Finds with Vi

Birkin…!! No pre-spend!

The other day, I stopped by one of the Hermès stores located in Tokyo, Japan to do what the Japanese call “elpato” or “erpatrol”. This basically means browsing to check if there are good items in stock—usually bags, leather products, or other high-demand items.

I asked the SA whether any bags were available, and she mentioned some that were up for sale, particularly the Garden Party Canvas (Size 39) and suitcases, which I believe cost more than USD 10,000. So, I decided to pass on those. The Garden Party isn’t really my style, and I’m not interested in buying such expensive luggage, which is quite a hassle to take care of while traveling.

Soon after, a lady (looked like a tourist) came in after me and asked the SA if any bags were in stock and whether it was possible to make a leather appointment. The SA kindly explained to her that they don’t have a leather appointment system but that anyone can ask, and if something is available, they’ll bring it out—basically, it’s luck of the draw. I think you need to be very lucky in Japan to find a popular bag. In my three years here, I’ve never found any of the bags on my wish list just by walking into the store like that.

As I wandered to the shoes section, the lady was still standing next to the SA, looking at some other items. While I was walking back toward the SA, suddenly out of nowhere, I heard the SA tell the lady, “Actually, we have a Birkin ostrich black size 25 in stock, would you like to take a look?” My heart jumped! Omg, the first time ever I’ve heard of a Birkin being sold so openly right in front of me!

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The SA explained that one other group had already looked at it, and if she wanted to see it, she’d have to take a number. The lady took the second number. As soon as I overheard this, I asked the SA if I could also take a number, and she confirmed they had the bag. I immediately said yes! I have been dying to get a Birkin 25 in black, and ostrich leather was not too far outside my budget. My only worry was whether my credit card would work, as I’d been using it recently and might not have enough limit. Plus, my husband wasn’t with me, which limited my options.

While I was waiting for the SA to give me a number, a different lady—who seemed like a regular customer since she was already chatting quite comfortably with another SA—tried to cut in. Shockingly, the SA almost gave her a number before me! That was crazy, especially since I asked first! Luckily, the other lady declined, or I would have definitely complained. I thought it was first come, first served. In that case, shouldn’t all customers be treated equally? It felt like the SA was giving special treatment to a regular customer. I wonder if it was because I wasn’t exactly dressed up at the time… sad.

Anyway, the first group passed, and the second lady who had asked about the bag after me made bought it. I was so sad, as it was clearly right in front of my eyes! But I’ll try again next time and hopefully, luck will be on my side.

For those familiar with shopping at Hermès, the “game” in Japan is definitely more difficult, partly due to the language barrier, which makes building a genuine connection or chemistry with your SA more challenging. I’ll share my experiences in more detail in another blog.

Anyway, thank you for reading my first blog!!!

Vi