New System in Paris to Buy a Birkin

Congratulations ????! Again Beautiful! Mel. ????????????❤️❤️❤️

Birkin 30/35 in Togo or Clemence or any leather or exotic are the most difficult ones to find and buy successfully. For the Birkin ‘virgin’ black is the basic and the one everyone wants to have in her collection. For us French women, you can never own too much black so I myself own a black togo 35 with gold hardware, a SoBlack 35 in box limited VIP edition, and a black 30 lizard. But with this new stupid number system who knows–you may be lucky.

Thanks!!!

I love your article, I was born and raised in Switzerland but live in the US, I grew up hearing about Hermès, I have a few scarves myself but I can’t imagine any Swiss ladies or me going to this kind of experience..and no, you are not a snob at all, you are an elegant, Parisienne, stylish and we both have the same perspective on how a purchase should be made and I am 100 percent thinking like you, I remember going to the Hermès store with my mother in Crans-Montana, no line involved, going right in, a lovely SA taking care of us and going for coffee afterwards…that’s is how shopping should be..no other way…

Thank you so much Tiff xoxo

Hi Renata,
It was my first time to Paris FSH and as per my story, it took me 6 tries across the 3 stores. I have however heard that some 1st timers were able to get a Birkin or Kelly on their 1st or 2nd try. I wish we knew how Hermes actually decides who is able to purchase one or not. I know that people that have a buying history there tend to get offered these bags without too much effort. However I can only tell you from my experience whilst I was there that many people were told that no B or K’s were available when they asked. I think from a 1st timer’s point of view it’s a mixture of luck and the sales associate that you get on the day. Good luck lovely I hope you score your black Birkin! :)

I actually got a Birkin 30 in black togo with GHW on my first try at Paris FSH. It was the end of December 2015 during my honeymoon trip – I arrived the store with my husband at around 3/4pm and lined up for an hour+ (under the old system). It was my first bag purchase in FSH so you can imagine how ecstatic I was when the SA offered me the black Birkin (in the exact size, leather, hardware that I wanted too)!!! I have no idea how I was so lucky to score one, on my first day in Paris (of this trip) and my first try. I also saw people in the line before me being turned away for B/K so I cannot share as to why/how the SAs decide on who to offer the bags to (I wish I knew!).

PS – It was not my first time to FSH; I have been to the store numerous times over the last few years, but was never offered any bags until this time.

hi mel, did you have to buy other things before being offered the birkin?

Dear Mel,

Thank you very much for the article.

It has taken me around 3 months to buy a Birkin and not without a solid research.
I am based in London and I have been living here for over 10 years. My work place is in Mayfair, 10mins walk from the Bond Street Hermes flagship and I also live in Belgravia, 10-15 mins away from Harrods and Sloane Street.
I was already an existing client before I dared to ask for a B or a K bag. I already owned Herbag, Jige clutch and several scarves, bracelets and parfiums purchased at the Bond Street flagship. I have also bought an Evelyn from Selfridges and more scarves and bracelets from Harrods. Regardless of that I was often treated with disrespect and even lied to!

I learned that it is usefull to build a relationship with a SA so I have tried to build one by purchasing some items (Jige, scarves and parfiums) from one of the SAs and getting her contact details. She was very kind and professional until I asked for help to purchase K or B for which she has told me that she cannot help but I have to check regularly early during the day and preferably on a week day. Which I did! I did for 2 months and I was always told that they have nothing available but to go in the beggining of next month and then when I did go they said to actually come at the end of the month.

In the meantime, I have seen them showing bags to other people and I had the chance to chat up some people who arealy owned a Birkin or a Kelly while at the store and get some primary research from them.

The sales assistants were rather unpleasant and uninformed about the Hermes products which absolutely shocked me! In an attempt to give an explanation to the fact that one SA has told me that there are no K or B bags available today while showing one to a client, he has suggested that this is due to a previous arrangement or ‘click and collect’ (yes he used ‘click and collect’) option on their website!!! At that point I was so revolted, I needed to leave the store asap and book tickets to Paris as I needed nothing to do any more with the London pseudo sales people!

Previously, I was also suggested to buy their home ware and ready to wear products to be able to be considered a special enough client to ask for a Birkin or a Kelly. Sadly, although I really like their products at the moment this is not what I need and I could not understand why I have to buy something I dont need.

So, I booked a mid week trip to Paris, followed your instructions and got a Birkin 25 etain in togo leather on my first attempt. I have asked the SA exactly for this one and he was kind enough to bring it and show interest in selling me one.

Thanks a lot for all your help and suggestions!

Dear PurseBop,

My apologies for this very delayed response but it has been a very grueling time again in Europe as well as for me personally. I also wanted to see what would happen near to Christmas with the decrease in tourism in Paris to see if there were any new concessions or whatever the Hermes maison is labelling their changes for 2017.

I certainly permit you to share my response and comments in an upcoming article about Hermes and my experience. I would prefer if you did NOT use my nom de famille (surname) so that in the increasingly strange Hermes “systems” I do not experience any retribution. And sadly, yes, in talking with my peers in Paris and London several of us most loyal clients of Hermes I been chastised for our “disloyalty and punished for criticism” of the EPV brand. To me, this is what happens when you let new MBAs and Marcom people who have had no real life experiences and no sense of history lay out ‘procedures’ and requirements for Hermes shoppers.

Of course, Hermes will deny that there is any such thing as a waiting list. There in reality is a waiting list but it is capricious and unclear as to how one gets on such a glorified list in Paris or London or New York or Geneva. Of course, Hermes will tell you that you are offered WITHOUT FAVORITISM what handbags are available on any given day (this is a BIG LIE). The real shocking fact is that even long term clients such as myself are being what I would call poorly treated by inexperienced sales personnel and/or jaded managers. The thought has always been that the more you buy outside of the handbag and leather department, the better your chance of obtaining a Birkin or a Kelly. Again, this does not seem to be happening on a regular basis.

I dare say increasingly it is simply a matter of blind LUCK or some sales person or manager whims as to whom is shown and allowed to buy Kelly or Birkins on any given day. I have discussed these comments with other of my friends who probably purchase at least one birkin and/or one kelly per year plus scarves, jewellry, perfumes, household items, etc on a regular YEARLY basis. So it is not just my imagination.

Because of my profession in the apparel and design industry I am very aware that Hermes is an EPV company. This is historically a very important designation for a company in France and acknowledges the tradition of history, workmanship, and contributions to French culture and economy—Hermes is therefore a “living heritage” company (so is Chanel and LVMH these days as are many of the leather tanneries). Most of the current sales and management staff have no idea what EPV means or of this important tradition because it is not necessary to know much these days when demand is so high and no one comprehends history or quality.

I note several of your readers complained about service in the London Bond Street store. I have a flat in UK too and speak fluent French, English plus 5 other languages and never shop in blue jeans or lingerie. However, I also NEVER step foot in the Bond Street store because they have the most rude and stuck-up sales personnel of any Hermes boutique I have exprienced worldwide. I do frequent the Hermes boutique in Selfridges where there is more polite staff and not such big lines—however, that boutique has had a total turnover in staff and managers over the past year. And the unknown results of the Brexit vote seem to be making prices in UK slightly lower than prices in Paris—or maybe it was just the exchange rates the day I shopped.

Frankly, I have been staying away from the ‘mothership’ on FSH in Paris because I am also finding the lines, new systems, etc. too annoying and depersonalized to put up with. And yes, that is from me, a 3rd generation client who used to LOVE the shopping experience and the drama of unwrapping the orange box at the FSH boutique! I am much happier and more relaxed shopping on Rive Gauche, Rue de Sevres boutique which is carved out of an old art deco hotel swimming pool and where I think the salespeople are more gracious. My 2nd choice in Paris is the boutique on Avenue George V on Rive Droite near the George V hotel. But then I am lucky in being able to travel within Europe so I do find the Hermes shops in Crans Montana, Geneva, Nice, Bordeaux as giving me much more ‘fun’ Hermes shopping experience. I have not shopped Hermes in NYC, LA or San Francisco in many years so I shall not comment on what current status or procedures are there.

I have discussed these comments above with other of my friends who probably purchase at least one birkin and/or one kelly per year plus scarves, jewellry, perfumes, household items, etc on a regular YEARLY basis. So it is not just my imagination! As long term clients, we miss “the old days” of knowledgeable staff and respect for our commitments and amount spent with the brand.

And yes, this is a bit “elitist” but I have to agree with one of my male friends who easily spends euros 60,000 yearly at Hermes when he says he now hates shopping at FSH! So he and I went to Rue de Sevres in early December to buy our Christmas gifts for family, friends and ourselves together speaking perfect French and just kept rolling our eyes and speaking in a third language softly as we listened to the level of misinformation and bs being spoken by sales associates. But yes, we each succeeded in placing special orders for 2017 in colours and leathers of our choice and in leaving with a Kelly, a jige, numerous scarves, perfumes and some little “H” items.

I have also talked with my friends about the SALE in January in Paris at Porte Maillot and for 2nd year in a row several of us are just skipping it. It used to be great fun and the great equalizer but it is now drudgery to us. Perhaps this is the factor of age or being time starved like my daughters. And yes, we miss the Eurostar ride that let us hit the London and the Paris sales events and even journeyed as far as NYC when they were still held there. Yes, there are bargains IF you are open minded about your wants/needs. But I have a very common shoe size (39) and glove size (7.25 or 7.50) and dislike being shoved so that the sale experience is not as meaningful as it used to be.

And to conclude this “update” of my original comments, although we know Hermes is a heritage brand, there are many more heritage companies in France to cater to our tastes and whims much more than Hermes does these days. So many of us are switching to ‘sur mesure’ or bespoke designs and design companies for our new loving shopping experiences. Yes, where you can make a RDV at your convenience, sit down with champagne and/or coffee with the artisan and/or designer, and discuss what you, the client, actually wants. Very often these artisans will ‘tweak’ their designs to accommodate our special needs and requests. For example, I prefer two zippered compartments inside my handbags instead of the one zip and one open in Hermes birkins and kellys. I always have ordered wider straps with Kellys because I find the narrow thin straps uncomfortable and annoying.
For gloves, I can go to an artisan glove maker in Paris who uses the same leather tanneries as Hermes or Chanel and have a glove made to my actual hand measurements—thus my reference above to 7.25 size gloves while Hermes only offers full and half sizes.

So if you are wanting your first birkin or kelly, do not despair. You may be lucky enough to get one on your first or second or third attempt. But also know that there is a mystique that you (and I and my daughters and friends) buy into that forces us often to put up with rudeness and inconvenience. Hermes is the ‘holy grail’ of handbag experience. But please realize that there are many other beautiful handbags, belts, small leather goods, and hand painted scarves to see and to enjoy buying in Paris. As a Parisian I do not want your entire shopping experience or trip to Paris to be consumed and judged by how you are treated and what is made available to you at Hermes. Bonne annee–peace, prosperity, love, health to you all in 2017! And may all your Hermes dreams come true!

P.S. My comments above reflect my personal experiences and point of view. I have been asked to share these with you. Therefore, I shall appreciate it if I am not “trolled” or “flamed” for being honest and rather more direct than I would be in my native French.

Silviya, as you can see from my comments above, I am not fond of Bond Street either. I find the Hermes salespeople in both UK and France shockingly uninformed too. I am so glad you got your Birkin 25 in togo in etain colour. It is a great colour! I like it much more than etoupe. And I have now begun to only buy 25 or 30 cm handbags from Hermes–I think the 25 cm are adorable! And they do not give you the backache or shoulder ache of the 35! I hope you enjoy your birkin and many more!

I definitely agree, luck or whim or maybe which side someone got out of bed in the morning! Happy for anyone who gets their desire! Bon chance!

Dear Mel, I hope your are still enjoying your bag and purchases. Did you find any orange boxes under your tree? I hope so!

My newest grand daughter received her first Hermes little cashmere booties and the 2 year old received her first little H animal.

As you may see from my update below, I managed to avoid Christmas lines at Hermes and we did get to purchase most of our gift goals without the numbers and rdvs—but again this was first week in December and I was on crutches with a big cast so even the most heartless sales person probably took mercy on me.

Good luck in January if you fly over for the SALE! I have not heard of any special new rules but just be prepared for lines! Bonne annee!

Agreed Bond st. service is terrible, to be honest I finding luxury store service in general are bad in Paris. I’m lucky to travel a lot too and I’ve found many stores outside of the capitals with great service including some airport Hermes, and I was able to find many gems during my accidental Hermes visits :) I guess for K/B/Constance you probably have to shop in capital cities or large boutiques, I only like Kelly and I don’t mind buying from reseller so I’m not that bothered, even if I do I still refuse to be treated badly. I noticed that Chanel has started to use this strategy recently, I just got turned down for buying a few brooches at Bond st. since they said I bought too much within the last few months,WTF? For costume jewelleries?! I was really mad so eventually they let me but them! Probably just a Bond st thing, I rarely shop there and I won’t be again after this! Will file a complaint to Chanel head office for sure! Going to Paris next week, I understand for Americans or Asians, it’s worthwhile because if the money they can save, but as a Londoner, I shall be happy to spend my money on good French food than leather!

Sindy, my reference to Bond Street is to Hermes store in London not in Paris. As for rude personnel in luxury Paris boutiques, I do have some definite observations from experiences in Hermes, Chanel, Cartier, and Bon Marche. Do you speak French? Or at least to try to say hello or thank you in French? It goes a long way as an “ice breaker”. Do you walk into the boutique with the I am god, I have lots of money, you are peasants here to serve me attitude? Do you know anything about the history of any of the luxury brands—artisan values, types of leathers, etc? Do you speak politely in English or in your own language–from your photo and last name I would guess that you may speak English and/or Chinese. All luxury boutiques in Paris have English speaking sales people. All Chanel, Hermes, Cartier, YSL, Lanvin boutiques in Paris and Nice have Chinese Mandarin speaking sales staff. Therefore, it might be easier or more comfortable for you to speak in a language and ask questions not in French.

Do you know that no French person would walk into any store–even a tabac–without saying “Bon jour” to the sales person as they enter? Or “merci” as they exit? Have you ever tried doing this in the French tradition? Perhaps you should. If you do NOT, we consider you rude and ignorant—this is not particularly a “racist” comment if you are referring merely to skin color. French persons would consider French people who do not do these greetings as rude, ignorant and ‘de classe’,

It is nice that you can afford overpriced pieces from re-sellers. Again, to me this cheapens the brand and ruins the real experience of the drama of unwrapping your coveted Hermes in an Hermes (or Chanel or Cartier) boutique with your sales person. But then you are the ‘keep up with the Jones’ generation and I am a traditionalist who has grown up around and with haute couture.

I’m British darling!!! Speak some French as I lived in Monaco and I travel to France from time to time for business! As I said, I found stores outside Paris with better service. I shop anywhere the way I would shop, no matter high street or luxury as I respect everyone works in the service industry and I think all customers deserve respect from service ppl too. So you think I can’t be 3rd gen of luxury buyer just because of my surname?! My gosh…..even if I am, looking down on someone based on marterial possessions is pure low class behaviour! However, from your assumption, it’s easy to guess why the French SA can be so racist and arrogant. About reseller, I also sell my luxury goods if no longer in use, as I’d rather they go to good homes and I think that’s a way of respecting the products, its better they are used than wasted in my wardrobe! Your stuck up attitude is what’s wrong with France at the moment, let’s not go there as this is not a sociological post. although I personally don’t like certain group of ‘aspiring buyers’ either, the luxury industry depend on them, Harrods open store at night time for a client from China who spend £1million in one go, I guess you won’t be able to keep up with that level of ‘Jones’ no? you can dislike them but you cannot deny the need for them. All in all, Insulting someone and make assumptions based on someone’s surname or race is just plain low-class!

Oh dear! I made no “assumptions” about you being able to be a “third generation” Hermes client of not. And you are clearly not from the way you wear your chapeau. And certainly it would be silly to deny you are Chinese origins with your name. But this blog is about purses and not your racial and low class slurs!

I do not keep up with any Jones, or Wong or Gates or Nissam!

And I stand by my suggestions for those reading this blog who want ideas of how to ENJOY their shopping experiences in Paris luxury boutiques or any other French stores—a little bit of courtesy and cross cultural understanding goes a long long way in making your experience more enjoyable and less drudgery and/or unhappy.

To have so much angst and anger at your young age possibly makes it difficult for you to enjoy many experiences.

Sorry Silviya for crashing your post lol some misunderstanding…..I liked Mel’s YouTube channel and congrats on your purchase! I think all in all its still worthy of the hassle for people outside Europe! :)

Haha the key fashion trend right now is sportswear and juicy couture is back on the rack of Selfridges lol I do get frustrated about the fashion/luxury world sometimes as I can feel their pain of meeting the demand of nouvelle riche while maintaining their loyal customer base. The milllennials are a different animal to market to as well….about France, I think the country is facing a turning point, so is the world I guess, but I feel France is a bit like China in certain aspects, too proud of its past and hard to let go some of their “culture”, I was born in China and have got back in touch with my roots in recent years though my work as it’s THE luxury market every brand to target at, and at the same time, I have a love/hate relationship with France including French men lol I’m glad you have worked in Asia and i understand it can be very frustrating, every time I’m back I was like “what should I do?” lol I love London because of it’s diversity and tolerance, as long as you stay away from Bond st. Lol ps. what’s your Instagram? Mine is Sindy_Fashionnerd – do get in touch if you wish to :) maybe better not to ruin Silviya’s post ha~

Your bags sound so beautiful, I love lézard skin I never saw a lezard Birkin, it changes from the crocodile..

Was that Oprah you referring too?
Me neither haha, I would never live my apartment with a jogging suit as a matter of fact, I never go out with sneakers either unless I go and work out, and take them out right away, I think being Européennes, we just grew up differently..
And the stress of your election, is tremendous, I followed it closely when I was in Switzerland for 5 weeks a couple weeks ago..reminds me of the mess we had here: Bonne chance!

Hi dear, ah yes, you remembered. It was Oprah and such a fuss. Apparently her secretary once called FSH and demanded that they stay open after hours for her shopping pleasure and she was told simply, “No madame”. I think even the Kardasians and their entourage shop during regular hours but are taken upstairs into the back at FSH—but then how they dress I shall not comment. No jogging clothes or tennies! I never even leave my arrondisement in jeans! However, I have stopped wearing matching shoes and handbags and gloves and chapeaus–LOL. My mother and grandmother wore those until the day they died but had great fur capes and coats too but it was a much more elegant age.

Our election is a zoo! Maybe the world will just implode before I buy my Himalaya exotic!!! That would save money and stress! Just kidding–in exotic my next one would be shiny croc in deep purple/aubergine with gold hardware. Take care!

Yes it has gotten worse! maybe too many tourists from ‘new’ luxury markets….but still, I think it’s the retailers’ job to adapt to that, after all they’re in the service industry so it’s their jobs to cope with the changes in consumers. We should not be suffering because the SAs cannot be bothered to be polite to everyone, right? generally speaking, I’d say stay away from the flagship stores at capital cities, in London for instance, I feel Sloane Street stores offer much much better service than Bond street! and I just heard from a friend that the George V store and Sevres store in Paris are much more friendly! although the mother ship apparently has more Birkin/Kelly/Constance, but I’m not sure if that’s just a rumour to push all the non-EU tourists to there.

I think that the managers at the top–the recent MBAs are part of the problem. They have sales goals that mean pressure on front line sales people and that some departments are always almost out of stock. For Hermes, they must keep the mystique of shortages of handbags yet they sell some on Internet (not Kelly not Birkin). However, you cannot find a belt nor a small leather good easily at any boutique. Why because the OTB (open to buy) is kept by the managers for the big ticket items! So where I once could walk into any Hermes boutique and buy a belt for my buckles or a new style belt for spring or a gift wallet or card case, now there is virtually no selection.

For Paris, please dont tell too many people about George V or it will be over run too! I know that is selfish of me but I really dislike shopping at airport stores! LOL.

Sales associates turnover is very high because they are not paid enough to put up with rudeness and the hoi polloi! And careers in sales are not encouraged now whereas they once were rewarded by upper management. So we are left with lines and complaints or sur mesure which many of us are finding a much more rewarding experience overall. To be honest I am much happier with my new sur mesure (custom) handbag at 30 cm with 2 internal zips and one subtle external zip at front length of boarding pass and width of passport than I could ever be by any Hermes or Chanel handbag or tote. The leather is from same prestige tannery used by Hermes and Chanel; I chose the hardware for strength and colour; the strap is right width and adjustable if I have on a fur or want to carry cross chest through airport or gare; and I don’t have to wait for 1 year for a special order!! I sat down with the designer, had some lovely champagne, his assistant did measurements, etc etc and 6 weeks later I had perfection without stress and for less expense. The first Kelly or Birkin is a “goal” but after that it is an option to enjoy your real luxury experience. Bon chance!

LOL re the GV store. I find Hermes’ online service excellent! I love online shopping :) maybe it’s a generation thing, I’m not very young but British have adapted into digital rather well I think. I quite like airport stores because I’ve managed to find quite a few gems during my travel with good service, maybe just being lucky…. I agree with what you said about the ‘goal’ thing which I think it’s the case for many people, esp. they’re from outside EU and they think it’s particularly ‘fancy’ to score one at the mother ship store. I’m also a lover for unique brands and I think customization is the true luxury such as bespoked Savile Row suits or jewellery. I feel bad for the SA in a way since I worked in luxury retail when I was a student, so I know it’s a tough job working for a busy store. I think commission based system can work well but of course it may create problems too, sigh….

I am glad to know it’s not just me feeling this way, it seems like little by little pleasures of live are been taken away from us, even to the smallest things like having a cup of tea in Ladurée, you are looked at like you are bothering them, it just happened to me in Geneva..

Haha I finally found someone like me I need to ser the material and mostly feel it, the feel is the yes or no…if not no need to go further…

My dogs make every one laugh and especially me! They usually run away from orange colored boxes in panic and hide under tables–this one photo being the exception.

As for Crans, too bad. Russian mob? or whom? I have not been there since July 2009 so it has been a long time I guess. My friend still had a very large chalet there but has since sold it and moved to Il Maurice. And her mother had the best collection of Hermes scarves that I have ever seen—as in hundreds every size and colour and fabric!

I was there for the riding show and the town was buzzing, hotels full, restaurants packed, lots of very rich horsey set, and plenty of Hermes boots and saddles and riding crops! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0ebe4e7f004f8703adfaefd210e6e39b156fd61d15edf51ddf55e58a13a7af1d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9ce66b55945332db6fea1182187004145329044fcd01845109844748690bc5bd.jpg

Hard for me to imagine nouveau riche with the Hermes saddles and real riding gear—the boots everyone wears even if they have never been near a horse!!

I was originally going to Paris for Hermes June sale but new kitchen going into flat and I must watch workers!!

Are you in Europe or USA? I am back to Paris in May then back to UK and Scotland and to Cannes in August and Paris in September. This year I want to stay warm!

I am in Florida, but was born and raised in Sierre just below Crans as I am sure you already passed by..You put your finger on it, the Russian mob is correct haha. The Italian aristocrats which used to own chalets or apartments for so long started to sell them years ago because they refused to mix with the Russians, my sister in law works for a lawyer, she is Sicilian so she used to go to Crans each year in December to help him with translation, that is how I found out..I was there about 1 month ago and I realized that Chanel is no longer there, they moved out of Crans completely, Chanel was there my whole life…LV has moved to their spot…LV Sa was very nice but never follow through and when I questioned her, I got a not so nice email from her Manager,, which I didn’t appreciate so I called LV in Zürich and I went to buy my bag there and I had a phenomenal experience, when I told Crans that I bought my bag I never heard from them again haha, so even though it’s close from home where I go regularly you know they won’t see me again, I don’t buy often but when I do I want to be respected. Hermes is still there, but very small selection even in their scarves, I remember how they used to have so many colors for their scarves that it was difficult to choose, but their service is good, then again I was there off season and my friend was interested in a bag not me..their selection in bags was next to nothing but you can order through them directly, but I don’t like that..I want to see first..The overall quality of the stores there has gone down, which really bothers me, remember Taillens for tea, coffee or pastries…that too is no longer what it was…only place I still like is the Caviar House.
But it’s really difficult for me to see those changes because I am really used to go there a lot since childhood, with my Dad and we used to go and watch curling, it was stylish and elegant, it is a beautiful place and really the only place in my big State where you can find luxury stores, otherwise Lausanne is pretty far out of the way..again everything goes and it’s very sad as you know…

Mel and everyone, I have a question which I would like to ask each of you. To me it seems appropriate to ask all the readers of PurseBop and BOPtalk because we all share information about shopping in Paris for Hermes, Chanel and other luxury brands as well as challenges of supply and demand.

So my major query to everyone on this blog is:

If luxury shopping is such a chore/so much work/ so much aggravation, can we call it luxury anymore?

Hi! Do you have to go through this process to buy accessory items such as a bracelet or a belt?

Would like to ask if the cueing system of buying an Hermes bag in Munich and Prague is the same in FSH in Paris. I plan to visit Munich and Prague next month and hoping to be lucky to get a birkin/kelly/constance. :) Appreciate your tips!