Does Hermès in Paris Reserve Quota Bags Only for VIP's?

Dear PurseBop:

Sept 2025…We just got back from a girls trip to Paris. I got a leather appointment for the last day of our trip at FSH Hermes. We were four in the group and I gave the appointment to my niece. She asked for a mini Kelly, or Kelly 25 or Birken 25 and the SA said she didn’t have any quota bags at all…We asked for a constance in a pastel color and were offered a mini Constance in blue jean which was beautiful. The SA said she could give us another bag if we wanted ( but not another Constance) so she brought out some mini Evelynes so I got a blue nuit mini Evelyne. We saw many others who were waiting for leather appointments around us who were offered only non quota bags. Do they only reserve quota bags for vip’s?

Dear Lucky in Paris:

Congratulations on your scores in Paris! Although you do not indicate, we assume your leather appointment was secured through the lottery online system.

We are aware the Hermès boutiques in Paris, including FSH, have been offering fewer and fewer quota bags during both Lottery and Walk-in leather appointments. It is particularly rare lately to be offered a quota bag during a walk-in leather appointment. And it is becoming more and more rare to be offered a quota bag even during a lottery appointment.

At Hermès the process for being offered a quota bag is never fully transparent. Based on our community information, our own experiences and observations, many factors influence whether a quota bag is offered.

Time of day (earlier may have more options)
Time of year (fashions weeks, holidays, late summer may be more challenging)
Stock availability
SA quota allocation
Manager approval
Purchase history
profile notes made by past SA’s noting you are polite, respectful and patient
Consistency of visits to Paris
Flexibility with wishlist request (color, size, leather, hardware flexibility helps)
Friendly and approachable demeanor at the appointment
Sheer luck and timing

Even with perfect spend, a good attitude, flexibility and timing, it still comes down to sheer luck. Paris boutiques manage a large amount of international clients and allocations are carefully rationed.

The strongest influences which may help are Paris purchase history, a balanced engagement across métiers, a realistic but flexible wishlist, and positive engagement with the SA. It also appears that randomness, timing, and luck play a role as well.

Good luck and happy shopping.

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