Shunned For BLNR

[DCGuy1965]

So yesterday I had a few early errands to run by noon and as a result of a few Stella's and a Red Breast or two the night before had to force myself to roll out of bed to do so. Looked a bit rough but presentable at least. Sporting the G-Shock for the gym later etc.

Got errands done and had lunch in the fancy mall when I took it upon myself to go to the AD to browse. The salesman seemed nice. He was sporting a very large AP called the bumble bee. So I asked if the BLNR was available. He hesitates a bit and asked if I'd ever seen the watch. I replied only in pics. The conversation that ensued was quite interesting.

"well I'll bring it out but not sure if it's available."

"ok"

He brought It out in the plastic box and was very hesitant to take it out but rather I could see it wrapped up.

"so is it sold or not"

"well not exactly we have a list so we will sell it when we call clients and tell them it's here. If you give me your information I'll see what I can do to add you to our list"

Felt like i was on the Suze Orman show where she says DENIED!!! Deciding to play along I did. He looked me up, whispered something to some manager looking guy and lo n behold it was available for purchase!!!! I even got to try it on too!!!!!

I'm really not bashing the AD as I've bought from them in the past and they've always been pretty good as ADs go. I just am surprised that today this kind of crap still happens with certain models. As for the watch itself it was ok but it seemed lighter than most SS models I have. Not sure if the steel is different or not. Oh well at least I've tried one on now.

[Invictus Maneo]

Sounds like it's not the watch for you anyway. I've seen them at my AD but never tried one on. Probably should next time as I think I would like to acquire one someday but I guess one never really knows for sure unless they see and feel it on their wrist!
By the way, good story about AD games that are still going on.


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[mjclark32]

Sounds like they were trying to make it seem like it was in high demand then they were "giving" you the opportunity to buy it...

[ufboy73]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Sounds like they were trying to make it seem like it was in high demand then they were "giving" you the opportunity to buy it...

tbh, where i live and travel, it IS in high demand and my usual haunts have not been able to keep it in stock for any appreciable amount of time...

of course, im not arguing that it should be presented as some sort of 'rare' opportunity for purchase, or come with a premium, etc...

but its not as common in the case as other SS sport models, for now.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Sounds like they were trying to make it seem like it was in high demand then they were "giving" you the opportunity to buy it...

Or they actually do have a waiting list but since there was a prospect in the store, screw their other customers.

[thomaspp]

Good story. Something similar happened to my when the blue faced YM 1 was released. All good fun.

[swils8610]

My local AD has one in stock. Not as rare as they were.


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[anilzat]

Should have worn a tux to the formal engagement.





BTW: I have heard that a lot.

[coralfarmer84]

So you tried it on or you bought it? I could see if it was brand new in the coffin them not wanting someone to try it on if they indeed had a waiting list. I wouldn't want someone else trying on my watch that I'm paying full price with most likely no discount and sales tax. What if they bang it on the counter. Either way just giving you there perspective. On a good note glad you got to try it on, I have yet to see one in person! The AD should not have profiled you based on looks, shoot a lot of millionaires look like bums

[outtatime]

Had a very similar experience (actually, pretty much word for word) when he new 42mm Explorer II's came out. Asked if they had any, secret conversation, lo-and-behold one appears.

I ask if it's available-"well, um...mumble mumble..."

Then something like "well, we typically only reserve this kind of piece for our BEST customers" (Oh, I'm sorry, I thought the "best" customers were ones that bought something) " and we've called one and told him we had an Explorer available". I asked if he was taking it. "We don't know, but we let him know. He may or may not".

Obviously they had no interest in selling (or even showing) it to me, although they reluctantly did let me gaze upon it from afar. Gee, thanks.

I guess if they'd rather wait to see if MAYBE someone returns their call to let them know whether he'll CONSIDER buying it vs. selling it to someone with cash in hand, hey, if that's how they want to run their business, be my guest.

[Beef]

I've seen this a couple of times, also. While it is very irritating, I can understand it without liking it.

First, these guys are in the watch selling business. If they can create an atmosphere conducive to selling, they will. It can be friendly and welcoming, which we all prefer. Or it can be to create an aura of exclusiveness that makes it a subtle high pressure sale. Which sucks, but may work in some urban markets.

Second, most ADs do have a "list" that they go by to sell high demand new releases. And depending on their order on the Rolex supply list, it may take a year or so after the actual release to complete the "list's" demands.

And of course, the snob factor. Showing up in gym clothes after a rough night usually brings that out. As I wear little else, I have seen that a lot. Even though I always wear a Rolex, even to the gym. And a couple of ADs in my area have finally realized that their mistake was their loss. "Nice GMT IIc/EXP II 42/GV/LV, etc.! Did you get that here?" Nope, at one of your competitors that puts me first on his new release list.

[Furbo]

LOL, are all american ADs like that? Lucky for me I never had such experience with ADs in Europe.

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by Furbo

LOL, are all american ADs like that? Lucky for me I never had such experience with ADs in Europe.

Most of them, yes.

[14060m]

I'm sticking with a trusted seller from trf

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Furbo

LOL, are all american ADs like that? Lucky for me I never had such experience with ADs in Europe.

Not all but most it seems, head games are par for the course.

Originally Posted by 14060m

I'm sticking with a trusted seller from trf

There's pros and cons so it depends. With the prices on the BLNR there's really no advantage right now and if you find the right AD the experience, service and relationship building is worth it.

[frkm0005]

Yea, AD stories get to me too. I was at one and I went in a few times looking at the Daytona. Of course the first time the lady told me there's a waiting list and I'd have to put a deposit to show how serious I am. The next time I went in a different associate told me they had a few for a couple of months but not on display. He also said they're not as rare as before. No more waiting list BS. The next time I popped in the first associate let me try it on but said it's been on hold for another preferred client (this preferred client stuff is what irritates me the most). A few days later I was with my fiance and the same associate hesitated when I asked her about it and than said it's been sold. Please! I'm not a fool. Why the games? Anyway, I'm now set on the Hulk and I'm starting to hear the same BS: it's limited, it's hard to find, price increase is coming.... blah blah blah

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[Tunacan26]

Funny, think I know AD you're talking about.

[Jack T]

I don't quite get this. The AD has a BLNR and a waiting list. Ok, so what are you waiting for? Sell it ! Why have one sitting around when a number of buyers have said they want it. Sell it, already!

[14060m]

True but would rather wait
Probably what I'm going to do with the SD4000c


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[Turbo23dog]

Tyson's or Pentagon City?

[Art 1]

The AD here holds BLNR's and SS Daytona's for previous buyers and the sale has to be approved by management. They want the watches available for good customers. Nothing wrong with that.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by Art 1

They AD here holds BLNR's and SS Daytona's for previous buyers and the sale has to be approved by management. They want the watches available for good customers. Nothing wrong with that.

Agree

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Agree

We have the same AD.

[DCGuy1965]

Originally Posted by Turbo23dog

Tyson's or Pentagon City?

I was in VA I'll just leave it at that. Like I said I've done a lot of business with them and really don't have any axe to grind. Also if they said it was sold there is no way in hell I would have asked to try it on. No way no how. I'm just a low key low profile customer that appreciates privacy. Having a salesperson acknowledge me every time I walk in is a bit unnerving IMHO.

If in the future I decide to buy one the trusted sellers route will probably be the path I take. If I go the AD route again there's a very small AD in Alexandria I love. Family owned and wonderful people that are real and have worked there for 30 years. Mall ADs are a bit too sterile.

[joshuaray]

Originally Posted by DCGuy1965

I was in VA I'll just leave it at that. Like I said I've done a lot of business with them and really don't have any axe to grind. Also if they said it was sold there is no way in hell I would have asked to try it on. No way no how. I'm just a low key low profile customer that appreciates privacy. Having a salesperson acknowledge me every time I walk in is a bit unnerving IMHO.

If in the future I decide to buy one the trusted sellers route will probably be the path I take. If I go the AD route again there's a very small AD in Alexandria I love. Family owned and wonderful people that are real and have worked there for 30 years. Mall ADs are a bit too sterile.

I recently visited Tourneau in the mall by the Pentagon (a couple of days ago) and was told they did not have any BLNR available. I was treated like royalty and got to try on anything I wanted. That being said, I was wearing my TT Daytona.

Today, I walked into my local AD and bought one no problem. I have a good relationship with them so im always treated with respect and kindness. The salesman told me he had a waiting list of about 8 people for that watch. It is hard to come by! I have been to ADs in Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, DC, Atlanta, TN, and NYC - Today was the first time I have actually seen one in person. If that says anything.

[Lion]

First of all I do not play games when it comes to purchasing items from retail stores and will not do business with stores that do. I've been profiled by a Rolex AD and Jeweler only once because of how I was dressed and looked and guess what.....they did not get my business. Two years ago they were dropped by Rolex as an AD so there you go. Now the AD I prefer to do business with(who is located one block away from the first store) has always treated me and my Lady with respect and kindness and they have received our business. And will continue to receive our jewelry business because of their "No Nonsense" approach and because they treat each person who enters their store the same way!!!

[Speed]

I had a crappy experience with an AD when I went in asking about the GMTIIC - black ceramic.

I didn't spot one in the case so when a sales person came by I asked if they had one. She said they could order one for me. I said, well...I'd like to see one first. The sales woman then jerks her thumb toward a large poster of the watch behind her and says, "Thats what it looks like." I said Thanks A lot! What a putz. Well, no business for you, you rude twit.

[Robbyman]

My AD has them permanently on stock, no big issue getting them

[fishingbear]

Originally Posted by Robbyman

My AD has them permanently on stock, no big issue getting them

Mine too. I saw that he had two in stock last week.

[DCgator]

In 2004 I had my name added to the list for a 16610LV at an AD in Tyson's Corner. I got a call almost a year later that they had one for me. Unfortunately, I had to decline the SubLV at the time as I had just purchased two IWC pieces weeks earlier.

The AD at the Pentagon City is one where I will never ever buy a high end watch. They remind me of most used car sales tactics (no offense intended to car sales people here). Their store in San Antonio, however, have sales staff that are professionals and treat customers first class.

I do love the family owned AD in old town Alexandria. They always treat me first class anytime I walk in their store for minor stuff (remove links, adjustment, etc). These people are as genuine and sincere and always provide the best customer care that I have observed. I often bring them treats I buy at the bakery next door to the store and they appreciate it.