AD nonsense!!!!

[Merkaholic]

Hi guys...... Yesterday I visited AD in the hope of building a rapport or if possible buy a SS Sports piece. Just to be clear I was prepared to pull the trigger if the opportunity had risen. I was also interested in another brand (vacheron constantin) which this ad stocks.

As I walked in I was approached by a female sa asking if i needed any help so i mentioned what I was looking for. Straight away she took me to the rolex area showed me a few non sports pieces, there was another sa serving 2 ladies, he abruptly interrupted and said they don't have any SS Sports piece and they are not taking any names. I was prepared for this so it did not really bother me.......I carried on browsing and saw a black dial skydweller (my lucky day) the female sa called a rolex specialist over to see to me, he came over and was very polite and professional. He showed me the piece but it was a white gold at 37k......just to see his reaction i said i would purchase this if you throw in a ss spot piece.......he says his got a no date sub which can be part of the deal.......i said at 37k it better be a Daytona or pepsi at the least. Btw the sa who was rude and abrupt was now in shock thinking there was a potential sale. I said to the sa your colleague said you didn't have any ss sports pieces........classic reply........ We only offer ss sports pieces for combined purchases. I tried to convince him to sell me the piece on its on but he was having non of it. I offered to buy a ladies dj but it was not what they were looking for. They wanted me to purchase a 20k+ gold piece in order to get the sub........ I told him politely but in no uncertain terms that i would rather pay a grey dealer a premium!!!

Im actually quiet happy i experienced this at first hand.

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[YGRLX]

Total pigs

[Justinmg]

Not surprised at all, I have no desire to own a piece buy a brand that treats customers that way. Like it’s a privilege to own a SS Rolex plenty of other great brands. Could you imagine going into a car dealer and being treated that way?

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Justinmg

Not surprised at all, I have no desire to own a piece buy a brand that treats customers that way. Like it’s a privilege to own a SS Rolex plenty of other great brands. Could you imagine going into a car dealer and being treated that way?

Why are you a TRF member? Just asking!!

[Justinmg]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Why are you a TRF member? Just asking!!

Not just a member, I support the forum $$. I’ve been around a little while and things have changed quite a bit. I will not pay over MSRP or play AD games for a mass produced watch, so Rolex has forced me to explore other brands. The way things are today has completely turned me off to the brand. But I enjoy this forum and I think I’m aloud to stick around even if I don’t buy into the Rolex hype!

[YGRLX]

Originally Posted by Justinmg

Not just a member, I support the forum $$. I’ve been around a little while and things have changed quite a bit. I will not pay over MSRP or play AD games for a mass produced watch, so Rolex has forced me to explore other brands. The way things are today has completely turned me off to the brand. But I enjoy this forum and I think I’m aloud to stick around even if I don’t buy into the Rolex hype!

well said...

[Ticknaway]

Originally Posted by Justinmg

Not just a member, I support the forum $$. I’ve been around a little while and things have changed quite a bit. I will not pay over MSRP or play AD games for a mass produced watch, so Rolex has forced me to explore other brands. The way things are today has completely turned me off to the brand. But I enjoy this forum and I think I’m aloud to stick around even if I don’t buy into the Rolex hype!

At over 2000 post I believe you have earned the right to be here regardless of what you’re currently buying, IMHO !

[RolexInMelbourne]

Originally Posted by Justinmg

Not just a member, I support the forum $$. I’ve been around a little while and things have changed quite a bit. I will not pay over MSRP or play AD games for a mass produced watch, so Rolex has forced me to explore other brands. The way things are today has completely turned me off to the brand. But I enjoy this forum and I think I’m aloud to stick around even if I don’t buy into the Rolex hype!

[ZOOK]

Originally Posted by Justinmg

Not surprised at all, I have no desire to own a piece buy a brand that treats customers that way. Like it’s a privilege to own a SS Rolex plenty of other great brands. Could you imagine going into a car dealer and being treated that way?

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Why are you a TRF member? Just asking!!

He's probably been around long enough to remember the good old days. When you could just walk into an AD and purchase almost any S/S Rolex, way back in 2015.

[Justinmg]

Originally Posted by ZOOK

He's probably been around long enough to remember the good old days. When you could just walk into an AD and purchase almost any S/S Rolex, way back in 2015.

Bingo

[Fchernyak]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Why are you a TRF member? Just asking!!

Lol


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[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Why are you a TRF member? Just asking!!

There are other brands here besides Rolex.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Why are you a TRF member? Just asking!!

I think you might be surprised how many longstanding members have gravitated towards other brands over the last couple of years. They're all still very welcome here

[ImSorryBut...]

Originally Posted by Justinmg

Not surprised at all, I have no desire to own a piece buy a brand that treats customers that way. Like it’s a privilege to own a SS Rolex plenty of other great brands. Could you imagine going into a car dealer and being treated that way?

Im guessing that you haven't tried to buy a Porsche

[joli160]

OP made it clear to the AD that he is a flipper and not a WIS by wanting to buy any or all of the SS models.

Ofcourse he got the run around

[Mr. Vanos]

Originally Posted by ImSorryBut...

Im guessing that you haven't tried to buy a Porsche

Lol I was just thinking the same thing.

[eleven11prints]

Originally Posted by Justinmg

Not surprised at all, I have no desire to own a piece buy a brand that treats customers that way. Like it’s a privilege to own a SS Rolex plenty of other great brands. Could you imagine going into a car dealer and being treated that way?

It isn't the brand, is it!? It's the AD. Rolex do not dictate to AD's how to sell their watches and with what level of respect, but AD's are in the fortunate position to be able to manipulate buyers due to the demand in SS Sports.

[Fleetlord]

Meanwhile....shortly after your departure, another person arrived and more than likely purchased whatever Rolex bundle the AD steered them towards with no effort at all...

That's why the AD do this..because the general market and high rollers alike accept it and it works out just fine. Sure, they get the occasional WIS who shows up to kick a stink, but overall it is a very successful strategy.

So in other words, if it didn't work, they wouldn't do it.

[Flyfisher]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Meanwhile....shortly after your departure, another person arrived and more than likely purchased whatever the AD steered them towards with no effort at all...

That's why the AD do this..because the general market and high rollers alike accept it and it works out just fine. Sure, they get the occasional WIS who shows up to kick a stink, but overall it is a very successful strategy.

So in other words, if it didn't work, they wouldn't do it.

That “steered” customer will buy one Rolex in his life and a WIS will buy multiple.

Shortsighted.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by Flyfisher

That “steered” customer will buy one Rolex in his life and a WIS will buy multiple.

Shortsighted.

Perhaps, but the market conditions allow for this strategy to work and AD are selling way more PM than "before"...so right now things are better than ever. They will worry about tomorrow later and odds on the WIS will be right back at the trough regardless...because they are WIS and that's what WIS do...

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Flyfisher

That “steered” customer will buy one Rolex in his life and a WIS will buy multiple.



Shortsighted.

Demanding a Pepsi or Daytona to be thrown in as part of the deal is hardly good WIS tactics IMO. No wonder he got fobbed off!

[Merkaholic]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Demanding a Pepsi or Daytona to be thrown in as part of the deal is hardly good WIS tactics IMO. No wonder he got fobbed off!

Who got fobbed off???

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[Number3]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Demanding a Pepsi or Daytona to be thrown in as part of the deal is hardly good WIS tactics IMO. No wonder he got fobbed off!

Yes, how dare he demand this after being told he had to buy a £37k piece just to get access to a SS sub they originally lied about having!

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Number3

Yes, how dare he demand this after being told he had to buy a £37k piece just to get access to a SS sub they originally lied about having!

Sorry - I didn’t realise AD’s had a duty of transparency and of being answerable to the public!!

[Monty22]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Meanwhile....shortly after your departure, another person arrived and more than likely purchased whatever Rolex bundle the AD steered them towards with no effort at all...

That's why the AD do this..because the general market and high rollers alike accept it and it works out just fine. Sure, they get the occasional WIS who shows up to kick a stink, but overall it is a very successful strategy.

So in other words, if it didn't work, they wouldn't do it.

Yep. I know it’s frustrating, but you have to consider that every day most ADs field multiple cold calls and multiple random walk-ins from people all wanting the same thing. From what I have observed and have had described to me by my SA, 1/3 of the inquiries for SS involve poor social skills with the first word uttered being “STAINLESS STEEL”. Or they are the “benefactors of the shenanigans the OP pulled. While the OPs story started out cordial, it certainly did not end well. Wasting the SAs time with watches that you don’t have the capacity or willingness to buy just to gain perceived power or throwing grey dealers in their face is just as wrong as what they are doing.

If I had a retail distribution business where I was at the mercy of my manufacturer with these supply issues, I would:

1. Do everything I can to keep my current, valuable, and big spending customers happy
2. Find ways to maximize each sale BOTH in terms of dollars and relationship to turn a bad situation into something positive
3. Find ways not to business with entitled jerks.

Sorry for the rant. I am not trying to preach but we forget that the ADs and their SA’s are people as well. In the SA’s case, many are overworked and underpaid (retail sucks).

I am new to the game and feel fortunate that I have the perspective and patience to let my quest play out in due time.


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[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by Monty22

Yep. I know it’s frustrating, but you have to consider that every day most ADs field multiple cold calls and multiple random walk-ins from people all wanting the same thing. From what I have observed and have had described to me by my SA, 1/3 of the inquiries for SS involve poor social skills with the first word uttered being “STAINLESS STEEL”. Or they are the “benefactors of the shenanigans the OP pulled. While the OPs story started out cordial, it certainly did not end well. Wasting the SAs time with watches that you don’t have the capacity or willingness to buy just to gain perceived power or throwing grey dealers in their face is just as wrong as what they are doing.

If I had a retail distribution business where I was at the mercy of my manufacturer with these supply issues, I would:

1. Do everything I can to keep my current, valuable, and big spending customers happy
2. Find ways to maximize each sale BOTH in terms of dollars and relationship to turn a bad situation into something positive
3. Find ways not to business with entitled jerks.

Sorry for the rant. I am not trying to preach but we forget that the ADs and their SA’s are people as well. In the SA’s case, many are overworked and underpaid (retail sucks).

I am new to the game and feel fortunate that I have the perspective and patience to let my quest play out in due time.


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Agree. I would love to see the SA bashers on this website trade places with an SA for a day and see life from the retail side of the counter.




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[TswaneNguni]

I think DJ wearers are happy people

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

I think DJ wearers are happy people

Yeah. We really are. Simple. Unassuming. Just has a date and pretty much that’s all it has. Been around since 1945. Worn by 2 out of three of the gentlemen responsible for victory in WWll. Waterproof beyond most peoples needs, shockproof. Gazilion choices of bracelet and dial combos.

What more could you want or need?


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[cbiggs]

Originally Posted by Monty22

Yep. I know it’s frustrating, but you have to consider that every day most ADs field multiple cold calls and multiple random walk-ins from people all wanting the same thing. From what I have observed and have had described to me by my SA, 1/3 of the inquiries for SS involve poor social skills with the first word uttered being “STAINLESS STEEL”. Or they are the “benefactors of the shenanigans the OP pulled. While the OPs story started out cordial, it certainly did not end well. Wasting the SAs time with watches that you don’t have the capacity or willingness to buy just to gain perceived power or throwing grey dealers in their face is just as wrong as what they are doing.

If I had a retail distribution business where I was at the mercy of my manufacturer with these supply issues, I would:

1. Do everything I can to keep my current, valuable, and big spending customers happy
2. Find ways to maximize each sale BOTH in terms of dollars and relationship to turn a bad situation into something positive
3. Find ways not to business with entitled jerks.

Sorry for the rant. I am not trying to preach but we forget that the ADs and their SA’s are people as well. In the SA’s case, many are overworked and underpaid (retail sucks).

I am new to the game and feel fortunate that I have the perspective and patience to let my quest play out in due time.


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I like your mentality and think that many here can learn a lot from it.


Hello from Chicago

[Tavli3]

Originally Posted by Monty22

Yep. I know it’s frustrating, but you have to consider that every day most ADs field multiple cold calls and multiple random walk-ins from people all wanting the same thing. From what I have observed and have had described to me by my SA, 1/3 of the inquiries for SS involve poor social skills with the first word uttered being “STAINLESS STEEL”. Or they are the “benefactors of the shenanigans the OP pulled. While the OPs story started out cordial, it certainly did not end well. Wasting the SAs time with watches that you don’t have the capacity or willingness to buy just to gain perceived power or throwing grey dealers in their face is just as wrong as what they are doing.

If I had a retail distribution business where I was at the mercy of my manufacturer with these supply issues, I would:

1. Do everything I can to keep my current, valuable, and big spending customers happy
2. Find ways to maximize each sale BOTH in terms of dollars and relationship to turn a bad situation into something positive
3. Find ways not to business with entitled jerks.

Sorry for the rant. I am not trying to preach but we forget that the ADs and their SA’s are people as well. In the SA’s case, many are overworked and underpaid (retail sucks).

I am new to the game and feel fortunate that I have the perspective and patience to let my quest play out in due time.


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I get the part about the SAs being frustrated with getting hit with the same question dozens of times everyday. But I do not agree that it's all the retail consumer's fault. Not everyone is up to speed on the current Rolex "shortage". Most people simply decide one day they want a Rolex or have just been able to money wise buy a Rolex. If by chance that Rolex is not a "Stainless" model then there's no issue they walk in try on what they want and walk out with a watch and being none the wiser of whats going on. If however they should want a "Stainless" sport model then they will more than likely and unknowingly walk into a buzz saw.

A simple solution would be to post a nice sign on the door that they are out of stock on all "Stainless Sport Models". That would cut down on the drive by buyers. It makes sense since they are never going to sell a hot watch to a walk in anyway. Those watches are sold via a phone call. And not many people are going to buy a YG watch for 37K just to buy a 12K stainless watch. It will cut down on the rudness level also I believe from the SAs since they will be less hasselled.

The way I read the OPs post is that he went into a store asked for a sport model and was rudely told none in stock and was redirected to a PM watch. So the deterioration in the encounter was started by the SA not the OP. Once he showed interest in the PM watch a "Stainless" watch was magically in stock. Kind of unethical. It's the Rude part that is the problem. I've experienced it and it seems to be more and more common. I don't think it is beneficial to the Store owner, to Rolex or to the consumer.

I think the ADs should be upfront and say our policy is only to sell these watches in a combo deal to customers they don't know. If you tell a customer due to a shortage its now the policy, I think they will get less offended.

It's offending when they rudely say we don't have any but we do have this 37K watch over here for you to buy and I can maybe see if we can get you another watch! I've had this actually happen to me at the Bal Harbor Mall. I was deflected from a sport model into a YG Day Date for 37K and I said I like it but can you get me what I want if I buy this and that's when I got the maybe. Maybe? So the game was started by the SA not me. I have every right to go in and ask for any watch I desire. They have a choice in either being upfront or playing the deflection game. They decided to play their game so I played my game much like the OP decided to play his game.
Make me a deal! Don't ask me to spend 37K and give me a maybe. I'm not here to say whether if you do or don't do a deal like that is right or wrong, to each his own. But I think both sides need to be more honest with each other.
The shortage will continue, the situation will continue it’s just a matter how pissed off each side gets at each other. Time will tell.

PS: By shortage I mean the MSRP shortage since we all know these watches are available in the hundreds via the Grays.