How Do I Navigate Building a Relationship With an Hermès SA if I Do Not Have a Store Near My Home

Question:

I have come to that point in my life where I am in the financial position for a Birkin to be possible. I have been shopping from Hermès sporadically online for about three years now and recently have been purchasing more items that I’ve been interested in because I’ve been able to. My boyfriend is in Europe right now and he is trying to see if he can get a bag offer but as of yet has been unsuccessful. I am trying to determine how to build up a relationship with an SA in a store. I live in Utah so my nearest store is Colorado or Las Vegas, neither of which are close. I am from Southern California and go back to visit family a couple times a year, so I can either go to Beverly Hills or Costa Mesa Hermès boutiques. I am going home next month but I can’t seem to get an appointment at either store location. I also go back-and-forth to Pennsylvania for work once or twice a year and I have made purchases in store with an SA there, but we don’t really have a relationship.

My question is, how should I navigate trying to build a relationship with an SA when I’m not near a store. My first choice would be Costa Mesa, but I can’t even get an appointment booked and I’m really not a “stand in a line for hours” type of woman.

I also will not buy on the preloved market as I refuse to pay the asking prices. I’m just a bit lost as to what I should do and how I should approach this dilemma.

Dear No Hermès Boutique Near Me:

Although you do not have an Hermès store in your hometown, it sounds like you have many great locations to choose from to begin your journey.

First, it is important to choose one location and remain loyal to that location. Whether it is Costa Mesa or Beverly Hills, California, Las Vegas, Pennsylvania or Colorado. It sounds like you prefer Costa Mesa, California which is a good choice since you are from California and visit family often. However, whichever location you choose, be sure to commit to it so you don’t waste your time and money in a location then decide to shop in another location.

Once you have decided on an Hermès location, visit that store when you are in town. Many of the boutiques have opened their doors to walk-ins and have eliminated the lines out front. This allows you to walk in, browse around, listen to different SA’s and their interaction with their clients, and decide if this location is right for you. Also, you are able to decide if there is one SA you would like to work with. If you find one, wait until they are free and approach them and discuss working with them. Explain your situation and find out if it will benefit you to work with them exclusively.

Alternatively, you can arrive in the morning when the store opens and it is likely to be less busy. Once inside, ask to meet with a manager. Explain to the manager that you do not live near a store and you want to shop exclusively at this location with one SA. Let the manager know that you need an SA that is responsive to requests via text or email because you are not able to physically come to the store on a regular basis. Find out if they are able and willing to ship you items when you are not in town. The manager can assign an SA to you based on what you have told them about your situation.

Be sure to inform the manager or SA that you have been shopping online and love the brand, but now you realize it is better to build a relationship with one SA who can help you build a spending profile to lead to an offer of a quota bag.

Being open about what you want, your goals, what type of products you like to purchase is the best way to begin your interaction. Open communication is the best way to navigate a relationship with Hermès and your SA. Ask as many questions as possible so you know exactly what to expect.

Once you have established a relationship with one SA you will be in a better position to navigate the process and submit a wish list of bags you desire. Be loyal to that location and the SA and build from there. Remain in regular contact with your SA via text or email. Inquire about products, make purchases on a regular basis based on your budget, and have fun shopping. Most of all, be patient and let your SA know your preferences, tastes, and desires. It will all pay off in the long run. Good luck.