How Long Do You Have to Pick Up a Hermès Special Order Placed in Paris?

Dear Pursebop:
I was very fortunate to be able to place a special order in Paris in the fall. Imagine my surprise when I got an email this week that my bag is ready! (Less than 6 months!). My Paris SA and I communicate in French. My french is good, but not perfect. When my husband and I were leaving the boutique after placing the order, I was pretty sure my SA had said that there isn’t a time limit from when the bag comes in to when I collect it. We will be in Europe this coming May. When I messaged her, she confirmed that the bag is ready, and that she will see us in May. I was under the impression that one only has a couple of weeks to collect the bag & I’m surprised they are willing to hang onto to it for this amount of time. I’m curious to what other people’s experience is?
Sincerely–Collection Confusion

Dear Confused:

When given the opportunity to place a Special Order in one of the 3 Paris Hermès boutiques, it is often that the client is not from Paris or even France. Most clients are informed that it usually takes between 6-18 months to complete a Special Order (exotics are longer) and they will be notified up completion by email.

The email stating your Special Order has been completed usually states that you have 30 days to retrieve the bag or it is subject to being cancelled if you have not responded to the email notification. However, an email to your SA or the person who advised you the bag is ready requesting additional time is almost always granted. Many people are not able to return to Paris within 30 days so an accommodation is made.

There is the slight possibility that the bag may be sold or misplaced in the interim, but this is highly unlikely. Retrieving your bag at your earliest opportunity is best. Rest assured that your SA will welcome you upon your return to Paris to collect your special order.

Good luck and share your special order treasure with us after you retrieve it from Paris.