Local AD knows squat...

[Shibak]

I was a bit disappointed with a local high end Rolex dealer today. I walked in asking about the new night/day GMT Master II. The self proclaimed #1 dealer in Michigan knew nothing of the watch to come, and were even stunned when I showed them pictures of it. They claimed they would be the first to receive one when it is released and immediately wanted an 20% deposit to assure me of getting one first! Kind of scary given that fact they didn't know anything of it, let alone a price.

Things that make you go hmmmmmm??????

[Furbo]

LOL, I was at my AD during Baselworld 2013 and the boss there already knew all about new GMT, even had catalog of all new Rolex watches, fresh from Baselworld.
He showed me everything, even though he had a broken leg (that's why he was back from Basel so soon).

No chance of me surprising him with a new Rolex model. :D

[CKL1213]

it's sad seeing the retailers don't even have a slight interest on what they are selling.

For my case, my usual golf supplier who have no idea who won this year Augusta Master.

[hsfrank]

Originally Posted by CKL1213

it's sad seeing the retailers don't even have a slight interest on what they are selling.

For my case, my usual golf supplier who have no idea who won this year Augusta Master.

x2
Or in mine who didn't knew half the features on a new Toyota I purchased a week ago. Or the AD who did not know that Tudor was coming to the US.

HOW SAD!

[HillDweller]

That's retail! Little interest in the object or the subject.

[Reu]

Originally Posted by HillDweller

That's retail! Little interest in the object or the subject.

SPOT ON.

Originally Posted by CKL1213

I bet some AD don't even know what is Baselworld

they might think it is some kind of Disneyland, Legoland and Universal Studio

[CKL1213]

I bet some AD don't even know what is Baselworld

they might think it is some kind of Disneyland, Legoland and Universal Studio

[Mr DateJust]

Happens all the time. I was in an AD about 2 weeks ago looking at a 42mm explorer II (which is lovely but ended up feeling too big on). I was wearing my 40mm version and the woman asked why are you wanting to buy the same watch again after looking at mine. I explained that its not the same watch and the explorer II had been upgraded to 42mm over a year ago! She had no idea that that the explorer II had been changed to a new model.

[busytimmy]

This thread cracks me up

[SUBversive]

Par for the course. Few years ago when the sub was revised I had an ad take out a (outdated) catalog to prove to me that the sub (no date) would never be updated to ceramic. All this proves is that most of these salespeople could be at best buy the next day misleading you on a tv and they are just trying to keep you focused on the product in the case. Buy what I have here. Just buy this one. What's the difference? I need my commission.

[Swift_Movement]

how would he know what amount a 20% deposit is if he doesn't know the price

[Shibak]

Originally Posted by Swift_Movement

how would he know what amount a 20% deposit is if he doesn't know the price

My thoughts exactly, which is why I walked. Funny thing is, I was also looking a the Omega collection comparing Seamaster sizes and the lady behind the counter said yeah, that guy over there is our Omega expert, he knows everything about them. I had to laugh to myself and think, great...Where is the Rolex expert? The assortment of Rolex's were quite impressive, the knowledge of them was not. Kinda sad. The whole "give me money now and we will worry about you later" theme kind of pissed me off. Excuse my language, but understand my frustration.

So today I contacted another AD closer to me and he is a "Rolex guy" himself and knew all about the Day/Night GMT. He even said he will be getting one. Where on the list will I be?? Number 2, lol. No deposit required. Now this is the way customers should be treated!

[Spunga]

Originally Posted by Swift_Movement

how would he know what amount a 20% deposit is if he doesn't know the price

They just pluck a number out of thin air.

[travisb]

Not suprised.

[topgear]

I get very annoyed whenever I know more than the seller (of whatever nature).

[Reu]

Originally Posted by SUBversive

Par for the course. Few years ago when the sub was revised I had an ad take out a (outdated) catalog to prove to me that the sub (no date) would never be updated to ceramic. All this proves is that most of these salespeople could be at best buy the next day misleading you on a tv and they are just trying to keep you focused on the product in the case. Buy what I have here. Just buy this one. What's the difference? I need my commission.

As someone from within a REAL sales environment I have said this before but must repeat again that these store 'assistants' are just that, an assistant to carry out a transaction - it's not actually selling. Just advising facts, or what should be facts rather than innacuracies.

Originally Posted by topgear

I get very annoyed whenever I know more than the seller (of whatever nature).

Completely understandable.

[floater156]

The probably focus on their other lines of jewelry and their Rolex sales is a secondary interest to them.

[sncarney18]

This is what I have noticed when dealing with ADs as far as product knowledge. If the AD is primarily a high end jewelery store, then minimal knowledge on watches. Think about it from a sales perspective, diamonds are a lot more competitive than watches. It would make more sense to be competent on selling diamond pieces and limited on watches because watch buyers know what they want anyway. We are all watch obsessed on this forum, we will always know more than most ADs. I have actually enjoyed the sales people at the Rolex boutiques though. In Vegas, they all knew their products and were more fund to speak to because those same sales people did not have to sell diamond rings.

[Thatguy]

Standard.

[cop414]

Not surprised at all. When I was looking at my 14060M the girls at the AD swore that it had the new ceramic bezel insert, no amount of arguing would get them to change their minds...

[nauticajoe]

That's scary.

[CKL1213]

I never argue with my AD, in fact before I went to them, I studied and knew everything about the watch, I will just politely and sincerely ask them "how much discount can you give me?"

I don't even let them size my bracelet.

[Brandon(phila)]

You can't expect them to know as much as "us" (WIS).....but they should have some basic knowledge b/c of what they are selling.
If they were selling items that cost $25 that's one thing, but when the average price is
7K -50K + for a watch, they should have some knowledge/interest.

On the other hand...there are some really good knowledgeable sales people

[kilyung]

I'm shocked! [not really]

[Rolexpilot]

Salesmen are more profitable to business owners if they have no knowledge of their product line.

That's just the way it is with cars, boats, airplanes, watches, houses.

If they did, they wouldn't be salesmen.

[diver2012]

Originally Posted by Rolexpilot

Salesmen are more profitable to business owners if they have no knowledge of their product line.

That's just the way it is with cars, boats, airplanes, watches, houses.

If they did, they wouldn't be salesmen.

I'm sorry but that's the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. Total nonsense.

[Trouble15]

Originally Posted by Rolexpilot

Salesmen are more profitable to business owners if they have no knowledge of their product line.

That's just the way it is with cars, boats, airplanes, watches, houses.

If they did, they wouldn't be salesmen.

Originally Posted by AK797

With ADs Ive found its hit and miss with their watch knowledge but at the Rolex Boutiques they know their stuff.

Based on my experience I'd agree with this.

[Nidal]

Low wage individuals. No more to say

[Reu]

Originally Posted by diver2012

I'm sorry but that's the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. Total nonsense.

I have to say I completely agree with you.

I can't comment on the guy who posted that garbage as I'd have to search long and hard for a non-ridiculing response.

Again, people on this forum insist on referring to retail assistants as salespeople, which they are not!?!?

Aside from retail, though, you won't find any business owners whose preference it is to have a sales force who know little about the product or service they are selling.

Weird, foolish comment...

[Reu]

Originally Posted by Nidal

Low wage individuals. No more to say

And you... You belong with matey-boy who made the comment about business owners taking on people with no knowledge of what they are selling.

I'm not a fan of retail staff, not particularly anyway, purely as I think most, ok some, are just CRAP. Saying though that they earn minimum wage is rubbish as you will find some who earn significantly decent salaries, depending on the type of items they work with.