AD Etiquette Advice please.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum.

As you can see from the replies you’ve received, it’s situational.

[Codee]

What does an AD or one of their minions really want? They want you to buy stock of the high margin plentiful watches they have in the cabinets. Buy a Breitling or better still a TAG or two.

I suspect that handing out trinkets is just rearranging the deck chairs in a Rolex AD.

Unless the gift is exceptionally well chosen for them, something you actually know they'd value. I had a supplier send me tickets to a sporting event I couldn't have cared less about. It has nothing to do with monetary amount, just whether it's well thought out or s tick the box gift.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Don’t make it look transactional. If you walk in to pick up a watch carrying a gift it looks like quid pro quo. If you choose to give a small thank you gift do it after the fact on a separate visit, removed from the exchange of money for a watch. This makes it look more life a gift even if it’s actually transactional lubricant.

[THE_FOOT]

Giving of gifts to an AD SA is just plain weird! At best if you're super friendly maybe bring a coffee and a pastry.

[Cigars&Watches]

Personally I was so happy when I picked up my first Rolex I gifted my SA a bottle. Not because I was trying to bribe him but just as a token of my appreciation. After that he made it clear no gifts are required. He really is a class act.

Sounds like your situation is like mine. So I would give a gift

[1William]

I am very gracious when I receive a watch that could have been allocated elsewhere. I also have a 30 year plus relationship with the owner and my GM so we go way back. I will typically, a couple of times a year, provide a dinner voucher or some other type of gift card. I don't see it as a bribe or other gratuity, I see it as an appreciation for quality service and for putting up with my many questions, service requests and special orders.

[Benzsiam]

Some people are more generous than the others, so be yourself, do whatever you feel like to.

[dnd2984]

No rules. Do what you want. My AD didn't get a gift from me for years. To be honest she was the first to get my first born gift when he was born. Many years later we have a good relationship with the family. If wife and I order a case of wine we like I will drop one of for her and her husband randomly.

[Setarip]

A handwritten thank you note if they procured something difficult for you and remember them at Christmas. Kindness goes a long way as in anything in life.


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[codecow]

If the AD gives you stuff like Rolex event tickets, race tickets, NBA tickets, private exclusive events, etc… then IMO it’s appropriate to hook them up from time to time. I normally bring something for the store because I want to hit my SA and also the manager.

If they’re not giving you anything other than an allocation then meh…

[Calatrava r]

Just say thank you. They should also give you a small Rolex gift such as a soft case or hat. Whatever you do at purchase, unless they bring it up, is do not tell them what watch you want next. Got to have pleasure in the here and now and give the AD a rest or the nightmare is just beginning.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Do you do this with everyone you buy something from?

What a silly question.

If someone lacks the judgement and sensitivity to make the distinction, they would probably be best served by giving nothing to nobody.

[mmbiker]

Don’t worst their time and your own time.

When they notify me of a piece, within 1 hour say you will buy and go pay up.


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[Guppydriver]

I actually consider my AD a genuine friend, not just a retail intermediary. I remember when my wife called him about an Oris she bought me (He's not a Oris dealer) while he was at work. They spoke and he gave her his cell number so she could send pictures and he could offer advice. Just an above and beyond type of dude.

We like a lot of the same things (German Cars, watches, EV's) despite a significant age gap and we are both active in the local horology society. Although I have never brought a gift to his place of work, him and his lovely girlfriend always drink for free when I'm there at the society meet ups.

The best advice is... be yourself. If there is no natural inclination and/or you feel perturbed by offering a material thank you along with a gracious verbal thank you, then don't. If you are a type of individual where you get just as much out of giving then receiving, then go for it.

Hell, there is actually a lot of people who give (and gift) to feel empowered themselves as opposed to displaying gratitude. There is such a thing as selfish giving and it's very prevalent among many financially successful people (like the kind who buy luxury watches).

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by MinMay

If you want to bring wine then go for it, be creative, be yourself, be happy

Thank you!

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Maybe I will go against the grain of the incredibly helpful (yes, that is sarcasm, read in to it “Snarky”) suggestions from some members here on TRF, I encourage you to show your appreciation. While naming your next child would be extremely flattering, I suggest something simple but thoughtful. I have bought several watches from my AD over the last 15 years, and always show my appreciation by gifting the Sales Associate a box of candy, or a lunch from the place next door, or a gift card. I think it is always been in the range of $25 to $50, nothing extravagant. Why? Consider that the state of the market right now is a seller’s realm. You can NOT just walk in to an AD and pick from a case full of Stainless Steel Rolexes (substitute any model you desire). These Sales associates are not desperate for your business. We can (and have) debate for years the reasons, righteousness, causes, etc. But the fact remains that is the situation. Now, maybe your AD has some in the safe in the back, or maybe they seriously do not have the model you desire in the store, but I submit they would have at least a dozen (probably more) customers that they could call whom would immediately come in and buy that watch. For whatever reason, your good looks, charm, spending history, (we can and have debated that a million times) they choose YOU to sell the watch to. IMHO, that warrants a small thank-you token. You are thanking your sales associate for giving YOU the opportunity to make that purchase over a dozen or more other potential buyers, certainly you are not breaking any ethical boundaries by gifting them a box of bagels, or donuts, or candy, or whatever you feel appropriate.

I had ZERO purchase experience with my current AD back in 2008 when I walked in and talked to my Sales Associate about obtaining a stainless steel Daytona. After a few months, she called and said she had gotten me one. I knew from our conversations she liked Godiva chocolates, and when I went to pick it up the watch brought a box with me. Since then I have been fortunate to have been offered and bought several hard to get models, including a BLNR, a SkyDweller, a SS Submariner etc. It may sound like I spend a lot at that store but in reality this is over 15 years, and I know for a fact several customers have spent WAY more then myself, but still I am offered a hard to obtain piece. Surely, there is nothing wrong with, and certainly IMHO it is appropriate, gifting a $25 box of chocolates or bagels in appreciation. We have had this discussion before and the passion and intensity of opinion from some members who abhorrently object to any notion of a thank you gesture. Seriously, YOU (for whatever reason) were picked from a dozen or more potential customers, what is wrong with showing your appreciation? I’ll never understand those that state is it against principal, or inherently wrong for a business transaction. What is the big deal?

Thank you for this detailed reply. You described my exact line of thinking when I posted my original question. Cheers.

[Jack T]

This is nuts. Do people, grown adults not know how to conduct routine commerce in the real world? Pay money, get product, go home.

[xjeeunitx]

If you want to give your rep something, do it digitally. Gift cards does the job.

[xjeeunitx]

For all folks that think it is outrageous for rewarding their rep, you would be surprised the outcomes produced by this small gesture. Everything is based off of establishing relationships and motivations. By having one up on the next guy or gal, you may get the call sooner.

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

I actually consider my AD a genuine friend, not just a retail intermediary. I remember when my wife called him about an Oris she bought me (He's not a Oris dealer) while he was at work. They spoke and he gave her his cell number so she could send pictures and he could offer advice. Just an above and beyond type of dude.

We like a lot of the same things (German Cars, watches, EV's) despite a significant age gap and we are both active in the local horology society. Although I have never brought a gift to his place of work, him and his lovely girlfriend always drink for free when I'm there at the society meet ups.

The best advice is... be yourself. If there is no natural inclination and/or you feel perturbed by offering a material thank you along with a gracious verbal thank you, then don't. If you are a type of individual where you get just as much out of giving then receiving, then go for it.

Hell, there is actually a lot of people who give (and gift) to feel empowered themselves as opposed to displaying gratitude. There is such a thing as selfish giving and it's very prevalent among many financially successful people (like the kind who buy luxury watches).

Thanks! Well said. I do genuinely enjoy giving and in my somewhat limited experience with Rolex AD's and their sales associates this particular associate exceeded my expectations.

[daveo5]

An AD is like any other business owner. I have never gifted any business owner for selling me a product.


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[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by pokerhsu

Thanks! Well said. I do genuinely enjoy giving and in my somewhat limited experience with Rolex AD's and their sales associates this particular associate exceeded my expectations.

My pleasure....

I get it. No one wants a genuine display of gratitude to be seen as social faux pas. In order to avoid embarrassment, you "head" to a place with the most situational experience to confirm your inclination.

I'm glad you did. Why? Because I'll be super pumped for those incoming pics that I expect you to post!

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

"Allowed"...LOL

These how to conduct business posts are ridiculous. You can afford to buy an expensive watch but don't know how to execute a simple retail transaction. Just buy the watch and do hat feels right.

Sorry if you found my post ridiculous. But I don't really consider buying a Rolex in todays climate a simple transaction. If I walked in off of the street, saw a watch in the case and bought it then yes I agree that's a transaction that would not require anything more than a thank you. On the other hand if I feel like the associate for what ever reason took a liking to me and got me a watch quicker than expected I don't see the harm in asking more experienced Rolex buyers in this forum if I should extend my gratitude with a small gift.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by THE_FOOT

Giving of gifts to an AD SA is just plain weird! At best if you're super friendly maybe bring a coffee and a pastry.

I think a coffee and pastry is an excellent “gift.” We are not talking about a car, or a world cruise, simply a small effort to say: “I know you could have sold this to any one of a dozen customers, thanks for picking me.”

A coffee and pastry is a nice gesture. I find it weird that so many are vehemently opposed to even a small token and act of kindness.

[Chewbacca]

Many people say when first meeting a sales rep, if you’re a man, a neck bow (from the head only) while women do a small curtsy. A return customer who’s spent over $500k may simply shake hands in the usual way but ask first and wear a glove.

On presentation to the AD manager, the correct formal address is 'Your Majesticalness' and subsequently 'Sir or Ma’am'.

Have fun and leave your dignity at home.

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by Jack T

This is nuts. Do people, grown adults not know how to conduct routine commerce in the real world? Pay money, get product, go home.

Thanks Jack. I respectfully disagree with you. This would be my first NEW Rolex purchase, and so far the experience has certainly not been routine. In fact it's so non-routine that people make "Got the Call" posts and post pictures because they are so happy that they finally got the watch they've been waiting for. I can't think of many other commerce transactions that spur so many conversation. I went to the supermarket today but I don't think anyone wants to see a post and picture saying I got that Purdue Chicken Breast.

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I think a coffee and pastry is an excellent “gift.” We are not talking about a car, or a world cruise, simply a small effort to say: “I know you could have sold this to any one of a dozen customers, thanks for picking me.”

A coffee and pastry is a nice gesture. I find it weird that so many are vehemently opposed to even a small token and act of kindness.

Agreed. Thank you!

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Welcome to the forum.

As you can see from the replies you’ve received, it’s situational.

Thank you so much. And yes, i quickly realized that.

[JRell]

After I purchased my first Rolex with my current AD, I mailed a hand-written thank you note. Not necessary, but doesn’t hurt and nice thing to do.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by ikincooper

Broadly speaking, I agree with the above. That said, I have on 2 occasions purchased some doughnuts and coffee vouchers as a thank you that extends beyond my SA and covers all the AD colleagues too. I’ve had similar purchasing success too: BLNR, DJ36, Explorer 1, YM37 Oysterflex and DaytonaC.

I think spending excessively or just for your SA, could be seen in a bad light. Just my opinion.

I've done very similar. I think this helps the relationship, and, like everywhere, relationships matter.