What Items Should I Buy To Build A Profile at My Hermès Boutique?

Dear PurseBop:

I have decided to start my Hermès journey. I want to learn about the brand, experience the different products they produce, shop when I can possibly once a month or every other month, and place a wishlist for a Birkin or a Kelly. What do you recommend I buy to accomplish my goals?

Dear New Hermès Shopper:

Starting your Hermès journey with patience and intention will make it much more enjoyable and successful than rushing into purchases just for “spend.” The strongest Hermès clients are those who use and enjoy the products across categories, not just handbags. Here are our suggestions.

Popular Starter Items for Daily Life: Start with these items to show your SA you’re exploring Hermès products that you will use and wear:

Scarves (90cm, 70cm, Twilly) Iconic entry point, and easy to build a collection over time with a reasonable price point ($200-$800)
Bracelets/Jewelry: Clic H, Clic Clac, enamel bangles, leather bracelets. Easy to wear daily and great for gifts. (many items $1,000 or less)
Belts: A popular adjustable Kelly belt, a reversible Constance belt kit (H buckle) or a more understated buckle (like the Collier de Chien belt). These are classic Hermès symbols. ($1,000-$1500)

Non-Quota Bags: Pick one or two you truly love. They help you experience Hermès leathers and colors while you wait for a quota bag offer. Be aware that accepting a non-quota bag may delay the offer of a quota bag depending on your SA and your boutique location. This is more common in busier, highly competitive stores in larger cities where it can be a year or more wait for a quota bag offer.

Picotin 18: A great first bag, good for everyday while still being an understated tote.
Evelyne TPM (Mini Evelyne): Casual crossbody, soft Clemence leather, very wearable, and the lowest priced non-quota bag.
Mini Lindy: Playful, collectible, and versatile. Comes in a variety of colors in either Swift or Clemence leather. Very popular and may be a bit harder to get but worth a try.
Herbag Mini, 31 or 39: Excellent for travel and casual days. Some call it a starter Kelly bag. Many colors and patterns to choose.

Products for Your Home and Lifestyle: Hermès SA’s love to educate clients about their home products that may be overlooked. Choose 1–2 from these categories:

Homeware: Avalon pillows and blanket, tableware, glassware, trays, or decorative objects (great for your home and/or gifts).
Ready-to-Wear: A silk blouse, cashmere sweater, a signature bomber or long coat, or even a bathing suit.
Shoes: Oran sandals (iconic and very popular), Oasis sandals with a small heel, loafers, sneakers, classic riding boots, and fashionable heels.
Fine Jewelry and Watches: Explore the jewelry and watches including the Apple Watch with an assortment of bands.
Small Leather Goods: Calvi cardholder, Bastia coin purse, or a Kelly-to-Go wallet. These are excellent introductions to Hermès leathers.

Building A Solid Relationship with Your SA: This is a key component on your path to being offered a quota bag. Always be polite and respectful of your SA’s time by making an appointment in advance. Your SA will guide you through your purchases, give you valuable advice, honest opinions, and will become a trusted and valuable friend in the end.

Shop thoughtfully: Buy only pieces you’ll use and love. SA’s notice when clients make purchases that feel authentic rather than forced. Wear your purchases when you return to shop with your SA. They love to see how you style the items they sell.
Explore craftsmanship: Ask about leathers, colors, and how things are made. Showing genuine curiosity about the brand sets you apart from other customers who only want a quota bag.
Wishlist timing: Usually after a few months of building trust, you can politely ask to place a wishlist for a Birkin/Kelly. This is when your profile feels “rounded out” with scarves, ready to wear, fashion or fine jewelry, home, and at least one non-quota bag.

Sample Initial Purchases to Build a Profile Over Several Months: Purchases in different métiers (departments) of the store show your commitment to the brand and growing love for their products.

Leather Calvi
Kelly Belt
90cm Scarf
Oasis Sandals or Jet Sneakers
Click H Bracelet
Avalon Blanket and Matching Pillow
Picotin 18

Ask Your SA to Place a Wishlist: You have consistently shopped for several months, built a trusted relationship with your SA showing them respect by making an appointment in advance and making one or more purchases on each visit. This proves you are a valued customer who truly enjoys the brand and hopes to continue to explore for the long term.

Creating a Focused Yet Diverse First Wishlist: Give your SA your definite preferences such as size or hardware color if you have one. If not, give 2 choices. For instance, if you only want a Birkin 25 as your first bag, be sure to be very specific. However, if you are open to other sizes and different color leathers and hardware, let them know that as well. The more restrictive your wishlist the harder it may be to fulfill. Just be open and honest with your SA so they know what you want, if you know. If not, let them choose for you. They are very good at surprising their clients with a bag the client did not know they would love.

Sample Wishlist

Birkin 25 or 30
Black, Gold, or Etoupe
Gold or Palladium hardware
Kelly 25 or 28 Retourne
Pastel color in green or pink, off white such as Craie or Nata, or gray such as Gris Misty.
Gold or Palladium hardware

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