Why Did I Get Offered A Hermès Special Order That I Did Not Create?

Question:

I got offered someone else’s SO bag, does that mean the owner rejected the bag?

Dear Lucky Client:

If a client is offered a Special Order (SO) in store from their SA that they did not create themselves, it could be the result of several different scenarios.

If your SA told you it was a SO created by another client, it is possible the client rejected the bag because they were unable to purchase it for financial or personal reasons. Remember, a SO can take anywhere from 6 months to two years to be delivered. Many life events can occur during that period of time that could affect a client’s ability to accept the SO.

Alternatively, Paris could have changed something on the order and the client rejected the bag for that reason. There are many reasons Paris can change the specifications requested. Leather availability, color choices, etc. The client is not obligated to accept the bag they created whether changes were made or not.

Finally, each boutique may have the opportunity to create one or more Special Order bags to offer to a client in store. It will have the horseshoe stamp. The store manager or director usually decides which client to offer the SO bag.

It is best to ask your SA the details about the bag you were offered. If you love it, congratulations! It is not often that a client has the opportunity to create or receive a special order bag from the boutique.