DEMYSTIFYING HERMES BOUTIQUES | Exposing SA Drama, Stock, Shopping, Game, Journey luxuryinModeration

[@dumbnhung]

I had a friend who made a decent living. Very well off and could afford pretty much whatever he wanted. He'd deliberately go dressed down into high end boutiques to see how he'd be treated. He encountered a lot of what you did and would walk right out. When treated with dignity and respect, he'd spend a LOT, probably more than he initially wanted, in appreciation for those kind associates who didn't judge based on first appearances.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Yes!

[@Satine_Moisant]

I used to work in an 'old money' jewelry store in my town when I was 19. We sold things most jewelry stores don't anymore...sterling, crystal, silverplate, pearls...etc. Every Christmas a 'farmer' would walk in wearing overalls and a plaid shirt. The owner would wait on him personally. He'd bring out a huge wad of cash and buy over $10K in diamonds and pearls for his wife and grand daughters back in the late 70's... that's $43,000 in todays money. He owned a regional salad dressing and food company in the Midwest. You'd think he was almost homeless to look at him.

[@sagewise1823]

People should stop spending their time and effort to impress or to prove themselves to unrelated people and people u may not even like, for example SAs. Just spend money when you feel comfortable or that sparks joys when you do so. It's not necessary to spend extra just to reward the SA who respects to show the ones that don't respect. That's also one of their tactics, to make the customers have the need to proof themselves to the SAs one way or another. I appreciate my SA always remember my preference, even from the very beginning, she pays attention to my preference to detail and she never express any pressure to sale. And I only buy when I genuinely love the items, not because the SA go out of her way to order the item in. It is their job to use their knowledge of the products they carry and offer the possibility to accomplish business transections in order for them to make a commission. If they don't want the business then I take the business elsewhere. I understand it could be a hobby for some people to score Hermes bags, and some people treat it like a sport. And that's OK, because the outcome makes them happy. But, let's don't do that on the expends of one's pride and psychological health and money on some unimportant people in your life, just to teach them a lesson.

[@notapplicable4283]

OMG he's so cool.

[@missnycforever7532]

Being confident, polite, personable and genuinely interested in people gets you a very long way. People think the Madison Ave boutique is so elitist. I have never walked in with anything but my $40 every day bag that I bought in Santorini ( I am usually running errands and NYC is not the safest. I am not walking around looking like I have money). Every associate has been nothing but polite and helpful. I am usually in and out in under 1 hr. Sales associate hear the same 'building relationship' story so regularly. I think the sales associate would rather sell you what you need and get some down time than engage in this drawn out ritual. I am guessing it must be mentally draining to fain interest when they know most are just trying to score a quota bag. I think social media has made the shopping experience more difficult than it needs to be. I have never walked into a single luxury store and have been given anything but polite service. I am not rich. neither do I think I 'look rich'.

[@catherine6663]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s always helpful to learn from everyone’s experience. We went to 5 boutiques in 2019 and was offered Constance’s from Monaco, Cannes, and Lugano as a first time walk in customer and no purchase history. My partner directly asked for a bag and we didn’t buy anything else. We found the SAs to be friendliest in Lugano, Cannes, and Milan. We’ve never seen so many exotics in one boutique as Monaco!

[@luxuryinModeration]

Oh wow, sounds great! 😄I've never been to Lugano, curious to go now xD

[@You717on99]

Thanks for sharing! I went to 9 stores in 5 countries when I was on a two-week cruise in 2019. 😀 After watching your video, I can now prove to my husband that I am not the only crazy one. Thanks for sharing.

[@luxuryinModeration]

😁I love it!!

[@JasGillLifestyleLuxury]

I live in the UK and we have quite a lot of Hermes boutiques here and a few weeks ago my husband asked if I wanted to try my luck with getting a B or a K this year, I did think about it, but I have realised it is just not something I care to do. I feel like shopping should be fun and not such a game. I worry that if I played the game, bought lots of other items and then finally got my offer... I would feel as if it wouldn't be worth the time, money and effort I had already spent. For the extra money that you have to spend to get an offer, I truly believe you are better off buying a pre-loved B or K from a consignment store. Thanks so much for the video 😻

[@luxuryinModeration]

You’re welcome! And I love your mindset 😄

[@blktauna]

I have always been treated wonderfully in Hermes in London. I can not say the same for NYC where I live. Fortunately I am not interested in the bags but in some cases the Madison Avenue store won’t even let me enter…

[@notreallyhome]

have shopped with H for decades, be yourself and don't worry about what you are wearing! who cares?! for other countries especially France, learn a tiny bit of French and speak it, even if you think you sound crazy, lol! the French love when they know you are trying to speak their language (lived in Paris) know all easier said and we all have different personalities but if a H boutique does not accept you for you, forget them and on to next! your trip sounds amazing and how cool you went to so many places, lucky you! btw, the cluth is a jige!

[@luxuryinModeration]

thank you for the great advice!😁and for identifying the clutch. It beautiful for sure but I don't carry clutches so I'll probably never get one 😅

[@mommamia7304]

When I win the lottery jackpot, I’ll buy the entire Hermès boutique and you can choose whatever you want for free! 🤪 Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@luxuryinModeration]

aw, that's so sweet ☺ thank you for watching!

[@Merelvanpoucke]

I have worked in various clothing stores and honestly as sales assistants we see so many people in a day that the chance of me recognising someone after I've seen them once is very small, unless they had a very outspoken style or we had an atypical interaction

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

Yes the Monaco experience was a test of sorts when she offered you the exotic Jige clutch. It was the invitation for you to do 1:1 spend I think, and then she probably would have offered you a BK. Thank you so much for sharing your story!

[@luxuryinModeration]

You’re welcome! It didn’t register at the time but thinking back, it dawned on me..lol. Didn’t think to expect a test while I was just shopping. Now I’ll know better next time

[@Neo-tx9ok]

Here in Europe, the way strangers interact with each other is different...why is it so difficutl for so many people to understand? Why take everything so personal? "She does not care about me.." of course she doesn't care, you are a stranger! The "relationship" between a client and an SA should be polite and professional, nothing more 🙂

[@luxuryinModeration]

thank you for the insight! It's great to learn about other cultures and how different it can be!

[@patr70]

That's an interesting way of looking at customer service 🙄

[@fromparistohamburg917]

🇨🇵 Hi! I have to analyse your experience from the SA's perspective and as a French customer also. 1) It's not really usual for us in Europe to have a "dedicated" CA/SA. We European people don't want to "build a special relationship" with any CA/SA. An American thing, I guess. To be honest, I want to buy items and the CA/SA wants to sell me some items, right? I'm polite and friendly. Always! But I don't want to make a new friend. The Hermès employees know that very well. If I were one, I would not appreciate the fact that people try to be "nice" to me just to obtain what they want. There is no genuine interest to expect from customers, especially from tourists. ZERO! Just a game they have to play!!! 2) All the CA/SA you have been talking to know very well that a new customer who comes in their boutique asks first for items from different departments of the store before asking THE question: Any B or K here? They have to hear THAT question dozen of times per day, each working day!!! They know that the answer to THIS question is the only thing that counts. The rest is just like trying to look genuinely interested in the other goods produced by the brand. They know this game. They know that, most of the time, the people coming in the boutique don't care about bags like Roulis and Bolide... The CA/SA loose a lot of time and energy showing people things they're not willing or able to buy. It's probably the reason why they stay a little "cold". Very often, after a negative answer, the customers react the wrong way: they become rude, aggressive, some shout, ... It's not an easy situation for the employees. It happens often. 3) Everybody knows that in the Holiday time since the beginning of January luxury stores (in general and worldwide) are out of stock. It's the same in France. Of course! 4) You say that the SA/CA at Hermès in Monaco are used to interact with rich people. It's exactly the same in stores in NY, Singapore, Sydney, Moscow, London, ... Hermès is a LUXURY brand. Luxury is made for rich people. The saving working women are NOT the targeted clientèle. I know that a lot of women out there think (because of KZbin, Instagram,...) that they have to have a B or a K. It's a big problem. 5) I wish, all the women wanting a B/K could admit that they don't care about the craftsmanship and the history of Hermès. As a Frenchie, I love all French luxury brands the same way without making a ranking. LV is LV, Chanel is Chanel, Hermès is Hermès. Each house has an heritage and a story and they're all unique... I appreciate each one, genuinely!!! For me, a B or a K is NOT just a quota bag and a status symbol, but the result of artisanship and transfer of know-how. Finally, I wish that foreign people who come to my country as tourists would change their behavior. First step: learn French before coming, at least SOME French. You would be surprised, how thankful french people are, when you really try to have a real connection THAT way. It takes time BUT it shows also that you're genuinely interested. I speak several languages, some perfectly like German and French, some less perfectly like English, Spanish, Italian and Swedish. So, trust me when I say that that's a key. You tried to hard at your first visit. Next time try to stay longer in the same area/city and to come several times. Don't try too hard!! Finally, I truly hope that you didn't spend your whole vacation time in all Hermès stores at the Riviera. It's such a beautiful area. In Monaco, Nice and Grasse, you can find so many lovely places. I hope that my thoughts can help you for your next trip.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Thank you for replying with such a thoughtful answer! I definitely agree with all of your points and really enjoyed visiting and exploring each city for the first time. I for sure want to come back and spend more time in my favorite places :) French and US culture are so different, it's so nice that you grow up truly understanding each of the luxury houses uniqueness and heritage! Just curious, if you don't just shop with one CA/SA, if you are looking to purchase a B or K, do you just want in and ask any CA/SA because they all know you at your home store?

[@lvettesonai]

Same here. I don't need a new friend, I need someone to get me the bag I want.

[@dumbnhung]

100%, its manipulative and insulting really. Anyone with 1/2 a brain cell can see right through that strategy.

[@Stella-yk1bt]

So true. Why would an SA want to hear about this being your first time in the country blah blah blah…

[@fromparistohamburg917]

@@You717on99 I have seen a lot of videos made by American KZbinrs. They all speak about their SA at Chanel, LV, Hermès, ... Each time I go shopping at LV for example, I have to wait outside. A security man opens the door and then a coordinating person asks me to wait until a SA is free. More or less each time a different one. I really don't care because they're all professional and nice. When I need an appointment, I have to go online. I receive a confirmation by mail without any name of any employee. But I'm fine.

[@Satine_Moisant]

You know what? After hearing your experiences, along with others on KZbin. I'd just spend my time in these cities doing something fun - and then buy a gently used, almost new Birkin in the leather, size and color of MY CHOICE from the authentic luxury resellers in Hong Kong. This is ridiculous. They can shove their attitudes and Birkins.

[@luxuryinModeration]

That's a great way to think about it :)

[@adeleelzinga]

Absolutely. The bow and scrape is just disgusting

[@joannat1898]

Exactly. This makes me honestly never want to set foot in an Hermes boutique again. 😂

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

Great video! I found the H boutiques in Paris to be very similar in treatment to what you highlighted and everything you said here is very accurate in terms of the mood, vibe of the SAs. I do think many luxury SAs in France judge clothing. I am going back in summer to try again. I definitely learned about how much the look counts. French knowledge too counts.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Do you think it's just a french culture thing to judge on clothing and looks, and may not be just the luxury brands? Would love to hear about your time living there!!

[@LesleyAdina]

Super insightful! Thank you for sharing your experience! I was on vacation in South of France last September but didn’t even bother trying my luck in any of the Hermès boutiques. Monaco was absolutely beautiful, right? We went on a Sunday so most stores were closed anyway but I loved the general vibe of Monte Carlo😍

[@luxuryinModeration]

Yes, it was such a nice country, we definitely want to go back

[@corinardh8635]

I think you were very lucky to score your birkin. Enjoy it. If you are not ready to comfortably spend and built a relationship .. and hope for luck again. It can be very disappointing… also , I don’t think it’s wrong for boutique to serve their local customers with preferences. I would be very disappointed that you can walk into my local store, score a Kelly 25 while I have spend and waited over a year.

[@luxuryinModeration]

I totally agree! I definitely didn't think I would be offered one as a tourist walking in, and I wasn't 😄

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

I totally agree with you. Local clients should absolutely be prioritised.

[@Msannimali]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I just started my H journey!

[@luxuryinModeration]

You're welcome! feel free to ask about anything you're wondering about and Good luck!!

[@kimng9179]

thank you for sharing your experiences! It's always a hit or miss for me as well when meeting new SA's. Regardless if they are from Hermes or not

[@luxuryinModeration]

Good point! Thank you for watching

[@inaonoson]

Thanks for sharing your experience in so much detail! 🎉

[@tiffanystephens4785]

I would only buy from a consignment shop..I would never want to put up with rude sales associates. Thank you so much .. I am a new subscriber. You are beautiful and amazing.😊😊

[@luxuryinModeration]

Thank you! I'm thinking of going that route now too

[@NiniLeNguyen]

Subscribe to your channel right away girl. I am Hermes obsessed for real. It’s great to learn more and more and more on the brand. My experience is quite pleased so far. But I have only been at one boutique and with only 1 SA so far. Stuff I know are so different than what you know. Wow mind blowing 🤩

[@luxuryinModeration]

aw, I am so glad you are working with a good SA! happy to share more about what I know and have fun on your journey!!

[@trl859]

This was such an interesting video! Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@luxuryinModeration]

of course! glad you enjoyed the video 🙂

[@milvao3400]

I've been living and working nearby the Hermes store in Florence. The store is there since I can remember, so about 20 years. Back in the day (let's say around 2008) I never saw anyone even entering that store. It was by far the most expensive of the luxury brands, I think that the prices then were similar to current prices, while a pair of Gucci shoes cost 250 euros then and now they cost 800. Now, 2023, there is a line every day, and I mean every day of the week, every hour of the day. There are people doing photoshoot with their new purchases in front of the store every day. But the most shocking thing to me is the number of women who queue with their newborn babies, so that they are escorted inside the store as soon as they arrive and don't have to wait. It's crazy. People use their children to enter for what?! Spending thousands of euros for those scarves to put on the handles of these grandma bags?!

[@edmulterer5984]

Using my husband's acct: I agree that your appearance can have a big impact. I am always aware of my appearance when I enter Hermes. I have a croc Faco that always gets commented on at the Paris FSH store. I was offered a Kelly as soon as I entered another store and was offered to create SO bag without a purchase history. Yes, it's all a game.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Thanks for sharing, that's really helpful information!

[@MilMil999]

This is way too stressful. I don’t think it’s worth the time or effort. I shop in Hermes Singapore and the service is great. The first time, of course is awkward but once you are assigned a SA, the process is pretty pleasant. You can’t expect to get a Birkin or Kelly right away. I guess it depends on your purchase history. I didn’t buy a lot from the store and I got my first Kelly 28 Sellier after a few months. I never put any pressure on my SA. Every time I go (probably once every 2 months), I buy something I like and these are items I really enjoy wearing. Before I got the Kelly, I also managed to get a Garden Party 30 and Picotin 22 from my SA without having to buy anything else. I think we shouldn’t waste too much of our energy on trying to get a bag from them. Just enjoy the process and only buy things that you love. The bag will come eventually.

[@luxuryinModeration]

That's so great to hear, thank you for sharing! I hope I connect with a nice SA in my new home store and can purchase more things I enjoy like you!

[@joannathesinger770]

I would have shipped/mailed my summer clothes home after purchasing a small, weather-appropriate capsule wardrobe in Europe...even on the southern portion of Europe/French Riviera. Experienced travelers are aware of the change in weather when crossing the Equator, and by continuing to wear summer clothing in fall and winter broadcast that this was essentially your first "go" at crossing the Equator during the same season...and thus...fresh off the "turnip truck" and naive as to travel concerns. Some experienced travelers actually send heavier clothing to their first hotel after notifying the hotel to be aware of their reservation and the pending shipment. Once received, the hotel will hold it until your arrival. I potentially detected a meek, passive--perhaps passive-aggressive--tendency in your demeanor based on your description, and no doubt, the sales associates did, as well. While you are there in observation mode, watch the customers that regularly purchase from Hermès come in. They exhibit an air of authority...and if they don't get the service they want, they feel no compunction about leaving. These sales associates DO have quotas to meet themselves, and since they work on commission, if they don't make sales, they don't get paid, so don't fret so much about your purchase history. You've established yourself on their books and there's no need to make additional purchases that you don't want in hopes they deign to sell you a quota bag. Case in point...the before/after scenes in "Pretty Woman".

[@heidii.4024]

What patience you have! It’s unfortunate that some SAs could get away being rude like that. I believe that those behaviors are fueled by some who put up with them. Thanks for sharing your experience. I am loyal to a local boutique and my family, as well as my friends, are treated very well there. I have 8 Birkins and 2 Kellies and glad that I have them. I got most of them from that boutique. I hope that you get your next wishlist bag without putting too much effort.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Aw, thank you so much! Glad you have such a great local boutique!!

[@yvonnemarfo5434]

I appreciate your honest description of your experiences at the Hermes boutiques. I think its really sad how ppl can be judged by looks or what one wears into these boutiques. As much as I love the Hermes brand, I think I would much rather make a purchase through a consignment shop or website. The treatment you've experienced (for the most part) is very off-putting and a turn off

[@luxuryinModeration]

yes, it's seriously off-putting!

[@tiffanystephens4785]

100%

[@victoriafernando3114]

I liked your Video for all its Honesty. Thank you for sharing. It has confirmed a lot of the thoughts that I had in mind.

[@luxuryinModeration]

You are so welcome!

[@MKLS716]

Thanks for the video! I wonder if you preserved all of your purchases for your home store, it would yield a better result - especially if you have a low likelihood of scoring since you are a tourist? Buying 1-offs at the boutiques may feel less of an ‘investment’ in the moment for that chance of scoring, but certainly add up over time.

[@luxuryinModeration]

I'm actually in the process of relocating so I do plan on establishing a new "home store" I had a bad experience with my last home store - did a video on it if you're interested. But yes totally agree they do add up. The blanket was a good buy because it was hard to find + I got VAT back, and the others are in my France purchase profile so that's how I justify it 😅

[@ypf7717]

I think minimally you will need to get a watch before you may be offered a popular but non quota bag. It’s quite difficult to get a quota bag nowadays.

[@luxuryinModeration]

totally!!💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

A watch, fine jewellery bracelet for sure. It's super competitive right now.

[@luxuryinModeration]

@@hayaglamazonluxe are you going to try that route and buy fine jewelry or a watch?

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

@@luxuryinModeration Yes I am going down the fine jewellery/timepiece route when I go back in summer. No more timewasting buying other products, LOL. The Paris game is driven by those 2 categories.

[@Generationlux]

I know exactly how you feel. I collected few Hermes birkins and kellys and constances but I all got them from my local SA. I have some luck from a Hawaii store like a constance, geta and mini Evelynes but not the quota bags. I purchased stuff from Paris Sevres store for the 1st time and yes I spent a lot of money but no offer of B/K/C, I got a mini Evelyne instead and that was 2019. If I would have gone back to Paris again maybe I will be offered since I have purchase history, I dont know. So maybe some people are just lucky to be offered. ANd you know what most of the SAs that I met are snobby I am just lucky that I found a local SA who is very nice.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Aw, it's great you've been able to score some great bags! Paris is sooo competitive to even get an appointment now >

[@taytayqueen7024]

I went to Monaco recently and I didn’t go into Hermes but I found SA’s there to be v nice and friendly for luxury stores

[@BldyKnuckles]

Is it that important to generate a relationship between you and an SA? Seems like a lot of trouble for no gain.

[@luxuryinModeration]

yup, they're all about the relationship

[@BldyKnuckles]

@@luxuryinModeration Okay, but it doesn't seem like they are interested in one, so you'd have to work a lot harder.

[@ElibelDublin]

I think it’s understandable that an SA would not be too interested in a tourist who will never return to their store. Way more rewarding for them to focus on local customers.

[@hhfransisca12]

Please let me explain the term "relationship" here, when people come to their store, and ask for their popular bags such as B and K then it means the SA will have no more commission, if they don't play this game nobody bother to buy other products, Hermes originally made saddles and other stuff for horse riding, not high end fashion like Dior or channel. That's why if you straight to the point of asking a bag, the SA will guarantee super rude and act like they want to kick you out of the store, they're being pushed to sell other products, which is not really fashionable, often defective but even so you can't return it after 30 days of purchase even less, no customer protection services such as authentication card because they refuse to change their messy and disorganized system, once the product goes out of their store it's all in your hands, for example if your belt hardware peel off then it's your own fault, they can fix it for months because it has to send to Paris and it's not free also. Be careful when you pay in their chaotic cashier in Paris, If you saw one of your purchase was not put into the bag although you already paid for it and then you tried to protest they'd said it's in there, when you arrived at the hotel and realized it's not really in there, don't bother to go back and ask for it, they will treat you like a liar and a scammer. Hermes do not make mistake, that's the motto. 🤣

[@sunnienie239]

Oh my lord listening to your experience for Hermes bag I have to say you’re very patient woman. I don’t think I have the guts to be that patient for a Hermes bag. Thanks god I owned 3 Hermes two birkin bags 1 Kelly all were second hand bag but it costed over 30k only a phone called away. The real real and fashionphil of course 😆

[@luxuryinModeration]

😆nice!

[@shellx88]

Did you ended up getting your cc refunded for the French VAT? I submitted one in the UK once and never got the refund. Much prefer Barcelona’s way of refunding via cash on the spot.

[@luxuryinModeration]

I got my refund from my summer honeymoon purchase about a month and a half after (mid-October). Have not gotten anything back from this trip yet, I know things take longer these days, but still *fingers crossed it didn't get lost in the mail*

[@karenlie5256]

I tried the southern part of France several times 3 yrs ago and they have no bags. I think paris is still a better place to buy bags but it's competitive.

[@luxuryinModeration]

SO competitive to get an appointment!! 😝

[@esgara8446]

Went to a Chanel shop in my jeans and sneakers, smiled, and asked for boots to try on. Ended up buying two pairs of boots. Hahaha.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Congrats on your new boots!

[@cap4life1]

Maybe you could have purchased warmer clothes in Spain or even Singapore before heading on the France? It's true though that what you wear (including your shoes!) is pretty important while shopping at luxury stores in France.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Thank you for the tip! It'll try that next time 😛

[@marciamorris6626]

Interesting video. Enjoyed your sharing

[@luxuryinModeration]

Glad you liked it and thank you for watching!

[@Peachlover345]

Do you think visiting so many boutiques change your vacation plans?

[@luxuryinModeration]

Not big changes but minor tweaks I would say, especially because I did have to be cognizant of Hermes being closed on Sundays, and hitting them before closing hours. But part of my vacations include shopping anyways, so instead of walking around different stores, I just focused my time on the Hermes one😅

[@cocoxu3275]

Too stressful at least for me - I wouldn't do that. The SAs see people coming in everyday trying to score B/K/C and they know immediately if you are fishing for bags or not. If I were you I would buy an exotic wallet (ostrich is the cheapest) or a piece of gold jewelry with diamonds or ready to wear (not t-shirts). You get much better chance having their full attention and scoring a bag. Shoes are definitely not going to get them excited especially sandals. You really should buy shoes at your local stores. When trying to score a bag while traveling, hit the SAs with major purchases. They don't have patience for people who don't want to drop serious money nowadays.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Sigh, yeahhhh

[@user-er7zc9xu6f]

I don´t think it´s right that customers are treated like applicants begging to spend a huge amount of money. I won´t let myself be treated like this and that´s why all my quota bags (Birkin 35, Kelly 28 and a Chanel 19) are from the certified preloved market.

[@dissolved29]

I am genuinely surprised with your impression of the Monaco store. If anything, I’d say that they’re 100% used to tourists having the time of their lives/bdays/engagements/anniversairies etc. looking to score a quota bag. I honestly don’t think that this store enjoys more big ticket customers than say Paris stores. For me Monaco SAs were always really nice and professional, both Hermes and (surprise surprise) Chanel. Much better service than other French locations I’ve been to.

[@luxuryinModeration]

Oh, interesting. I mean a couple SAs there were very nice, just the one that ended up helping me was a bit awkward 😅

[@w.urlitzer1869]

it's funny that you traveled to Europe without adequate clothes.

[@LifewithSem]

Thanks for sharing!

[@luxuryinModeration]

you're welcome!

[@nicolleesaysxo]

how did the VAT return process work? did they have to physically see the bag before getting VAT or could I have shipped my items back to the US and then do the documentation when departing the country

[@luxuryinModeration]

technically they can request to see the items you bought, in un-used condition, so it is always recommended to have the items with you in case they ask. This time, and when I went to Europe in Sep'21, no one asked me to show anything. It's possible they relax vigilance since covid, I have heard of cases where people were asked to show the items in prior years.

[@amandac2683]

Yes they can request to check the merchandise you are claiming vat refund. In fact any expensive purchase, they check regularly. In some small airport they don’t generally check but u have to mail the vat voucher which is always a risk it can go missing. But I have been lucky and managed to get all refunds but some can take a few months.

[@alana.gr_1345]

you didnt day what bags they offered you at the cannes boutique?

[@luxuryinModeration]

They didnt offer me any bags. After I picked out my scarf, they led me to the bag area and said they were only for display and there were no bags to sell.

[@bondingpan8931]

It’s the game,,, we all are playing with however it will get old may not be now,,,, it will.

[@jenniferkenner1290]

Quick question: were you carrying your Birkin at these stores? Or a cheaper bag? Just curious if that matters.

[@luxuryinModeration]

I was carrying my birkin every time except for the when I visited the Madrid boutique for the 2nd time (because I had already brought it the 1st time), and also when I visited the smaller Madrid store next to the Four Seasons. I carried my Longchamp crossbody those times. There is a lot of discussion on if it matters or not (and strategy on whether the SA will see and want to offer you or not), but I saw a ton of BKCs and other brand bags (Chanel, LV, etc) when I was at FSH with all kinds of customers so I don't think it matters that much? When I went to my appointment at FSH, I carried my Longchamp (as a top handle) as well.

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

@@luxuryinModeration For sure, I think it matters though. I was treated better at George V when I walked in store with LV shopping bags, lol.

[@luxuryinModeration]

@@hayaglamazonluxe I did also wear my Oran sandals to the Barcelona boutique, which the SA complimented. I was wondering if that made a difference…thank you for confirming!

[@LaThomasAndAngelo]

Wait, how much was the exotic clutch?

[@luxuryinModeration]

I didn't ask 😅

[@jmessiaen419]

Those all sound like horrible experiences ... Thank you for the video

[@luxuryinModeration]

you're welcome!

[@juadhi]

Why couldn’t you just buy winter clothes, since you already had the feeling you got bad service due to your dressing.

[@luxuryinModeration]

😄good question. I didn't have luggage space to spare, and I already have a tooon to winter clothes I just didnt pack 😅

[@juadhi]

@@luxuryinModeration I feel you, the SA‘s get very snooty at times. Thanks for your honesty and good luck😊

[@laurenloveslv655]

What a ridiculous store with those jumped up sa's. Think I would rather buy a preloved bag from a store that values a good customer. I applaud your patience but honestly unless you are throwing tens of thousands on Hermes, you are not going to get what you want.

[@luxuryinModeration]

so true! I'm open to preloved as well :)

[@deans.1792]

hehe, Monaco boutique had scandal before

[@5onCover]

What was the scandal?

[@sarahking1408]

Hermes is very special for their heritage, rather than then just ....

[@anakarina1011]

This video was frustrating to listen to!!!

[@luxuryinModeration]

😅thank you for suffering through and watching!

[@anakarina1011]

@@luxuryinModeration yea sorry you didn’t get your bag! Ugh!!!

[@cuchareable]

i’ve never heard before someone who uses the term “personal relation” in a more meaningless and non personal way lol

[@bgkous]

SA's think they are part owners of Hermes. Helloooooo....

[@midasara3994]

im sorry but thats toooo much for a bag !!!! ..... u need help, go to the doctor

[@Lizzi7529]

Your story was too long and became very boring

[@luxuryinModeration]

thank you for your feedback!

[@sarahking1408]

No SAs are ‘snobbish’ , everyone is working hard for living. You do not to dress up or making up with lots of mascara

[@goblingoblin5278]

I love your Asian English accent.