Dear PurseBop: Can I Delay a Special Order Offer Until Next Year If I Do Not Like the Colors Offered?

Dear PurseBop:

My Hermès Sales Associate finally offered me the opportunity to place my first Special Order! I am so excited but unfortunately none of the colors on this year’s list are my favorite. Can I ask to delay my offer until the following year? Please help!

Dear Disappointed With Colors:

Every year Hermès releases the colors and leathers available for creation of a Special Order. Those colors change over time.

Being offered a the opportunity to create a Special Order is an honor and places you in the exclusive but unofficial “horseshoe” group. To be offered this opportunity your SA likely had to get one or more approvals from their manager. Although each boutique operates slightly differently, there is likely no guarantee that can be given that the opportunity will definitely be available the following year.

It is best to have an open and honest conversation with your SA. Express your concerns over the colors available. Your SA likely knows your collection and your style and tastes. They may have suggestions about how to create a special bag that you will cherish for a lifetime.

They may suggest to consider a different leather than you originally considered. Different leathers often have different color availability. Or you may consider a different style or size bag. There are options.

On the other hand, if none of the colors truly speak to you or make your heart sing, it may be best to take a chance that the offer will be made available the following year.

Alternatively, no payment is required until the bag is completed and arrives from Paris. Many tastes and style can change during the 6-18 months it usually takes to receive the bag. You may find that the bag you created the previous year is actually perfect at the present time.