Who do some AD's make it difficult?

[fltacoma]

I would think that small owned shops are good as well. I work at a coin store that only has five employees, and I treat clientele the same if they were to buy one ounce of silver, or 500 oz's of gold (it has happened before). I also believe that first impressions are going to be the last also.

[Racerdj]

Give George from Govberg a call. You'll be glad you did.

[Danny83]

Trusted seller on the forums ive been there done that

[Watch This]

Two years ago I would never have considered anything but an AD. Now I would never consider anything other than a trusted seller. The AD can keep their bottled water white gloves and pretense. David SW has saved me thousands. Complete turnabout for me. No looking back. Buy smart.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by Eric Chan

As for the AD, it is true that stock can be limited from time to time and AD to AD. That is just how it is unfortunately. The AD I deal with gets stock once a month, at the end of each month.

I am not 100% certain why you would feel negative about the issue. You want to buy a watch, they don't have it in stock and advised you they would get one in February. The initial sales associate you deal with informs you that they will be on vacation and advises another associate will take over your request and contact you when one arrives. To me, it sounds like they have met their requirements towards a client, unless I am missing something.

Some AD associates I know of don't even call to inform the client they are going on vacation.

I agree with this, and too am confused why all the negativity. Sure, it's slightly frustrating to not get what you want immediately but it sounds as if the AD has been open about their supply timeline and gave you their best estimate, and communicative to the point of giving you a heads-up that someone else may be handing your request during the first associate's holiday if one comes in then. I'd take it as a good sign, knowing that the first associate has briefed a colleague to not to let the watch languish if it arrives from Rolex while they're gone, or allow someone else to snatch it up due to your claim not being handed over or forgotten about. It sounds like your name will be on it.

Go with the Trusted Seller advice if you want it now outside Rolex's delivery pipeline. I'm sure one of them will make you happy, alleviating your frustration borne of impatience with Rolex's supply schedule. But unless there's something more you haven't told us I'm not really seeing any great lack of care or attention to you by the AD.

[kingSubTT]

Go with David and you will be wearing it on Tuesday.

[southcarolina1801]

Yeah I was afraid it would have come across this way. Overall the AD has been alright but I feel like it has been a game of cat and mouse discussing this with the salesperson at the AD and I shouldn't feel like I am having to work to purchase this.

As others have said, when we have trusted sellers who are just a click away, there is no reason to have to jump through hoops to complete a transaction.

Originally Posted by CRM114

I agree with this, and too am confused why all the negativity. Sure, it's slightly frustrating to not get what you want immediately but it sounds as if the AD has been open about their supply timeline and gave you their best estimate, and communicative to the point of giving you a heads-up that someone else may be handing your request during the first associate's holiday if one comes in then. I'd take it as a good sign, knowing that the first associate has briefed a colleague to not to let the watch languish if it arrives from Rolex while they're gone, or allow someone else to snatch it up due to your claim not being handed over or forgotten about. It sounds like your name will be on it.

Go with the Trusted Seller advice if you want it now outside Rolex's delivery pipeline. I'm sure one of them will make you happy, alleviating your frustration borne of impatience with Rolex's supply schedule. But unless there's something more you haven't told us I'm not really seeing any great lack of care or attention to you by the AD.

[jon_jon]

Originally Posted by the_Hunter

Just to say it again do this. I feel like I talked to every AD in Dallas when I got my SubC and not a one could touch Davids price (with several not willing to come off of MSRP at all)

When it came time to get my wife's DJ I just called him to start with.

I think trying to get a great deal from an AD located in a large city is going to hard as they have high overhead, whereas DavidSW and others who online and here on TRF have reduced overhead.

I think if you are going to buy one Rolex and be done with it, buying it from a trusted re-seller is the easiest and least expensive way to go. However if you want a long-term relationship with an AD, then it makes sense to develop a relationship, even if you are not buying a watch from them all the time.

[nyyankees]

DavidSW has a couple on his site right now. Buy it, you'll have it tomorrow and save cash!

[charger]

Originally Posted by southcarolina1801

So just to be clear... Rolex isn't closed for the month of January? Are they just pulling my leg?

Rolex was closed from 12/20/2015 till 01/05/2016 then they do there inventory and should start shipping around the 18th.
Hope that helps.

[Brenngun]

If the AD wants to mess around then walk. You have 4 excellent options right here. Just search for these guys JUSTROLEXES, OCROLEXGUY, DAVIDSW & BODYBUMP. They are at the top of my list for every purchase.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by southcarolina1801

Yeah I was afraid it would have come across this way. Overall the AD has been alright but I feel like it has been a game of cat and mouse discussing this with the salesperson at the AD and I shouldn't feel like I am having to work to purchase this.

As others have said, when we have trusted sellers who are just a click away, there is no reason to have to jump through hoops to complete a transaction.

I believe charger in post #40 has lent some insight into what you're perceiving to be AD's "hoops", and hopefully removes your initial disbelief of what you were told by the associate. Your frustrations are more than likely a result of bad seasonal timing; your desire and choice to go buy one particular model at this particular time from a particular AD in Atlanta not matching-up perfectly to Rolex's logistics, where end-of-year shutdowns and interruptions for holidays and and the taking of inventory considerations in Switzerland can cause delays down the line worldwide. AD's...no matter what they want or when... are at the mercy of Rolex's own production, distribution, and shipping schedules. They're also at the mercy of Rolex when it comes to disseminating information; they can't tell you things if Rolex isn't forthcoming, and they shouldn't be faulted for being honest about not knowng. I certainly wouldn't label their honesty re things beyond their control as playing cat-and-mouse simply because what they have and know doesn't suit your schedule and patience level. You're right, you shouldn't feel like you're "having to work to make the purchase", because you aren't.

By all means use a Trusted Seller.

[Old Geezer]

Trusted seller or another AD. I think they may be yanking your chain. At least they didn't tell you they couldn't sell it to you unless you were a previous buyer as some members have experienced with some popular pieces.

[george023]

Originally Posted by Syed117

I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way, but I tend to see people making a bigger deal out of ADs than they should.

"working with an AD" makes it seem like some extremely complicated situation that needs serious care and attention.

It's really not. It's a store and you're simply buying a product.
.

Well it's not every day you drop the type of coin that Rolexes sell for on a watch. So I'd expect a bit of service and knowledge and attention for the AD.

Wonder how you'd feel if your car dealer just wants you to hand over a cheque for say $10/$20/$50K next time you buy a car without treating you like a customer and not a number.


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[Hpozzuoli]

I honestly think that these ADs see sooooo many window shoppers and people that need 5 visits and 50 pics to make a decision that they say why bother. They figure I f someone wants a watch they will buy it.

[Ampz]

Originally Posted by dabbotjordan

DavidSW and be done with it.

x10 or Tony Geha of course

[Investr]

ADs try to be slick and act like there is this huge shortage. I've grown quite tired of it. My favorite to do is go into in a D and ask them if they have a Daytona stainless steel and they start practically laughing like I'm asking for the hope diamond. Then they Bring up the whole price increase so you should by now tactic. It's trusted sellers from here on out…


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[aayates]

Which AD in Atlanta? I walked in and bought a no-date sub a few months ago no problem at Brown & Company. Maybe they sold out for the holidays? I'll put in a plug for "JustRolexes" (Tony G) if you want to go the trusted seller route. I bought a 16618 from him and couldn't be happier.

[doozyj]

What's with all the fascination of having a "relationship" with an AD. Buy from DavidSW, save a grand or 2 or 3 and as others said be done with it.

[droptopman]

As others have stated go with a Trusted Seller.
I had a great relationship with an AD in the past and really valued that relationship. He was great and we became good friends over the years. He had a small shop and treated his customers like gold. A few years ago he retired and I moved out of the city to a rural area. The nearest AD to me is now 120 miles away. It is a nice store and the service is excellent but still quite a drive. Hard to develop a solid relationship with the distance.
So the last few pieces I have bought I went with a trusted seller. Service was excellent and while I miss my AD friend, buying from a TS was a super easy process.
So I appreciate both sides. It is nice to have a relationship with an AD but also nice to just send an email and payment, save a few bucks and have your watch the next day.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by doozyj

What's with all the fascination of having a "relationship" with an AD. Buy from DavidSW, save a grand or 2 or 3 and as others said be done with it.

For every 1 person on here who says they prefer (gasp) or walk into an AD (the usual way people purchase them), there's 20 who bad-mouth ADs and the sales staff who work in them as being dishonest, ignorant, or both. I still don't see how the AD employees in this case deserve the assumption, let alone qualify, as being either.

There's a fascination on these forums, but it's far from being pro-AD relationship.

[Duke84]

Another vote for DavidSW. I've bought a few from him, including one where he sourced a watch for me. It was at my door on the opposite coast of the US three days later. DavidSW is fantastic.

[GradyPhilpott]

ADs have to deal with the official supply chain.

Gray dealers don't.

I'm not taking sides, but I prefer to deal with my AD and I get what I want, but I have to strike when the iron is hot sometimes.

As for Rolex, this is not the first time I've heard that Rolex shuts down for about a month once a year.

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by AK797

Makes me glad I have developed a good relationship with a few ADs, esp when we don't have access to the trusteds over here.

Definitely feel the same way with my AD Neil!!! No games and straight to the point!!

[1William]

Save both your time and money. Trusted Seller.

[Tony64]

In defense of AD's it's important to remember that outside of these forums, most people are not watch collectors or enthusiasts. For many who spend thousands of dollars on a nice timepiece, it will likely be their only purchase. For such an individual, purchasing from an AD affords a secure and familiar transaction. "Forums", "grey market dealers", "trusted sellers" are terms more foreign.

Does anyone really enjoy the car buying experience? I don't and that's why I use a car broker. It's hassle-free, fairly priced, and the car is delivered to my driveway. I suspect that the majority however use the more conventional purchase process.

In both examples, the respective AD isn't always concerned with a repeat customer. They just want to maximize their profit on today's sale. That guy buying a Rolex today most likely is making his one and only purchase. In that context customer loyalty may become a lesser priority. Not saying that's a good thing, but I believe it to be the reality.

[gsgarbear2]

Go to davidSW. He will take care of you!

[eltonbalch]

Originally Posted by beshannon

They are doing the same thing that many retailers do, saving their limited inventory for their preferred customers.

Since Rolex has already sold their product to dealers who are forced to buy it, Rolex does not care what the AD does with the watches so long as it does not violate their dealer agreement.

Foolish? Yes. Which is why you should shop around, loyalty is dead.

A bit cynical but unfortunately, probably pretty accurate.

[eltonbalch]

Originally Posted by Racerdj

Give George from Govberg a call. You'll be glad you did.

A great big plus one here. I've purchased three pieces from them in the past year and literally couldn't be happier. One bonus is I can use my charge card or Pay Pal without penalty. Unfortunately, you can't buy a new Rolex from them unless you show up in person and they won't give you new Rolex pricing by email or phone because they are a Rolex AD and don't want to violate Rolex rules. If NIB is important, a trusted seller is the way to go.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by Roller07

Why get frustrated? There are plenty of ADs and other routes you can go to get a watch.

This...

Or maybe even better --- TRF trusted seller.