Scoring an Hermès Quota bag in Paris! My Hermès Dream come true.

It all started with a dream. How else did you expect this story to begin? 😀 This is how I scored my first Hermes quota bag in Paris.

As a fashion girlie, who doesn’t know Hermès? From Gossip Girl to Sex and the City, you’ve probably encountered the brand one way or another. But it wasn’t until April 2024 that I really became intrigued after seeing someone on Instagram share tips on how to score your first Hermes quota bag without any “pre-spend.” My friends (and a select few others) know me as the frugal, thrifty one “Miss Economical” who wants and gets the most value out of her hard-earned money so I really was not keen on playing the “Hermes game” back then.

From that moment, I watched countless videos on how to get a leather appointment in Paris and how to secure Hermes quota bags from different countries. I have also discovered a thread in Reddit and The Purse Forum that gave away some tips and clients sharing their own experiences which were all entertaining and inspiring for me. From all the success stories I have seen and read, I just saw myself as the one walking into the store, politely asking for an appointment, getting rejected the first time until getting an appointment eventually and walking out the store with the signature orange covered with a white bag and a happy heart! I saw it all in my own imagination and started envisioning it.

Originally, I considered trying in London where I live. But something told me to wait. I already had plans to be in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, so… why not aim somewhere I could get some taxes refunded? 🙂

August 9, 2024 – Welcome to Paris!

I was in the Eurostar train and when the moment my cellular provider texted, “Welcome to Paris,” I registered online for an Hermes Paris leather appointment. (Not exactly recommended, they say you should be on French Wi-Fi to register.) But somehow it went through.

I arrived in Paris, buzzing for my first Olympics experience and soaking up my visit to the city as a sports fan. No appointment confirmation came through. I tried again the next day, this time on my hotel Wi-Fi, and even asked a friend I was with to try for me. Still, nothing.

August 12, 2024 – The Turning Point

All the Olympics festivities have concluded and I was determined to face my introvert and luxury store fears, I headed to Hermès Faubourg Saint-Honoré (FSH) around noon. Although, it was my first time in the store, I knew where to go. Straight to the leather appointment desk with no hesitation. I explained I’d been applying online for days with no luck, and politely asked if there were any cancellations.

The SA (thankfully polite, unlike some horror stories I’ve read online) told me there weren’t any yet, but to check back in an hour. It gave me hope so I went window shopping and randomly bumped into a doctor I’d worked with back in the Philippines. What were the odds? The doctor I easily worked and got along well with is in Paris! We chatted briefly, took a quick photo, and both returned to the desk only to be told to try again later.

So I decided to check the Rue de Sèvres store, the second of the three Paris locations. Bigger, quieter, more organised. I went straight to the Hermes leather appointment desk, gave my details, and it felt like a miracle that they could squeeze me in! My heart rate was racing and started overthinking yet very hopeful. The SA arrived and asked what I was looking for. I gave her my preferences and she offered something to drink and I requested for something refreshing as it was vey hot back then. 

She came back with two Birkins to check my size preference, but… no luck matching my ideal specs. I took it well, but deep down, I was disappointed. I did, however, score a Kelly 18 belt in Etoupe. It was a rare find at the time so I still left with a smile on my face but also there’s a voice inside me “Go back to FSH. One last try”

The Final Attempt

It was 4 p.m. I asked about cancellations one more time. This time, the SA said if I was willing to wait for a 515pm appointment! I did not think twice and immediately said yes even if my train to London was departing in few hours! I would not want to miss the chance! I told her I would definitely be back at 515pm.

I killed time in a café, adrenaline buzzing. I’d never chase a man this hard, but oh my gosh I never thought I could do for Hermes! ;D

At 5:00 p.m. I returned. The same SA was there (bless her patience). Few minutes later, a good-looking SA arrived (I took it as a sign!) and exchanged a few chats while he was taking me upstairs where the magic happens. It’s so funny that we clicked and was able to prolong the convo as he was from a French city I have visited in the past and I told him that I was visiting Paris for the Olympics and just took my chances to maybe have my Hermes dreams come true as I have already fulfilled my Dior and Chanel wishes and was really hoping that finally it’s time as I’ve heard that Hermes is opening its doors to regular clients in a really hopeful tone. Then he asked what exactly was I looking for and these were exactly what I’ve said

“ I’d really love a birkin or a Kelly in neutral colours. I love Noir or Gold but those might be too ambitious so I don’t mind an Etoupe or any colour that will match any outfit. With regard to the leather, I don’t mind an epsom or togo or anything that is not too delicate for scratches. I’m particular with the hardware as I want it gold and I prefer a bigger size so if it’s a Birkin Prefer 30 or 35 and in Kelly, 28 or 32.” Then he asked me if I want sellier or retourne and I responded that I prefer retourne for a Birkin and sellier for a Kelly. He then asked if I was open to any other bags and I politely said that I really just love to have a Birkin or a Kelly for now. Then he left and mentioned he would see what he can do. 

The Reveal

20 minutes later, he came back empty handed! with no boxes in hand but he whispered to come follow him as he has something he thought I might like. At this point I didn’t know what to feel, I just wanted to scream but of course I had to compose myself. I was brought into a private room and never had I imagined myself into this moment as the videos I have previously watched didn’t include this so I never had the vision of myself in this very situation! I then asked if I could capture this moment and he approved. He slowly unboxed and mentioned since I got a belt in the same colour, he offered me a Kelly Sellier size 32 in Etoupe with Gold hardware. 

He said this is the magic here in FSH. Without thinking, I blurted, “You’re not just handsome, you’re an angel. Heaven-sent!” We both laughed. I politely apologised that I seemed to be rushing just because it was already half-6 and train to London departs at 8pm. I asked for a magazine and he even gave me some freebies! Left the store with a happy heart, fulfilled dream and my own version of an Olympic Gold!

For what it’s worth

Every client has different experiences, from getting an Hermes leather appointment to scoring an Hermes quota bag, others may have the worst but I chose to focus on the successful ones so if you’re looking to get anything from Hermes Paris, whether you’re a regular or just recently started with the journey like me, just try and go to the store yourself, you’ll never know your dream Hermes piece might just be there waiting for you! “All you need is a Dream and an Encounter…”

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