Another Poor AD Experience

[jpwoodi]

Despite having already had one poor experience in my local AD ( incorrectly identified my Explorer as a fake when asking for a bracelet adjustment), I thought I would give them another chance.

I wanted an engraving on the case back, so waited upon a quote. They apparently had to do it in-store as Rolex do not offer this without a full service. Also they would not pressure test it.

Slightly sceptical I made a quick call to the Kent Service centre who informed me they do engrave, and for a lower price than my AD quoted me. I assume that the local AD would make more money from doing it in-house, but this does make me wary.

How rigorous is the process of becoming an AD? I assumed standards would be high, however this seems not to be the case.

[cop414]

Sounds like 2 strikes and this AD should be out... I wouldn't go back.

[MonBK]

The process is very rigorous and the standard should be high.

[watchwatcher]

I believe if someone had called my watch a fake I would make sure there was a public acknowledgement of their mistake. Not sure if I would frequent that establishment for future business and I would make sure everybody in that business understood why.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I believe if someone had called my watch a fake I would make sure there was a public acknowledgement of their mistake. Not sure if I would frequent that establishment for future business and I would make sure everybody in that business understood why.

Have to agree, I know sales can be a tough and relentless job esp if they are not really into watches but calling one a fake is going way too far and the manager needs to be told.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I believe if someone had called my watch a fake I would make sure there was a public acknowledgement of their mistake. Not sure if I would frequent that establishment for future business and I would make sure everybody in that business understood why.

Larry hit the nail on the head on this one.

You gave them one more chance than I would have. To say a customer's watch is a fake is completely inappropriate and unacceptable. I would have expected a higher level of integrity from an AD. Regardless if the customer is wearing a fake (not to suggest you were), the AD is not in a position to cast an opinion on the matter.

[Tyl3r]

You should definitely switch ADs after yet another poor experience. I have had a very poor experience at an AD where they destroyed by link screws when sizing the bracelet. It seems these stories are getting more and more common. I was always under the impression that it was nearly impossible to obtain AD status and very easily lost. I wish Rolex would more strictly oversee their dealers.

[alex82]

I have also experienced very poor service through an AD - and their knowledge was severely lacking, put me off for good and now I will only deal with Rolex directly, via their own sales centre

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by alex82

I have also experienced very poor service through an AD - and their knowledge was severely lacking, put me off for good and now I will only deal with Rolex directly, via their own sales centre

You do realize that the Rolex boutiques are operated by ADs?

[alex82]

Originally Posted by kilyung

You do realize that the Rolex boutiques are operated by ADs?

I didn't actually!! I thought ADs were only independent retailers who were authorized by Rolex to sell their watches...I had Rolex UK at St James Square in mind when I said I would only deal with them directly...

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by alex82

I didn't actually!! I thought ADs were only independent retailers who were authorized by Rolex to sell their watches...I had Rolex UK at St James Square in mind when I said I would only deal with them directly...

The RSCs are Rolex so St James is ok.

[Thatguy]

you gave them one more chance than I would have. I would not go back.

[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by thatguy

you gave them one more chance than i would have. I would not go back.

x47

[Hairdude1]

Don't visit that AD anymore

[dba]

My wife and I were in the Rolex store at the Royal Hawaiian Center last May. I wasn't going to buy anything that day but we were dressed nicely and were both wearing a Rolex. My wife on the other hand does have that type of “walking around” cash available to her.

I have never been treated as rudely as I was while in that store. The woman who appeared to be the manager would barely look at us and when my wife enquired about a Daytona with the leather strap/bracelet, she told us it wasn’t available even though we were looking at it.

I was stunned! The folks at my local store in Reno are simply the best. Whenever I come in to look, one of the sales people offers to clean my watch. I was at that shopping center during the NFL Playoffs. I walked over to the store at around 6pm and asked if they were still open. They were, they had the 49er game on TV and were going to stay open until the game was over. They had a little buffet going (for no charge) for the four customers in the store and it was quite a contrast from Hawaii.

I think we all have our AD horror stories. The big question is why should we purchase from an AD if their sales staff is incompetent, rude, dishonest or just plain ignorant? If you have a great relationship with an AD then by all means patronize them. For the rest, the internet is our friend. Use the AD to try on watches to see how they look and feel on your wrist; then buy from one of the trusted sellers here. There never seems to be a thread titled, “Horrible Trusted Seller” does there?

For those that would lament the failing of “Brick and Mortar” stores because of the internet, I would suggest that the brick and mortar stores up their game and perhaps they’ll win back the patronage they lost.

Like Craig Ferguson used to say, “I look forward to your letters.”

[alex82]

Originally Posted by dba

For those that would lament the failing of “Brick and Mortar” stores because of the internet, I would suggest that the brick and mortar stores up their game and perhaps they’ll win back the patronage they lost.

Completely agree, dba...I work in retail myself and I always strive to go above and beyond what a customer expects when I deal with them, making them feel special gives me a real buzz and I have gained a lot of regular customers as a result, many of whom I've got to know a little bit too

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by dba

Use the AD to try on watches to see how they look and feel on your wrist; then buy from one of the trusted sellers here. There never seems to be a thread titled, “Horrible Trusted Seller” does there?

For those that would lament the failing of “Brick and Mortar” stores because of the internet, I would suggest that the brick and mortar stores up their game and perhaps they’ll win back the patronage they lost.

terrbible attitude. If you don't like AD's, then don't go to them. Period. Go try on the watch at the home of the "trusted seller" you purchase from.

As for "Brick and Mortar" stores losing business to internet sales, it's pretty simple.,,, People are scumbags, and want to save on paying taxes or think the risk of saving a couple hudred dollars outweighs the risk.

And I do agree there aren't threads where people talk about their bad experiences with trusted sellers. However, their are plenty of posts from users on this forum where they have been absolutely burned by trusted seller. From getting watches where the movement was swiped for a fake or different movement, to not having any warranty, to having dials, hands, and other parts swapped out. But yes, for some reason, it is more popular to just talk about bad experiences with AD's.

[Mak2013]

Originally Posted by drakulie

terrbible attitude. If you don't like AD's, then don't go to them. Period. Go try on the watch at the home of the "trusted seller" you purchase from.

As for "Brick and Mortar" stores losing business to internet sales, it's pretty simple.,,, People are scumbags, and want to save on paying taxes or think the risk of saving a couple hudred dollars outweighs the risk.

And I do agree there aren't threads where people talk about their bad experiences with trusted sellers. However, their are plenty of posts from users on this forum where they have been absolutely burned by trusted seller. From getting watches where the movement was swiped for a fake or different movement, to not having any warranty, to having dials, hands, and other parts swapped out. But yes, for some reason, it is more popular to just talk about bad experiences with AD's.

thank you
AD invests considerably and provides jobs for many people. Is it fair to go try watches and then leave and get a watch from someone on internet you never met?
I like to support local economy, i get GREAT service at my AD, and i get a price that even trusted sellers couldnt offer. So, for me is a no brainer.
FOr used watches, i like to buy from our TRF sellers, but new, that will never happen.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by drakulie

terrbible attitude. If you don't like AD's, then don't go to them. Period. Go try on the watch at the home of the "trusted seller" you purchase from.

As for "Brick and Mortar" stores losing business to internet sales, it's pretty simple.,,, People are scumbags, and want to save on paying taxes or think the risk of saving a couple hudred dollars outweighs the risk.

And I do agree there aren't threads where people talk about their bad experiences with trusted sellers. However, their are plenty of posts from users on this forum where they have been absolutely burned by trusted seller. From getting watches where the movement was swiped for a fake or different movement, to not having any warranty, to having dials, hands, and other parts swapped out. But yes, for some reason, it is more popular to just talk about bad experiences with AD's.

Where exactly is a thread of this nature

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Where exactly is a thread of this nature

Not once did I say there were threads related to the issue. On the contrary, I said I agreed there weren't any threads, BUT THERE WERE PLENTY OF POSTS made by members here where they were burned by buying from "trusted sellers". Don't try and pretend you haven't read any of them, as they are plentiful. And I'm quite certain you could do a search and find some.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by drakulie

And I do agree there aren't threads where people talk about their bad experiences with trusted sellers. However, their are plenty of posts from users on this forum where they have been absolutely burned by trusted seller. From getting watches where the movement was swiped for a fake or different movement, to not having any warranty, to having dials, hands, and other parts swapped out. But yes, for some reason, it is more popular to just talk about bad experiences with AD's.

I haven't bought anything from one of the trusted sellers, yet.

That being said, I've never seen a single negative thread or complaint aimed at any of the more well known people that would be considered "trusted sellers".

It's just not true, and a quick search on this forum or google with their names will yield nothing but praise.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by drakulie

terrbible attitude. If you don't like AD's, then don't go to them. Period. Go try on the watch at the home of the "trusted seller" you purchase from.

As for "Brick and Mortar" stores losing business to internet sales, it's pretty simple.,,, People are scumbags, and want to save on paying taxes or think the risk of saving a couple hudred dollars outweighs the risk.

And I do agree there aren't threads where people talk about their bad experiences with trusted sellers. However, their are plenty of posts from users on this forum where they have been absolutely burned by trusted seller. From getting watches where the movement was swiped for a fake or different movement, to not having any warranty, to having dials, hands, and other parts swapped out. But yes, for some reason, it is more popular to just talk about bad experiences with AD's.

I agree and disagree. First, I haven't seen any posts where people are getting burned by trusted sellers. I am not saying they don't exist, but i surely have not seen any.

In regards to AD's. I think that changes in the sales environment challenge their old sales model. Unfortunately, they do not appear to be evolving with the times.

It is a reality that you can get nearly anything online today. Best Buy was having all sorts of problems because people would come in and check out the products but then order from Amazon.

I do not think that makes people scum bags. Just like the AD's want the most money for their product a consumer wants to get the best price.

Best Buy realized the problem and changed their strategy.

Some watch AD's appear to be sticking their head in the sand. I don't know what the answer is, but either evolve or die. They have a physical presence so it is a reality that people are going to come in and check things out. They have great opportunities to make sales.

If I were an AD, I would be hiring the best sales staff I could find. And I would constantly train them and help them to be the best they can.

I buy from DavidSW all the time because his service is absolutely super.

I also have a good relationship with my Omega Boutique and a local Rolex AD.

For me though, I do want to get good pricing and I want to feel valued. And my AD tends to refuse to provide any discounts. I have bought over 5 watches from them and my wedding ring. And I like them very much.

But when I asked for a discount on a Daytona, I was told that they would not give me one. I had called earlier and specifically said, I don't want to put you on the spot. "I am looking into a Daytona, please think about if you can provide me a discount and call me back".

Again, they called back and offered me nothing.

To me, that is just not smart business. I like buying in person. I enjoy the interaction and I am OK with paying a little more for it. But as a consumer, I also want to know that I am valued. Again, this was not my first purchase there.

I have also been in the Omega boutique with zero intention to buy. But because they were so good, they landed the sale with zero discounts. And that sale turned into two more. Why? Because they offered me free bands and clasps and even a bit of booze. They made me feel valued and I was happy to make the purchase.

I don't really know the answer. But these are my thoughts on the subject.

With the opportunities that the internet provides, Brick and Mortar needs to be better. They have to try harder and they need to evolve with the times.

[Mak2013]

Originally Posted by superdog

I agree and disagree. First, I haven't seen any posts where people are getting burned by trusted sellers. I am not saying they don't exist, but i surely have not seen any.



In regards to AD's. I think that changes in the sales environment challenge their old sales model. Unfortunately, they do not appear to be evolving with the times.



It is a reality that you can get nearly anything online today. Best Buy was having all sorts of problems because people would come in and check out the products but then order from Amazon.



I do not think that makes people scum bags. Just like the AD's want the most money for their product a consumer wants to get the best price.



Best Buy realized the problem and changed their strategy.



Some watch AD's appear to be sticking their head in the sand. I don't know what the answer is, but either evolve or die. They have a physical presence so it is a reality that people are going to come in and check things out. They have great opportunities to make sales.



If I were an AD, I would be hiring the best sales staff I could find. And I would constantly train them and help them to be the best they can.



I buy from DavidSW all the time because his service is absolutely super.



I also have a good relationship with my Omega Boutique and a local Rolex AD.



For me though, I do want to get good pricing and I want to feel valued. And my AD tends to refuse to provide any discounts. I have bought over 5 watches from them and my wedding ring. And I like them very much.



But when I asked for a discount on a Daytona, I was told that they would not give me one. I had called earlier and specifically said, I don't want to put you on the spot. "I am looking into a Daytona, please think about if you can provide me a discount and call me back".



Again, they called back and offered me nothing.



To me, that is just not smart business. I like buying in person. I enjoy the interaction and I am OK with paying a little more for it. But as a consumer, I also want to know that I am valued. Again, this was not my first purchase there.



I have also been in the Omega boutique with zero intention to buy. But because they were so good, they landed the sale with zero discounts. And that sale turned into two more. Why? Because they offered me free bands and clasps and even a bit of booze. They made me feel valued and I was happy to make the purchase.



I don't really know the answer. But these are my thoughts on the subject.



With the opportunities that the internet provides, Brick and Mortar needs to be better. They have to try harder and they need to evolve with the times.

Thid is a very good post.
Traditional business models are changing. Either compete on price or compete on service.
There needs to be a value proposition to consumer


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[kilyung]

Originally Posted by drakulie

However, their are plenty of posts from users on this forum where they have been absolutely burned by trusted seller. From getting watches where the movement was swiped for a fake or different movement, to not having any warranty, to having dials, hands, and other parts swapped out.

I hope you have your Nomex suit on

[Bluedeacon]

[QUOTE=kilyung;5757242]I hope you have your Nomex suit on [/QUOTE

That was just funny. My A.D. experiences have been totally opposite. Rolex Wynn was not all that great, and I didn't buy. Alvin Goldfarb in Washington..well "Wow!" is all I can say.

[ocwatching]

Originally Posted by Bluedeacon

Alvin Goldfarb in Washington..well "Wow!" is all I can say.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by drakulie

However, their are plenty of posts from users on this forum where they have been absolutely burned by trusted seller.

Give us examples then.

[tkerrmd]

Don't think engraving a watch would be included in my assessment of a knowledgable and fair AD

[locutus49]

Agree.

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Don't think engraving a watch would be included in my assessment of a knowledgable and fair AD

[Mabcpa17]

Still I. The process of saving for my first Rolex and fascinating to hear some of the negative comments about ADs. Seems like the answer could be a "trusted seller" via this RF. Where do these TSs source their watches (assuming you can purchase something other than pre-owned from a TS)?