hermès shopping experiences. We thought it would be interesting to share a few anonymously here with all of you.
CM #1:
Hi Monika! I’m sure you have heard similar from some of your followers but Paris has gotten a lot more ‘competitive’ on appointments and bag offers. Have purchased either B or K on the last 3 trips I’ve taken via walk-in appointments (own quite a bit of other items as well). Maybe it’s just summertime/men’s fashion week/pre-Olympics but anyone without a lottery appointment seems to be getting a canned ‘we’re sorry, there’s nothing we can do.’ No profile pulls, etc. Wonder if it is easier for locals?
I have observed for a couple days though and it has always been so competitive of course, but seems next level now with the increased popularity. I was here in December and while seemingly it was harder, have not seen this.
Rue Sevres was nicer. I got an appointment but immediately they told me small sizes are not possible due to fashion week – MAYBE 35 or any other kind of bag I desired except the quotas.
So I think the bottom line is – big bags, probably fine… if you can get your foot in the door.
Or anything non B K or C.
CM#2:
Very much on par with my experiences from April and May (2024). My SA could slide me into an appointment, but no Birkin or Kelly of any kind … not even a Kelly Long To Go (even though that’s technically a small leather good (AKA wallet). TBGH, the dream of winning in Paris is long gone IMO.
CM #3:
I was just in Paris for one week and have gotten an appointment from the system the last 2 years in a row but did not get one this year. I also shopped quite a bit and tried to get a walk in two or three times throughout my trip but no luck.
The SA I worked with throughout the week told me that the rules in Paris have changed since December and now a manager has to approve every Birkin and Kelly, no matter the size.
Please remember even scoring an appointment doesn’t necessarily equal a quota bag.
CM #4:
My family and I used to work with one SA whenever we went to Paris – she always told us to just message her a couple days ahead for a leather appointment and we were always able to buy multiple bags and exactly what we wanted. Since December 2023 she told me she cannot give any more appointments and we have to go through the lottery system.
CM #5:
It was actually your website (PurseBop) and some YouTube videos that helped me avoid the disappointment this April in Paris. Had an appointment at Sevres location and discovered that it is the place where people usually have no luck for some reason. And indeed I show up and the guy tells me right away they have no Birkins or Kellys. Not good news but also didn’t leave me shocked as I kind of expected this already from prior reviews.
CM #6:
Hi PurseBop! I just want to say thank you for what you have been sharing with other Hermes lovers. I love reading all the success stories featured in your website. I have learnt so much from reading your articles. I just got back from Paris. I managed to secure a leather appointment through walk in at Faubourg store. My lovely SA took photos of my wish list and tried her best to fulfill my dream bag. Although I didn’t get a K or a B, I was offered a Constance mini in my favourite colour, leather and hardware! I was also offered a mini Evelyne in my favourite colour, which I took in a hearbeat.
CM #7:
This particular account I’ve heard but I also know people who can still make leather appointments with their Paris SA but I think it depends on the SA’s status. Paris is trying to encurage you to buy from your home store now.
CM #8:
Similar with my mom and i in Paris. Our SA seemed pretty frustrated by the new system too. TBH we have decided to pretty much not shop at Hermes anymore. My older stuff is much better quality anyways.
CM #9:
Yeah, I’ve also gone into H retirement after my most recent trip! My home store is Dubai and the spend is $20K for a Constance, larger size K & B, and $30-40K for a good size K & B. Unfortunately too much time, effort, and money just for the sake of adding more bags now that I have all the staple bags I need!
CM #10:
I’ve adjusted my expectations now to just buy what I like when I like it and if a bag comes great, if not then not! But its definitely taken an adjustment!!!
CM #11:
I would also like to add that I also feel not valued as a customer because their purchase history expires every 3 years. . . I went through a gap of not shopping in Paris during covid and all my prior history has literally been erased.
Like how is that possible for one of their brand values to be brand loyalty and then not keep the history for long? I also have had 3 SA’s leave from different boutiques I shop at around the world and not one of them has passed me onto a new SA.
It’s supposed to be their job as a brand to maintain the client relationship not mine to wait in line just to find a new SA. . . and start ALL OVER!
PurseBop’s response:
Thank you for sharing your stories, perspectives, and experiences. For each happy story there are many unhappy ones from Paris.
My advice, if possible – focus on your relationship with your home store/home SA.
It is much more rewarding and satisfying than the current situations in Paris. Shop there for the experience if you want but not in sole hopes of a bag. Please be smart and spend your time cherishing the City of Paris and all it has to offer.
Our best advice is to manage your expectations to avoid disappointment. And be kind.
photo courtesy @wjenga
Keep your questions coming to Dear Pursebop about luxury shopping and handbags by clicking here. And read the questions and answers Dear PurseBop has responded to previously by clicking here.
Also share your summer traveling experiences and luxury shopping hits and misses by submitting your story here.
Read Related Articles:
Travel Tips From Paris: Hermes Prices, VAT, and Customs
What Do You Wear While Luxury Shopping
Birkin Bait: Is It Loyalty to the Brand or a ‘Means To An End?’
Has Quiet Luxury’s Whisper Become a Scream?
Slide Into Summer With These Luxury Sandals
More Hermès Bags and RTW Coming for Fall 2024
Love, PurseBop
xo
Updated: July 9th, 2024
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