Rolex X Hermès

[355F1]

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/21/busin...ust/index.html

Birkin handbags are some of the priciest, most exclusive bags in the world. Hermès produces a limited number of Birkins and they can sell for around $450,000. And just having the money often isn’t enough.

A new lawsuit brought by two customers in California who were unable to buy Birkin bags alleges Hermès is a monopoly, and they say the way the company sells Birkins is a violation of antitrust law.

The customers say they were told that before they would be allowed to purchase a Birkin bag, they first needed to purchase other Hermès items and accessories....

[hellofromthebay]

Almost?


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[GotRolex]

I was wondering if Rolex/AP/Patel get sued too.

https://abc7.com/hermes-lawsuit-clai...ders/14554149/


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[Bryan81]

I can see the sharks circling now…


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[4 Aussies]

Originally Posted by SLWoodster

When you say "has been good to me," what does that mean?

Could you describe your roadmap and spend to getting a birkin?

Given the opportunity to purchase what you want at MSRP. When an SA gives you the option to buy a bag or watch worth double MSRP at market value, I consider that a favor. Most have the attitude they are doing the AD a favor, when in reality the hot watches, bags, or cars have waiting lists years deep. Once your attitude is left at the door, good things begin to happen.

My Wife always loved Hermès bracelets and scarves and each time we were in the city she spent an average of around $2K and was thrilled to do so, with my green, LOL. She always inquired about a Birkin and was always told nothing was available. I would say after about 4-6 visits over a year or two, and still, Birkins were out of the question. When my wife was browsing I would always break into the SA and inquire about restaurants, the hottest joints to hit etc, etc, and I always took mental notes on his preferences. When we left the city the last day on that trip back in 2019, I popped in and gave my SA a Dean and Deluca gift card for $250.00 after he opened the envelope he told me to call him a week before my next trip back to the city and he will see what he can do. I followed his instructions and the experience was special. You are escorted into a private room, the SA walks in with this huge orange box, breaks the seal, and Bamm!! I think I was as excited as she was, four bags later, now we are waiting on her first Kelly. I still Kick out to my Rolex SA, which keeps me on top of the list. The more you give, I have found the more comes back to you. I guess it's better to be the one giving than the one in need, right? I Hope this roadmap works for you, it was a joy for us all the way around. Good luck to My Forum Brothers! Yes, a Happy Wife equals a Happy Life!!

[yoda888]

This is interesting as SAs aren't allowed to accept gifts. If they do, then it's something that much be shareable with the other SAs. So say a box of chocolates would work, but not something specifically for your SA.

Originally Posted by 4 Aussies

Given the opportunity to purchase what you want at MSRP. When an SA gives you the option to buy a bag or watch worth double MSRP at market value, I consider that a favor. Most have the attitude they are doing the AD a favor, when in reality the hot watches, bags, or cars have waiting lists years deep. Once your attitude is left at the door, good things begin to happen.

My Wife always loved Hermès bracelets and scarves and each time we were in the city she spent an average of around $2K and was thrilled to do so, with my green, LOL. She always inquired about a Birkin and was always told nothing was available. I would say after about 4-6 visits over a year or two, and still, Birkins were out of the question. When my wife was browsing I would always break into the SA and inquire about restaurants, the hottest joints to hit etc, etc, and I always took mental notes on his preferences. When we left the city the last day on that trip back in 2019, I popped in and gave my SA a Dean and Deluca gift card for $250.00 after he opened the envelope he told me to call him a week before my next trip back to the city and he will see what he can do. I followed his instructions and the experience was special. You are escorted into a private room, the SA walks in with this huge orange box, breaks the seal, and Bamm!! I think I was as excited as she was, four bags later, now we are waiting on her first Kelly. I still Kick out to my Rolex SA, which keeps me on top of the list. The more you give, I have found the more comes back to you. I guess it's better to be the one giving than the one in need, right? I Hope this roadmap works for you, it was a joy for us all the way around. Good luck to My Forum Brothers! Yes, a Happy Wife equals a Happy Life!!

[4 Aussies]

Originally Posted by yoda888

This is interesting as SAs aren't allowed to accept gifts. If they do, then it's something that much be shareable with the other SAs. So say a box of chocolates would work, but not something specifically for your SA.

A box of chocolates will keep you at the end of the line. Once you establish a relationship and spend history you are golden. Now years later I walk in with treats for all, but a box of chocolates is low rent.


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[Maleg]

Originally Posted by 4 Aussies

A box of chocolates will keep you at the end of the line. Once you establish a relationship and spend history you are golden. Now years later I walk in with treats for all, but a box of chocolates is low rent.


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So, you bribe your SA with expensive gifts for special access?

On the one hand, you have found a way to satisfy your brand addiction. On the other, it seems as your methods are corrupt.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by 355F1

The customers say they were told that before they would be allowed to purchase a Birkin bag, they first needed to purchase other Hermès items and accessories

Ahhh yes indeed.

As we know, it is the same type of customer purchase demands by Richemont for said customer to 'qualify' for an opportunity to purchase an A. Lange & Söhne Limited Edition watch.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by 355F1

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/21/busin...ust/index.html

Birkin handbags are some of the priciest, most exclusive bags in the world. Hermès produces a limited number of Birkins and they can sell for around $450,000. And just having the money often isn’t enough.

A new lawsuit brought by two customers in California who were unable to buy Birkin bags alleges Hermès is a monopoly, and they say the way the company sells Birkins is a violation of antitrust law.

The customers say they were told that before they would be allowed to purchase a Birkin bag, they first needed to purchase other Hermès items and accessories....

Talk about being a sucker and needing validation/low confidence. It takes a special kind of sheep to spend $450k on a handbag no matter how wealthy. The only rational explanation is they’re washing money with the lux items.

[Chiboy]

Instead of trading in my old 911, I gifted it to my Porsche salesman. Just because we always have nice chats about cars! Next thing I know, I'm ordering a GT3RS!

[904VT]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

Instead of trading in my old 911, I gifted it to my Porsche salesman. Just because we always have nice chats about cars! Next thing I know, I'm ordering a GT3RS!

[BLACKHORSE 6]

This thread has been an interesting read. The main thing I took away is that the power of branding is a very real force in the market. Hermes has built up their brand over decades and is now capitalizing on it, as any other company would.

One interesting thing is that Hermes is driving the prepurchase concept to get to the most desirable product themselves, whereas Rolex is not. A lot of people are frustrated with Rolex, but its the independent ADs that are capitalizing on (some would say taking advantage of) the Rolex brand.

[msdaytona]

Interesting...

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...t/73042967007/

[Tylerlsu2008]

This is ridiculous how butt hurt people get over luxury goods

[EzraPound]

Originally Posted by LV Explorer

Entitled spoiled brats. Plus, this is a forum to discuss Rolex watches, not Hermes or other useless luxury brands. The same could be said about the narcissists here, but at least our Rolex watches serve a functional purpose.

To be fair a Hermes purse ostensibly serves a functional purpose: to hold stuff, albeit in an expensive manner just like a Rolex tells the time in an expensive manner; both purposes can be served for pennies on the Hermes-Rolex dollar.

[Calatrava r]

Thanks for the link. It will be interesting to see how it turns out. It seems that rewarding loyal customers is important to dealers to maintain their regulars.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Thanks for the link. It will be interesting to see how it turns out. It seems that rewarding loyal customers is important to dealers to maintain their regulars.

Indeed

[Kingcobb]

I can see the corollary with Rolex sales practices....


I also think the suit should get thrown out on its rear....there is nothing anticompetitive about this.

Of course even though I am an android user, I see nothing monopolistic about Apples practices either.

[TeddyBallGame]

I’m no lawyer… but I would think the only way this lawsuit would possibly have any merit would be if the customer was told if you buy $xxxx of other products, you would get allocated a Birkin and Hermes didn’t follow through on this “contract”. I use the word contract loosely because we all know Hermes would never put any promise in writing but you never know what a sales associate might have written via text that might be viewed as a written agreement for terms on getting a Birkin.

I guess they’re following the lead by the guy who sued a Patek AD last year for failing to allocated him a Nautilus after spending over $200k in other jewelry and Patek watches.

[garyk]

A lot of people do not get the luxury Rolex thing but I will never understand the luxury bag thing at all. My wife likes small purses but steers away from brand names.

[~JJ]

Originally Posted by Maleg

So, you bribe your SA with expensive gifts for special access?

On the one hand, you have found a way to satisfy your brand addiction. On the other, it seems as your methods are corrupt.

At least he’s being honest. There’s been several threads over recent years where people chat about ‘gifts’ for their AD. Can’t name another product that cost several thousand where the buyer (not seller) provides a couple hundred dollar gift vs a few thank you note. It’s happening a lot.

[4 Aussies]

Originally Posted by Maleg

So, you bribe your SA with expensive gifts for special access?

On the one hand, you have found a way to satisfy your brand addiction. On the other, it seems as your methods are corrupt.

Ouch!!

G, cool name.

Expensive gifts? $250.00 perhaps you should seek out a side hustle, you are on a luxury watch forum.

Satisfy my brand addiction? May I suggest you reread my post, you sir lack the skills to absorb what you read, my purchase was for My Wife.

My methods are corrupt? Why are you trying to hurt me? No action of dishonesty on my part, my SA had the option of returning the gift card, on the contrary, he was thrilled, as he is the agent on behalf of the dealer. Ultimately it laid down the path to a purchase for my wife, I call that a win.

Next purchase I will consult with you first G, I need your high morals and integrity guiding my life!!

[4 Aussies]

Originally Posted by garyk

A lot of people do not get the luxury Rolex thing but I will never understand the luxury bag thing at all. My wife likes small purses but steers away from brand names.

Consider yourself lucky Gary, more coin for another Daytona!!!

[Andad]

Originally Posted by LV Explorer

Entitled spoiled brats. Plus, this is a forum to discuss Rolex watches, not Hermes or other useless luxury brands. The same could be said about the narcissists here, but at least our Rolex watches serve a functional purpose.

Slippery slope.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by 4 Aussies

Ouch!!

G, cool name.

Expensive gifts? $250.00 perhaps you should seek out a side hustle, you are on a luxury watch forum.

Satisfy my brand addiction? May I suggest you reread my post, you sir lack the skills to absorb what you read, my purchase was for My Wife.

My methods are corrupt? Why are you trying to hurt me? No action of dishonesty on my part, my SA had the option of returning the gift card, on the contrary, he was thrilled, as he is the agent on behalf of the dealer. Ultimately it laid down the path to a purchase for my wife, I call that a win.

Next purchase I will consult with you first G, I need your high morals and integrity guiding my life!!

If my post didn’t hit home you would not have replied. Clearly, you need public affirmation to maintain your self esteem. You won’t get it from me, but perhaps others will tell you how brilliant you are.

[austinp]

Originally Posted by 4 Aussies

Given the opportunity to purchase what you want at MSRP. When an SA gives you the option to buy a bag or watch worth double MSRP at market value, I consider that a favor. Most have the attitude they are doing the AD a favor, when in reality the hot watches, bags, or cars have waiting lists years deep. Once your attitude is left at the door, good things begin to happen.

My Wife always loved Hermès bracelets and scarves and each time we were in the city she spent an average of around $2K and was thrilled to do so, with my green, LOL. She always inquired about a Birkin and was always told nothing was available. I would say after about 4-6 visits over a year or two, and still, Birkins were out of the question. When my wife was browsing I would always break into the SA and inquire about restaurants, the hottest joints to hit etc, etc, and I always took mental notes on his preferences. When we left the city the last day on that trip back in 2019, I popped in and gave my SA a Dean and Deluca gift card for $250.00 after he opened the envelope he told me to call him a week before my next trip back to the city and he will see what he can do. I followed his instructions and the experience was special. You are escorted into a private room, the SA walks in with this huge orange box, breaks the seal, and Bamm!! I think I was as excited as she was, four bags later, now we are waiting on her first Kelly. I still Kick out to my Rolex SA, which keeps me on top of the list. The more you give, I have found the more comes back to you. I guess it's better to be the one giving than the one in need, right? I Hope this roadmap works for you, it was a joy for us all the way around. Good luck to My Forum Brothers! Yes, a Happy Wife equals a Happy Life!!

Well done! Brilliant!


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[Baldkingpin]

Below is a cut/pasted blurb about the new lawsuit against Hermes/Birkin. Birkin bags cost as much as Rolexes and the allegations describe a retail landscape that strikes me as eerily similar to what customers experience at Rolex AD's (must buy lesser pieces to get desirable sports models, must create a sufficient "purchase history" to be given the opportunity to buy that Daytona, etc.). Please read and share your thoughts.


THE CUT/PASTED SUMMARY OF THE LAWSUIT
The allegations claim Birkin handbags — the leather-crafted status symbols celebrated in song lyrics and priced at tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars — are being used by their manufacturer to coerce customers into buying other products first, in violation of laws against the abuse of monopoly power.

The companies, New York-based Hermès International and Hermès of Paris, are carrying out “a scheme to exploit this market power by requiring consumers to purchase other, ancillary products from (them) before they will be given an opportunity to purchase a Birkin handbag,” lawyers for two local customers said in a suit filed Tuesday in federal court in San Francisco.

According to the suit, Hermès does not publicly display Birkin bags at its stores, and instead tells its sales clerks to allow only “selected customers” to view them — those who have “established a sufficient ‘purchase history’ ” by buying other, specified products from the company.

One plaintiff in the proposed class-action suit said she had already spent tens of thousands of dollars at the store, buying a Birkin handbag and related products, and tried to purchase another Birkin bag in September 2022 but was told they were available only to “clients who have been consistent in supporting our business.”

The second plaintiff said he attempted repeatedly to buy a Birkin handbag last year, was told he needed to purchase other products first and finally gave up.

The suit contended the practices violate the federal Sherman Act, and similar laws in California, that prohibit a business from engaging in “anticompetitive conduct with the design, purpose, and effect of unlawfully maintaining its market and/or monopoly power.”

[4 Aussies]

Originally Posted by Maleg

So, you bribe your SA with expensive gifts for special access? On the one hand, you have found a way to satisfy your brand addiction. On the other, it seems as your methods are corrupt.

Originally Posted by Maleg

If my post didn’t hit home you would not have replied. Clearly, you need public affirmation to maintain your self esteem. You won’t get it from me, but perhaps others will tell you how brilliant you are.

Hello G, love that name! Please don’t feel special, I respond to all my quoted posts. As I previously mentioned, unfortunately, you lack reading and comprehension skills. I was asked on post #3 to describe my roadmap to acquiring a bag, why does it burn you up seeing someone spending money, when you're on a luxury watch forum? Conceivably you're out of your league here, I’m suggesting Timex or Invicta, most likely a better fit and I think you would be more comfortable. Your personal attacks and envy are unbecoming on this forum. Wallow in your misery, glad I’m not you. I don't think you'll be on this forum long, just saying.

[Watchman001]

Originally Posted by 4 Aussies

Hello G, love that name! Please don’t feel special, I respond to all my quoted posts. As I previously mentioned, unfortunately, you lack reading and comprehension skills. I was asked on post #3 to describe my roadmap to acquiring a bag, why does it burn you up seeing someone spending money, when you're on a luxury watch forum? Conceivably you're out of your league here, I’m suggesting Timex or Invicta, most likely a better fit and I think you would be more comfortable. Your personal attacks and envy are unbecoming on this forum. Wallow in your misery, glad I’m not you. I don't think you'll be on this forum long, just saying.

Stay classy…