CM #1:
Hi Monika! I’m sure you have heard similar from some of your followers but Paris has gotten a lot more ‘competitive’ on appointments and bag offers. Have purchased either B or K on the last 3 trips I’ve taken via walk-in appointments (own quite a bit of other items as well). Maybe it’s just summertime/men’s fashion week/pre-Olympics but anyone without a lottery appointment seems to be getting a canned ‘we’re sorry, there’s nothing we can do.’ No profile pulls, etc. Wonder if it is easier for locals?
I have observed for a couple days though and it has always been so competitive of course, but seems next level now with the increased popularity. I was here in December and while seemingly it was harder, have not seen this.
Rue Sevres was nicer. I got an appointment but immediately they told me small sizes are not possible due to fashion week – MAYBE 35 or any other kind of bag I desired except the quotas.
So I think the bottom line is – big bags, probably fine… if you can get your foot in the door.
Or anything non B K or C.
CM#2:
Very much on par with my experiences from April and May (2024). My SA could slide me into an appointment, but no Birkin or Kelly of any kind … not even a Kelly Long To Go (even though that’s technically a small leather good (AKA wallet). TBGH, the dream of winning in Paris is long gone IMO.
CM #3:
I was just in Paris for one week and have gotten an appointment from the system the last 2 years in a row but did not get one this year. I also shopped quite a bit and tried to get a walk in two or three times throughout my trip but no luck.
The SA I worked with throughout the week told me that the rules in Paris have changed since December and now a manager has to approve every Birkin and Kelly, no matter the size.
Please remember even scoring an appointment doesn’t necessarily equal a quota bag.
CM #4:
My family and I used to work with one SA whenever we went to Paris – she always told us to just message her a couple days ahead for a leather appointment and we were always able to buy multiple bags and exactly what we wanted. Since December 2023 she told me she cannot give any more appointments and we have to go through the lottery system.
CM #5:
It was actually your website (PurseBop) and some YouTube videos that helped me avoid the disappointment this April in Paris. Had an appointment at Sevres location and discovered that it is the place where people usually have no luck for some reason. And indeed I show up and the guy tells me right away they have no Birkins or Kellys. Not good news but also didn’t leave me shocked as I kind of expected this already from prior reviews.
CM #6:
Hi PurseBop! I just want to say thank you for what you have been sharing with other Hermes lovers. I love reading all the success stories featured in your website. I have learnt so much from reading your articles. I just got back from Paris. I managed to secure a leather appointment through walk in at Faubourg store. My lovely SA took photos of my wish list and tried her best to fulfill my dream bag. Although I didn’t get a K or a B, I was offered a Constance mini in my favourite colour, leather and hardware! I was also offered a mini Evelyne in my favourite colour, which I took in a hearbeat.
CM #7:
This particular account I’ve heard but I also know people who can still make leather appointments with their Paris SA but I think it depends on the SA’s status. Paris is trying to encurage you to buy from your home store now.
CM #8:
Similar with my mom and i in Paris. Our SA seemed pretty frustrated by the new system too. TBH we have decided to pretty much not shop at Hermes anymore. My older stuff is much better quality anyways.
CM #9:
Yeah, I’ve also gone into H retirement after my most recent trip! My home store is Dubai and the spend is $20K for a Constance, larger size K & B, and $30-40K for a good size K & B. Unfortunately too much time, effort, and money just for the sake of adding more bags now that I have all the staple bags I need!
CM #10:
I’ve adjusted my expectations now to just buy what I like when I like it and if a bag comes great, if not then not! But its definitely taken an adjustment!!!
CM #11:
I would also like to add that I also feel not valued as a customer because their purchase history expires every 3 years. . . I went through a gap of not shopping in Paris during covid and all my prior history has literally been erased.
Like how is that possible for one of their brand values to be brand loyalty and then not keep the history for long? I also have had 3 SA’s leave from different boutiques I shop at around the world and not one of them has passed me onto a new SA.
It’s supposed to be their job as a brand to maintain the client relationship not mine to wait in line just to find a new SA. . . and start ALL OVER!
Thank you for sharing your stories, perspectives, and experiences. For each happy story there are many unhappy ones from Paris.
My advice, if possible – focus on your relationship with your home store/home SA.
It is much more rewarding and satisfying than the current situations in Paris. Shop there for the experience if you want but not in sole hopes of a bag. Please be smart and spend your time cherishing the City of Paris and all it has to offer.
Our best advice is to manage your expectations to avoid disappointment. And be kind.
