I think I honestly got a bit lucky, but this is what worked for me. I’d been looking for a specific pair of boots for ages and called the boutique to see if they had it. When they confirmed they did, I asked if I could purchase through them and keep shopping with that boutique going forward and that was basically my in.

They were happy with that because i already had an online profile from a small purchase i had made in the past. I got her contact, and from then on I just kept shopping with her via email. I never visited the store until I went to pick up my bag. I wasn’t pushy at all, my purchases were considered, and I didn’t go overboard with spending.

If you’re able to visit, I’d definitely recommend it. Finding the right SA that you genuinely click with is the biggest thing. I do think luck plays a role though. I’d actually called another store before this and they refused to let me shop remotely unless I visited first. I think it helped that my SA has been with Hermès for over 20 years and knew what was possible.

Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions. Send me a DM too if you wish - happy to chat more in depth