Relationship with AD.... Really?

[BillA]

So today I went into an AD to put a bracelet back on my watch. I traveled recently on vacation to a sun/beach area so I put my Everest strap on for this travel. Now it was time to put the bracelet back on. I tinkered with it, but decided to have a professional do the job. So the jeweler comes out, looks over the watch and bracelet and asks me when it was last serviced. I told him I was not sure and asked if they could replace the crystal without a full service. He said he would have to look over the watch to make sure it did not need a full service. I declined because he would have had to open the back and I did not want to wait around. He returned with the bracelet on and I thanked him, made a contribution to a needy cause and off I went. I do understand about not being definitive about the crystal and service. What if he did the crystal, and I came back and said the watch is running very slow, could be a problem.

So on the way out of the store, I saw the owner, whom I have met a few times and greets me like he knows me when I enter the store (whether he does or not). I told him in kind and tactful words that I hope he was keeping me in mind for a SS GMT Pepsi. He said he was, and then the next sentence was "you and a few other hundred people who have asked me". So he is obviously selling the watch to his big spenders, I am clearly not one of them.

So does that mean I have to spend a ton of money in his store to get one? I guess so. But when I walk out the door, it is onto the next person who drops a lot of coin in jewelry in his store, and asks for a SS Professional Rolex. It is hard to really see how people develop a relationship with the SA's at the store when there are so many of us, and so few watches. Are we just getting lip service and being stroked to feel good? So are we kidding ourselves that we really have a relationship with the AD?

[MattyL147]

Good topic. Refreshing thread.

[aayates]

Originally Posted by MattyL147

Good topic. Refreshing thread.

[djgallo]

Yes ....and you knew what the answer was before you asked...

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by MattyL147

Good topic. Refreshing thread.

[Bizcut1]

Originally Posted by MattyL147

Good topic. Refreshing thread.

I'm looking for something to hurt myself with.

[BillA]

Originally Posted by Bizcut1

I'm looking for something to hurt myself with.

Very funny

[SLWoodster]

Originally Posted by MattyL147

Good topic. Refreshing thread.

My crystal ball says the watch is not in your future at this AD.

Really want it? Just pay market price. No online reseller, and no renowned reseller gets these smoldering hot watches at retail price on a regular basis.

People keep complaining about Rolex. Try going into a Patek store and asking for a nautilus. Try going into AP asking for a 15202. It's not for you, it's for that person willing to go much further than you.

If you get it, enjoy. Good luck to you.

[Bryant Park]

The AD owns a commercial enterprise whose goal is to maximize profit. Your ability to contribute to the fulfillment of that goal as evidenced by actual experience is in direct proportion to your "relationship".

Why should your desire for preferential treatment supersede those that are more lucrative? He was polite and honest not much more that you are entitled to unfortunately.

[4 Aussies]

Originally Posted by Bryant Park

The AD owns a commercial enterprise whose goal is to maximize profit. Your ability to contribute to the fulfillment of that goal as evidenced by actual experience is in direct proportion to your "relationship".

Why should your desire for preferential treatment supersede those that are more lucrative? He was polite and honest not much more that you are entitled to unfortunately.

Well said!

[Monty22]

Originally Posted by Bryant Park

The AD owns a commercial enterprise whose goal is to maximize profit. Your ability to contribute to the fulfillment of that goal as evidenced by actual experience is in direct proportion to your "relationship".

Why should your desire for preferential treatment supersede those that are more lucrative? He was polite and honest not much more that you are entitled to unfortunately.

Yep


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Originally Posted by BillA

So today I went into an AD to put a bracelet back on my watch. I traveled recently on vacation to a sun/beach area so I put my Everest strap on for this travel. Now it was time to put the bracelet back on. I tinkered with it, but decided to have a professional do the job. So the jeweler comes out, looks over the watch and bracelet and asks me when it was last serviced. I told him I was not sure and asked if they could replace the crystal without a full service. He said he would have to look over the watch to make sure it did not need a full service. I declined because he would have had to open the back and I did not want to wait around. He returned with the bracelet on and I thanked him, made a contribution to a needy cause and off I went. I do understand about not being definitive about the crystal and service. What if he did the crystal, and I came back and said the watch is running very slow, could be a problem.

So on the way out of the store, I saw the owner, whom I have met a few times and greets me like he knows me when I enter the store (whether he does or not). I told him in kind and tactful words that I hope he was keeping me in mind for a SS GMT Pepsi. He said he was, and then the next sentence was "you and a few other hundred people who have asked me". So he is obviously selling the watch to his big spenders, I am clearly not one of them.

So does that mean I have to spend a ton of money in his store to get one? I guess so. But when I walk out the door, it is onto the next person who drops a lot of coin in jewelry in his store, and asks for a SS Professional Rolex. It is hard to really see how people develop a relationship with the SA's at the store when there are so many of us, and so few watches. Are we just getting lip service and being stroked to feel good? So are we kidding ourselves that we really have a relationship with the AD?

In my opinion, no. I put my request for a BLRO in February 2019, without spending a dime with the AD. I selected that AD because they responded to my email inquiry about the lack of SS models, but I was more than welcome to come in and see what they had at the time. I made arrangements to visit and put in my request for a BLRO and Sub C ND.

Afterwards, I had my father's DJ serviced, my mother's DJ and grandmother's 5005 looked at (wanted to serial number off of the DJ and the 5005 I needed a cost estimate to get it working). my Pelagos serviced and my watches appraised.

I was asked if I wanted a TT GMT in July 2019, which I declined. and was subsequent asked if I wanted a BLRO in January 2020.

So, I don't think I spent a lot of money but I have made myself present at times and I don't bug them too often.

I've already told my SA I was planning on another watch but I need to figure out which one I want...she said no problem, just let her know.

[037]

Selling you an "SS GMT Pepsi" is like handing you a check for $5-7k. They have to pick and choose somehow. Not all ADs require one to spend a bunch. Mine doesn't.

Relationship ≠ money.

Good luck.

[Stonecutter6]

Originally Posted by 037

Selling you an "SS GMT Pepsi" is like handing you a check for $5-7k. They have to pick and choose somehow. Not all ADs require one to spend a bunch. Mine doesn't.

Relationship ≠ money.

Good luck.

I've had an AD Owner tell me this line as well... I think it just feeds the flippers and the ADs that sell directly to them to be honest. It's a very clear indication that its going on in that establishment. When then asked: "what about to clients who don't sell them?" there is no answer.

[jvb.nc]

Originally Posted by 037

Selling you an "SS GMT Pepsi" is like handing you a check for $5-7k. They have to pick and choose somehow. Not all ADs require one to spend a bunch. Mine doesn't.

Relationship ≠ money.

Good luck.

this.

[Calatrava r]

I suspect you are right with no purchase history about being on the bottom of the totem pole.

[EndlessEight]

Originally Posted by jvb.nc

this.

It’s literally what the AD told my wife and I about the Hulk.

They chose us.

[jvb.nc]

Originally Posted by EndlessEight

It’s literally what the AD told my wife and I about the Hulk.

They chose us.

my AD has chosen me for a piece or two in my time, and i think it’s cause we genuinely get along well.

[peterpl]

Originally Posted by 037

Selling you an "SS GMT Pepsi" is like handing you a check for $5-7k. They have to pick and choose somehow.

Pretty much this.

Its like they are giving you free money when they can flip it themselves for the same amount of profit.

So you either buy something else like rings/bracelet or another watch like a DJ or Airking or whatever so they can make the same amount of money from you or they will flip it themselves.

At the end of the day the AD makes the same amount. The $$$ needs to come from somewhere. No1 is going to give you a free $5k for free.

That is why the Rolex AD distribution model is flawed. Every single AD around the world is taking advantage of the hype. I cant wait until the hype is all gone and the ADs are begging you to spend your money again.

This will not last forever and the hype is already dying down massively compared to 12-24 months ago.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

These threads keep coming up, and people need to move on and switch brands if necessary

I get that people are sick of these threads.

However, in OP's defense, also sprinkled into the threads are posts like the below, about people getting in demand watches without spending a ton of money. People who can't spend six figures on watches/jewelry are trying to find setups like that. Posts like the below give them hope they can get a SS Daytona without spending six figures.

Originally Posted by 037

Not all ADs require one to spend a bunch. Mine doesn't.

[cerendigit]

Originally Posted by 037

Relationship ≠ money.

Sorry I ed at this one.

So you seriously think the AD is in the business of making friends or something?

[037]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

I get that people are sick of these threads.

However, in OP's defense, also sprinkled into the threads are posts like the below, about people getting in demand watches without spending a ton of money. People who can't spend six figures on watches/jewelry are trying to find setups like that. Posts like the below give them hope they can get a SS Daytona without spending six figures.

I get your point but I also later discovered that the OP spent exactly $0.00 in new watches from this AD. My initial response would have been much different had I known that earlier. And the OP is asking about a GMT, not a Daytona. Your comparison isn't the same.

Originally Posted by cerendigit

Sorry I ed at this one.

So you seriously think the AD is in the business of making friends or something?

Same answer as above. But, my point in saying that a relationship doesn't equal money is ADs are looking for enthusiasts, not flippers. Yes they want to make money but that not the only factor. Hundreds of flippers want these watches to make money. ADs are looking for those who want to buy and keep the watches. That's the non-monetary relationship I'm talking about. Since the OP hasn't purchase any watches from this AD, the AD has no idea if the OP is yet another flipper. Having two watches serviced that were purchased elsewhere doesn't help.

Again, all of these details about the OP's situation were learned after I posted what you ed about.

[6538]

Sales is sort of like....legal bribery, for lack of better illustration. If a person gives him more money in exchange for goods, whether it be over time or once in a while, that person gets higher up in the VIP clientele list. It boils down to money. Unless you are closely related by blood.

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by 6538

sales is sort of like....legal bribery, for lack of better illustration. If a person gives him more money in exchange for goods, whether it be over time or once in a while, that person gets higher up in the vip clientele list. It boils down to money. Unless you are closely related by blood.

100 %

[arcampado]

Originally Posted by 6538

Sales is sort of like....legal bribery, for lack of better illustration. If a person gives him more money in exchange for goods, whether it be over time or once in a while, that person gets higher up in the VIP clientele list. It boils down to money. Unless you are closely related by blood.

So true

[dimag333]

Go grey then, don’t play games it BS, use them like they use you, capitalize when you can and don’t get taken advantage of

steve

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by BillA

So today I went into an AD to put a bracelet back on my watch. I traveled recently on vacation to a sun/beach area so I put my Everest strap on for this travel. Now it was time to put the bracelet back on. I tinkered with it, but decided to have a professional do the job. So the jeweler comes out, looks over the watch and bracelet and asks me when it was last serviced. I told him I was not sure and asked if they could replace the crystal without a full service. He said he would have to look over the watch to make sure it did not need a full service. I declined because he would have had to open the back and I did not want to wait around. He returned with the bracelet on and I thanked him, made a contribution to a needy cause and off I went. I do understand about not being definitive about the crystal and service. What if he did the crystal, and I came back and said the watch is running very slow, could be a problem.

So on the way out of the store, I saw the owner, whom I have met a few times and greets me like he knows me when I enter the store (whether he does or not). I told him in kind and tactful words that I hope he was keeping me in mind for a SS GMT Pepsi. He said he was, and then the next sentence was "you and a few other hundred people who have asked me". So he is obviously selling the watch to his big spenders, I am clearly not one of them.

So does that mean I have to spend a ton of money in his store to get one? I guess so. But when I walk out the door, it is onto the next person who drops a lot of coin in jewelry in his store, and asks for a SS Professional Rolex. It is hard to really see how people develop a relationship with the SA's at the store when there are so many of us, and so few watches. Are we just getting lip service and being stroked to feel good? So are we kidding ourselves that we really have a relationship with the AD?

He was telling you that you don’t spend enough for him to justify giving you a Pepsi.

These threads keep coming up, and people need to move on and switch brands if necessary

[dtwer]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

He was telling you that you don’t spend enough for him to justify giving you a Pepsi.

These threads keep coming up, and people need to move on and switch brands if necessary

I agree. Really don’t understand why some keep believing they are entitled to certain things in a free market.

Until a few years ago, Rolex AD’s still had to move their Rolexes with a discount. I don’t remember anybody ever came here to register their sympathies for the AD.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by dtwer

I agree. Really don’t understand why some keep believing they are entitled to certain things in a free market.

Until a few years ago, Rolex AD’s still had to move their Rolexes with a discount. I don’t remember anybody ever came here to register their sympathies for the AD.

So true,
Grey sellers were the loved ones, they beat the price of almost any AD back than. Nobody was complaining.
Nowadays so many entitled people talking about "feed the greed" and nagging about grey dealers. Little spoiled brats

[BillA]

Harsh reality.