https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:36:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience/page/2#post-555720 Sat, 03 Mar 2012 01:42:26 +0000 sophiac 555720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dear Victoria, So how do you like the Mors scarf ring? Dare I ask...was there another one? I'd love to get one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience/page/2#post-547707 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:02:36 +0000 Isabel 547707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That just stinks. I agree with the others who said that part of the ambiance is to create a "mystique" and "exclusivity". I also think that they don't want one off customers. They want regulars. I have only felt this way once...years ago when Henri Bendel opened a store in the Boston area. The sales people looked you up and down head to toe and were just not helpful at all. At first I thought it unusual that the people at the MAC counter were so friendly and then I found out that they actually worked for MAC and not Bendel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-547610 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:22:44 +0000 StacyJo 547610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, how horrific! Definitely not the experience I had at Hermes in San Francisco...in fact, they were down right accomodating in helping me pick out a scarf for my eldest niece high school graduation present. It seemed so fun for the SA I interacted with - and afterwards, we sent a photo of my niece wearing the scarf...the sales manager told me that no one had ever done that (and my niece sent a thank you note to them as well...maybe that was the out from left field moment for them).</p> <p>Hopefully, your experience was a one off -I just can't imagine a SA being so rude. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-547608 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:20:23 +0000 Freckles 547608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry that your experience was not what it should have been.</p> <p>I drives me bonkers that the retail experience has become so poor. I'm more than willing to pay more for an identical item in the store that treats me well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-547530 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:32:07 +0000 Heather 547530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't worry, Victoria. It is not just you. Remember in like 2005 when Oprah was kicked out of the Hermes in Paris?</p> <p><a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2005-06-22/entertainment/oprah.apology_1_public-relations-event-oprah-winfrey-luxury-store?_s=PM:SHOWBIZ" rel="nofollow">http://articles.cnn.com/2005-0.....PM:SHOWBIZ</a></p> <p>The Hermes in Atlanta is SUPER nice and accommodating. They know me by name and are always willing to call or scour for an item. I sort of like that they stand back and don't push anything on their customers. Granted, this dude sounds like he had zero clue about anything in the shop. </p> <p>Hugs for your terrible experience.</p> <p>Lisa, rock that pocket square if it works around your neck! Lots of things can be repurposed for reasons other than their label or initial intent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-547528 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:30:17 +0000 ironkurtin 547528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a similar experience the first time I shopped at Barneys in NYC. I grew up in LA where the biggest multimillionaire can be in shredded jeans and a tank top so it never occurred to me to dress to browse. She was horrible until she suddenly noticed my (very expensive) sunglasses. I never went back. That continues to this day and it's been 20 years! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-547459 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:31:24 +0000 Anonymous 547459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Victoria, we went to Kailua-Kona for a few days last winter, but it will be our first time on your island. I found Kona very charming and rustic (where we stayed anyway). From your descriptions Honolulu sounds quite cosmopolitan though, and now I'm rethinking my packing list of bikini, pareo and toothbrush! I'd love it if you could give me some casual food suggestions (and clothing). We're staying a half mile from Waikiki Beach. Sorry to highjack your thread; You can PM me the info. :)</p> <p>ETA: We will be on foot and using public transport most of the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-547030 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:22:32 +0000 annagybe 547030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. My cousin in Australia who has zero fashion in interest got a job in a duty-free store in Sydney precisely because she was fluent in Japanese. She would rack up the sales, and would shock the heck out of Japanese tourists. For the record she is a pale skinned redhead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-547028 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:22:23 +0000 Victoria 547028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire: there is Hermes store in Waikiki you should check it out just for hell of it, lol!<br /> btw, is this your first time in HI? Let me know if you would like any recommendations for good food(that is cheap also). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-547023 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:17:39 +0000 velvetychocolate 547023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a fascinating read, even though the whole experience was disappointing. I wonder if they just expect that people will walk in and buy whatever they have on hand, rather than dealing with clients who might actually have something in particular in mind? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-547000 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:54:54 +0000 Anonymous 547000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh! Thank you for taking the time to write this all down for us, Victoria. It made for a fascinating read, though I'm sorry you had to experience such ineptitude.</p> <p>I can get around a little language barrier if the S.A. is eager to please and can demonstrate the product. They must pay these poor blokes minimum wage. I can see no other reason for the complete lack of initiative and desire to better themselves with knowledge of the line. It would also explain why they avoid getting items out of the cases for you to handle at all costs. </p> <p>If I worked for commission at Hermes, you could bet I'd be at home youtubing ways to ties scarves and memorizing every single one. But how could they work on commission when there is so little merchandise to sell??? They would run out before lunch and starve on their meager wages. Things just don't add up. I wonder what their business plan looks like!</p> <p>I had started drooling over MaiTai's website as well. I love her classic look and thought I might want to go in that direction with my style. When I realized that most of her basics cost more than my house, I decided to fall *out of love* with that look REAL fast!<br /> I'm glad you found a pretty scarf ring though, and I hope the experience didn't sour it for you. I'm looking forward to seeing it styled soon!</p> <p>PS We are going to Honolulu/Waikiki for 8 days next month! We'll be the ones wearing flip flops and dining at Buger King (well, no Hermes for me, anyway)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546970 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:19:32 +0000 Jaime 546970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. I won't say I am completely shocked, but I would have thought that Hermes would invest a bit more in salesperson training. I would be curious to know what happens when they get the Asian tourists they were apparently hired to help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546965 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:05:34 +0000 Lisa 546965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing your experience. I have a similar story for Hermes. I walked into a store wanting a small scarf to tie around my neck. I didn't realize until much later, that I really purchased a pocket square. It is lovely but sits in my closet unworn year after year because I do not wear pocket squares. I am sad that I wasted my money on the purchase and really wished I had known at the time what I was really purchasing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546902 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:50:09 +0000 rae 546902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Egads. </p> <p>I work around money, and let me tell you: you *cannot* tell by looks who has the big bucks. SAs should really be more careful about who they offend. </p> <p>Still no excuse for the lack of product knowledge, though. For crying out loud, friends who wait tables at Olive Garden are supposed to know about every single wine on offer. Maybe luxury brands figure the super wealthy don't care what they're buying, as long as the brand is right? Or that they all have stylists to tie their scarves for them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546901 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:48:43 +0000 Victoria 546901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>btw, check this link that talks about customer service at Hermes stores<br /> <a href="http://forum.purseblog.com/hermes-shopping/treatment-in-hermes-stores-267768.html" rel="nofollow">http://forum.purseblog.com/her.....67768.html</a><br /> I recently read"Bringing home the Birkins" by Michael Tonnello and its very insightful( and hilarious). He ended up being a Hermes reseller and he talks a LOT about how Hermes operate and what he had to do to get the coveted items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546888 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:30:35 +0000 lyn* 546888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, maybe I should go work there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546882 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:21:37 +0000 Victoria 546882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mrs Moo:actually I don't normally buy expensive things but i really wanted this item and put money away specifically for that. I would certainly like to enjoy my shopping experience any time I buy something from luxury retailer but I can't say it was enjoyable since it was like pulling teeth. I'm not really surprised because I heard much worst stories before. Having said that, I didn't really mean to be negative nelly here and tell people not to shop there. If you want an item they carry by all means, buy it, just be ready for lukewarm reception. Best way to tell how Hermes SAs are is to check Yelp in your area. Stores in my area only got 3 stars but believe me I heard much worst stories from other people.<br /> Ornella: they do have the most gorgeous scarfs. Try to buy it online if its available there, that way you won't have to face any SAs </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546843 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:20:29 +0000 missvee 546843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been in Hermes stores in 3 different countries, and the best service was in the Caribbean - but even then it was like pulling teeth to get them to show me the scarves. They had very limited selection so I didn't buy one. But in North America, I'd call the service level benign neglect - they are happy to see you browsing, but they don't go out of their way to interest you in any of the merchandise. Well it's their loss as far as I'm concerned... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546811 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:50:10 +0000 Ornella 546811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so shocking that I've started to seriously question whether I really want that scarf of theirs! It is one luxury item I wanted for the next big occasion! But appalling customer service, and what you've just described is disrespectful to say the least, is something I cannot stomach. Parting with my money and then reading this afterwards, I would hate that. Thank you for sharing your story. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546809 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:46:37 +0000 Mrs Moo 546809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are their dream customer i.e. you know what you want AND you have money to spend - they should be serving you coffee and pastries while you shop :0)</p> <p>In short - they don't deserve your custom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546795 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:21:16 +0000 rachylou 546795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't remember the Hermes shops being that bad, but I believe it easily. I don't like Hermes so much, although I have a nice scarf or two. They feel a little johnny jump up to me and a little watered down as a brand. But I it's their purse handles that have always turned me off. They feel very thin to me, too delicate. Not my style.</p> <p>ETA: I DO think that Mors ring is very clever tho. I'm tempted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546783 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:07:44 +0000 Kate 546783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My Lord, what an appalling retail experience. I like the look of the scarf ring—makes me wish I had saved some of the snaffle bits from my riding days. I could probably rig up a really cool belt using one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546775 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:03:15 +0000 Laura 546775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe a trip to Paris is in order. Surely they would know the product line better there?? Of course, the snootiness factor would still be intact but it might be worth it to have salespeople who know what they're talking about! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546758 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:46:16 +0000 Victoria 546758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Classically Casual: scarves are meant to be worn so wear it all you want, anywhere you want and with proper care it will last many many years! If I buy a scarf in the future, I def will wear it often to justify the price:) Enjoy your scarf, I'm sure its lovely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546749 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:29:11 +0000 Jyoti 546749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds absolutely horrific. I'm not particular about brands myself, but if I see something I like (especially for my parents; I want their friends/coworkers to be jealous of them xD), I know that I will eventually be financially secure enough to purchase it so I do browse. Reading about this combination of things though, I am much less inclined to purchase something from Hermes in the future. I always thought they were classy, but even just that return policy is ick!</p> <p>If it makes you feel any better, I went to South Coast Plaza when I was in LA last summer and hit up most of the designer shops to look for a bag for a dear family friend who likes designer bags. For background, I'm a medical student, so while currently I'm not making any money, my family is fully supporting me and we can afford to purchase things if anyone so wanted. My mother was also helping pay for this bag. All of the salespeople at the higher-end stores, without exception, paid absolutely no attention to me, didn't talk to me, didn't look at me (other than to shoot me some dirty looks), didn't try to help me or anything even when I asked. It made me feel terrible. So at least the Hermes people talked to you!</p> <p>It kind of bothers me that I know full well that I will eventually be their target customer, but I was completely judged on something unbeknownst to me. So yeah, just commiserating with regard to stupid luxury retailers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546739 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:11:18 +0000 JennyAnne 546739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yuck! I would have given up. That scarf ring is so cool, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546735 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:05:24 +0000 Classically Casual 546735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much for telling your story, Victoria. I don't know why I'm so fascinated with the mystique of Hermes, but I am. (Plus all the beautiful style blogs don't help!) After reading everything online leading up to Christmas, I screwed up my courage and bought a scarf online before the prices went up in 2012. It's beautiful! It's residing in its orange box as we speak, because there's been no Hermes/worthy event in my life. I could have tried going to the local Hermes store in person, but I was too chicken. Maybe some day... Another odd thing about Hermes: I signed up for online news at the time of my purchase, and so far have rec'd nothing from them. That's a first for me from a retailer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546733 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:04:02 +0000 Victoria 546733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole: I didn't really want to buy it online because the "word on the street" is that Hermes.com USA website is famous for screwing your orders, not to mention that I have to pay lot of shipping costs. If you are really wanting an item from them, I would still get it, just be prepared for what I experienced because from what I heard its quite common. I also have heard that some SA are perfectly nice so maybe you'll get one of these. Although I can't think of one retailer where you HAVE to know what you are talking about before you go in in terms of the products or you will probably won't get anywhere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546727 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:59:18 +0000 Mander 546727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that with brands like that it's all about exclusiveness, not only in the sense of having rare and limited goods that everyone wants, but also in the sense of excluding those who are not a member of their preferred (rich) customer base. It's kind of like that incident of the designer wedding gowns being destroyed when a boutique went out of business rather than being donated or recycled -- the cachet of the brand is diluted when "just anyone" can buy them, therefore making it less desirable and less profitable. And they are not that concerned with customer service, because they are doing you a favor by allowing you access to their coveted goods.</p> <p>I do find the clueless sales reps to be a bit weird, though. Snooty I could understand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-hermes-experience#post-546709 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:40:48 +0000 Jem 546709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds terrible! I hope you like your scarf ring. it sounds interesting! Good thing you knew what it is for. </p>