We all know that scoring a Hermès Birkin or Kelly on your first visit will be impossible. Of course you can try but be prepared to be politely but bluntly shut down by the Sales Associate (SA). If it was that simple I'm sure we wouldn't need to take a trip to Paris in the hope for our dream bag.
Hermès in Paris is unique, here you will find they offer an online lottery system to get a leather goods appointment. With their abundance of bags at the flagship storeFaubourg Saint-Honoré (FSH), you're likely to be offered something.
How does the system work?
The Paris Hermès lottery system works a day in advance. You have to visit their dedicated Hermès Faubourg website between 10:30 & 18:30 the day before you'd like an appointment.
Here you'll be able to click on the link and fill in your details (including your passport number).
In the evening between 20:00 - 22:00 you will receive a email letting you know whether you have secured an appointment or not. Don't get too disheartened it is not easy. Keep trying until you get one.
Purchase History:
A purchase history at Hermès is not essential but we think it definitely helps. Luck is a big factor in securing the perfect bag but now with the one world system, they want to see you love the brand. You will see people posting online that they scored a Cargo Birkin or a Picnic Kelly at their leather goods appointment ... these are clients who have a history of shopping in FSH, don't be fooled.
If you don't have a big purchase history or you can't afford to have one (that's normal), then take a trip the day before and buy a twilly or a couple of ties. This will show that you didn't just want a bag and then run.
If you do score an appointment once you've got the bag it's also a good idea to purchase something else. This builds a better relationship with the SA.
Location:
While this is not confirmed or verified, most people I know only score their appointments when they are in Paris. Of course I know people that have got appointments while not in Paris, but this is rarer. Hermès make you sign up for an appointment using your smartphone, which of course is so they can track your location.
I'd recommend trying before you go to Paris and they when you arrive keep trying. But in our opinion you are better off being in Paris.
FAQs
How to prepare for myappointment?
- Your Passport
You need to bring the passport that you signed up with for your appointment. They will check this when you arrive. If it's your friends then they will need to be the purchaser. Of course you can hijack the appointment but they will need to pay.
- Your Wishlist
They will ask for your Wishlist when your appointment starts. Have a think about what types of bags you would like, which leathers and which colours. The more options you give the more chance you have of being given something. Don't ask for a Picotin and a Kelly, as they're more likely to give you the Picotin. Wait until after they have searched for a Kelly and then as for a Picton if there was none.
- Your Outfit
I would highly suggest that you dress nicely for your appointment. Put in some extra effort, add some Hermès items if you own them. Sadly the Hostess will definitely judge your outfit and this could way on their decisions.
Is isguaranteedI get a Birkin or Kelly?
No matter your purchase history or strength of Hermès account, it is not guaranteed you will get a Birkin or Kelly. So I'd always say be excited but don't get your hopes up too much. It's really down to the SA at the time and whether the manager wants them to sell one to you.
I have been to an appointment one time and got a Kelly 25 Sellier and the next time I got offered only a Picotin.
Take your wish and make the effort to have a conversation with them and then wait and see.
Do I believe you can score a Birkin or Kelly with no purchase history?
Absolutely.
Why do they disappear for so long?
There is 2 reasons for this. The first is that they genuinely are looking for the perfect bag for you and sometimes this takes time to get from the vault. Often they need to get approval from the Leather Goods manager to offer a bag.
Secondly, they can't give you the bags on your Wishlist but they want to make you wait. They want to make you feel they tried their hardest.
They told me that they have no Birkins or Kellys available. Is that true?
100% this is not true. Like any Hermès store they always have Birkin/Kelly/Constance (BKC) available. Even the ones of display are available unless reserved. It is a matter of wanting to give them or having permission to sell them to you.
Personally I do not like that they say they don't have any but this isdecided by the store manager.
If you have an questions, please add them to the comments so that we can help you.
