Part 1: My experience of scoring the Birkin in Paris
Part 2: 8 Tips on How to Score Birkin with no purchase history
Part 3: Hermes SLGs Unboxing
Part 4: The Birkin Unboxing
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So, here's a part of my Hermes Paris story. My dream bag is Kelly 28, etoupe, ghw, togo, epsom or clemence. Apologies for the typos throughout the story, since I'm currently on very little sleep :p
3/14
This is my first day in Paris, and my flight arrived at around 7.
I started heading to FSH at around 9:40, and arrived at 10:58 because of traffic.
They said appointment was full at 11:05, so I headed out of the store empty-handed, and went straight to Chanel (lol).
3/15
Arrived at 8:28 am, about 7 people in front. Mostly men. A girl joined a men who lined up in front so I guess some men are there for their girlfriend/wife?
Then, I started talking to a woman in line at 8:40, and learned that she was lining up for her friend.
It's pretty cold out in March so I recommend wearing furry shoes and glove. I obviously under-layered, and was freezing. It was so cold throughout the 2 hours that I started shaking. Holding a warm cup of coffee also helps, even though the coffee can get cold immediately.
I met the appointment SA at 10:40am and got an appointment time of 12:15. Then, I went to one of my favorite places, Laduree, for brunch.
My appointment time kept changing throughout the hours, so I decided to wait inside the store from 12-2. It was a little embarrassing as I just sat there, in the shoe section, and not even looking or trying on shoes. Eventually I met my SA at around 2pm, and she took my list with a piece of paper.
She came back 15 min later, which felt like forever, and said she has nothing for me. No any Birkin or Kelly, no for anything bigger or smaller. Then, she asked me if I want anything else, and I replied Herbag, even though my heart is set on Kelly 28, etoupe, ghw.
Then I was offered Herbag, black, coated canvas. It was around 1800 euro. I really wanted to get that instead so I don't go back empty handed, but it just didn't make my heart sing. I declined.
3/15 (cont.)
After the unsuccessful attempt at FSH, I decided to visit the other 2 stores: Sevres and George V. After speaking with SAs from both stores for a reallyy long time, I felt comfortable coming back the next day. I also set up an appointment with one of the SAs at Sevres. (Hey there's hope?) Maybe, just maybe, they can get me something. Personally I found it super difficult to connect with the SA from FSH. Maybe it's an individual personality thing, or how busy the store is, or some sort of store policy.... I just didn't feel the same straightforward and friendly vibe.
3/16 (which is today)
I started lining up at 6:45 am, and not surprisingly, I was the first one in line. After lining up til 9:40am, I asked my boyfriend to line up at FSH while I waited at Sevre. That was my "strategy". I thought: why don't I max my opportunity by having us spread out, and visit different places? This is our last chance, after all. So, I took an uber to Sevres, hoping to see the SA I made an appointment with. After waiting there, freezing cold, for 30 min, the store finally opened and I went to the leather department, asking for the SA I made an appointment with.
To my surprise (or should I say shock), I was told that she was sick, and not in today! I was heartbroken, and couldn't even put it in words. I then talked to another SA in the leather department. He seemed nice with his smile, but something was missing. I was so heartbroken with the news of my SA's sick leave that I didn't even ask how he was doing, and that's leading to a rough start. After checking in the back for things on my wish list, he told me that they don't have any deliveries yet. They may have one from 11-5pm. He then asked me what else I want. So I told him, maybe herbag? Herbag was in the back of my mind since yesterday, and I would consider buying, especially with the somewhat promising conversation with the new SA. He seemed to be implying there will be a delivery for sure, today. (Or maybe I'm analyzing?) After 10 minutes, which felt very long, he came out with a Herbag, still in its plastic package. He said, "madam, I think you'll like this." I liked the bag, to be very frank, but I still didn't want to buy just the Herbag, without my dream bag, which is the Kelly 28 in etoupe. I thought it would make the experience so much more special if I could get the Herbag and other items with the Kelly. However, after I told him my thoughts, he basically said he can't hold on to the Herbag or any other items for me, and that he'll have to serve other clients because I'll be wasting his time (and my own time since he can't guarantee a Kelly). I felt a little shocked and mistreated, so I thanked him and apologized for the time "wasted" and proceeded to George V.
At George V, I have established a relationship with one of the SAs, but she was serving other clients, so I waited on the side. After we started talking, I explained to her my wait at FSH, and how I couldn't find my dream bag there. I left out the Sevres part because I didn't want her to think that I was prioritizing the other store. She then proceeded to look for the Kelly, and said she couldn't find any. She also said there were no deliveries today. I was once again, disappointed. Since she was one of the sweetest SAs I know, I decided to complete my wish list with her. There, I bought 2 twillies, one belt and buckle, one perfume, and one clic clac. Sure, I was happy to cross some things off my wishlist, but they were not what I wanted the most. I wanted the Kelly 28 in etoupe and ghw, and I'm not willing to settle for anything different. Throughout the experience, she attempted to search for my dream bag again, but had no luck. After that purchase, I decided to meet up with my boyfriend, and head to sevres once again. It was around 1. Upon arrival, I asked another familiar SA (from home goods department) and told her about my situation: "the SA I made an appointment with was sick today, and I don't know what to do." She took my passport and checked. After what felt like eternity, she came back and said sorry, but she sold out completely. She was shocked to learn that I also came in, early in the morning, but I didn't go find her (the SA in home goods). We happen to completely miss each other in the same store! From the tone of her voice, I think she did have something for me, and maybe even tried to hold on to the item. Unfortunately she didn't see me, and had to let go of the item. Well, at least that's what I think. I was once again, heartbroken, and hated myself for only asking for the SA I made an appointment with. That was soo stupid! Anyway, it's so easy to be a hindsight master. There are so many things I could've done, or could've done better. I should just be satisfied with my one score, which will be told in my guy friend's perspective.
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I can't really say "I'm the one" scoring the Birkin, since I was not the one in the "secret room". I did, however, create part of the strategy. As I've mentioned, I decided to head to Sevres while my guy friend goes to FSH. Turns out, that's a pretty good strategy. I guess it's not a myth that guys have better luck with getting Hermes bags. This is his experience, written by him (and in bullet points):
Entering Hermes
- Woke up 6am to head to Hermes FHS
- Arrived at around 6:30am, no one in sight. Freezing cold
- 7:00am people started lining up.
- A lot of people think of this bag as a myth, hard to get, only if lucky
- When 10:30 arrived, three guards stood by the door and chatted with each other. They kept opening the inner door, and keeping the outer one closed.
- One man unlocked the door, but I waited outside still. I could see some people inside already, so I was wondering if I should enter
- A man with a letter suddenly walked in front of me and opened the unlocked door, which led to security telling him to leave
- After a few more minutes, a man opened the door and checked my paper bag full of finished Starbucks cups
- During the check, a group of 5 ladies ran past us, running through the store heading to the front. The guards stopped them and shouted "No running!", and sent them back a few places in line.
- I ended up being 1st in my line, but with 2-3 people in front of me (I have no idea where they came from)
- Being escorted by a man upstairs (I wish I got his name), I was sat down in the same seat as yesterday
- He asked me for my passport, then started tapping away on his phone
- I asked him how his day was, and he ignored me, but I think it was because he was busy with my passport
- When he was done, he handed my passport and asked how he can help me
- I basically told him I'll be blunt, and said my friend has a list of things she want. I showed him the list, and he said it'll be better if he took a picture. Which he did.
- as he did, I mentioned that she mainly wants the Kelly, and he said he'll try
- He also asked if I wanted anything to drink, and (although I would usually say yes since that was what I was taught) I declined and said "I wouldn't want to give any inconvenience"
- He smiled and took off out of my sight
- While waiting, I chatted with two girls next to me about the bags around
- I noticed the girls' SA came back, and said there were none. They continued asking what they recommend for them
- My guy came back out after what felt like 5-10min, with a large box and a tiny box
- He went into a room for one second, then popped back out and signaled me to come over
- I went in, as the two girls were saying "Ohhh he's getting you one! Congrats!" In Cantonese
- Skeptical, I just said "We'll see" then walked in
- the room was pretty small, a nice couch along two walls with some empty displays in the counter. The whole room was beige, from the floor to the couch to the walls to the ceiling.
- He asked me to sit, and he closed the door
- He said "Sadly, I couldn't find a bag with the specs you mentioned, but I did find a Birkin that I think is similar in size and looks nice"
- He slowly unwrapped the box, pulling out a beige bag with a Tomato Red Birkin in it
- He placed it on the desk and talked about its specs, particularly mentioning that it's a 25 which is a similar size, and with gold hardware
- He said it was the only one they had that day, and began to show the bag to me
- I quickly contacted Cherry, whom was at another store
- In the meantime, I chatted with him and asked him about the bag and it's popularity. He began to explain about the craftsmanship, how long it takes to make one, and how many come in a day. Said about 3-5 if there was a delivery, but usually none each day.
- With some difficulties in communicating with Cherry, I kept saying "I know I can't hold it, so if you need to take it back and I'm using too much of your time, then that's fine"
- He kept reassuring me and stepped outside a few times, talking with his colleagues
- He also offered the charm, which I said yes to - After taking photos and discussing with Cherry about the bag, I decided to get it, and headed on to the counter.
- He mentioned the charm was bought by someone else (which I was kinda bummed because of the commission nonsense) (Long story short, SA doesn't make commission salary from just selling Kellys and Birkins due to their high demand, so I at least wanted to buy the charm so he gets some commission for being so helpful)
- At the counter, I gave my passport info and got registered with their services
- At the cashier, I have my passport and he mentioned that I'm from Santa Clara, home of the 9'ers. To which i smiled yes and said great team.
- nervous about my card, I kept telling him that if it gets declined, then I'll keep using other ones, to which he said "Just try it" and smiled
- Swiped, and it went through fine, surprisingly
- finished up the tax refund forms, and thanked both the cashier and the SA. He escorted me to the staircase, and I left the store
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2018 Update:
I scored another Hermes Kelly in June 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gFZ7xS40oaDhJxYoPleatVQ2i1qpx1n
The specs are: Kelly 35, black togo leather with gold hardware.
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