UPDATED: Does the London Wishlist System Really Grant Wishes With No Spend History?

Question:

I know that you guys are an ultimate guide to Hermes and those rare finds, hence I want to get some advice from you. I happened to shop all around the world with Hermès and didn’t know that you should have loyalty with one store and the shopping history is not universal. I dropped by 3 big Hermes stores in London to try my luck and both me and my sisters were looking for Birkin 35’s. But it’s a wish list system in the UK. I have requested a Birkin 35 Epsom with gold hardware in orange/tan/gray as my 3 options. And my sister put hers. My question is: Do these wishes actually get granted? Considering I am asking for a bigger size does this give me a higher chance to be able to get one? Does walking in and getting lucky work with Hermès anymore? They also said purchase history doesn’t matter but do you think it does? If it does, what’s the ideal spend? Moreover, do you think I should go the old way of spending to make a spend profile at one store in London? I really want the bag for a big occasion in my life so I have so many questions regarding this. I am sure you would be the right place to ask these questions. Please give me an insight into it. I will really appreciate your response.

Dear London Wishlist Skeptic:

Since we are primarily based in the U.S. we do not have first hand experience with the London wishlist system. However, based on reports from several of our community members, the system seems to work as described by your SA. We are sharing the information we received from several community members describing their experience with the system. Keep reading.

In the UK, as well as in some Asian countries, a central procedure has been instituted for customers to request a quota bag from Hermès.

It is our understanding that a UK resident with an established relationship with one SA may submit a wishlist to their SA. The wishlist may contain up to 6 quota bags, but must all be the same type: either Birkins, or Kellys or Constances, not a combination of 2 or more of them. You may specify the type, size, color, leather, hardware, etc. The list is valid for 12 months, then it expires and a new wishlist must be submitted.

We are told by one community member that Hermès is looking for UK residents who show loyalty to the brand by visiting one boutique regularly, work with one SA, and make purchases in different departments such as silks, accessories, ready to wear, home goods, and especially fine jewelry. The recommendation is to spread your purchases out over time instead of making one large purchase and then not returning for an extended period of time.

Several other community members have reported that when they submitted their wishlist, the SA informed them that purchase history did not matter when being offered a quota bag. It is based on whether the bag on your wishlist becomes available and is offered to you despite your spending profile. Although these accounts sound contradictory, we have to wonder if you have a healthy purchase history with one SA if your wishlist gets granted sooner than someone who has no or very little spending history?

There is a central team that offers quota bags to clients based on their wishlists. The SA does not seem to have influence over who is offered a quota bag. When a quota bag arrives that meets the specifications on a client’s wishlist, a notification is sent to the client that a bag from their wishlist has arrived and it will be available to them to view and purchase for a limited time.

This system has been used in London for the past 2 years. There are many moving parts at Hermès that must likely occur before a quota bag is offered. Your SA will likely be able to explain the system in more detail.

We believe you should continue to build a relationship with one SA when making your purchases in London. Although we have heard that your spend history does not affect your likelihood of being offered a quota bag, your SA in London is your best source for information on how best to secure a quota bag.

You stated your wish is to be offered a Birkin 35. Although some believe larger bags are becoming more popular, the demand for the smaller sizes continues to be extremely popular which could increase your chances of being offered your dream bag sooner rather than later. But as you know with Hermès, nothing is certain, there are many mysteries and surprises, and patience is key.

We have received two community members firsthand accounts of their experiences with the London wishlist system and we urge you to read them here. Good luck with your journey and please share your experience with us once you are offered a quota bag.