Example of rich Hermes customerIt's all a scam:
In his book, Tonello, 49, an Osterville native, reveals how he cracked the code for jumping the waiting list to purchase Birkins whenever he pleased. Naturally, this code has something to do with large amounts of cash. When Tonello first attempted to purchase a Birkin at Hermès, he was told that the store had none available. But when he later visited a store and spent thousands on Hermès merchandise such as scarves and jewelry, he found that stores would suddenly have the coveted Birkins in stock.
. . .
A spokeswoman for Hermès said there is no system or trick for purchasing a Birkin. She said it's simply a matter of forming a relationship with the store and working with an associate to track down one of the bags when they become available. Because the bags are handmade, she said there are limited numbers available. A single Birkin - depending on the material - can take up to a week to complete.
"There was a waiting list at one time," says Bernice Kwok-Gabel. "But we realized the whole concept of a waiting list may be off-putting for some customers."
(thanks, sewing divas)
9 comments:
From what I'm understanding from the ladies at The Purse Forum, anyone can now (with exquisite luck and timing, not to mention money) walk into an Hermès boutique and walk out with a birkin. But you get whatever (leather, color, hardware) might be available at that particular time. Now it's the special orders that require relationships with Sales Associates.
in Hong Kong, you can get a big variety of Hermes birkins/kelly's. There are stores who did the lining-up for you, and get the colours/hardware you want and it's going to be cheaper than you lining up yourself.
It's not what you wear it's the way that you wear it! That's what get results.
The NYC Hermès shop usually has 3 or 4 Birkins in stock at any given time. They're usually the super expensive ones (the $10,000 ones) or in unusual colors. I imagine its similar for the other Hermès shops.
From what I read, while there are Birkins available, it takes a bit more effort than just walking in and forming a relationship. It also does take some cash. What he said he did was go in the store carrying an Hermes portfolio, and then he would buy a bunch of scarves and accessories (to make it look like he was a continual Hermes customer) then he would ask for the Birkin. At $300 a pop for just a scarf, I'm sure I would not call this a cheap or easy way to get a Birkin - but I guess if you are spending even $5,000+ that would make it "cheap". But if you can spend all that, I'm sure you could get access anyway.
Luv
Poochie
Could I ask one question - if you had that sort of money to throw around, why would you want to buy something as unimaginary as an Hermes bag?
Coco Chanel used to say that if you wear real diamonds you might as well wear a cheque around your neck.
I´m a bit surprised of the eagerness of everyone wanting a Birkin. This is phenomenal in US. But the bag is so clumsy,you have to carry it open ´cause the lock system is clumsy. Sure, I´m well aware that if you are a wealthy customer,there always are means to get your Birkin in any imaginable leather or color.Actually the version Posh is carrying is not bad at all and suits her top nicely.
I think Tonello is giving himself too much credit for cracking the Birkin code. The Bag Snob blog clearly shows that sales staff privilege frequent customers with whom they have good relationships.
This is not a new phenomenon. In the 1970s my mother used to go to Paris twice a year to look at garments put aside for her by 'her' sales staff at Celine and Georges Rech. She would take small gifts of chocolates and spend the afternoon there choosing her outfits. She had one particular lady with whom she built up a close relationship. This lady knew the style of clothing my mother liked and was able to put aside items ready for her next visit.
Sales staff were viewed as professionals and experts in their field in those days and the whole special relationship was taken very seriously. My mother chose carefully and was not extravagant. She was by no means the wealthiest of their customers, but was very much respected for her loyalty.
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