Why are some ADs so cocky to the people they serve?

[readyaimfire]

Hello all... I have been lurking for awhile now. Reading daily. This is my first real post. Here in Knoxville, Tennessee we have three Rolex ADs that I can think of right off. Two of them I do alot of business with and i'm supposed to be next on both of their lists for a stainless Daytona. Today I walked into the third AD's shop because I had heard they had a couple stainless Daytonas. I was greeted by an older lady and directed to a "gentleman" sitting down at a desk playing on his computer. I told him I was a collector and heard they may have a stainless daytona around. He then told me they were all gone. He said " We had four. We sell them for $11,000." I told him I was not willing to pay an AD over list for one. He then said in a snotty tone " I can sell them all day long for $11,000. And good luck finding one because I don't know any AD who sells them for list." I thanked him and left. I called Rolex when I got home and they told me they have no say in what the ADs charge. I just don't understand. Maybe I just looked like i'm not a paying customer ( I'm a 20something who dresses usually in Abercrombie and runnning shoes ) Ofcourse I was wearing my Kermit Sub, so I thought they might atleast take me alittle seriously. But he wasn't even willing to get up from behind his desk for me. Why are some ADs so snotty. Don't they realize they are screwing themselves out of a future customer? Thank you all for listening to my rant.

[Blue Bull]

Snotty ADs dont bother me at all.In the end I get a large discount.The art of the deal ... PS: I always underdress

[Arturo]

I thought there was some restriction to the official AD's charging over list??? I must be all wrong on that. My AD NEVER charges more than list. There definitely are watches that they will not discount like the new TOG's, the new Jub bracelet watches, but they would never think of charging more. And they do call me. I know confidently that if I wanted a Daytona, which is a nice watch but does not ring my bell, they would call me at my office and set it aside. Real nice family business.

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by Arturo

I thought there was some restriction to the official AD's charging over list??? I must be all wrong on that. My AD NEVER charges more than list. There definitely are watches that they will not discount like the new TOG's, the new Jub bracelet watches, but they would never think of charging more. And they do call me. I know confidently that if I wanted a Daytona, which is a nice watch but does not ring my bell, they would call me at my office and set it aside. Real nice family business.

Just like the restrictions on discount they may give ?? Willing seller,willing buyer meets ,where both are happy... Very simple.

[rolexfan21]

I sometimes underdress and sometimes dont... but im also a young dude (18) and know how u feel sometime... if i were the AD i wouldnt take u seriously either... i mean if you had the money (im assuming u do) and wanted the steel daytona i'd think you'd hop right on it... i mean those are pretty hard to get. But when you say "snobby" ADs... thats only in certain places... I remember when i went to Tiffany's the first time they were pretty snobbish to me but after i actually BOUGHT stuff from them their attitude totally changes. if you want to show them you're serious u can always just tell them that, call ahead, or tell them you'd pay cash. that usually does the trick

[Chimpy]

To be honest with you, I've never been to an AD where they really aren't snotty.

[Tombstone]

Welcome R.A.F. I also have had a run-in or two with snotty ADS, I just go to another AD and buy from a AD who earns my business. It was said by several other members you are buying the watch and the service, keep shopping until you find both. You have the "gold" so you make the rules.

[Chris B]

Welcome readyaimfire,

I know what you mean, God knows what get into some of them with that "Doctor's Receptionist" attitude.

However the Manageress at my local AD is an angel, boy is she knowledgeable, nothings too much trouble and she's a delight to speak to. I wouldn't dream of ever going into town and not dropping in to say hello, my wive often leave me there while she shops. I guess I'm just lucky, but thats how everything should be, it doesn't cost anything to be civil does it?

[President]

It's not just ADs. Even the lesser jewellery shops just ignore me, even when I have half their months wages on my wrist.

[Alex Stylianou]

Welcome To TRF.

[fat-sam]

i make it a point of principle to never give bussiness to rude stores

i had a 'pretty woman' moment when i had been given poor service(straight from work in my royal mail shirt and shorts) and returned 2hours later with a diamond dot WG DD(i was buying for a friend who cant haggle) although i didnt make a big deal to them-they could see the watch on my friends wrist(boy do they sparkle) and new they had missed a sale-but truth is i bet they didnt care too much.... just poor service all round

[TARDIS]

It seems this terse attitude by shop staff is more prevalent in the USA than it is elsewhere.

I have had dealings with a few AD's that have been a bit short on product knowledge but I have never met with any who are outright rude. Especially in Australasia and the Pacific Rim.

[montecristo]

If any AD give me an ounce of attitude, they won't have my business.

[Arturo]

I enjoyed buying my first Rollie in dirty fishing clothes. I had been fly fishing on the Rogue River, went to AD, but first went by the bank to get a wad of 100 dollar bills. First impressions never hurt. And so that relationship began. They don't care what I wear now, but I am a piker compared to most of you guys. All I have are 2 babies. There are real collectors on this list who probably have the AD's pretty excited to see.

When someone is rude to me, I just smile, ignore them and walk away. Doing well in life will be for us all the best revenge. And you can just go to another AD.

[nko51]

That is the salesmanship some use on certain people to get full retail, it gives that aura of don't even bother to ask for a discount.

[astcell]

Originally Posted by President

It's not just ADs. Even the lesser jewellery shops just ignore me, even when I have half their months wages on my wrist.

Half a month's wages can be $600. That gets ignored in many places I would think.

Or are you joking again, I can never tell....

[davor]

here in croatia we have only one ad for rolex wrigt...and im 21 years old... a week after the store oppend i went in and asked the clerk (was a laddy,oldish) to show me the subby...no problem she said, she pulled it out and showed it to me...she was very plesant...she knew i wouldnt buy it but still she showed it to me...that is how it should be...professional

[Obsession]

AD I think thats Authorized Dealer, and they always act like that even same in the biggest shopping center in Istanbul Turkey there is a authorized Rolex dealer and I visited there once and I got the price about 9600 SFR Swiss franks for GMT MASTER II Red faced gold and steel is that price normal and same in USA??
and I think that there will be just 100-200 SFR discounr for buying one watch same there?

[cbrenthus]

Answer: Because they can.

Right or wrong, the network of ADs is very limited, especially when compared to other watches. You said there are 3 ADs for Rolex in Knoxville? Imagine how many there are for Movado, Tag, etc... Probably in the hundreds, if not thousands. Basically, Rolex ADs have very little competition. Fake Rolex's actually help to keep the competition down because many people (including myself) are afraid to buy from anyone other than an AD.

Although my AD was very nice. 2 different salesman helped me with the Rolexes, and let me try them on, and even offered me cappucino even though I told them I wouldn't be buying one until May.

[puffnmo]

I hate to bring this up, but it doesn't really matter how young you are.
What matters to them is how you are dressed and groomed. It should NOT BE THAT WAY, but it just is.
Not just at AD's, but in any upscale retail situation. So, next time put on a black blazer and good shoes. They will show you respect. Guaranteed.
Re - discounts, just let them know casually that you know prices, expect good service, and you will get it. Larry.

[padi56]

Well I speak as I find and yes there are many ADs world wide that have little or no knowledge in the goods they sell.And unfortunately some look at you like you are just a nobody,so just turn around and walk out.In my experience the Asian AD and service centres,have been the most helpful and respectful to me.And the vintage department at the RSC Bexley most helpful.Cannot comment about the US have never visited a AD there,but good customer service and respect costs nothing for all.

[cbrenthus]

First time I went into my AD I pulled up in my beat up '98 Jeep Cherokee. I walked in wearing jeans and a T-shirt. I was also pretty unshaven and unkempt as I'd been really busy that week. Anyway, I think I looked like the last person to ever buy a Rolex. I told them I wasn't buying for 4 months, and just wanted to look at their selection.

Well, they were very nice and helpful. They even gave me more help then I wanted because I really didn't want to waste anyone's time and just wanted to look.

[Obsession]

Better not to talk too much act and wear so serious and casual and just to talk about the model forexample just with saying that you want 16613 instead of talking about generally any Rolex watch and then they will think that you are serious to buy the exact model you want and you ve capital and they will act better. Without saying hello or anything better to tell the model number and try in in your arm and start a talk about rolex prices in Geneva, Rolex News and with the wave of the time u spend in AD go to take the least price from them. I know it s very shame not to care a person but all Rolex sellers are like that and they must be like that cause they want to face with people who really can buy a Rolex.That is all.!!!

[readyaimfire]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I have two great ADs here that are always nice and most people in the store know me by name. I just think it's dirty for an AD to try to make an extra $3,000 bucks off the stainless Daytona. I'll get one ( or two :)) soon from one of my ADs and they will keep getting my business. I suppose the Yachtmaster I bought last week will have to satisfy me for abit.

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF, pal.

After reading all your horror stories, I must say Auckland has the TWO best ADs in the whole wide world!!

[roadcarver]

I guess it is all about demand and supply. Daytonas has garnished an artificial short supply that some people are willing to pay the extra $$.

I have only been to one AD in Canada and that is RDV, but they have been very helpful and courteous.

I also think that cash is king so if you're going to buy one, cash may help get you the discount.

[President]

Originally Posted by astcell

Half a month's wages can be $600. That gets ignored in many places I would think.

Or are you joking again, I can never tell....

$600 May not be much to you Rolex owners but at a Goldsmiths (jewellery chain) the guy has a £20 Seiko on his wrist.

[fat-sam]

Originally Posted by President

$600 May not be much to you Rolex owners but at a Goldsmiths (jewellery chain) the guy has a £20 Seiko on his wrist.

sometimes i wear a seiko, sometimes a rolex/panerai/omega.... maybe they had a better watch then you at home, and were not impressed by yours

[w0318]

i think from my experience its not just how messy you are, its if you fit the profile of capable of buying a rolex.

it sucks even more when you look young and dress in tshirt and jeans. most of them wont waste time if a better dressed more mature-looking man is next to me. but meanwhile i am the person with the real intent to buy. not window shop.
i look like i am 18 years old.

then you meet those we really dont care for your business cause for the month or whatever they are ahead of the numbers.

you also meet the caring folks who educate and sell at the same time.

[watchnut]

Is this one great forum or what! In this one thread you have seven countries represented from all corners of the world. All brought together by the love of a single timepiece! Maybe we'll have world peace when everybody has a Rolex. (as long as they make enough SS Daytonas)