If I need to beg them to take my money, then they don’t need my money. There is no way in hell that I will humiliate myself for any thing and I certainly won’t pay them to treat me like dirt.
Agata Inventio (living in Vegas) you couldn’t have said it better! That’s what I’d say 80% of the whole thing is about and take it from me who works around the most expensive square footage of shopping space in the world- you wouldn’t believe the luxury experiences people “pay” for here- her experience is something that would get someone fired!
I do love the functionality of the birkin as a tote, just throw your stuff in there and no fuss. But it's tote bag with minimal hardware.. lovely, but it shouldn't be 10k.
Not really, they are classic bags... The thing is, if you go into Hermes looking like a modern young woman in streetwear or look scruffy or tired at all (remember alot of people try to do this on vacation) they are going to think you are a reseller and avoid you. People buy these bags and sell them for profit on the secondary market. Thats the problem, its not really Hermes being totally elitist and playing a game. The bags take a lot longer to create than most handbags and the quality control is intense and with the range of colours offered, they only make so many of each color and theres not enough to go around...
That’s why I love buying online. By avoiding human interaction, you get such a seamless experience. I know, this comment will not appeal to lots of people, but I have found online purchasing to be extremely pleasant.
Agree it's much more better than going out and being humiliated by the customer service for spending my own money. The only designer customer service that deserves rights are Dior.
ringoroll Thanks Sweetness, I went to Louis Vuitton straight afterwards and they were really lovely. Two staff members served me at the same time. They were so super helpful and then my boyfriend cooked a lovely dinner.
That's smart. Hermes bags are some of the ugliest I've seen. I wouldn't even consider them with or without the label. Labels mean nothing to me anyway. Designer items can be junk too. (Jan Griffiths).
Chase Amie has a video where she talks with an "Hermes expert" (a long time customer and authenticator) who confirms that Hermes wants you to show your "loyalty" to the brand by making "side buys" before making a reservation/being offered a bag/getting an appointment to buy a bag. When I heard that I rolled my eyes so hard that I saw my own optic nerves.
It’s ridiculous. They’re basically saying “only special customers get Birkins” 🙄 if I have the money, I should be able to buy the bag. It shouldn’t be a game of buying a bunch of things I don’t even want just to get to the point where MAAYYBBBEEE they’ll consider offering me a bag …. No thanks. I don’t need that kind of stress in my life lol.
@@SophieShohetOfficial i understand ur point of view sophie. everybody has their own perspectives and budget to spend on luxury item. I'm glad that you share it with us
Don't worry about saying the Kardashians aren't classy -- what they are is trashy. Too much money and not enough sense. I don't like them at all. As for the Hermés game -- I agree. I don't like their bags enough to pay the cost, either in terms of the money or the super-elitist, shaming game.
I would love a social experiment comparing various “it” bags without the prices. It would be interesting to see what people favored if they didn’t know the brands or prices.
S P - Or a Chanel flap bag. They were the bastion of rich, older ladies when I was growing up - no-one under the age of 50 would have bought one, nor wanted one.
Yes, this sounds interesting. The Hermès bags actually are so heavy without anything in it. It just makes no sense to carry more weight on a handbag than on the contents of it.
They are what they are. I just don't understand this 'me too' sense of fashion. Good design is good design. Bad design is bad design. It's an object. Kardashians also breathe air. Doesn't mean I don't like air. They are a non entity.
I totally agree. The other day I watched a yt video about these Hermès bags. This lady was explaining how to wear them open, because they are uncomfortable. I thought "why don't you buy a Paloma bag instead!"
I love how these Employees of concessions act superior in some way to customers who can actually afford to products being sold which I would bet they can’t afford themselves. I’m sure that sales assistant who disappeared for 45 minutes thought he was something 🙄
@@cjackson3019 It's a way for them to feel superior because they hold the key card to ringing up the purchases. It's a temporary and false thrill of elitism that they don't truly have outside of that fantasy world within the brand's space.
It feels like if you don’t have a personal relationship w the brand and ur sales rep then you’re just their time & appear to be a bottom feeder. And he probably saw a good customer he knows and went to say hi because they have a relationship and the rep knew they’d be spending serious $
The way in which Hermes is sold is very elitist and designed to minimise "undesirable" (read not wealthy enough) people having access to their bags. After they refused Oprah (yes, THE Oprah) entry into their Paris store because they obviously didn't recognise her (and perhaps were being discriminatory) I never was interested in the brand. I also don't love the style of the bags, I find them a bit clunky.
Right, like I’m pretty sure I would be one of those undesirable people. I work for my money, am a person of color, grew up poor, etc. Personally I think I’m pretty awesome, but I sure I’m trash to them and I’m not going to beg them to spend my money.
JessieBanana why would you or anybody else consider yourself “undesirable?” Btw these people choosing whom to sell Hermes to are SA’s for goodness sake! They work for a “wage” and do not have stocks in the company! Quite frankly, I’m shocked that people are actually willing to throw good money away on a bag that they can carry their stuff around in (how stupid is that?). The only people laughing all the way to the bank is Hermes, all the rest of you need your bumps read!
Yes. Shame on this brand. Of course they would NEVER allow their products being wore by a normal black person. That's how they keep the prices rising, making the bags exclusive to the celebrities and mega rich.
Do keep in mind that the original muse of the Birkin Bag, Jane Birkin, had requested to have her name removed from any crocodile skin Birkin bags as she is against animal cruelty. But up till now, even the Himalaya Birkin Bag has her name plastered to it! The audacity that the brand can't even respect that very person who inspired the creation of the bag in the first place. =/
Once you sign a deal with a company to allow them to use your name, theres likely no way of getting it removed. Its become part of their brand culture. The Princely House of Borghese aren't even allowed to use their own surname on their products because of their former association with Borghese cosmetics which they no longer have anything to do with...and they are aristocrats and have had the name for centuries...
The bag will always be called a birkin. It’s the style. There’s no way to have it removed. She was happy to have it in leather which is as cruel as exotic skin.
@@AmandaIrwin2022 The point of my comment above is not focusing on animal cruelty (though im personally against it). It's meant to focus on the integrity of how the company is being run. Eg. Horrible customer service, even if you are able afford their products; Not respecting their muse; etc.
Hermes bags do not fit my lifestyle. However, I love their scarves. They are a work of art. But I don't care for the bags or shoes or bangles. It's not me.
I always use there site I bought a beautiful scarf but when it came it was smaller than I wanted so I returned it there return service second to none they even sent me an email telling me that the parcel was received and then another to say that my money had been refunded
@Spencer Me too. I am thinking of framing some of their scarves( like I see some people doing) and putting it on my wall. I think they are too pretty to wear sometimes.
Im hesitant to go to stores which youre not treated the best. Especially when I am spending thousands of pounds/dollars. I go for the experience, so as long as I am respecting the employees, I should be respected too!
Simple for me ... I just can’t afford it. No more Uber Expensive Bags ... This year’s purchase was the BV Cassette bag ... that’s in itself was an extravagance ... but no more bags over $2000 dollars ... I guess if money were no object of course I’d love to add Hermès but I don’t look at a Birkin or Kelly as a holy grail bag. It’s a classic bag but it never screamed “own me”.
I agree as well. If money were no object I might consider buying one. To pay that amount of money for a bag that doesn’t “spark joy” just doesn’t make any sense to me. There are so many more much less expensive bags that I’d rather have. It’s definitely the exclusivity that makes it appealing to most buyers.
If money were no object then definitely yes, but tbh just for the heck of owning it and telling the world i do 😂 but if money were no object then what difference would it make? 😂😂😂 So yeah, there is nothing special, beautiful or even exclusive elegance (which many other bags do offer btw) about these bags. Even a constance is good for i don't like to speak much kind of bag but that's all.
Hassan Ilyas Yes, I love 💕 the Constance too but the Celine Box Bag, which is incredibly similar & w/beautiful craftsmanship, can be purchased for significantly less.
I'm too proud wearing my IKEA blue bag (size small) to anywhere I go. Maybe oneday I will go to Hermes to ask them to put some twilly on my IKEA blue bag
@tdmr sad really. that experience would totally kill my excitement to get the belt, but maybe it was their intention, to discourage the beginner client from wearing the belt in association with high street clothing and brands... nevertheless clients shouldn't tolerate that behaviour but can understand that a client wouldnt want to further ruin his day make a complainment
You can’t buy them online, and I think you really have to get to know a sales person to be even INVITED TO BUY ONE not sure if that’s true that’s just what I heard
Sophie, you are one of the most respectable, well-spoken youtubers. It's so pleasant to listen to your videos and hear your thoughts. Thanks for sharing and being so frank. It feels like you're the only well-known person on youtube who doesn't buy into the Hermes game. It's refreshing. Their scheme is built on making people feel unworthy, and this creates this intensely exclusive and coveted product. I've talked to my husband about it, and he is absolutely repulsed by the Hermes system. I know that's quite strong, and I don't mean to offend anyone. I feel quite torn on the bag, but I worry I'm just buying into the hype... I have to admit to loving the kelly style.
Meghan if you love their products go for it, but do not buy a load of useless items so that you can be offered a bag. You can by pass that by going to Paris and praying you get an appointment. Even then make sure you have options of what you want and stick to your guns.
Honestly, I just decided to pay a skilled leather crafts person to replicate the bag for me in genuine leather and customize it to my liking. It’s well under $1000 and I get to support a real person. I refuse to buy fakes because that feeds into terrorist groups but I will never ever ever ever buy into the Hermès hype. One bag an feed a village. That’s shameful. Just my opinion. All I’m saying is, there are other ways to obtain the look. The brand is not worth its price tag. (Btw, people do this all the time replicating engagement rings with a regular local jeweler, I don’t know why I never thought to replicate high end bags sooner. Lol)
@@SL-lz9jr I agree the price tags they put on their bags can be put to better use. My most expensive leather goods item is my Globetrotter suitcase and I did not pay the full retail price as there was a slight defect. I have never paid the full price from my own money so far of any designer bag I own, even my Speedie 35 which I bought brand new from the boutique.
I know a couple of people in the Hermes game and it’s absolutely ridiculous. a friend of mine is currently in Paris and how it works is that you put your contact info in for a CHANCE for an appointment. However while she was denied an appointment despite playing their appointment lottery, her husband just walked right up at the front desk and asked for an appointment and got one with no questions asked. Apparently it’s much easier to get a Birkin or a Kelly at the Parisian stores than in other cities- she was offered 3 right off the bat!
The way you are dressed will also determine whether or not they offer you one. If you look classic and chic, they might offer you one the same day. If you look scrubby or tired or are in streetwear, they are likely going to deny you for a few reasons.... 1. elitism 2. they think you are a reseller and if its the latter, they will prob be putting a note in your file at Hermes blacklisting you from getting a kelly or birkin until you've 'proven' yourself buy buying thousands of dollars of crap you dont want but even then...
“I am quite disappointed” oh Sophie I love the way you talk and express yourself! Only a true British Lady can talk like this😘so elegant and articulate!
❤️ Sophie! I personally no longer care so much about Hermes bags. It’s not as classy as before. So many celebrities have made it a bit “common.” Also, the resell value is not there anymore because of the pre-love market. So many sites now sell authentic birkins (fashionphile, therealreal, farfetch, vestiare, the list goes on....) It’s now become so easy to get them. They are losing their exclusivity. Many of the same bags have been on the site for a loooong time. Many sites are now reducing the price on togo 30s and 35s. 35s are now a bargain. The $8k briefcase now resells for $3k in perfect condition.
Really rich people don’t even deal with customer service (unless they choose too), I’m saying this because everytime Jamie Chua gets her Birkin bags delivered to her house.
Hey Sophie!! I have been a regular Hermes client for about 10 years now and have been a regular client with 4 different locations - three flagships and one smaller. I do remember hearing about your negative experience at the Hermes concessions in Harrods back when you did your birthday video and I honestly felt so bad for you. In that situation, I would've been livid and would've left without even letting that SA know. Whenever I have purchased anything, it ALWAYS comes in an orange box with ribbons without exception. The only time I didn't receive a box and ribbon was when I purchased Hermes furniture for obvious reasons. For you to have to fight for a box is ridiculous, because actually belts come with a box specifically designed for it. A lot of people don't realize this, but Hermes actually has different boxes that are mad specifically for each item. RTW has their own box/ sometimes bags, high Jewelry has their box designed to accommodate the velvet case, Shoe box sometimes has draw strings for easy access; and boxes for Birkins, Kellys, Constances, etc each have a specific box made specifically for the size/ style. I can go on about this, but needless to say, everything has a specific box made for it. This is why I was so disappointed that the SA didn't want to provide you with your belt's box - it definitely seems to be that the store was not following protocol at all. Your experience actually discouraged me from visiting that location the last time I was in London!! During the last 10 years, I can say that the majority of SAs that I have worked with have ALL been wonderful. There were a handful of snotty and horrible ones, but they seem to be far and few. I honestly think that the trick to having a wonderful experience at Hermes is to schedule an appointment with a standalone store. You don't have to be a current client to do so, just call any boutique and request for an appointment and they will assign you an SA who will work with you. In that way, the SA will be 100 percent committed to serving you. I know it sounds extremely extra, but I feel like that is why so many people have negative experience at Hermes; they are walk-in clients and most of the time, the SA are working with their clients who have scheduled an appointment. I have been to the New Bond street location and I can say that the SAs at that location are wonderful, so please give them a chance! I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need insight on anything else Hermes related!
This is such great info Eric, thank you so much for taking the time to share. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 Maybe it’s just bad in that concession - I’ve heard the stand alone store is better! Appreciate your insight on booking an appointment too, now you explain it this makes sense xxx💝😘😘
Totally agree with the comments on boxes and appointments. Hermes "standard" packaging is that every single item in the store (right down to the recently launched lipstick) is sold with its own dust bag, box, and bolduc ribbon. I've been an Hermes customer on and off over the years, and I would say walk-ins are more a thing of the past for Hermes stores. It's a more efficient for everyone - customer intends to buy and maybe needs the time to deliberate options; SA doesn't have to serve someone for hours on end without a sale.
Thank you for the information Eric! I can’t tell you how much this has helped me! I was terrified after hearing so many bad stories and experiences that I just didn’t want to ever go near a Hermes store let alone go inside to look or buy anything. Like Sophie said I am also a person who has too much self respect to be letting any luxury brand or S.A. tarnish that, when I will be the one giving my money! So thank you once again! Thank you Sophie for doing a video on this very sensitive subject! Loads of love to you both! Nishat💖💜
Thanks for sharing your insights Eric!!! That makes so much sense and is helpful to know. Do you happen to know any other stores that work in this way, like Chanel or Tiffany & Co.? Their staff realllllly seem to dislike walk-ins
I agree with everything your saying I also am not a huge fan of Hermès they way they look they just are kinda idk I feel like plain sort of I love the way dior and Chanel’s bags look way more that’s me though
Rich people are usually able to buy anything they want and I think Hermes is just upping the game. They make the bags so desirable that they can say, No, you can't have a Berkin because I say you can't. I don't like your attitude. NEXT!
I have a similar feeling for Chanel, I am saving money for my next bag this year and the ONLY reason that is stopping me from spending me on a Chanel is that I don't want to deal with rolling eyes. I can only afford one luxury bag a year so I expect to have a decent experience when buying it after saving all that money for a year! If Chanel had delivery service I wouldn't even bother on going to their stores
Elle Salagaras why couldn’t they show you one if you don’t mind me asking? I haven’t ever had A bad experience in chanel they’ve always been so helpful to me x
Rune Davey They apparently had none available. I understand if they are reserved but you can’t even take one out just to look at??? They didn’t offer their details, a waiting list, nothing. Just a “No”
Elle Salagaras yes, I’ve had the same experience at Chanel. They are really snooty and unhelpful. This is widely known. All of their boutiques are this way.
Clearly they don’t want us customers who can afford only one bag per year. Their ideal customer is someone famous who is dressed in luxury stuff all head to toe. This is the same game Hermès plays when they make people buy belts/bracelet/shoes before asking to see their bags (and waiting 30 mins like Sophie - just to show you are so loyal to the brand). It’s such a snooty business practice.
I buy Hermes scarves being on holiday and my husband says that my knowledge of scarves names, colours and sizes is much better than Hermes Sa's. The service depends on a city. The service in Paris leaves much to be desired but in Lyon boutique it was great!!! I had both bad and excellent service in Brussels.
To me, it is very simple: I will never give my money to someone who will make me feel less of a human being. It does not matter how rich or poor you are, everyone deserves to be treated well, it is a human right !
I actually own 2 birkins and I also had a Kelly I’ve sold the Kelly I still have my birkins but for the price I don’t think the quality is that great, since then if I’mgoing to add to my collection I will either buy Chanel or Dior or leather LV’s. I do love the quality of the Hermès belts but, I will never walk into an Hermès store again they have a lot of work to do on their service to their customers. They seem to forget who and why they have a job and who pays them. If it wasn’t for us the consumers they would not exist.
I think it's wrong to say the Birkin has a bad quality since it all depends on which leather it is made of. which kind leather is your Birkins? also I am curious to know if you bought it as a new unused bag, what was the price? or was it second hand?
I went window shopping in the Miami design district and went into all of the stores and the best customer service was by far Dior and Gucci they where so nice and helpful. It really made me want a Dior bag even more
I have seen some Hermes Kelly worn couple of times selling for 10 000 Euros and I just cannot justify the price for what seems to be a regular classic bag. I understand the heritage behind it, it’s just I feel like if you really like the style...you can get your hands onto something way affordable looking very alike..
They are more expensive on the pre loved market (depending on condition of course) due to the fact that you cut out the "game". No waiting list, no "let's see if we have any", etc.
I don’t know if it’s a Texan thing, but the Hermes boutiques in Dallas and Houston have been consistently nice. I’ve only bought the Hermes clic clac and they’re always patient and kind with showing me items. I don’t even dress up and wear makeup going into designer boutiques as my policy is if you’re genuine enough to help me, you’ll get my sale for sure and I will keep coming back. One time I was at Hermes and 2 obnoxiously loud women with birkins came in, talking about how Nobu in NYC was way better than Houston’s and I can see on the SAs faces that they were dreading to please them lol
Hi Sophie, could you make a more in-depth detail video about the decreasing quality in LV and Chanel bags? I spoiled myself on my birthday month this year with my first purse from Louis Vuitton on April, and I was very much in love with it until the padlock keys started tarnishing after barely 2-3 days after purchasing it. I was extremely shocked and disappointed. Love you and thank you! ❤️
That'll be a good topic. I haven't owned either but I know a lady who has a fake Louis Vuitton that outlasted her sister in law's real one(with very similar amount of care and use). Not saying we should buy counterfeits but if the $100 fakes ones have better quality than the $2000 real ones, there's a problem here.
I feel you. Most recently I bought the bumbag from LV in 2018, and you could see the material break on the sides, which I have never experienced in any of my other purchases from LV. That was it for me. I will never buy from LV again.
@@Losshe What!? That's insanity! LV really needs to get their act together. My mom bought her first LV bag last year, and I wasn't expecting it to have any issues, but it's had a few, which is a few too many for the first year.
Losshe it’s ridiculous, honestly, and the prices just keep going up over and over again. The bag I bought wasn’t a fake, either. Bought it straight from the original website during the pandemic. Even my Michael Kors don’t tarnish that fast, and they’ve been with me for way longer than the LV one I bought this year. If they want to continue to raise the prices, shouldn’t they also improve their quality more and more over time? 🤨
AYOUNIS omg, that sounds so frustrating!! Nobody should even be experiencing that kind of problem with a $200 bag! I bought mine in Alma BB Epi Leather, and I only carried the bag out of my house once before the keys started tarnishing. I would understand if it started tarnishing about 2-3 years from now, not 2-3 DAYS! 😭
yep, the Hermes salesman was "I'm going to make more with this other person....." And is a jerk. Hermes probably loves their "difficult" reputation. Some rich people must like being treated poorly.
Kelly (in size 25) costs 7500€ in the Hermes boutique in Italy (this information should be recent I know somebody who bought it a month ago) and Constance Mini was 5300€ a year ago also in Italian boutique
Rude customer service is always a no for me. I, like many others, have worked customer service jobs pretty much the whole of my career. If I can muster up politeness for you, you can definitely reciprocate... especially if I'm going to be shelling out that much money for something! Their pricing is eye-watering and their design is so-so in my opinion, at least for their bags.
There’s a book called Bringing Home the Birkin that goes into the game of purchasing a Birkin. Recommend reading it as it’s purely a way of Hermes extracting more money from their customers before giving them access to the more desirable items. I can’t be bothered buying items I don’t want to get a bag!
Hermes: I wonder how much of the price you pay is the "exclusivity" surcharge. I wonder what bags are truly worth the sticker price, both in terms of quality and customer service.
I think most of the price is the exclusivity and the heritage of the brand. They say because they are handmade my craftsmen but of course you can get a beautiful all leather bag made by a craftsman for 1-2K.
I don’t mind Hermès but I’m not going to jump through hoops for a bag they have to deem you worthy of being offered. I will stick with Delvaux and Moynat for the time being
Off to gym now (classes with groups are allowed), I can’t wait to come back and watch this. Noting better after a tough session, having something / someone calming to wind down with.
I’ve had excellent service from the standalone Hermes shop in short Hills New Jersey. I haven’t yet asked them for a bag but expect to ask in spring I’ll let you know how it goes. In the meantime I am awaiting shipment of a pre-loved Kelly 32, I’ve had my eye on that bag for a decade or so and finally decided to just buy a used one.
@@beccagrubbs09 long story, but I’ve switched to another store and different SA, and the goal is in sight. I’m not opposed to buying a used Burlington if it doesn’t work out.
I do understand how you can look at an Hermes bag and say "it's a timeless bag" , and sometimes I feel that way but most of the time I doubt it.... Forget the price tag, forget the "buying game". Is it a truly timeless classic, or the whole design is just... dated? I would still rather go for a Classic Chanel flap, or a Celine Classic medium.
You remind me of my mum. This is a compliment, I swear! Not calling you old!!! (And my mum is gorgeous, btw.) You just have a good head on your shoulder and you're just really genuine. I feel if I meet you IRL, you'd be exactly like how you are online: just... cool, I guess, haha.
I’m so glad I’ve watched this. I’ve always been skeptical of Hermès because of the game of getting a bag. I think I would have told him I’ve changed my mind and no longer interested. I’m sure they wouldn’t care but that is so incredibly rude. For a belt!
Seriously they're not made any better than a vintage Coach bag and yes I own Hermes and vintage at that. I have a couple of my grandmother's Hermes bags and I can honestly tell you they're not worth the price. At least you can get a vintage Coach bag wet but you certainly can't Hermes bags. The games that they play with their "Waiting list" is ridiculous which btw doesn't even exist! I know people whom just walked right in a got what they wanted and never even been there before and never purchased anything else than that Birkin and they were offered it that very first visit!!! Unbelievable. I personally rather spend my money somewhere else and I'm from old money but not into the snobby games. I'm much happy with the other brands which they're really not much better than a vintage Coach either, quality issues, quality going down but prices going up etc, I will rock my vintage Coach bags and invest my money into my home with art and I actually collect fine art and crystals such as glassware etc. Btw Coach certainly isn't the high quality they used to be either but the bags today certainly match up with any other luxury brand out there. I must add, they're (Birkin) not exclusive when every TH-camr and their momma has one.
Coach full leather bags can't be beaten and will take a beating then clean up beautifully. I have a Coach I used to carry heavy textbooks while I was in college. It's almost 15 years old and there is not one crack in the leather.
@@heatherwarner865 Another lover of all leather Coach and vintage coach bags here! I love the Swagger 27 because in my opinion it has the vibe of a Birkin but is way more practical and beautiful. Just saying :o) I worked for Coach in the late 80s at one of the original 5 stores and our service and quality was top notch.
I shop at Hermes in Brussels from time to time (house accessories and cosmetics etc.) and i must tell you that i was never treated as good in a luxury store like at Hermes store. They literally almost kiss the floor you walked on. And i asked about a Birkin and the sa told me that its easy and very possible to buy a birkin if they're in stock. They really do not have that many in stock, but he sad that if there was one, anyone who wishes it can buy it asap. No need to be waitlisted or having a big shopping history there. My advice for you is to try some less frequented hermes store. I absolutely love their staff and theyre all very kind and helpful. Hope this helps someone.
I purchased a bracelet at the Hermes in NRT airport as I was leaving Japan this January. Initially I wasn't sure if I was being ignored because I was wearing yoga pants and a messy bun to be comfortable for the long flight or what. It took a while for me to be acknowledged but ultimately it was an ok experience, however now the mystique of a purchase there is gone and I don't find their bags attractive. I must say I'll never forget how in my 20's I went to buy my first designer bag at Louis Vuitton and the saleswoman was so rude and demeaning my friend literally dragged me out of the store. I still remember every word she said and it ruined what I imagined would be a milestone moment. I currently work at the HQ of a luxury brand and I am proud to say we'd never allow a customer to be treated as if they weren't worthy :)
I recently watched a lady on you tube unbox a Hermes bag, and she told us that it had cost her £15, 000. It was a medium size, a purple colour with gold, and I went to Far Fetch and found a Dolce and Gabanna bag for £2000,which had similar features and was also purple. Interesting.
Customer service is everything especially when it’s a luxury brand, the service should 100% be an important be part of the experience. I tend to find makeup counters have poorer service the worst being MAC which is a large reason why I don’t bother going there anymore. I’ve only had pleasant experiences in Harrods especially when purchasing shoes and it makes the experience so much nicer I’ve always felt they have been so nice and professional.
I’m so sorry that you had a bad experience with Hermes! Hermes in my country has the absolute best service and I’ve never experienced any kind of rudeness here. I did get brushed off several times in some European countries tho, I might think that is because I’m not their “regular” customer, it’s a hit and miss situation. But when you found the right SA and get along with them, you will love hermes exclusivities 😄 Hope you can try another store next time and see if you get a better service!
I had a terrible initial experience at my local Hermes. I went looking for a pair of shoes and the guy was pretty clear that he felt forced to service me. That was until I popped by the very same store carrying a Birkin Touch (with a touch of exotic). The guy rushed after me, offering me drinks and his help in case I wanted anything. I politely refused him and asked for a different person to help me with my purchase. He was shocked but I was determined not to help him make a commission. For what’s worth, you should have ordered your belt online or have visited the New Bond Street flagship store. They are helpful, super kind and you don’t really feel any pressure to spend your hard earned £££ on useless things.
"Hi! Remember me? I was in here yesterday and you wouldn't wait on me...You work on commission, right?....BIG MISTAKE. HUGE." Julia Roberts - Pretty Woman.
Went to possibly every Hermes store in London and most of the time experience was just horrid, especially in Harrods and Bond Street. I actually own a birkin and I went to Bond Street last summer to repair a handle on it and the guy just rolled his eyes on me..I mean...
Hi Sophie! I went to an Hermes boutique today in Stuttgart and the staff there were the nicest, friendliest ones. I highly suggest visiting the Hermes boutique in Stuttgart if you ever decide to visit Germany in the future. The SA that took care of me today told me that their boutique just opened in 2019 and their staff are all much younger (sorry, not trying to be agist!) so they're very upbeat and more social according to him. We even talked about our favorite Netflix dramas and cheesy shows, so it really felt like a friend I've always known. He showed me how other accessories and was so patient in how to use them and even match them with certain outfits.
Since I don’t really want the Kelly or Birkin, I feel that my experience with them have been quite nice! I’ve been to one store in Europe, one in the US and one in Asia. I’ve only bought what I’ve wanted, and the service has always been really polite! I got my lindy 26 without any hassle, and it fits my lifestyle well. I don’t mind the exclusivity, as no one NEEDS an Hermès bag, but when I hear about the rudeness that’s definitely a problem that needs to be dealt with 😰 I’ve had ruder customer service at Chanel, but now have an SA I like.
@@cxpxh It’s easy to get, just ask if they have some in the boutique. You might already got one after all these months but mine was super easy. It’s not a quota bag. Love my Lindy. I feel like people just have in mind B or K when it comes to Hermès but they have so many different styles that cost less than Chanel now. I love Hermès more personally. I own Bags from different maisons, they all have different styles. I don’t feel the need to love only one brand, there’s so much to explore!
I have had great experiences at my favorite Hermes Boutique. My SA is the sweetest lady. Just got a Kelly 28, it was around 10,500.00. I love all my Hermes purchases. And no, you don’t have to purchase a lot to be offered a Birkin, Kelly or Constance.
The reason I personally wouldn't want a Birkin is because there're too many trophy wives and gold diggers are carrying it around, and becomes so tacky and vulgar to carry a Birkin.
It’s really cool that when you say you have a reason to like this or hate that, I already know the reason because I have been a religious viewer of yours and I have seen this or that old vlog when you talked about it 😁 thank you for being the one you are ! You are doing a wonderful job darling 😘
Totally agree , also I just think that you are a super smart luxury shopper and you always think about what other items you could purchase for the same price. This is why I subscribed to your channel cause you teach me how to shop for luxury 💗 love ya !
Omg your belt experience is the polar opposite of how mine went! I wanted a belt for my birthday and went to the Hermès in Dallas, TX expecting to be treated like crap honestly (I was like 25? With neon pink/purple hair & dressed pretty over the top? Not exactly what you’d “expect” to shop at Hermès if that makes sense?) & my SA was an absolute ✨angel✨ like, I’ve never been treated this well in a luxury shop ever in my life. I told him it was going to be my very first purchase from the boutique, that I only owned some pre-loved jewelry pieces but my dream was to one day own a Birkin... this man not only wrapped my belt up beautifully in a box & ribbon, tied another ribbon on my shopping bag to make it extra special, but he even showed me an ostrich Birkin so I could “get a feel for the size & see if I like it”. I was SHOOK. He explained how the buying process kinda works there & that each SA has a client wishlist and they have to rotate who gets the more sought after items, & even after me saying multiple times a broke 25 year old won’t be owning a Birkin any time soon he told me to just let him know when I am and he’ll do his best. Definitely not what I expected at all
Oh but I love a kelly. So gorgeous and classic✨ You only spend that much on a bag if you care about status and find value in the way owning such an exclusive bag makes you feel. To each their own!
Sorry about your experience. I bought my first Hermes item this year, last month. It was the Bastia coin purse. Great experience. The lady took her time to find me some items that I wanted to see and try on. I tried on a few pairs of shoes and she even went out her way to try find my size and also try on some alternatives that would fit me better. I wasn’t dressed up or anything just biker shorts and a tee. I only bought the Bastia because I had a great experience. This was actually my second time at Hermes and the first time was just as good. I’ve also always had great experience in other fashion houses like Chanel. Never had an issue. The only store that I had an issue with and that I shop at constantly is the Louis Vuitton store. I don’t understand why. I also don’t like shopping at the stand alone LV store. The LV store inside Neiman Marcus is the one I go to regularly unless I need to get some shoes because they don’t supply it at the NM location. It’s like night and day with their sales associates.
Personally, since I have bought other luxurious brands of bags and I think Hermes bags are my final goal so I started to "play the game" and I had a gd shopping experience there...recently I just got offered a Kelly bag and I love it very much. If ppl dont want to play the game,they might try to score one in Paris...but if you dont love their bags then it's a different story. 😊😊
This is my first time watching your videos, and I love your perspective. It’s not forcefully bougie. You’re very down to earth and I love it. You can buy brand name quality without spending$40, 000
Thank you for this video!!! Sometimes I find myself getting sucked into the Hermès hype but when I look at the actual bag and the “game” objectively, it is a bit ridiculous.
Hi Sophie, The Mini Constance in Epsom (stamped calf leather, similar to Caviar) is 5550€ now (sorry, not sure about GBP). The Purseforum will give you a good overview of current prices. Since Hermès offers so many different leathers, their prices per model can differ massively. I am an Hermès customer for quite some time now and do own both their elusive bags as well as the less known models. My journey has not always been pleasant, it still isn’t until this day even though I am offered Birkins and Kellys. Lots of frustration is involved and my love for Hermès goes through cycles as a consequence. In general, for your first offer they expect you to purchase from various categories up to the amount of a Birkin or Kelly if you have officially announced interest for one. After your first bag it can get easier and a 1:1 ratio may not always have to be met. Constance does not fall in this category, but still is easier to acquire as a long-standing customer. Boutiques with lots of tourists and high frequency especially on weekends can surely not be as accommodating to new customers or faces they haven’t seen before. There is absolutely no excuse, but my SA once told me that she can get up to 50 requests per day for „BKC“. It’s annoying which is why they prefer dealing with customers they know admire the brand (again, this should absolutely not be the case but I understand it can be tense). However, especially for boutiques that have less tourists now (which is the case for mine as well), they now start catering more towards locals even with low or zero purchase history and I have seen several acquaintances being offered a Constance, Birkin or Kelly without any purchase history. Worth a try!
hey franciska do y have any experience about kelly pochette?iam on whishlist 2 months now and i dont have any news.What do y think?will they gave me one?iam not in a super big city with billions of tourists
I am IN LOVE with the mini kelly bags, they are everywhere right now (probably too because mini are really in at the moment) But I wonder about the longevity of it-will it look too dated to wear in 5-10 years? When I see the gigantic bags of the 2000's I just cringe and think I would never wear those now, when you are spending 10k on a bag too it makes it more important. I think you touched on it before Sophie and I always love your videos talking about investment/longevity when speaking about luxury.
Same ! In Hermès i keep an eye on the bolide in a specific colorway on vestiaire, but i will never spend the money for a new one... The bolide is very discret and i know i could even use it for work!
Sophie - you hit the nail on the head with reasons why I’m also not as interested in Hermès. In regards to what you were inferring about the Kardashians, it’s ok, nothing against them. But I also felt like since they are photographed so much and they have a tv show and they pretty much only carry those bags- it’s been over saturated! And yes, I think the bag had a sense of class and once the Kardashians had SO many of them in ALL the colors....it just....wasn’t special anymore. Yes, the Kardashians are successful, can’t deny that. But success does not equal class and I don’t think they are that classy. Just my opinion :) loved the video!
So funny you mentioning Zara because I just had my first and last Zara online shopping experience and all because of poorly trained customer service. Anyway, unfortunately, items I purchased will be returned ASAP and because of the bitter taste I received, I will not be returning.
I have always liked either the Constance or Evelyne so I might look into one of those at some point but the Kelly/Birkin chase has never appealed to me. Especially at their price point.
Hey, Sophie! It's been a while since I commented, but I've just gotten so busy! It's crazy that these luxury brands don't seem to care about customer service, since I think good customer service makes one more likely to buy from there (e.g. Dior). I was actually looking at the job applications for LV SA positions, and they don't even seem to mention customer service. They talk more about being a brand ambassador. I've never been to an Hermes or Chanel boutique (I was planning to go literally the same week the lockdown started here 🥺, and I don't care enough to risk it by going now 😂), but the customer service at LV (in my experience) has been mostly pleasant. The best luxury customer service I've had was at Prada in the Crystals shops in Las Vegas. Just as we walked into the store, the SA started a conversation with us and gave us a tour of the store. Apparently it's the largest Prada in North America. And you are so right: Hermes and brands like Porsche are geniuses with these selling tactics. I honestly can't blame either of them for doing what they do because it makes business so great! 😄 Stay safe! ❤️
I keep hearing these awful stories. My store in Chicago has the nicest most helpful sales associates. I was able to purchase two of their iconic bags without having to make any additional purchases. Not sure what happens at other stores. The craftsmanship is beyond anything I have seen with any other bags. You are paying for a handmade bag with exceptional detail and quality. My experience must be the exception I guess.
Sophie you have the patience of a saint, I would not have waited anywhere near the amount of time you did. But I also think I would’ve made a formal complaint as well based on the facet he went to serve someone else...shocking! Xx
I lived in London in the 1990’s and purchased several Hermès bags and accessories - at Harrods, at the Hermès boutique ( I recall it being in Bond St.) and also in Hermès boutique in Paris. I never experienced anything like what you described. 🤷♀️
They have changed their sales strategy. They make you feel like you should be so lucky to have one....power of the mind...like treating them mean keeps them keen.
Hello Sophie, Thanks for sharing and being so honest regading the customer service that some butics provide. It's refreshing to hear that its not all roses but rather an bundle of poisonous ivy when you enter a store sometimes. I have been looked down by many sore simply because I can't afford buying items every month or year. I spoiled myself on my birthday last year with my first purse from Gucci an Marmont matelassé and the service I got was pure love. Last month I got two thing from LV, a coind card holder and a reversible belt. And for me that was a lot of money in one go, but I got a pleasant shopping experience thanks to the staff. I still can't phantom how people, getting paid to service you as a customer, can be rude to that extent that they may lose a potential customer due to arrogance. The nearest city for me to buy luxury items is 545km! Not something you simply do over a coffee break, meaning i need to make this purchases on holidays with my family (husband and daughter) tagging along. I, and all the rest of us, need that vibe that good customer service provide. A small request if I may, is to make an in-depth video on the decreasing quality of the hardware on some bags that are tarnished easily. Lots of love from Sweden
If I need to beg them to take my money, then they don’t need my money. There is no way in hell that I will humiliate myself for any thing and I certainly won’t pay them to treat me like dirt.
Helena Holm PERIOD.
yesss! buying luxury is about experience 100%
Amen!!! (Jan Griffiths).
Agata Inventio (living in Vegas) you couldn’t have said it better! That’s what I’d say 80% of the whole thing is about and take it from me who works around the most expensive square footage of shopping space in the world- you wouldn’t believe the luxury experiences people “pay” for here- her experience is something that would get someone fired!
THIS.
Honest opinion, I think Hermes bags are just a status symbol. I think people adore the exclusivity of it, not the style or the bag itself.
Exactly!
I do love the functionality of the birkin as a tote, just throw your stuff in there and no fuss. But it's tote bag with minimal hardware.. lovely, but it shouldn't be 10k.
I agree, but the Kelly is truly adorable! My favourite handbag of all time!
Not really, they are classic bags... The thing is, if you go into Hermes looking like a modern young woman in streetwear or look scruffy or tired at all (remember alot of people try to do this on vacation) they are going to think you are a reseller and avoid you. People buy these bags and sell them for profit on the secondary market. Thats the problem, its not really Hermes being totally elitist and playing a game. The bags take a lot longer to create than most handbags and the quality control is intense and with the range of colours offered, they only make so many of each color and theres not enough to go around...
Yep you said it bang on CORRECT.
That’s why I love buying online. By avoiding human interaction, you get such a seamless experience. I know, this comment will not appeal to lots of people, but I have found online purchasing to be extremely pleasant.
Agree it's much more better than going out and being humiliated by the customer service for spending my own money. The only designer customer service that deserves rights are Dior.
Sophie keeps saying she can't buy the items online. Must be a UK thing. You can in the US.
I went to a Dior concession in London last week and it was awful. I walked straight out. More money for me!!!
I totally agree with you.
ringoroll Thanks Sweetness, I went to Louis Vuitton straight afterwards and they were really lovely. Two staff members served me at the same time. They were so super helpful and then my boyfriend cooked a lovely dinner.
My rule when purchasing fashion and handbags is to ask myself if I would still buy it without the designer label. For me, Hermes bags are a hard no.
Best rule to have. Sometimes designer things are too out there and I think people wouldn’t buy it without the logo.
That’s a good rule
For me, it was chanel bag. They look cheap. They are overrated. Honestly No with my money.
that's really smart actually
That's smart. Hermes bags are some of the ugliest I've seen. I wouldn't even consider them with or without the label. Labels mean nothing to me anyway. Designer items can be junk too. (Jan Griffiths).
Chase Amie has a video where she talks with an "Hermes expert" (a long time customer and authenticator) who confirms that Hermes wants you to show your "loyalty" to the brand by making "side buys" before making a reservation/being offered a bag/getting an appointment to buy a bag.
When I heard that I rolled my eyes so hard that I saw my own optic nerves.
😬😬😬🤣🤣🤣
Wait what! omg lmao XD
It's a Shame, it's enough...yes enough.
Thanks for the video dear Sophie 💙
It’s ridiculous. They’re basically saying “only special customers get Birkins” 🙄 if I have the money, I should be able to buy the bag. It shouldn’t be a game of buying a bunch of things I don’t even want just to get to the point where MAAYYBBBEEE they’ll consider offering me a bag …. No thanks. I don’t need that kind of stress in my life lol.
LOL
I agree. the price of hermes bag is just too much for a bag
Too much for me too Sophie, but each to his own - I'm always worried about offending!! argh!
Thanks for watching my friend!xx
Anything Hermès really
True, but their target customer is mega rich clients. Otherwise they will end up like Louis Vuitton with everyone on the street wearing their bags
@@SophieShohetOfficial i understand ur point of view sophie. everybody has their own perspectives and budget to spend on luxury item. I'm glad that you share it with us
@ for sure!!
I do like the Kelly but I agree with your point here Sophie, rude costumer service is a killer for me.
Don't worry about saying the Kardashians aren't classy -- what they are is trashy. Too much money and not enough sense. I don't like them at all. As for the Hermés game -- I agree. I don't like their bags enough to pay the cost, either in terms of the money or the super-elitist, shaming game.
yeah personally, i think chanel's and ysl's bags look much better than hermes and they are much cheaper, so YAY.
I would love a social experiment comparing various “it” bags without the prices. It would be interesting to see what people favored if they didn’t know the brands or prices.
No one would ever pick those granny Hermès bags imo. Lol it would be interesting.
But shapes people know
Would love to see that too!
S P - Or a Chanel flap bag. They were the bastion of rich, older ladies when I was growing up - no-one under the age of 50 would have bought one, nor wanted one.
Yes, this sounds interesting. The Hermès bags actually are so heavy without anything in it. It just makes no sense to carry more weight on a handbag than on the contents of it.
Kardashias really make everything classy look cheap, 🤦🏻♀️
Trashardians
yeah not wrong there
They are what they are. I just don't understand this 'me too' sense of fashion. Good design is good design. Bad design is bad design. It's an object. Kardashians also breathe air. Doesn't mean I don't like air. They are a non entity.
Shhh.🤐 Kim may be the next First “Lady” 🙀
@@robertn800a plastic sex tape wants to be a 1st lady🤣
The Kelly and the Birkin look difficult and fussy to open and close properly. So, it's good to not buy them and the Kardashians are NOT folk to copy.
Neither is Jeffrey Star
The Kardashians are embarrasing
Kardashians are to avoid. Bad taste. Mostly times tacky.
They’re all embarrassing haha - perfectly put! I adore the scarves and that’s all I have now. Sold my Hermes bags!
I totally agree. The other day I watched a yt video about these Hermès bags. This lady was explaining how to wear them open, because they are uncomfortable. I thought "why don't you buy a Paloma bag instead!"
I love how these Employees of concessions act superior in some way to customers who can actually afford to products being sold which I would bet they can’t afford themselves. I’m sure that sales assistant who disappeared for 45 minutes thought he was something 🙄
Damien, It amazes me that the employees act like they are doing a customer a favor by serving them and doing the job that they were hired to do.
Well ure on top in retail world and hermes perks are great even birkins for a fraction but let me not spill the ☕️
@@cjackson3019 It's a way for them to feel superior because they hold the key card to ringing up the purchases. It's a temporary and false thrill of elitism that they don't truly have outside of that fantasy world within the brand's space.
It feels like if you don’t have a personal relationship w the brand and ur sales rep then you’re just their time & appear to be a bottom feeder. And he probably saw a good customer he knows and went to say hi because they have a relationship and the rep knew they’d be spending serious $
With your posh accent and elegance, I’m shocked they treated you so poorly!
The way in which Hermes is sold is very elitist and designed to minimise "undesirable" (read not wealthy enough) people having access to their bags. After they refused Oprah (yes, THE Oprah) entry into their Paris store because they obviously didn't recognise her (and perhaps were being discriminatory) I never was interested in the brand. I also don't love the style of the bags, I find them a bit clunky.
Right, like I’m pretty sure I would be one of those undesirable people. I work for my money, am a person of color, grew up poor, etc. Personally I think I’m pretty awesome, but I sure I’m trash to them and I’m not going to beg them to spend my money.
JessieBanana why would you or anybody else consider yourself “undesirable?” Btw these people choosing whom to sell Hermes to are SA’s for goodness sake! They work for a “wage” and do not have stocks in the company! Quite frankly, I’m shocked that people are actually willing to throw good money away on a bag that they can carry their stuff around in (how stupid is that?). The only people laughing all the way to the bank is Hermes, all the rest of you need your bumps read!
wasnt that a LV bag? at Trois Pommes in Zurich?? im confused!! im tryng to google facts
Yes. Shame on this brand. Of course they would NEVER allow their products being wore by a normal black person. That's how they keep the prices rising, making the bags exclusive to the celebrities and mega rich.
That incident was not at hermes but at trois pommes in Zurich...
I won’t bother buying from Hermes with that level of rudeness
Do keep in mind that the original muse of the Birkin Bag, Jane Birkin, had requested to have her name removed from any crocodile skin Birkin bags as she is against animal cruelty. But up till now, even the Himalaya Birkin Bag has her name plastered to it! The audacity that the brand can't even respect that very person who inspired the creation of the bag in the first place. =/
Once you sign a deal with a company to allow them to use your name, theres likely no way of getting it removed. Its become part of their brand culture. The Princely House of Borghese aren't even allowed to use their own surname on their products because of their former association with Borghese cosmetics which they no longer have anything to do with...and they are aristocrats and have had the name for centuries...
I think Jane B thought they were too big also & had them make her a smaller version 💼
@@robertn800 ? She was the first person they ever made one for...
The bag will always be called a birkin. It’s the style. There’s no way to have it removed. She was happy to have it in leather which is as cruel as exotic skin.
@@AmandaIrwin2022 The point of my comment above is not focusing on animal cruelty (though im personally against it). It's meant to focus on the integrity of how the company is being run. Eg. Horrible customer service, even if you are able afford their products; Not respecting their muse; etc.
Hermes bags do not fit my lifestyle. However, I love their scarves. They are a work of art. But I don't care for the bags or shoes or bangles. It's not me.
Me too Ann !!!
I always use there site I bought a beautiful scarf but when it came it was smaller than I wanted so I returned it there return service second to none they even sent me an email telling me that the parcel was received and then another to say that my money had been refunded
@Spencer Me too. I am thinking of framing some of their scarves( like I see some people doing) and putting it on my wall. I think they are too pretty to wear sometimes.
same here！！
same here only the scarfs are unique enough to care
Im hesitant to go to stores which youre not treated the best. Especially when I am spending thousands of pounds/dollars.
I go for the experience, so as long as I am respecting the employees, I should be respected too!
Simple for me ... I just can’t afford it. No more Uber Expensive Bags ... This year’s purchase was the BV Cassette bag ... that’s in itself was an extravagance ... but no more bags over $2000 dollars ... I guess if money were no object of course I’d love to add Hermès but I don’t look at a Birkin or Kelly as a holy grail bag. It’s a classic bag but it never screamed “own me”.
Fully agree with you....👍🏻
I agree as well. If money were no object I might consider buying one. To pay that amount of money for a bag that doesn’t “spark joy” just doesn’t make any sense to me. There are so many more much less expensive bags that I’d rather have. It’s definitely the exclusivity that makes it appealing to most buyers.
I agree. I’ve never been attracted to either the Kelly or Birkin - they always screamed “old lady” to me
If money were no object then definitely yes, but tbh just for the heck of owning it and telling the world i do 😂 but if money were no object then what difference would it make? 😂😂😂 So yeah, there is nothing special, beautiful or even exclusive elegance (which many other bags do offer btw) about these bags. Even a constance is good for i don't like to speak much kind of bag but that's all.
Hassan Ilyas Yes, I love 💕 the Constance too but the Celine Box Bag, which is incredibly similar & w/beautiful craftsmanship, can be purchased for significantly less.
I'm too proud wearing my IKEA blue bag (size small) to anywhere I go. Maybe oneday I will go to Hermes to ask them to put some twilly on my IKEA blue bag
🤣📌
Please film that we need it thank you
Damn Hermes twilly on IKEA sounds like a fashion forward political statement!
🤣🤣
Dude they sell ikea bags at balenciaga 😂
What a terrible Experience Sophie. I would of walked out.!!
Me too. This is absolutely unacceptable when buying luxury products. She might’ve as well ordered it online.
i would for sure talk with the manager. totally unacceptable
@tdmr sad really. that experience would totally kill my excitement to get the belt, but maybe it was their intention, to discourage the beginner client from wearing the belt in association with high street clothing and brands... nevertheless clients shouldn't tolerate that behaviour but can understand that a client wouldnt want to further ruin his day make a complainment
You can’t buy them online, and I think you really have to get to know a sales person to be even INVITED TO BUY ONE not sure if that’s true that’s just what I heard
Sophie, you are one of the most respectable, well-spoken youtubers. It's so pleasant to listen to your videos and hear your thoughts. Thanks for sharing and being so frank. It feels like you're the only well-known person on youtube who doesn't buy into the Hermes game. It's refreshing. Their scheme is built on making people feel unworthy, and this creates this intensely exclusive and coveted product. I've talked to my husband about it, and he is absolutely repulsed by the Hermes system. I know that's quite strong, and I don't mean to offend anyone. I feel quite torn on the bag, but I worry I'm just buying into the hype... I have to admit to loving the kelly style.
There are many beautiful structured Kelly-style bags. Especially if you love vintage.
Meghan if you love their products go for it, but do not buy a load of useless items so that you can be offered a bag. You can by pass that by going to Paris and praying you get an appointment. Even then make sure you have options of what you want and stick to your guns.
Honestly, I just decided to pay a skilled leather crafts person to replicate the bag for me in genuine leather and customize it to my liking. It’s well under $1000 and I get to support a real person. I refuse to buy fakes because that feeds into terrorist groups but I will never ever ever ever buy into the Hermès hype. One bag an feed a village. That’s shameful. Just my opinion. All I’m saying is, there are other ways to obtain the look. The brand is not worth its price tag. (Btw, people do this all the time replicating engagement rings with a regular local jeweler, I don’t know why I never thought to replicate high end bags sooner. Lol)
@@SL-lz9jr I agree the price tags they put on their bags can be put to better use. My most expensive leather goods item is my Globetrotter suitcase and I did not pay the full retail price as there was a slight defect. I have never paid the full price from my own money so far of any designer bag I own, even my Speedie 35 which I bought brand new from the boutique.
@@SL-lz9jr What bag are you replicating. Is this an Etsy craftsperson?
I know a couple of people in the Hermes game and it’s absolutely ridiculous. a friend of mine is currently in Paris and how it works is that you put your contact info in for a CHANCE for an appointment. However while she was denied an appointment despite playing their appointment lottery, her husband just walked right up at the front desk and asked for an appointment and got one with no questions asked. Apparently it’s much easier to get a Birkin or a Kelly at the Parisian stores than in other cities- she was offered 3 right off the bat!
The way you are dressed will also determine whether or not they offer you one. If you look classic and chic, they might offer you one the same day. If you look scrubby or tired or are in streetwear, they are likely going to deny you for a few reasons.... 1. elitism 2. they think you are a reseller and if its the latter, they will prob be putting a note in your file at Hermes blacklisting you from getting a kelly or birkin until you've 'proven' yourself buy buying thousands of dollars of crap you dont want but even then...
@@caligulalonghbottom2629 jeez
Apparently being a man helps also 😀.
@@emerybayblues if you look frazzled, that you are managing hot flushes that day or have cramps. You could appear cranky
“I am quite disappointed” oh Sophie I love the way you talk and express yourself! Only a true British Lady can talk like this😘so elegant and articulate!
Right
Right!!!!
Affluent means rich. You can tell that from the way she talks? 😄
@@mercury_rising English is my second language. I meant to say articulate.
@@NoraTKD ah, that makes much more sense! 👍
❤️ Sophie! I personally no longer care so much about Hermes bags. It’s not as classy as before. So many celebrities have made it a bit “common.” Also, the resell value is not there anymore because of the pre-love market. So many sites now sell authentic birkins (fashionphile, therealreal, farfetch, vestiare, the list goes on....) It’s now become so easy to get them. They are losing their exclusivity. Many of the same bags have been on the site for a loooong time. Many sites are now reducing the price on togo 30s and 35s. 35s are now a bargain. The $8k briefcase now resells for $3k in perfect condition.
The Kardashians and their like have somehow made Birkins look tacky. Criminal really.
Really rich people don’t even deal with customer service (unless they choose too), I’m saying this because everytime Jamie Chua gets her Birkin bags delivered to her house.
I think she is on a first name basis with the CEO of Hermes.🤣
She is also an oxygen thief
@@annhans3535 hahaha, for sure 😂😂😂
@@annhans3535 Maybe even friendlier than that. (Jan Griffiths).
Hey Sophie!!
I have been a regular Hermes client for about 10 years now and have been a regular client with 4 different locations - three flagships and one smaller. I do remember hearing about your negative experience at the Hermes concessions in Harrods back when you did your birthday video and I honestly felt so bad for you. In that situation, I would've been livid and would've left without even letting that SA know. Whenever I have purchased anything, it ALWAYS comes in an orange box with ribbons without exception. The only time I didn't receive a box and ribbon was when I purchased Hermes furniture for obvious reasons. For you to have to fight for a box is ridiculous, because actually belts come with a box specifically designed for it. A lot of people don't realize this, but Hermes actually has different boxes that are mad specifically for each item. RTW has their own box/ sometimes bags, high Jewelry has their box designed to accommodate the velvet case, Shoe box sometimes has draw strings for easy access; and boxes for Birkins, Kellys, Constances, etc each have a specific box made specifically for the size/ style. I can go on about this, but needless to say, everything has a specific box made for it. This is why I was so disappointed that the SA didn't want to provide you with your belt's box - it definitely seems to be that the store was not following protocol at all.
Your experience actually discouraged me from visiting that location the last time I was in London!! During the last 10 years, I can say that the majority of SAs that I have worked with have ALL been wonderful. There were a handful of snotty and horrible ones, but they seem to be far and few. I honestly think that the trick to having a wonderful experience at Hermes is to schedule an appointment with a standalone store. You don't have to be a current client to do so, just call any boutique and request for an appointment and they will assign you an SA who will work with you. In that way, the SA will be 100 percent committed to serving you. I know it sounds extremely extra, but I feel like that is why so many people have negative experience at Hermes; they are walk-in clients and most of the time, the SA are working with their clients who have scheduled an appointment. I have been to the New Bond street location and I can say that the SAs at that location are wonderful, so please give them a chance!
I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need insight on anything else Hermes related!
Thanks for the info on making an appt. I thought this was only for the FSH, but thanks for the heads up.
This is such great info Eric, thank you so much for taking the time to share. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 Maybe it’s just bad in that concession - I’ve heard the stand alone store is better! Appreciate your insight on booking an appointment too, now you explain it this makes sense xxx💝😘😘
Totally agree with the comments on boxes and appointments. Hermes "standard" packaging is that every single item in the store (right down to the recently launched lipstick) is sold with its own dust bag, box, and bolduc ribbon. I've been an Hermes customer on and off over the years, and I would say walk-ins are more a thing of the past for Hermes stores. It's a more efficient for everyone - customer intends to buy and maybe needs the time to deliberate options; SA doesn't have to serve someone for hours on end without a sale.
Thank you for the information Eric! I can’t tell you how much this has helped me! I was terrified after hearing so many bad stories and experiences that I just didn’t want to ever go near a Hermes store let alone go inside to look or buy anything. Like Sophie said I am also a person who has too much self respect to be letting any luxury brand or S.A. tarnish that, when I will be the one giving my money! So thank you once again! Thank you Sophie for doing a video on this very sensitive subject! Loads of love to you both! Nishat💖💜
Thanks for sharing your insights Eric!!! That makes so much sense and is helpful to know. Do you happen to know any other stores that work in this way, like Chanel or Tiffany & Co.? Their staff realllllly seem to dislike walk-ins
A customer is still a customer. You treat them with respect.
I agree with everything your saying I also am not a huge fan of Hermès they way they look they just are kinda idk I feel like plain sort of I love the way dior and Chanel’s bags look way more that’s me though
I too am more of a Dior & Chanel girl!xx
You can get several handmade bags for the price of one Hermès bag....to your specifications by UK leather artists.
i'd rather get a unique handmade piece than Hermès in all honesty...
Jackson Lee me too!
Hermes are all about the flex and maybe investing in those bags. The quality of design is secondary.
Rich people jumping through hoops to buy an overpriced ugly bag is very funny xD
Especially a big slouchy birken looks sooooo bad
Rich people are usually able to buy anything they want and I think Hermes is just upping the game. They make the bags so desirable that they can say, No, you can't have a Berkin because I say you can't. I don't like your attitude. NEXT!
Yasss 😀😀😀😅fools
A bunch of rich fools fighting for ugly bags 😂😂😂
I have a similar feeling for Chanel, I am saving money for my next bag this year and the ONLY reason that is stopping me from spending me on a Chanel is that I don't want to deal with rolling eyes. I can only afford one luxury bag a year so I expect to have a decent experience when buying it after saving all that money for a year!
If Chanel had delivery service I wouldn't even bother on going to their stores
Agree. I wanted a 19 and they couldn’t even show me one in the store😅
Elle Salagaras why couldn’t they show you one if you don’t mind me asking? I haven’t ever had A bad experience in chanel they’ve always been so helpful to me x
Rune Davey They apparently had none available. I understand if they are reserved but you can’t even take one out just to look at??? They didn’t offer their details, a waiting list, nothing. Just a “No”
Elle Salagaras yes, I’ve had the same experience at Chanel. They are really snooty and unhelpful. This is widely known. All of their boutiques are this way.
Clearly they don’t want us customers who can afford only one bag per year. Their ideal customer is someone famous who is dressed in luxury stuff all head to toe. This is the same game Hermès plays when they make people buy belts/bracelet/shoes before asking to see their bags (and waiting 30 mins like Sophie - just to show you are so loyal to the brand). It’s such a snooty business practice.
Damn you got some patience. I would’ve left and not looked back. Ridiculous.
I buy Hermes scarves being on holiday and my husband says that my knowledge of scarves names, colours and sizes is much better than Hermes Sa's. The service depends on a city. The service in Paris leaves much to be desired but in Lyon boutique it was great!!! I had both bad and excellent service in Brussels.
To me, it is very simple: I will never give my money to someone who will make me feel less of a human being. It does not matter how rich or poor you are, everyone deserves to be treated well, it is a human right !
I actually own 2 birkins and I also had a Kelly I’ve sold the Kelly I still have my birkins but for the price I don’t think the quality is that great, since then if I’mgoing to add to my collection I will either buy Chanel or Dior or leather LV’s.
I do love the quality of the Hermès belts but, I will never walk into an Hermès store again they have a lot of work to do on their service to their customers.
They seem to forget who and why they have a job and who pays them.
If it wasn’t for us the consumers they would not exist.
Interesting to hear a bikin owner saying their quality isnt great. Thanks for sharing xoxo
Thank you for being honest! Most Birkin owners will not admit that.
@@FeelingFitFabFun lolol ikr!!!! Most will say you never know until u own one 😅
Interesting insight as they are specialized in leather goods^^ unlike other brands like YSL or Dior.
I think it's wrong to say the Birkin has a bad quality since it all depends on which leather it is made of.
which kind leather is your Birkins? also I am curious to know if you bought it as a new unused bag, what was the price? or was it second hand?
The best customer service I’ve ever had was Dior in a few different boutiques they’re always lovely 🥰
Dior is cool and it's also a nice French heritage brand
Maureen Donnelly I agree. They’re always pleasant and helpful even if you don’t make a purchase.
I went window shopping in the Miami design district and went into all of the stores and the best customer service was by far Dior and Gucci they where so nice and helpful. It really made me want a Dior bag even more
Emma Philomena here is Los Angeles, the Fendi boutique is very nice to shop in. Everyone there is so nice and down to earth.
I agree! YSL has wonderful service as well. Both make me feel very welcome to purchase from them in their boutiques.
I totally agree, the bags just do not excite me!!!!! I don’t understand why people care about them??
Your experience sounds shocking......
I have seen some Hermes Kelly worn couple of times selling for 10 000 Euros and I just cannot justify the price for what seems to be a regular classic bag. I understand the heritage behind it, it’s just I feel like if you really like the style...you can get your hands onto something way affordable looking very alike..
They are more expensive on the pre loved market (depending on condition of course) due to the fact that you cut out the "game". No waiting list, no "let's see if we have any", etc.
Absolutely agree. No way I would spend money somewhere that I don't feel respected at all, especially your time wasted that's so infuriating!
I don’t know if it’s a Texan thing, but the Hermes boutiques in Dallas and Houston have been consistently nice. I’ve only bought the Hermes clic clac and they’re always patient and kind with showing me items. I don’t even dress up and wear makeup going into designer boutiques as my policy is if you’re genuine enough to help me, you’ll get my sale for sure and I will keep coming back. One time I was at Hermes and 2 obnoxiously loud women with birkins came in, talking about how Nobu in NYC was way better than Houston’s and I can see on the SAs faces that they were dreading to please them lol
Omg! What are the odds that I would find you on YT and see this comment? Such a small world! Hope you are doing well these days :)
I bought a clic clac in Dallas back in 2015. It was an okay experience. But I agree with you.
Totally agree!!
Hi Sophie, could you make a more in-depth detail video about the decreasing quality in LV and Chanel bags? I spoiled myself on my birthday month this year with my first purse from Louis Vuitton on April, and I was very much in love with it until the padlock keys started tarnishing after barely 2-3 days after purchasing it. I was extremely shocked and disappointed. Love you and thank you! ❤️
That'll be a good topic. I haven't owned either but I know a lady who has a fake Louis Vuitton that outlasted her sister in law's real one(with very similar amount of care and use). Not saying we should buy counterfeits but if the $100 fakes ones have better quality than the $2000 real ones, there's a problem here.
I feel you. Most recently I bought the bumbag from LV in 2018, and you could see the material break on the sides, which I have never experienced in any of my other purchases from LV. That was it for me. I will never buy from LV again.
@@Losshe What!? That's insanity! LV really needs to get their act together. My mom bought her first LV bag last year, and I wasn't expecting it to have any issues, but it's had a few, which is a few too many for the first year.
Losshe it’s ridiculous, honestly, and the prices just keep going up over and over again. The bag I bought wasn’t a fake, either. Bought it straight from the original website during the pandemic. Even my Michael Kors don’t tarnish that fast, and they’ve been with me for way longer than the LV one I bought this year. If they want to continue to raise the prices, shouldn’t they also improve their quality more and more over time? 🤨
AYOUNIS omg, that sounds so frustrating!! Nobody should even be experiencing that kind of problem with a $200 bag! I bought mine in Alma BB Epi Leather, and I only carried the bag out of my house once before the keys started tarnishing. I would understand if it started tarnishing about 2-3 years from now, not 2-3 DAYS! 😭
yep, the Hermes salesman was "I'm going to make more with this other person....." And is a jerk. Hermes probably loves their "difficult" reputation. Some rich people must like being treated poorly.
Except for the small and mini bags, they look a bit outdated
Kelly (in size 25) costs 7500€ in the Hermes boutique in Italy (this information should be recent I know somebody who bought it a month ago) and Constance Mini was 5300€ a year ago also in Italian boutique
Rude customer service is always a no for me. I, like many others, have worked customer service jobs pretty much the whole of my career. If I can muster up politeness for you, you can definitely reciprocate... especially if I'm going to be shelling out that much money for something! Their pricing is eye-watering and their design is so-so in my opinion, at least for their bags.
There’s a book called Bringing Home the Birkin that goes into the game of purchasing a Birkin. Recommend reading it as it’s purely a way of Hermes extracting more money from their customers before giving them access to the more desirable items. I can’t be bothered buying items I don’t want to get a bag!
I totally agree with everyone here. Not buying a bag that will just validate my status over my personal style. That's what Hermes got me thinking.
I love the seriousness with which you approach issues like these. You are the absolute best!
Hermes: I wonder how much of the price you pay is the "exclusivity" surcharge. I wonder what bags are truly worth the sticker price, both in terms of quality and customer service.
I think most of the price is the exclusivity and the heritage of the brand. They say because they are handmade my craftsmen but of course you can get a beautiful all leather bag made by a craftsman for 1-2K.
it's way easier to just buy Hermes on preloved sites, that's what I do. I only have one bag but got a great deal
I don’t mind Hermès but I’m not going to jump through hoops for a bag they have to deem you worthy of being offered. I will stick with Delvaux and Moynat for the time being
Off to gym now (classes with groups are allowed), I can’t wait to come back and watch this. Noting better after a tough session, having something / someone calming to wind down with.
Enjoy your gym my friend!!x
Sophie Shohet | Fashion Beauty Lifestyle Thanks Sophie. I hope you’re still able to go in the UK? I know you love it.
I’ve had excellent service from the standalone Hermes shop in short Hills New Jersey. I haven’t yet asked them for a bag but expect to ask in spring I’ll let you know how it goes. In the meantime I am awaiting shipment of a pre-loved Kelly 32, I’ve had my eye on that bag for a decade or so and finally decided to just buy a used one.
Did you have any success?
@@beccagrubbs09 long story, but I’ve switched to another store and different SA, and the goal is in sight. I’m not opposed to buying a used Burlington if it doesn’t work out.
So glad you're standing up about the lousy customer service. Being treated rudely is not what anyone should except as a prerequisite to luxury.
I do understand how you can look at an Hermes bag and say "it's a timeless bag" , and sometimes I feel that way but most of the time I doubt it.... Forget the price tag, forget the "buying game". Is it a truly timeless classic, or the whole design is just... dated?
I would still rather go for a Classic Chanel flap, or a Celine Classic medium.
You remind me of my mum. This is a compliment, I swear! Not calling you old!!! (And my mum is gorgeous, btw.) You just have a good head on your shoulder and you're just really genuine. I feel if I meet you IRL, you'd be exactly like how you are online: just... cool, I guess, haha.
I am 62. One of the benefits of being older is that you become all the wiser to the games, and start laughing at them.
If I spend that much of a money, I want to be the BOSS
Instead of me begging for the bag
I’m so glad I’ve watched this. I’ve always been skeptical of Hermès because of the game of getting a bag. I think I would have told him I’ve changed my mind and no longer interested. I’m sure they wouldn’t care but that is so incredibly rude. For a belt!
Seriously they're not made any better than a vintage Coach bag and yes I own Hermes and vintage at that. I have a couple of my grandmother's Hermes bags and I can honestly tell you they're not worth the price. At least you can get a vintage Coach bag wet but you certainly can't Hermes bags. The games that they play with their "Waiting list" is ridiculous which btw doesn't even exist! I know people whom just walked right in a got what they wanted and never even been there before and never purchased anything else than that Birkin and they were offered it that very first visit!!! Unbelievable. I personally rather spend my money somewhere else and I'm from old money but not into the snobby games. I'm much happy with the other brands which they're really not much better than a vintage Coach either, quality issues, quality going down but prices going up etc, I will rock my vintage Coach bags and invest my money into my home with art and I actually collect fine art and crystals such as glassware etc. Btw Coach certainly isn't the high quality they used to be either but the bags today certainly match up with any other luxury brand out there.
I must add, they're (Birkin) not exclusive when every TH-camr and their momma has one.
Coach full leather bags can't be beaten and will take a beating then clean up beautifully. I have a Coach I used to carry heavy textbooks while I was in college. It's almost 15 years old and there is not one crack in the leather.
@@heatherwarner865 Another lover of all leather Coach and vintage coach bags here! I love the Swagger 27 because in my opinion it has the vibe of a Birkin but is way more practical and beautiful. Just saying :o) I worked for Coach in the late 80s at one of the original 5 stores and our service and quality was top notch.
I love this woman’s authenticity. Love you girl! ❤️
I shop at Hermes in Brussels from time to time (house accessories and cosmetics etc.) and i must tell you that i was never treated as good in a luxury store like at Hermes store. They literally almost kiss the floor you walked on.
And i asked about a Birkin and the sa told me that its easy and very possible to buy a birkin if they're in stock. They really do not have that many in stock, but he sad that if there was one, anyone who wishes it can buy it asap. No need to be waitlisted or having a big shopping history there. My advice for you is to try some less frequented hermes store. I absolutely love their staff and theyre all very kind and helpful.
Hope this helps someone.
I had the same experience in Copenhagen -- great service, no attitude.
I purchased a bracelet at the Hermes in NRT airport as I was leaving Japan this January. Initially I wasn't sure if I was being ignored because I was wearing yoga pants and a messy bun to be comfortable for the long flight or what. It took a while for me to be acknowledged but ultimately it was an ok experience, however now the mystique of a purchase there is gone and I don't find their bags attractive. I must say I'll never forget how in my 20's I went to buy my first designer bag at Louis Vuitton and the saleswoman was so rude and demeaning my friend literally dragged me out of the store. I still remember every word she said and it ruined what I imagined would be a milestone moment. I currently work at the HQ of a luxury brand and I am proud to say we'd never allow a customer to be treated as if they weren't worthy :)
I recently watched a lady on you tube unbox a Hermes bag, and she told us that it had cost her £15, 000. It was a medium size, a purple colour with gold, and I went to Far Fetch and found a Dolce and Gabanna bag for £2000,which had similar features and was also purple. Interesting.
Why would that be interesting? It’s like saying, hey this red Ferrari is 1.000.000 but I found this red Fiat for only 1000,-
Customer service is everything especially when it’s a luxury brand, the service should 100% be an important be part of the experience. I tend to find makeup counters have poorer service the worst being MAC which is a large reason why I don’t bother going there anymore. I’ve only had pleasant experiences in Harrods especially when purchasing shoes and it makes the experience so much nicer I’ve always felt they have been so nice and professional.
Go to a stand alone boutique for good mac service.I can recommend carnaby st for example...
just bought shoes in harrods and i totally agree x
I’m so sorry that you had a bad experience with Hermes! Hermes in my country has the absolute best service and I’ve never experienced any kind of rudeness here.
I did get brushed off several times in some European countries tho, I might think that is because I’m not their “regular” customer, it’s a hit and miss situation. But when you found the right SA and get along with them, you will love hermes exclusivities 😄
Hope you can try another store next time and see if you get a better service!
I had a terrible initial experience at my local Hermes. I went looking for a pair of shoes and the guy was pretty clear that he felt forced to service me. That was until I popped by the very same store carrying a Birkin Touch (with a touch of exotic). The guy rushed after me, offering me drinks and his help in case I wanted anything. I politely refused him and asked for a different person to help me with my purchase. He was shocked but I was determined not to help him make a commission. For what’s worth, you should have ordered your belt online or have visited the New Bond Street flagship store. They are helpful, super kind and you don’t really feel any pressure to spend your hard earned £££ on useless things.
"Hi! Remember me? I was in here yesterday and you wouldn't wait on me...You work on commission, right?....BIG MISTAKE. HUGE." Julia Roberts - Pretty Woman.
Hermes at Harrods... Trash! They are just 🤦🏾♀️ lets see if it changes when they open the RTW boutique!
I did think of you VJ as I know you have good experiences with them and I did wonder if you shopped in Harrods or their stand alone store!xx
@@SophieShohetOfficial I did and promptly stopped it's just a joke in that "boutique" Selfridges & Bond St are the best imo.
VJ Loves agree I’ve shopped in Selfridges great customer service in that concession.
@@vjloves3107 I agree both the concession in Selfridges and the New Bond Street Flagship Store offer better service.
Went to possibly every Hermes store in London and most of the time experience was just horrid, especially in Harrods and Bond Street. I actually own a birkin and I went to Bond Street last summer to repair a handle on it and the guy just rolled his eyes on me..I mean...
Hi Sophie! I went to an Hermes boutique today in Stuttgart and the staff there were the nicest, friendliest ones. I highly suggest visiting the Hermes boutique in Stuttgart if you ever decide to visit Germany in the future. The SA that took care of me today told me that their boutique just opened in 2019 and their staff are all much younger (sorry, not trying to be agist!) so they're very upbeat and more social according to him. We even talked about our favorite Netflix dramas and cheesy shows, so it really felt like a friend I've always known. He showed me how other accessories and was so patient in how to use them and even match them with certain outfits.
Since I don’t really want the Kelly or Birkin, I feel that my experience with them have been quite nice! I’ve been to one store in Europe, one in the US and one in Asia. I’ve only bought what I’ve wanted, and the service has always been really polite! I got my lindy 26 without any hassle, and it fits my lifestyle well. I don’t mind the exclusivity, as no one NEEDS an Hermès bag, but when I hear about the rudeness that’s definitely a problem that needs to be dealt with 😰 I’ve had ruder customer service at Chanel, but now have an SA I like.
hi i was wondering if buying a lindy will be difficult as kelly amd birkin? or do you have to had that good relation with the sa?
@@cxpxh It’s easy to get, just ask if they have some in the boutique. You might already got one after all these months but mine was super easy. It’s not a quota bag. Love my Lindy. I feel like people just have in mind B or K when it comes to Hermès but they have so many different styles that cost less than Chanel now. I love Hermès more personally. I own Bags from different maisons, they all have different styles. I don’t feel the need to love only one brand, there’s so much to explore!
Sophie. Thank you so much for putting me on to Aspinal of London. I have now bought from them and think the quality is excellent.
I have had great experiences at my favorite Hermes Boutique. My SA is the sweetest lady. Just got a Kelly 28, it was around 10,500.00. I love all my Hermes purchases. And no, you don’t have to purchase a lot to be offered a Birkin, Kelly or Constance.
The reason I personally wouldn't want a Birkin is because there're too many trophy wives and gold diggers are carrying it around, and becomes so tacky and vulgar to carry a Birkin.
I agree. There has to be a “breaking point” with some of these luxury handbags. I’ve seen Hermès bags in person and wasn’t moved as others are.
It’s really cool that when you say you have a reason to like this or hate that, I already know the reason because I have been a religious viewer of yours and I have seen this or that old vlog when you talked about it 😁 thank you for being the one you are ! You are doing a wonderful job darling 😘
Wouldn't be great if you said: oh.. I changed my mind.. I don't want it.
Yesssss🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Totally agree , also I just think that you are a super smart luxury shopper and you always think about what other items you could purchase for the same price. This is why I subscribed to your channel cause you teach me how to shop for luxury 💗 love ya !
I think the experience in a shop can make or break your view of a brand, even if the item is something you really liked before.
Omg your belt experience is the polar opposite of how mine went! I wanted a belt for my birthday and went to the Hermès in Dallas, TX expecting to be treated like crap honestly (I was like 25? With neon pink/purple hair & dressed pretty over the top? Not exactly what you’d “expect” to shop at Hermès if that makes sense?) & my SA was an absolute ✨angel✨ like, I’ve never been treated this well in a luxury shop ever in my life. I told him it was going to be my very first purchase from the boutique, that I only owned some pre-loved jewelry pieces but my dream was to one day own a Birkin... this man not only wrapped my belt up beautifully in a box & ribbon, tied another ribbon on my shopping bag to make it extra special, but he even showed me an ostrich Birkin so I could “get a feel for the size & see if I like it”. I was SHOOK. He explained how the buying process kinda works there & that each SA has a client wishlist and they have to rotate who gets the more sought after items, & even after me saying multiple times a broke 25 year old won’t be owning a Birkin any time soon he told me to just let him know when I am and he’ll do his best. Definitely not what I expected at all
Oh but I love a kelly. So gorgeous and classic✨ You only spend that much on a bag if you care about status and find value in the way owning such an exclusive bag makes you feel. To each their own!
Sorry about your experience. I bought my first Hermes item this year, last month. It was the Bastia coin purse. Great experience. The lady took her time to find me some items that I wanted to see and try on. I tried on a few pairs of shoes and she even went out her way to try find my size and also try on some alternatives that would fit me better. I wasn’t dressed up or anything just biker shorts and a tee. I only bought the Bastia because I had a great experience. This was actually my second time at Hermes and the first time was just as good. I’ve also always had great experience in other fashion houses like Chanel. Never had an issue. The only store that I had an issue with and that I shop at constantly is the Louis Vuitton store. I don’t understand why. I also don’t like shopping at the stand alone LV store. The LV store inside Neiman Marcus is the one I go to regularly unless I need to get some shoes because they don’t supply it at the NM location. It’s like night and day with their sales associates.
Personally, since I have bought other luxurious brands of bags and I think Hermes bags are my final goal so I started to "play the game" and I had a gd shopping experience there...recently I just got offered a Kelly bag and I love it very much. If ppl dont want to play the game,they might try to score one in Paris...but if you dont love their bags then it's a different story. 😊😊
This is my first time watching your videos, and I love your perspective. It’s not forcefully bougie. You’re very down to earth and I love it. You can buy brand name quality without spending$40, 000
Thank you for this video!!! Sometimes I find myself getting sucked into the Hermès hype but when I look at the actual bag and the “game” objectively, it is a bit ridiculous.
Hi Sophie,
The Mini Constance in Epsom (stamped calf leather, similar to Caviar) is 5550€ now (sorry, not sure about GBP). The Purseforum will give you a good overview of current prices. Since Hermès offers so many different leathers, their prices per model can differ massively.
I am an Hermès customer for quite some time now and do own both their elusive bags as well as the less known models. My journey has not always been pleasant, it still isn’t until this day even though I am offered Birkins and Kellys. Lots of frustration is involved and my love for Hermès goes through cycles as a consequence. In general, for your first offer they expect you to purchase from various categories up to the amount of a Birkin or Kelly if you have officially announced interest for one. After your first bag it can get easier and a 1:1 ratio may not always have to be met. Constance does not fall in this category, but still is easier to acquire as a long-standing customer. Boutiques with lots of tourists and high frequency especially on weekends can surely not be as accommodating to new customers or faces they haven’t seen before. There is absolutely no excuse, but my SA once told me that she can get up to 50 requests per day for „BKC“. It’s annoying which is why they prefer dealing with customers they know admire the brand (again, this should absolutely not be the case but I understand it can be tense). However, especially for boutiques that have less tourists now (which is the case for mine as well), they now start catering more towards locals even with low or zero purchase history and I have seen several acquaintances being offered a Constance, Birkin or Kelly without any purchase history. Worth a try!
May I ask from which boutique you get your bags from?
E someone I know from Bond Street got offered a red Birkin (but I think it’s a size 30)
hey franciska do y have any experience about kelly pochette?iam on whishlist 2 months now and i dont have any news.What do y think?will they gave me one?iam not in a super big city with billions of tourists
Damn I thought you were describing an abusive relationship 😂
@@EED15 My store is in Europe :)
I am IN LOVE with the mini kelly bags, they are everywhere right now (probably too because mini are really in at the moment) But I wonder about the longevity of it-will it look too dated to wear in 5-10 years? When I see the gigantic bags of the 2000's I just cringe and think I would never wear those now, when you are spending 10k on a bag too it makes it more important. I think you touched on it before Sophie and I always love your videos talking about investment/longevity when speaking about luxury.
Same ! In Hermès i keep an eye on the bolide in a specific colorway on vestiaire, but i will never spend the money for a new one... The bolide is very discret and i know i could even use it for work!
The Kelly is ok, but the Birkin is clunky AF, even in the small sizes.
Whew Chile the shade honey. The shade. 😂
Wow if they even had me waiting for 20 minutes and not back by then with the belt, im just walking off.
Sophie - you hit the nail on the head with reasons why I’m also not as interested in Hermès. In regards to what you were inferring about the Kardashians, it’s ok, nothing against them. But I also felt like since they are photographed so much and they have a tv show and they pretty much only carry those bags- it’s been over saturated! And yes, I think the bag had a sense of class and once the Kardashians had SO many of them in ALL the colors....it just....wasn’t special anymore. Yes, the Kardashians are successful, can’t deny that. But success does not equal class and I don’t think they are that classy. Just my opinion :) loved the video!
The worst encounter i had was from a sales assistant in Zara Oxford street . 10 years ago and i can still remember the rudeness.
So funny you mentioning Zara because I just had my first and last Zara online shopping experience and all because of poorly trained customer service. Anyway, unfortunately, items I purchased will be returned ASAP and because of the bitter taste I received, I will not be returning.
I had a bad experience in Zara as well . Stopped shopping at Zara .
rina mall I know I won’t be going back and it boiled down to something like a five cents discrepancy on shipping and they couldn’t resolve that?
rina mall as they say “Penny wise and pound foolish!”
I had a bad zara experience in their Yorkdale Mall location, in Toronto, Canada last summer, it was ridiculous.
I love how honest and sweet you are 💗 you just hold yourself so elegantly!
I have always liked either the Constance or Evelyne so I might look into one of those at some point but the Kelly/Birkin chase has never appealed to me. Especially at their price point.
Hey, Sophie! It's been a while since I commented, but I've just gotten so busy! It's crazy that these luxury brands don't seem to care about customer service, since I think good customer service makes one more likely to buy from there (e.g. Dior). I was actually looking at the job applications for LV SA positions, and they don't even seem to mention customer service. They talk more about being a brand ambassador. I've never been to an Hermes or Chanel boutique (I was planning to go literally the same week the lockdown started here 🥺, and I don't care enough to risk it by going now 😂), but the customer service at LV (in my experience) has been mostly pleasant. The best luxury customer service I've had was at Prada in the Crystals shops in Las Vegas. Just as we walked into the store, the SA started a conversation with us and gave us a tour of the store. Apparently it's the largest Prada in North America. And you are so right: Hermes and brands like Porsche are geniuses with these selling tactics. I honestly can't blame either of them for doing what they do because it makes business so great! 😄 Stay safe! ❤️
I keep hearing these awful stories. My store in Chicago has the nicest most helpful sales associates. I was able to purchase two of their iconic bags without having to make any additional purchases. Not sure what happens at other stores. The craftsmanship is beyond anything I have seen with any other bags. You are paying for a handmade bag with exceptional detail and quality. My experience must be the exception I guess.
It really depends on the store.
Sophie you have the patience of a saint, I would not have waited anywhere near the amount of time you did. But I also think I would’ve made a formal complaint as well based on the facet he went to serve someone else...shocking! Xx
I lived in London in the 1990’s and purchased several Hermès bags and accessories - at Harrods, at the Hermès boutique ( I recall it being in Bond St.) and also in Hermès boutique in Paris. I never experienced anything like what you described. 🤷♀️
They have changed their sales strategy.
They make you feel like you should be so lucky to have one....power of the mind...like treating them mean keeps them keen.
Hello Sophie,
Thanks for sharing and being so honest regading the customer service that some butics provide. It's refreshing to hear that its not all roses but rather an bundle of poisonous ivy when you enter a store sometimes. I have been looked down by many sore simply because I can't afford buying items every month or year. I spoiled myself on my birthday last year with my first purse from Gucci an Marmont matelassé and the service I got was pure love.
Last month I got two thing from LV, a coind card holder and a reversible belt. And for me that was a lot of money in one go, but I got a pleasant shopping experience thanks to the staff. I still can't phantom how people, getting paid to service you as a customer, can be rude to that extent that they may lose a potential customer due to arrogance.
The nearest city for me to buy luxury items is 545km! Not something you simply do over a coffee break, meaning i need to make this purchases on holidays with my family (husband and daughter) tagging along. I, and all the rest of us, need that vibe that good customer service provide.
A small request if I may, is to make an in-depth video on the decreasing quality of the hardware on some bags that are tarnished easily.
Lots of love from Sweden
You have the patience of a saint! I would have stormed out! :D