How do you reward your AD?

[Fabrice M]

I have started a relationship with my local AD a little over 1 year ago, and he has come through for me with every order. First purchase was the SeaDweller 43, then a Tudor GMT, and today, he texted me to let me know that another watch I have been waiting for almost a year had arrived ( picking it up tomorrow). This time I would like to thank him properly, first because he is super nice, reliable and second, because Basel is coming and... well you guys know how it goes ; )

I am wondering what you guys do? If anything.

[Jgrink]

1. Profit=Thanks.
2. Write a good review.

[frank784]

I'm interested to hear what others do as well.

I lucked out this week and my AD got me a Batman. It was my first purchase with them so would like to say thanks.

I already left good online reviews but was thinking a thank you gift basket. Nothing crazy but something for like $50-$100

[Tools]

This is right there with giving your realtor, who just made thousands on your purchase, a gift.

Isn't it supposed to be the other way 'round.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Tools

This is right there with giving your realtor, who just made thousands on your purchase, a gift.

Isn't it supposed to be the other way 'round.

so true. We just bought a house and when i saw that commission i decided i was probably in the wrong line of business. Especially these days when the buyer does all the work looking online etc.

I would never give any gift to an AD either, minus some token gesture of thanks. Commission is more than sufficient.

The watches sell themselves so they dont need to do any work. So at that point its not about a thank you gift, its more along the lines of a bribe to get priority since you are not giving them a gift for the actual work. Its a gift with the intent for special treatment in return.

Do you need to bribe your AD? well thats another can of worms entirely

[unknown]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

so true. We just bought a house and when i saw that commission i decided i was probably in the wrong line of business. Especially these days when the buyer does all the work looking online etc.

I would never give any gift to an AD either, minus some token gesture of thanks. Commission is more than sufficient.

The watches sell themselves so they dont need to do any work. So at that point its not about a thank you gift, its more along the lines of a bribe to get priority since you are not giving them a gift for the actual work. Its a gift with the intent for special treatment in return.

same with those grey dealer morons
they expect 15 up till 30% commission
Can you imagine a real estate agent would also charge 20 %

[Car32]

Originally Posted by Tools

This is right there with giving your realtor, who just made thousands on your purchase, a gift.

Isn't it supposed to be the other way 'round.

Yep. My RE broker sends me a bottle of wine every Christmas, occasionally offers sports tix, and checks in everyone once in awhile. What does he get in return? 3 transactions and lots of referrals. Thats how it should be. I have a relationship with an AD who has come through with a black and white Daytona (paid a premium for the first one, a white, as AD is in Asia) and recently a BLNR. I also bought a sub (when they weren’t hard to get) and a two tone datejust for my wife. They get my hard earned cash, they get my loyalty. I will NEVER “reward” my AD with anything more.

[BlackSub$]

Giving them my hard earned money.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JeromeAD]

Referrals are the best reward.

As well as dedicated future purchases.

[Pongster]

Originally Posted by JeromeAD

Referrals are the best reward.

As well as dedicated future purchases.

This. Nothing more.

[Headshrinker]

Originally Posted by JeromeAD

Referrals are the best reward.

As well as dedicated future purchases.

I am the customer, the AD’s job is selling a product; they are not providing favors.

[JohnPB]

Loyalty. I had bought a large number of watches over a few years ( approx 2009-2012) but then took a hiatus. Went in before Chirstmas, got the wife a new one, then in February I picked up a another.
I am interested in one more, and I was open with my AD about what I wanted. He told me to hold off until Basel to see if any new ones caught my attention as he would ensure I would get the one I wanted. ( new or old).
I've also bought a fair bit of jewellery for the family from them over the years too.
He knows I am not a flipper. I have sold a few desirable models over the years and I've told him what I was doing & why. Some were sold to his staff or mutual clients at my cost. I have no regrets, even though I've let some really nice (rare?) ones go at cost, but they didn't work for me once I go them on my wrist.
I use what I buy, no safe queens.

[gtruex]

I assume you paid full retail. That is more than thanks enough.

[liu_watch]

I would take him out for a nice dinner.

[Tha Baron]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

I would take him out for a nice dinner.

Why not Netflix and chill?!?!

[JVM]

Get him a gift certificate to a nice restaurant. The last thing sales guys want to do when they've got time off is spend it at dinner with a client who wants to talk about what he talks about all day, every day.

Originally Posted by liu_watch

I would take him out for a nice dinner.

[Largoshark]

Is your business not enough??? It must be really nice to be a Rolex AD right now.

[tng11]

As silly as it sounds, this thought crossed my mind too. My AD has been incredible, they pulled through for me on a few pieces in record time. They got their margin from me, but they could have easily sold it to plenty of other people. They kept me in mind and I have been really appreciative of that.

[ckwong]

I would buy cupcakes or pastries from time to time when I go visit. And for Christmas I bought two bottles of wine.

Yes, they are making money from me already so why do I have to buy them gifts but they also get me the watches I want for MSRP and I really appreciate that. I don't have to go through grey and pay thousands over MSRP. They could of sold it to anybody they wanted but kept me in mind so I have no problem buying little treats here and there.

I also visit them every ~6 weeks or so just to chat.

[biscotti]

Originally Posted by ckwong

I would buy cupcakes or pastries from time to time when I go visit. And for Christmas I bought two bottles of wine.

Yes, they are making money from me already so why do I have to buy them gifts but they also get me the watches I want for MSRP and I really appreciate that. I don't have to go through grey and pay thousands over MSRP. They could of sold it to anybody they wanted but kept me in mind so I have no problem buying little treats here and there.

I also visit them every ~6 weeks or so just to chat.

Agree with this. Little gestures like this will go a long way. With the present watch climate the way it is, you have to stand out from the average Joe customer.

[Honda137]

It’s not like you are rewarding him for finding a lost family dog, I’d say your business and loyalty is enough.

[SS Oyster]

But products from them - they owe you fir being a client, not the other way around. Without you, they don’t have a job!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Baco Noir]

I’ve sent two of mine wine from some of our favorite wineries, but I’ve also received substantial discounts, even on the BLNR.

[007timer]

Originally Posted by Baco Noir

I’ve sent two of mine wine from some of our favorite wineries, but I’ve also received substantial discounts, even on the BLNR.

Now that deserves a box of cigars


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[astewartconst]

This is silly and perpetuates the silliness that we as customers need to go beg and buy products we don’t want for the privilege to buy the stuff we do want.

If you must maybe just a nice thank you card highlighting how you look forward to doing future business.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Largoshark]

This mentality is bordering on some form of Stockholm Sydrome.

[Ripcode]

Originally Posted by Largoshark

This mentality is bordering on some form of Stockholm Sydrome.

Lol!

[BisonHead]

Originally Posted by Largoshark

This mentality is bordering on some form of Stockholm Sydrome.

Correct, best comment i have seen in regards the fawning over and around AD's on this forum.

[R G]

Originally Posted by Largoshark

This mentality is bordering on some form of Stockholm Sydrome.

Yes. It’s totally weird.

[alphasports]

Originally Posted by Largoshark

This mentality is bordering on some form of Stockholm Sydrome.

This.