Chanel is turning into an Hermès situation. The delicate dance of befriending a sales associate and meeting requirements to obtain a bag is a bizarre concept.

@Happy-B-W

2 жыл бұрын

But the quality is not the same.

@ajafischer5919

2 жыл бұрын

Regardless of quality, if you’re willing to spend a minimum $10k on a bag you shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get it. I understand the exclusivity factor but still…

@RealRichardTalbot

2 жыл бұрын

The best thing of all is: store/corporate policy does NOT overwrite the law! According to the law they are merchants and the bags are goods... imagine any other merchant refuse to sell you something based on your looks, monetary situation whatever. That's a winning lawsuit right there! :D Can't wait for someone doing it...

@jordanvli

2 жыл бұрын

Except Chanel is no Hermes, the quality is terrible.

I once went into a chanel store in melbourne, asked the SA if they have a mini flap in store. She was so curt and borderline snobbish, told me nothing is available in store and walked away. I then continued to walk around the store and found a mini flap on the second floor. When she saw me holding the bag a few mins later she said, "Oh you found it." Thanks Bella at Chanel Melbourne CBD for single handedly ruining my chanel moment

One of the many reasons I like LV over Chanel. I can just order online with LV and no order history. Send me notifications when products are back in stock. Nothing worst than a retailer feeling the customer owes them something. They’re not worthy of my money.

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I love being able to order online!! Xx

@christinar8419

2 жыл бұрын

And if it's not on the website you can call their customer service and ask them to find it in a store. They do this with no purchase history. LOVE Louis Vuitton.

@lisamaclean8684

2 жыл бұрын

you can order online or by calling customer service!! they looked all over for me

@danndeelion

2 жыл бұрын

LV Prices are getting just as crazy as Chanel these days.

@Vjestica7

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. All these games that some designers are playing to make it harder to buy something are really annoying me. If I like a bag I want to be able to go to store and buy it, if it is out of stock to wait few weeks for it is also ok. But purchase histories, building relationship with SA just to be able to get one bag, no way. My time is precious and I work hard for my money and if store wants to take it great but if they want to play games I will either go pre-loved or buy the bag from another designer.

Chanel is trying to be Hermes. Both stores require too much effort in my opinion. I work enough that shopping should be a pleasant experience, not a difficult mind game.

@karinapalasi5426

2 жыл бұрын

I agree

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

I know what you mean!xx

@chocky88

2 жыл бұрын

Or sucking up to buy something from them!?!?! Lol

@etherealtb6021

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I fell in love with Kelly bags on 5th Avenue in the 90's, when they were out on display to be easily bought and were reasonably enough priced that an average person like myself could save up a few years to buy one. But screw them. If you don't want my money, I can spend it elsewhere!

@meggen385

2 жыл бұрын

@@chocky88 Exactly, if any sucking up is required, should be the other way around. Shouldn't support any brand that allows this kind of retail culture. After all is just a bag. We have many other places to happily spend our hard earned money.

I recently went to Chanel to buy the classic wallet since my previous wallet needs replacing. They wouldn’t sell me the classic wallet and told me to get on a six months waiting list. Bought a gorgeous Prada wallet on the same day and I don’t feel the desire to buy anything from Chanel again. In reality, people around you don’t care what you wear. You buy luxury goods for yourself. So what’s the point accummulating products you don’t want for an unguaranteed promise that one day you can buy the classic bag you’ve always wanted? Doesn’t make sense in today’s marketing trend where sustainability and inclusivity is in.

Pre-loved all the way!!! Vintage Chanel is where it’s at. Better price, better materials, and- from what I understand- better quality,

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I do love preloved! Hugs xx

@annnon1509

2 жыл бұрын

2008 was the last year before they sold out

@gwynethjones578

2 жыл бұрын

I have a deep love for the Cambon Linge series 2004 which was sadly discontinued. Pre-Loved pieces from that line is what I hunt for! Vintage Chanel is SO desirable!

@lexig.1128

Жыл бұрын

I have to get over my mentality of not purchasing or using anything that was used by someone else before I buy pre-loved...

2x tips that I use | For clothes shopping in general. (1) Time of day. I find if u visit a store about 30 mins after it's opened, the SA's are generally more good natured. They've had a chance 2 have a ☕️/ 🚬 ...& now looking 2 make their 1st sale of the day. Logically...there's also more physical stock @ the start of the day. Than later on in it. (2) Day of the week | Unless u've no other option, NEVER shop on a Saturday. I find ur thought 2 b a 'carpet beater'*. (More so if u've no purchase history with the Store.) It's harder 2 stand out from the "just out browsing b/c it's a Saturday" crowd. So I always go during the week. (I find Tuesdays particularly good.) Perhaps b/c any Monday 'madness' is outta the way....🤔🤷🏼‍♂️ * 😅 In-case ur wondering...A 'carpet beater' is retail slang an individual who traipses from Luxury Store 2 Luxury Store but not positioned 2 buy anything.

I used to work in luxury sales. I think, sending a little reminder every now and again to the sales associate is a good idea. A lot of people who ask to be added to a contact list for only one thing, are unlikely to buy when you get the item in. Either they changed their mind, or they just don't want to spend the money on it anymore (understandable when we're talking about years of price increases and new bags coming out). A small reminder shows, you're still interested in purchasing.

I am personally a little tired of the “exclusive very elusive” narrative some brands are using as their marketing- it’s a game I’m not willing to play. I believe Chanel and Hermes has customers who do not go on lists and are not pawing for the latest and greatest from these two and those customers are probably their bread and butter, in my opinion , that people like me are pestering entertainment which is why they can careless about my opinions regarding price increases or being offered anything- if i am complaining about the price then my guess is they feel I am not their targeted customer. They are just trying to be “nice” and not saw it out loud. 😂. This is just my humble opinion. I’m ok with it too. I do love preloved Chanel quilted flap bags though.

I do remember it was so easy to get a classic flap before! But I do always have a chat everytime I enter the boutique and especially when it's not busy, I still get offered classic flaps, not so much the rare ones like the heart bag or the new cc sandals that are trending. I do hope that Chanel doesn't become too exclusive like Hermes because it's so much nicer to walk in and actually have a customer service than "play the games". Great video Sophie! Xx

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Hello my friend!! I know what you mean, go back a few years and you could pretty much always access one, now not so much! I hope you have a great week xxx☺️☺️❤️❤️💐💐

Theyre just copying the Hermes business model. It's the sole reason I don't own anything from Hermes, and I have officially stopped with Chanel, my favorite brand. I will not be treated like I have to beg to spend my money, and truthfully, I think anyone who gives in to the game to be horribly insecure.

Great video again dear Sophie ❤️ I have another shopping tip. I love Hermès. Especially the Birkin. That’s basically the only bags I buy these days. But they are so hard to get. I tried for years to get my hands on a Barenia Birkin. It’s one of their heritage leathers. After 1 year of waiting I sent my husband to ask for the bag. He pretended he wanted buy the bag for me as an anniversary present. And guess what… they said yes and two weeks later he got a call to pick up the bag. Two weeks!!! That’s insanely fast. So, send your husband to buy the bags for you 😂 That’s my tip.

I made an appointment at the Burberry stand in Harrods and met the nicest SA. I genuinely thought she might come home with me she was that nice. She mentioned that she was so thankful I came to Harrods and didn’t go straight to a Burberry store. I’ve often found the SAs are a lot nicer in department stores versus going into a boutique. I don’t know if it’s because they’re in closer competition but I’d always choose a department store over a boutique!

So they want you to buy multiple items before they will “allow” you to give them money to get the overpriced-for-the-quality bag you want so you can wear it out and essentially advertise for them so other people can go through the process of trying to obtain a bag. I scoff at companies like this. They are so arrogant, not worth my time or money, and will never get either from me.

@seabreeze4559

2 жыл бұрын

this will make fakes take off why wait?

@UGAgradRN

2 жыл бұрын

@@seabreeze4559 I don’t understand your comment. Please rephrase!

Honestly, I just don't have the patience for this game. I'm not going to develop a relationship with some random just for a bag, which is why I use resellers.

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Good points to be fair! Thank you for watching xxx☺️☺️

I have been a loyal Chanel customer for more than 20 years but I never had a specific SA as I didn’t want to build that relationship when I was younger, so that it would be easier for me to say no when they tried to sell me something. It was just in the recent few years that Chanel became so hard to get when you are just a walk-in customer. So I started buying a few cardigan and jacket, shoes, earrings and brooch from the same SA. And I found that it worked fast in building up the relationship. Let’s be honest here, most of the women are willing to spend a lot on bags but less on jackets and shoes. But when you bought a few of those, you would be higher up on the waiting list. I just took a month to get the CF, small in GHW in lamb skin, and I was offered to choose in between a medium GHW in caviar. I found that it is less easy to get the earrings I want actually. Not difficult. Just not easy.

My experiences in luxury boutiques have had some down moments, but mostly very good service. The problem for me is that you have to go through so much tarra-diddle-dee-dee to get an item. As a High Street shopper, my brain is trained to expect reasonable stock levels for popular items. Oroton has never let me down as far as stock levels go. As a result - and because I believe the shortages are not the result of huge demand but an artificial shortage to promote desirability - I find that I don't bother with them anymore. I would rather spend the money on travel or house renovations. Thank you for the video Sophie! I hope you are having an amazing day!

this was so interesting to hear. I had zero shopping history at Chanel and I went to the Chanel store in Stockholm and just asked for a classic bag and I walked out with the classic flap bag in black medium size. So ladies it definitely is possible but at the same time i feel lucky after reading the comments

@makeyourpurpose

2 жыл бұрын

My friend had exactly the same experience at Sthlm boutique. Caviar medium classic flap w GHW

@meowctrum485

Жыл бұрын

I afraid, in places like Stockholm or anywhere else in Nofth Europe shop will have huge problems, if they would discriminate buyers. And i really like North Europe for it

Hi Sophie, I'm both shocked and pleasantly surprised at the same time about this topic... I bought a Chanel mini rectangle back in July 2021 and it was my very first purchase from Chanel ever! I phoned around and only had to wait for 2 weeks to receive a call from an S.A. that offered me a black one with silver hardware and I literally ran to purchase it in Brussels! However the boutique in Antwerp kept telling me that they didn't have them in stock and that they weren't willing to contact me back when it came in. My S.A. told me that the boutique in Brussels don't do waiting lists, so I guess I just got very lucky to get my hands on my dream bag! Thank you for the video Sophie, your video's are always so enjoyable yet informative! ♥️✨

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

I’m so pleased you got your bag!! Yes I’ve got experiences you guys are sharing with me here where you got lucky first time around! I was lucky with my jumbo but as soon as they started reducing quantities I noticed it’s become harder to get certain things. Thank you for sharing this with me xxx☺️☺️❤️❤️

@hastenichtgesehn87

2 жыл бұрын

You're lucky man! I am still trying to get my hands on a mini. I would also drive to brussel, just to get the bag. Where are you based?

@LeNa8820

2 жыл бұрын

I have just been to Chanel in Brussels and I must say sales ladies are very lovely there x

One other suggestion is to go through the concierge team that works for your credit card company. In the US, if you have sone of the high-end cards (for example, American Express Platinum) you can work with the concierge at the credit card company to see if they can find you the bag. These concierges have relationships with so many of the boutiques and they can call around to see if they can order it for you. Good luck!

@katemiller7874

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I will try that

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Great tip, thank you for sharing!xx🙏☺️❤️

I'm Korean and I agree with most of the comments here. Their shopping experience is still not pleasant. The price is now even higher than before while the quality's still the same. Their exclusivity marketing sort of failed here. At the beginning people started to line up and even started to stay the night before in a tent to get in first right after the store opens. (This was just before the price increase) The hype was soo crazy that some started to resell the ones they got by walking in at a much higher price even making money out of reselling. This ended up arousing negative feelings and comments towards the brand, now the line outside the store totally vanished. I wanted to get one despite the price increase but seeing that the brand itself is not doing so well to the customers I'd rather spend money on brands that are more welcoming. Chanel trying to be like Hermes really put many people off.

I've actually been put off these luxury brands recently and I've been shopping at tory burch and coach. I've purchased 4 bags in the past 6 months and have gotten some amazing deals preloved brand new. I did buy my pillow coach Madison from 24s, and 1 bag brand new from tory burch, the rest were hard to find limited edition bags brand new from private sellers. The leather and hardware are absolutely phenomenal and feel almost just as lux as some of my 3k bags. I feel like I've reached purse peace with my luxury bag collection at the moment. I'm using them and enjoying the money i poured into them bc lets face it, it's veryyyy easy to buy one of these luxury peices and move on to the next bag after a month or so... atleast it is for me. I've recently been blown away at the quality of some of these "contemporary luxury" bags. I'm absolutely to the opinion that coach (the all leather, not outlet) bags are above the other brands they're so commonly grouped with such as MK and Kate spade. To me, there's a massive difference in overall quality of these brands the past 2 years. Will i never purchase another luxury brand bag? I can't say that. But for now, I'm content. Nothing is screaming my name atm.

@NoTalentNails

2 жыл бұрын

I agree completely. Coach’s leather, especially the older bags, is the best leather quality I’ve ever seen from any brand. I’ve found Coach bags that were not well cared for, and I got for a steal, and with a little saddle soap, leather conditioner, and they’re good as new.

@iamladeegee8032

2 жыл бұрын

Coach rocks!!!

I had simply called and asked if they had the bag in stock, they say no, and asked if could be placed on pre-order. The first SA was playing games , and one day I simply call3d again and different SA answered ( like 6 months after) , and she said she had one available, and I purchased it over the phone. Worst scenario, I could return it. But that's how I got my chanel bag.

Hi Sophie I tried Harrods personal shopping to get something from Chanel recently and they no longer can source items from Chanel as Chanel have changed their policy since lockdowns ended. I could not even get put through on the phone to Chanel via the switchboard as Chanel no longer answer calls according to harrods. You can get your details passed on and wait for someone to contact you. The only way to get anything now is to go in store it seems, you used to be able to buy over the phone if you lived outside London but they have shut it down and you can only buy that way with purchase history before the pandemic. I managed to get my item from someone I had purchased from in harrods a few years ago and still had the contact information from, she was a angel and helped me get my item. If your looking for stock availability on something and don’t want to try lots of different stores I have always found Bond Street store to be helpful with telling you where you can find stock. X

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Samantha, woah I didn’t realise this, that’s changed for sure. And it’s frustrating when you don’t live near by, they used to do telephone sales as you say. I’m glad you got what you wanted in the end xx❤️

When I recently visited Chanel they told me - they don’t want to flood the industry with their bags. They then asked me - if everyone could get a rectangular mini - would you still want one? This also keeps the price high. They want to keep the brand exclusive. They told me each store may get 40 to 50 rectangular minis for the entire year! So although I may not agree with the scarcity - I completely understand. Chanel also told me you cannot walk in and get a boy bag or classic flap bag. You have to wait 1.5 years right now 😭 My 3 Chanel bags are pre loved and I’m happy with that!

@ohnoohnocaca

2 жыл бұрын

Same as what I was told. They told me they receive around 12 minis per season. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Definitely possible to get the mini rectangular in black without a shopping history at Chanel. I wanted this handbag so bad for a long time but never bothered to get on a waitlist until December 2020 (keep in mind I have zero shopping history at Chanel). I went into the boutique in Las Vegas and tried on a few handbags and asked the SA that was helping me out if it would be possible to get onto the waitlist. She was very hesitant saying the waitlist is over a year and asked if I was sure if I wanted to fill out the mini application with my name, credit card details and a few other things. She was in no way rude but just trying to be clear so I wouldn’t get my hopes up. I said yes because I really wanted the handbag for a long time and she said okay. I got myself on the waitlist and asked for her contact information. At the end of January 2021 (not even 2 months later!) she texted me saying she got one in!! I immediately purchased it. My mother in law fell so in love with it I texted my SA asking if she could get my mother in law on the waitlist for the same bag! One week later she was able to get her hands on another one and my mother in law got one too!! BE KIND!! Show interest in 1 or 2 SPECIFIC handbags! Get on the waitlist sooner than later! Respond PROMPTLY if you are purchasing or passing if your SA messages you. And yes definitely keep in contact with your SA❤️

I made an online appointment during May 2020 when Covid had shut down everything. There is no Chanel near me so I took the first virtual appointment available which happened to be in Orlando FL. That’s literally over a thousand miles from me. Said I was interested in classic flap caviar black. They had several available, SA showed me options, and I chose the jumbo. Honestly the Covid timing I think was really helpful. The price was ridiculous, and I’m likely to buy pre-loved next, just for quality, sustainability, and cost purposes. It honestly feels excessive sometimes owning a purse I paid so much $$$ for.

Hi Sophie! Would you ever consider doing an updated video on your wedding ring set and other fine jewelry you regularly wear? Would be interested to see your recommendations for building a fine jewelry collection for daily wear :) Great video as always!

I have been after a mini square, rectangle and WOC for years in Australia they are impossible to get in new or vintage I finally got a black WOC from the Chanel store I am very excited so hoping the others come soon

As always, LOVE this video Sophie! I have a deep love for the Cambon Linge series 2004 which was sadly discontinued. Pre-Loved pieces from that line is what I hunt for! Vintage Chanel is SO desirable! Thank you!

I dint have a Chanel purchase history at harrods. And only ever bought a pair of sunglasses from the Chanel Bond Street store. Last week, I asked my Bond Street SA to help me get a black trendy cc, and, I was very particular that I would only want a box fresh bag & not a store display bag. She was on holiday, so she said, she would keep me updated after she has come back to work . So, I went to harrods the other day and I thought I’ll just ask or put my name on a wish list. I got offered a trendy cc box fresh piece in literally 5 minutes 🤭. I was so shocked lol. Anddddd, guess what , my Chanel SA at Bond Street had also messaged me yesterday to say - we are going to get a trendy cc soon in the store, so, I’ll message you when it arrives. Ofcourse I had to say no to her because I already bought one from harrods. But the fact that it’s a waiting list bag and two stores are willing to sell it to me, amazed me lol. Thought, I’ll just share my little story. Hope you all having a lovely weekend ☺️ X

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Ruby! Yes I’ve had one of you from the States share a similar experience with me. I can’t recall the bag in question but she got it first time around!xx

Neiman Marcus in the US / Bergdorf Goodman has personal shoppers that work entire store . They can get you anything out of the Chanel Btq. ( inside the Neiman store). Kim Harlan is mine at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills.

Amazingly, after over a year's wait, I managed to get a mini rectangle classic flap in black at the airport in Paris last weekend - no purchase history, SAs were wonderful (sad it isn't my local boutique!) even got a free lipstick as it was my first chanel bag. I feel very lucky!

I bought my first Chanel a few weeks ago after chatting with a lovely SA. He put me on the wait list for a few popular bags and about 3 months later one came in in one of the colors I wanted. The women in the store wouldn’t have been a good fit (snooty), so happy I found him. I’m actually waiting for a top handle mini, really hoping one comes in 🤞🏼 just be nice/genuine and search for somebody you vibe with.

@707tich

2 жыл бұрын

When you say search for someone I vibe with how to you pick out a SA in store? Is it who ever runs over to you how u notice another short experience

@JamieReviewsStuff

2 жыл бұрын

@@707tich I chatted with a few of the ladies over a few visits and unfortunately they were pretty dismissive. Kind of the "I don't have time for you" attitude. I left without even trying, not the experience I was hoping for. Then I went in one day and one of the guys was there. He was so cheerful and friendly. Immediately knew if I was going to buy this pricey a** bag I was going to buy it from him. lol Good energy all around, seemed genuinely excited for my first Chanel, we hugged on my way out. If I'm shelling out the money for luxury (which doesn't happen all that often) I want it to be a happy experience.

@707tich

2 жыл бұрын

@@JamieReviewsStuff thank you darling for the transparency. That gives me something to work with/be aware of. Absolutely agree with everything you said. 👌🏾💕

I purchased my first Chanel 3 weeks ago and met the most wonderful SA. I went in to ask about the square mini flap in black and was told they dont have them but i could go on a waiting list. I told her the reason we were shopping for my bag was to celebrate the birth of our first daughter and i really wanted something special that I could pass to her - which is true. I ended up spotting a pearl crush mini that someone else was trying on and was not meant to be on the shop floor. I asked to try it on and instantly fell in love with the bag so much that i wanted to go for it over the black square mini. She kindly let me have it and i have not regretted it since. Then on Thursday last week she called me and told me she had got the black square mini in for me if i wanted it and we went back at the weekend to collect it. I think it helped that i purchased something but also that I took the time to get to know her and for her to get to know me. I would not go to another SA at Chanel now, she is amazing.

'They won't sell you these.' Well, that's good because I want to be able to afford my hour of heating at night come winter 😂😭

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

This is true, it’s getting very frightening the direction things are going in with inflation and utility costs xx

The mint mini is gorgeous! I am sure it goes well with everything 😊

Its insane, that we have to have tactics how to give our hard earned money! 😳😂 Are we all insane 😂🤪🤣 Have a blessed day, Sophie 🙏🧡

I am sick and tired of the games played by organizations like this that will only cater to the extremely wealthy, and at a time like this where we are fighting for more equality and the gap between the wealthy and the poor is getting bigger, I want nothing to do with organizations like this. I CAN afford any of their crap, but I refuse to even buy their make up & perfume now. I was one of those people on the other end of the spectrum at one point & can’t stand to think that they are behaving like that episode out of pretty woman, to somebody who finally has an opportunity to afford their first luxury bag. Instead that store should be proud that it was them that person chose to spend their income on, because you know, people always remember how you made them feel.

Loved watching this video!! And a good relationship really helps if you find the right person and hit it off! I’m an addict to SLG’s (only use bags sometimes) and my CA at LV works wonders when I keep in touch w him!

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and sharing this Kyle! Yes SLGs are a bit of a weak point for me, I had to stop myself some years ago 😅 Hugs xx

I adore the top handle mini flap, such a gorgeous bag and super cute 🥰

Fab tips as always Sophie with lots of gorgeous eye candy❤️👌🏾

Thanks Sophie ☺️. I am thinking preloved

Their quality has gone down tremendously. I'm not jumping through hoops to own a lesser quality product. Preloved is the way to go!

Thank you so much for this video! I am usually a silent watcher but I just had to say thanks 🤗

Wow! Happy that I already bought the bags I wanted, long before Chanel became so hifalutin. Try the secondary market as there is a LOT available.

Hi Sophie ! It is so hard to remember that "once upon a time " you could buy straight away a classic flap in black ( or another colour ) at Chanel's . I would prefer this vintage beauty over a new one . Maybe one of the reasons why prices of vintage Chanel are rocketing right now is the fact you can buy one when you find one without playing games with a SA .

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Good point Joanna, I remember about 6 yrs ago looking at vintage and they were so cheap, no one wanted them. Now it’s all changed and you can’t find new in the boutiques very easily!😯 Hugs xx❤️❤️

“It’s green.” That was hilarious.

Thank you for making this informative video, Sophie ✨ I have the mini rectangular in black on the top of my wishlist…actually it is the only bag on my list right now and the only bag i really want from Chanel. We don’t have Chanel in Norway, so i will make an attempt in Copenhagen and Dublin later this year…but i am not very hopeful😅

That green is my dream bag!

Id buy pre loved instead of dealing with SA's any day of the week!

Just one thing regarding the vintage bags. The quilting on the front and back sides of those bags was "puffier" when they were new, not flat. (The sides and bottom were not puffy, however). They are "flat" as they are now because the quilting has lost its "puff" thanks to aging, wear and tear.

This is incredible.. Imagine. Being confident on spending a ridiculous amount of money on a bag and still having to befriend, be on a waiting list and, as someone wrote below, have to jump through hoops. Ridiculous - expensive + an overall not pleasant shopping experience. Why would you go through this process...?

Super informative video and kind of you to share with everyone

Its great advice about saving for the bag you really really want, even if you have to wait. I wish i had done this last year and not bought two other bags instead as i still really want my dream bag. The purchases did not satisfy my desire. Lol.

I would personally advise all of you ladies who travel to do your shopping in more low key boutique locations where there aren’t that many local buyers (mostly tourists). They are more likely to have more stock and to sell to people with no purchase history. Some examples could be Chanel stores in Capri, Athens, Nice, Chamonix etc. Basically anywhere other than London, Paris, Milan..

I usually buy preloved, certainly Chanel. But when the Pochette Métis first came out I really wanted the black and later the pink. Neither of the boutiques in Melbourne had them so I stalked the LV website day and night for about 6 months until I managed to get a black one, which I suspect was a return because they only had one and it had no stickers on it. I kept stalking the pink one and finally a batch of them came into stock another year later. That one definitely was brand new. So it pays to be patient and persistent if you want something badly enough.

I remember customer service at Chanel 10 to 5 years ago was so much nicer than it is these days. I find the customer service in Dior really helpful and respectful, so maybe I will buy a Lady Dior sometime.

Hi Sophie, I was in London 2-3 weeks ago for a biz trip ..most of the SAs were actually quite rude .. but out of numerous bad experiences, I met two lovely SAs who went out of their way to help me out as I was looking for a woc, rose Clair in caviar. The SA from Harrods helped me looked at the inventory , told me the only piece avail was at selfridges, rtw dept and he wrote down the product details. I rushed down and lord n behold, the woc was avail and I purchased it. The 2nd encounter, I was offered a mini black sq in coco crush ball in selfriges again, it was beautiful but I decided not to get it as the price for the mini with coco ball is getting too pricey (I am a Hermes gal and I get more bucks out of my Hermes than Chanel) as I already have a k25 in black waiting for me in my local store

I was on the wait list for 3 weeks in Copenhagen for the mini rectangular in black. I was extremely surprised when they called because they told me I could end up waiting long. So you could be lucky and I almost gave up and bought a second hand one.

I did this with a flap wallet! They are hard to get where I am and I texted my sales rep (hadn't bought anything else but had looked at a lot of bags), and she reached out to me a couple weeks later when one came in. She wouldn't hold it, I had to buy immediately over the phone, but I was so pleased. It definitely helps to be earnest and eager.

@adisajakupovic6184

2 жыл бұрын

yes and always have the money ready! it would be such a bummer to get offered something and not being able to buy it.

I brought my very first chanel bag back in March! It is the mini rectangle flap in black and I’m utterly obsessed with it! I was put in contact with a chanel SA through Harrods personal shopping (I highly recommend this way). Although they did ask me if I had a Harrods card to see if I had any buying history. Lucky for myself I had brought some chanel espadrilles back in 2019 (so I do think this helped me get the bag as it was one of the first things the SA asked me). But I was out on the waitlist for the bag and received the bag 8 weeks later! I feel so lucky to have got my hands on the mini flap it’s perfect!! I’ve always had great service in store and via this SA so I have nothing bad to say :) If you’re looking for your dream bag - use Sophie’s tips and don’t give up!!!!

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Olivia, happy Monday to you!! You’ve got such a gorgeous bag!😍 thank you so much for sharing your experience btw, this is helpful to all and myself. Hugs xxx☺️❤️💐

Hi Sophie. Great video as always. I walked into Chanel in Copenhagen a year ago and bought a medium classic flap. First time ever in a Chanel store. Very friendly staff, she even held the bag for me while I had to “think twice”, as it was kind of an impulse. I left the store and walked around Copenhagen for a couple of hours before deciding - returned to the store and met her smiling at me, saying: “this lovely bag is hard to resist, isn’t it?”. Very pleasant experience 😀. I don’t think I will buy more Chanel, it has really gone to far, price wise. Next on the wish list is Celine classic box bag.

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Hello lovely Anna! Yes there are a few of you in the comments with the same experience! I hope you are enjoying your bag, it’s a great choice 😍xx

Sorry to go slightly off topic but I'm obsessed with the mint green Chanel bag. 😍

I'm so sorry if any of you had bad experience:( I'm from Hungary, hence we don't have Chanel and last September we traveled to Athens for a long weekend. There is a Chanel boutique and I asked my boyfriend if we can go there just to feel the bags in real life before I decide if I really want to start to save up for it. Imagine we didn't have any fancy dress with us, I didn't even carried a handbag with me and I expected to not be taken seriously. However 2! ladies jumped up right away, I told them straight away, that now I'm only looking and I would like to see a small and a medium classic flap as I'm not sure which one would be better for my figure. One lady stayed with me and we chatted, and the other lady went and got both sizes in different colors and let me to try them on, open them, we discussed many things about the bags. They were really lovely, smiley and helpful the whole time. And the end I thanked them for their help and left the boutique without purchasing anything. In my opinion people always treat you better if you are treating them nice. I think if you smiley and nice when you enter, they just see that you don't treat them bad as many people do, hence they will be nice to you:)

I would suggest trying boutiques in smaller cities that aren’t necessarily known for their shopping districts. I’m from NYC where the Chanel SAs are always busy with high-spending clients, but I visit Washington DC frequently. In my experience, the salespeople are significantly more willing to work with me at the DC boutique, and I’ve been offered bags in that shop despite my minimal spending history. Could just be my experience, but worth a try!

I don’t think it’s about purchase history, those hot bags are just being sold first. If you want them you need to check when there is new collection and make yourself appointment on THAT day because they likely have just few of them and at the end of the day all will be sold. Actually a year ago SA at Chanel told me that if they have a bag and client asks for it they are not allowed to for example keep it for other client but they must offer it to those who is first asking for it.

Absolutely love your blouse.

I’m not going to be jumping through hoops to buy a bag I want. If they refuse to sell to me because of lack of history or whatever, il go somewhere that will take my money.

Thanks for the tips

I do not purchase many luxury items but in Manhattan (NY) when I purchased my Lady Dior my contact there keeps in touch texting me about new items etc. I've sent my daughters to pick up a belt for me through him. He's really nice and it makes me feel important 😂

Another way to get in touch with an SA is to call a boutique, the operator will have an SA call or text you. That is how I gained an SA at Dior.

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Very good tip there! I hope you have a lovely week my friend!xx☺️❤️💐

Being nice to the CA you meet, especially the first time is so important, and regular check-ins on WhatsApp keep you in that CAs mind when something new comes in or comes back in stock. It's amazing how just being nice can bring nice things back to you! 😉💕

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

So true Gwenny! Xx

Great topic❤Not feeling the whole boutique situation, I always wonder how great it would be to shop Chanel on line. Preloved is my route and I’ve just bought a 10 year old WOC and there’s a faint smell of perfume, it totally makes me wonder who owed it and where has it been? Xxx

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

I love preloved too! Your WOC sounds gorgeous!😍 I like the feeling of getting a saving and the texture of the vintage pieces is lovely xx

@itsneverfull5377

2 жыл бұрын

@@SophieShohetOfficial thanks … it’s a little gem xx

Customer service isn't the greatest. A few years ago I was after the mini square or rectangular and all they kept saying was try next week call back bla bla bla for months and months. I eventually gave up. 💩 way to lead people on and give false hope. (This was in Aus)

Wow. I didn’t know that. I went to Milan and go this very pretty Chanel flap bag in a strawberry color with no problem. She even gave me her contact info but I threw the card away. Now I regret throwing it away lol

Sophieeeeeee! If they won’t let YOU buy it, who does? 🤷‍♀️ If YOU don’t have enough purchase history who does? 🤷‍♀️

Thank you Sophie, you are so lovely :) and oh my god, "happy XXX holiday, this and that" to a sales associate just to buy a bag, no thanks Chanel, you really are not worth it. I will take my money to...let me think, how about Aston Martin?

Great suggestion re in-store personal shoppers!

The market is saturated with ©️©️bags. They do have to make it limited to hold their exclusivity. That’s is a smart tip to have the personal shopper at the department stores search for these items. 👍🏼 thanks for always sharing my lady. 🙏🏼❤️😘😘😘Sandy

Happy Sunday beautiful Sophie! No advice here except to buy preloved. I want to buy a pre loved Chanel bag from my birth year 1970. Do you have any idea how I can tell the year of a bag from the 1970's? I know the numbering & codes came along in the 1980 right? Also have you had any issues with color transfer to your white bag? Sending big love from the US. 😘

Hi Sophie, your videos are always so helpful. Hope you don’t mind me saying but if you ever sell any of your black bags in this video, I’d be interested. Im based in London. Thank you ❤

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Hello lovely! Ahh, no worries. I can’t see myself doing it but if I do I will always let all of you know. Have a lovely week ahead! Xx☺️❤️💐

Wow I’m really surprised - I bought my very first Chanel classic flap, medium in calve leather last year at their flagship store on new bond street and it was no problem whatsoever. I was treated so nicely the whole experience couldn’t have been nicer....

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Hello lovely Claudia! Yes there are a few comments here from you guys who have been lucky on the first occasion! I hope you love your bag, it’s a great choice 😍xx

I like shopping at consigners. The experience is much more luxurious on some level, they have so much more stock. The staff are nice and you can also haggle cos they have more stock.

@beautyfullmusings6642

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with this! I recently had the worst experience at a Chanel store and a much more luxurious experience at a consignment store. I am done with the boutiques when it comes to Chanel - it’s pre loved and consignment stores for me.

@DaniOchannel

2 жыл бұрын

@@beautyfullmusings6642 exactly right. If one is not a VIP, I feel like I only see the scraps, bags with crooked flaps and scratches from a lot of handling. Consigners have a lot of stock in pristine condition. I guess it's the price "we pay" for just shopping less in general.

Remember for high end products the store charges the customer often thousands of dollars in mark up over the wholesale price to cover the store's costs. And what to customer too often get for their thousands spent? Being treated badly, that is what. So, they are paying thru the nose to be abused. And the customers cannot get enough. It is like an abusive relationship where the girl just keeps coming back, and only wants bad boys who mistreat her.

I have both the medium and jumbo classics in black. They where easy to get but this was back in 2015/6. I was actually shown the black mini in heathrow in 2018 but I went with a red instead because I thought I have too many black bags! There is no way I’ll try and get one now!

I walked into the Chanel boutique on Bond Street and the SA was not welcoming at all when I said I wanted to purchase the rectangle mini :( I don’t have a purchasing history. I really hope I’m able to purchase the rectangle mini as I don’t think the prices are justified for the larger classics

I need that shirt you're wearing.

Yeah, I refuse to play games. If they don't want my money, LV and Gucci and everybody else will happily take it.

Personally I just like buying resale bags… it’s almost easier to find what you like going through a reseller than to buy it brand new anymore. Faster too it feels like.

I have no desire to play these games and will always buy preloved. Chanel bags really don't do it for me. I own two preloved and it will probably stay at two. I just bought a preloved Cartier bag and LOVE it. The garnet red/burgundy is more my style.

Your top is GORGEOUS! Where is it from?

Sophie, can you do a video about your Chanel bag collection please? Oh and also can we see the bunnies? 🤗

I went in the NBS boutique, looked for a classic flap 22S pink, did not buy anything, put my name down, 2 weeks later I got the pink bag. I was lucky I got a nice SA. In previous visits, other SAs were unhelpful :(

Dior people at Harrods were very helpful. I've been treated very politely even though i explain i was not a UK resident but visiting a couple times a year. The guy gave me his card, to call before travelling , to make sure to find me bags i was interested in. Same with YSL. By the way Chanel bags are easier to get in Cyprus from boutique that sells them along with other very expensive brands.

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Marina, ahhhh dior in harrods are the best! So friendly and helpful! That’s interesting to hear about accessing Chanel in Cyprus, that store sounds amazing!xx

@marinataki2573

2 жыл бұрын

OFFICIAL CHANEL RETAILER IN CYPRUS In 1980, TIFFANY was chosen by the house of CHANEL to be the official retailer of the brand in Cyprus. Such a recognition and affiliation marked the beginning of a new era for TIFFANY as an establishment, as well as for the whole local luxury fashion market. The Chanel Corner at TIFFANY is located in the Limassol boutique. It attains all the requirements found in a namesake boutique worldwide offering a plethora of accessories and ready-to-wear. The Chanel collections are not included in our e-shop as per CHANEL’s rules and regulations concerning branding, thus can only be found at TIFFANY Limassol.

I’m boycotting all these fucking brands that think we will die without their bags and i’m also boycotting all the brands with extreme price increases even if i don’t buy bags for yeaaarss to come I’m done being treated like a tool and a fool for them to profit off

@quorrakai

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! Thank you! I totally agree, they all can kiss my arse. That will be the day I have to chase or beg for a handbag! Ha!

@oneworld24

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! Preach! They all look exactly the same with a different brand. Who cares! They should be chasing us to buy their crap.

@phillyjawn7734

2 жыл бұрын

I share the same sentiments. I started my boycott after the last price hike. I'm not about to kiss azz to spend my hard-earned money. If Chanel & Hermes want to be so exclusive, then they're not the brands for me. There are too many luxury brands that will be happy to get my money.

@seabreeze4559

2 жыл бұрын

the replica market will soar to spite them

@loveyaxj

2 жыл бұрын

Chanel really thinks they are that big of a deal. They are nowhere close in quality to Hermes, some bags are even more expensive than Hermes. Company treats customers like dust, not respectful and it seems they really don't care about improving their products. The $800 Advent Calendar is still a joke to me.

my dream Chanel bag is a vintage bag something about the flatter quilting

I really want an Hermes Evelyn bag, I think it could be a nice work bag if I get it in the right colour and size. I just know that I’ll never get offered the right one though. Thanks for the video!

@aristonlee

2 жыл бұрын

I was able to get a TGM at the Las Vegas store with no history whatsoever! I just walked in and asked for it and they had one in the back. I love my Evelyne, good luck finding yours!

@SophieShohetOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Seb, I hope you’re having a great weekend! I know what you mean, I know it’s even harder with Hermes to get what you’re after!xx

@blktauna

2 жыл бұрын

those aren't "quota" bags so you should not have issue getting one. Its just a matter of the one you want being made, as it seems not all things are available at all times of the year.

What size and style number is the 1st black rectangle Chanel? Been trying for yrs to get a bigger Chanel either that size or medium. Thank you for your videos. Lots of thanks from the U.S.

"THEY WON'T SELL YOU THESE" - If you have no purchase history of course you could get lucky and snag a top bag, but it can be hard to create the relationship required to be taken seriously and added to waitlists in the early stages. Here are my tips and thoughts on the matter, how to get added to waitlists, get connected with an S.A & get your bag! :0)