AD Visit @ Lunch Today

[faz]

Originally Posted by Bryant Park

Yet you still went home empty handed. Hardly a confrontation, but somehow you lost.

Keep in mind the guy behind the counter is working hard to put food on the table and may not give a rats ass about our peculiar obsession. I am obsessed with watches but forgive those that aren't...even those who should be.

Relax and go quiz the Chipolte kid about tacos...

[faz]

For a while I had to work in the car industry for a short period of time.

One of the first things that the sales manager (a highly skilled and educated in sales manager) said: You will have some enthusiast customers that will come to this dealership that will know more about these cars/brand than you or anyone else in this dealership ever will.

A salesperson doesn't have to be a know-it-all expert in what they sell.

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by faz

For a while I had to work in the car industry for a short period of time.

One of the first things that the sales manager (a highly skilled and educated in sales manager) said: You will have some enthusiast customers that will come to this dealership that will know more about these cars/brand than you or anyone else in this dealership ever will.

A salesperson doesn't have to be a know-it-all expert in what they sell.

But I assume you knew basic info like the model year and if the car had a 4cyl engine, for example. Sales don't have to be experts, nobody is expecting that. But basic knowledge to help a customer make an informed decision is expected. Otherwise, why even be there? Just have the model number and tell the customer to Google what they want to know.

In OP's scenario, if I wasn't an enthusiast and I wanted to buy that YM, I would've gone ahead with the purchase process on an old model thinking it was the latest based on him saying it was new.

[kk77]

With all the inputs pouring in, I wanted to provide an update from my side.

Thanks to everyone who can relate to what I was trying to say. And everyone else, you have the right to express your opinions.

Some replies were bang on.

I was just trying to understand how a sales associate does not know what he is selling. After all it’s his job. Especially if he has been doing it for so long. According to him, he has been selling Rolex watches for so long.If he is trying to make a living off this job then he better be good at it. I’m in business development myself and if I’m not we’ll versed in what I do then that means I’m not fit for my job. Yes, I don’t always have answers but I politely let my clients know that I’d have to get back to them. Honesty goes long ways. I’m always striving to be better at my job because that’s what puts food on the table. And my hobbies off course.

If I’m willing to spend 30k on a watch, then I want to know everything about it. Especially if I’m thinking it’s a brand new watch, I’d like to know if it the latest version.

I wasn’t being pompous. I was totally prepared to buy that watch but his attitude and lackluster knowledge cost him a sale.

I don’t think I can do my business with people who take customers for granted.

Again, that’s just me.

Meantime I stopped by another AD today that I didn’t even know existed till I was driving around their neighborhood. The SA I spoke to was very nice and we had a very honest conversation. We talked about what I was wearing and what he was wearing and the current situation of SS models...his experiences going to Basel, IWC tours etc.. He said he will see what he can do about getting me a CHNR. He was very honest that he will have to cater to his regulars first but he’ll do the best to earn my business. He knows one AD cannot cater to the needs of a customer. Especially with the current demand and very limited supply. Wether it works or not, it remains to be seen. But did I have good experience.. hell yeah!

In my opinion, Rolex is luxury brand and people who sell them need to meet their standards.