Worked at an AD in Cincinnati

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by samson66

Exactly! I will not shed a single tear for any lost sales tax to those thieving corrupt scumbag politicians who are way more concerned with helping their friends and donors out than they are about taking care of roads, parks, law enforcement, etc. Sorry, but no remorse here when I avoid giving them still MORE of my hard earned money, which is never enough for them. There's nothing easier than spending other peoples money!

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[train-time]

Originally Posted by FlyinHawaiian

Can you expound on the "simple request" that prompted the owner to put you in your place?

Sorry, upon reflection, as I recall it was not this AD. The OP's long saga sounded familiar but it was a different location.

Originally Posted by JRell

What did we really learn from this? Even if true, ok we all pretty much knew this. This is a game, a challenge, step up or move on. I used to work retail when I was young. It was horrible and won’t ever do that again. But would I come on to post what everyone pretty much already knows? Nope.

Exactly right!

Originally Posted by Oystersteel92

Just think how easy it is today for an AD to manage their cash flow. Need to bring some money in this week? Just take a couple watches out of the safe and make some phone calls. The people who receive these calls will actually express GRATITUDE for being blessed by you.

The only thing that bothers me about this tale is the sales tax dodging. Nobody loves taxes, but sales taxes is where the rubber meets the road for local services, and it's important.

I'm also never going to use the local AD watch maker. I'll ship my watches directly to RSC Dallas every time.

Yup, the sales tax issue may be a problem. Loose lips..... A lot of people will be reading this thread. I recall a local AD being investigated and fined by the State Tax Department for shipping empty boxes to evade the sales tax.

[omar10213245]

Lol Richter and Phillips is my AD. And I've had nothing but good experiences with them. Gonna go down and see them tomorrow morning, as a matter of fact

[Swiftneck]

You now hate the brand. What a great reason to finally join TRF.

Just go buy a moonswatch..

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[Big Tex Rolex]

There is no game, it’s just the way it is …

“A” List customers, those that come into the store regularly, and buy diamond earrings, diamond bracelets, etc., get first offer of any Rolex that comes in … and if you’re in the “100 Club”, and ask for a certain watch, you’re going to get it.

Then it trickles down from there … to the “75 Club”, then to the peons in the “50 Club” … etc., etc.

I’m not for it, and I’m not in any of those classifications … but as a business, I get it …

Why would you not treat your best customers with preferential treatment ??

Giving them what they want keeps them coming back, to buy more bracelets … which keeps the lights on.

[pursang_]

I love the analogy to Savile Row.

Your understanding couldn't be any more wrong:

Bespoke tailoring is as in demand as it's ever been. Whether the houses or the freelance tailors there is no shortage of work. Some have their books closed entirely. Others have waiting lists *cough*

A cutter who measures, cuts the suit, and does fittings can realistically crank out about 150 suits a year.

The "finishers" who actually tailor the garments for good take about 30-40 hours of labor for a three piece. Some tailoring styles are far more.

The scalability of anything handmade is ultimately constrained by the number of hands involved. There's just no cheating this fact. Bespoke tailoring is where economies of scale goes to die.

[rockysw]

thanks for posting. Dont mind the post needlessly critisizing your views.

Its good to know that some in the industry feel the same way as a lot of customers.

[pursang_]

OP

https://old.reddit.com/r/rolex/comme...el_good_story/

[perf0rmance]

Originally Posted by pursang_

OP

https://old.reddit.com/r/rolex/comme...el_good_story/

If that’s a true story, then there’s hope for us yet! LOL.

[1995akcoop]

So many doubt this guy yet we’ve had similar complaints… especially when it came to incompetent watch tech hence why we’re so adamant about shipping only to RSC


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[JSCP]

They offer you a watch if they like you, period. I have two AD’s and bought before hype and beginning of hype, then now that they are not easy to get. They know you really like watches and not a flipper. They know.

So OP’s insights are old news that don’t really bring much true insight. Going “nowhere”….

[Wayrollie]

Having a bit of success in my purchases and typically following the same “milestone celebration” visits (that generally lead to purchases within a few months), I can attest that the SA can only advocate for you for so much. End of the day, it depends on the store owner/Director that decides where that allocation goes. It can be instant, it could be a month, it could be towards the date of your milestone celebration, and strangely, it could be years. I would imagine for those waiting for years, they are consistently being outstoried by customers and outadvocated by the SAs. But given the demand of say a panda or Pepsi, there is always a request for it, so if you’re not getting it in a few months, safe to say… move on and find another AD and SA that will fight for you. Unless you essentially resubmit your name for consideration on a monthly basis, which explains why the monthly checkins are useful and necessary.

As for me personally, I know what I’m getting into and I know the game that’s being played. And I go out of the way to make sure I’m an all star caliber player when the scouts are watching me come in. It obviously varies based on the metro you’re in but you obviously have to make yourself stand out. It’s like a job application really. I actually like the fact that I have a panda and no one else does. It makes me feel special. I’m sure if everyone were getting pandas left and right, I would feel less special. And that’s true, I’d get something with more demand, less supply, and more of a higher value. Not that I’m going to sell it, but because I got something that is special. Would any of you guys get it if it’s no longer special or hard to get?

As many of you have said, it’s just a watch attached to a brand. Doesn’t make me a better person. However, judging by how some people respond on this forum to certain posts, it definitely indicates that this brand (and the chase for watches) does make some people reflect their not so best selves. Too little info? Flamed. Too much info? Flamed. Numbers are a bit off? Flamed. Selective outrage is unreal, and within a few days or hours, the post is forgotten and people move on to the next Molotov.

OP, thank you for taking the time to speak about something that you believe in, and for spending the time to write about it. Hope you have a better job that you like and can support and identify with the brand.

[Oyster Lover]

Originally Posted by Wayrollie

End of the day, it depends on the store owner/Director that decides where that allocation goes. It can be instant, it could be a month, it could be towards the date of your milestone celebration, and strangely, it could be years. I would imagine for those waiting for years, they are consistently being outstoried by customers and outadvocated by the SAs.

What kind of crap life is that? I don't doubt that it's true, and I don't fault anyone for describing it, but it just sounds like a crummy way to go through life: getting hit in the face by a huge latex you-know-what every time you suck up to a 30-something sales associate (who can't get a real job) for them to "please-sir-may-I-have-another" sell you that $10,000 watch... I would never demean myself to that degree. Just seems like a ridiculous way to live, and ripens whatever love I had for the brand, to intense white-hot rage...

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

What kind of crap life is that? I don't doubt that it's true, and I don't fault anyone for describing it, but it just sounds like a crummy way to go through life: getting hit in the face by a huge latex you-know-what every time you suck up to a 30-something sales associate (who can't get a real job) for them to "please-sir-may-I-have-another" sell you that $10,000 watch... I would never demean myself to that degree. Just seems like a ridiculous way to live, and ripens whatever love I had for the brand, to intense white-hot rage...

It’s pretty easy if you don’t think as salesmen as beneath you.
And experiencing “white hot rage” over not being able to get a luxury watch seems the crap way to go through life to me.

My self esteem is such that being nice to a mere salesperson has zero effect on my sense of self worth.

Look inward…

[Oyster Lover]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

It’s pretty easy if you don’t think as salesmen as beneath you.
And experiencing “white hot rage” over not being able to get a luxury watch seems the crap way to go through life to me.

My self esteem is such that being nice to a mere salesperson has zero effect on my sense of self worth.

Look inward…

I have respect for people who respect me. But the whole process of buying a watch these days is a process full of disrespect and degradation, in my opinion.

There's no respect for me if I'm required to put my name on waiting lists that go no where, if I'm never called back, if watches I'd like to buy go to others who suck face better than me, if I'm required to buy tons of other merchandise in what I think is borderline illegal "tying arrangements", etc.

My hot rage is not about not being to get the watch, it's about how I'm being treated.

Again, this is not about "being nice to a salesman"... You've got to be kidding if that's what you think, and you obviously haven't read this thread from top to bottom.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

I have respect for people who respect me. But the whole process of buying a watch these days is a process full of disrespect and degradation, in my opinion.

There's no respect for me if I'm required to put my name on waiting lists that go no where, if I'm never called back, if watches I'd like to buy go to others who suck face better than me, if I'm required to buy tons of other merchandise in what I think is borderline illegal "tying arrangements", etc.

My hot rage is not about not being to get the watch, it's about how I'm being treated.

Again, this is not about "being nice to a salesman"... You've got to be kidding if that's what you think, and you obviously haven't read this thread from top to bottom.

“Borderline Illegal.” Literal LOL. These watches are in heavy demand. Why should they sell them to you and not one of the scores of other people who want a watch? Nobody is under any obligation to sell anyone a watch.

I’ve gotten all the Rolexes I’ve wanted, at one AD I had no history and the other i had minor spend. All it took was popping into the shop a couple of times.

One shouldn’t experience white hot rage over any of this business. And I’d argue it is about not getting the watch. If the SA smiled and was nice and said “I’m sorry sir, under the current circumstances, we don’t ever see us being able to sell you a Rolex. We simply have too many people who want these watches and we don’t have enough to give everyone who wants one a watch. Please have a good day and please feel free to browse our other items,” I don’t think the rage would go away.

Because some SAs have said that and there are multiple threads of people pissed about it.

It’s entitlement, pure and simple.

Why should they sell it to you over the people who you claim “suck face better?”

[rockysw]

Originally Posted by Oyster Lover

I have respect for people who respect me. But the whole process of buying a watch these days is a process full of disrespect and degradation, in my opinion.

There's no respect for me if I'm required to put my name on waiting lists that go no where, if I'm never called back, if watches I'd like to buy go to others who suck face better than me, if I'm required to buy tons of other merchandise in what I think is borderline illegal "tying arrangements", etc.

My hot rage is not about not being to get the watch, it's about how I'm being treated.

Again, this is not about "being nice to a salesman"... You've got to be kidding if that's what you think, and you obviously haven't read this thread from top to bottom.

fully agree!

[fredos_rolex]

Even if you're patient, is there any realistic chance an average Joe can EVER get allocated a Daytona panda at an AD? At my preferred AD shop, I've never even seen one outside of their exhibition pieces.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by fredos_rolex

Even if you're patient, is there any realistic chance an average Joe can EVER get allocated a Daytona panda at an AD? At my preferred AD shop, I've never even seen one outside of their exhibition pieces.

They get a few each year. Only the selected customers who got them know they ever came in.

[JDsnewwatch]

Originally Posted by Not My Style

I worked at an AD in Cincinnati for two years, so let me give you some insight on what it's like.

First, if you want a sports model, you better buy other things. My AD wouldn't sell a sports model to anyone without previous purchase, with few exceptions. A two-toned Sea-dweller, sure, because no one wants that watch. We would write names on cards and pretend we were adding clients to some master list, but the truth is, it was just input into some program to automatically text the client. Rolex wants ADs to keep the dream alive, because not everyone is getting what they want.

Second, it's more important who you are than how you are. I had a sweet young woman check in with me monthly asking to get her fiance a Submariner. She wasn't rich or famous, just a hard working woman who saved up to get her man something special. I was really hoping to make this happen…

Another woman walked in during this time, arrogant and conceited. Talked to me like I was beneath her, asking for the same watch. I informed her that we would try, but she didn't want to hear it. Her husband was some no name, buried on the roster, Reds baseball player. Frankly, her attitude had me completely disgusted.

When I told the owners about this, they grabbed a Submariner from the safe and sold it to her the next day. I got credit for the sale, and I hated every second of it. This woman was vile, and her arrogance stemmed from who she was married to, not even her own accomplishments.

Third, there are rules to buying Rolex…but those rules can be broken. Again, if you're influential, or just rich, the rules don't apply.

Most of my clients wanted me to ship them their watches to avoid paying taxes. Now legally speaking, if I ship you the watch, you report it in your home state. But honestly, we knew most, if not all, our clients were skipping this procedure.

But worse than "legal" tax fraud is just straight up tax fraud. My associate had a client named Jack out of New York drive eight hours to put a platinum Daytona in his pocket and walk out, only for us to later ship him an empty box. That's $5,000 in taxes Ohio got screwed out of…taxes that go to police, schools, infrastructure. Do you think these guys care? Nope. This happened several times while I worked there.

Fourth, watchmakers aren't Gods. So many people were amazed to meet our watchmakers, but let me give you some insight…it's just a two year technical program. They're human, and they screw up a lot.

I saw two watches get destroyed because they forgot to simply tighten the case backs. I once watched both watchmakers struggle to make a simple fix before telling me it was irreparable, and it had to be shipped back. I took the watch from them, looked at it for 10 seconds, and told them here's what's stopping the repair…you would have thought I cracked the code. Numerous times they couldn't get the watch backs off for battery repairs.

And the level of arrogance having that title almost matched the level of arrogance from some of my clients. The best compliment I got from them was, "You're smart enough to be a watchmaker." Nevermind I have an actual college degree, why would I want to waste my life working on trinkets? These guys act like they're curing cancer, when they're glorified toy makers.

Fifth, Rolexes are mechanical. If you complain that your watch isn't accurate, then look at your cell phone. Or buy a Casio. It amazes me how many people actually think Rolex is the best at time keeping. Everyone has a watch in their pocket connected to a satellite.

Sixth, Rolex is a company more concerned about image than honesty. Do you think they're going to admit to you that you'll never get that watch you desire? Do you think they care if you saved up for something special? If you're not a select client, don't bother.

As someone who sold Rolex, I can honestly say I hate their product and everything associated with it. It reeks of arrogance and entitlement, and why?

Are they the best watch on the market? No, there are companies that do far better.

Are they truly handcrafted? No, they're mass produced.

Are they going to make you a better person? No, 99% of people don't care what watch you're wearing. If you're an entitled jerk without a Rolex, you'll still be an entitled jerk when you put one on. I know plenty of them.

But if you want to keep chasing that dream, stop on down to Richter and Phillips.

Please tell us about how your previous employer supplied watches to the grey market? You know, the watches that they never got?

[WilsdorfNDavis]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

They offered me a 116500 back around 2017 with a convoluted story and a “need” for it to be $5K over MSRP. Less than six months later they were no longer an AD, dropped by both Rolex and Omega.

They probably already knew they were losing their AD status so they were trying to get as much as possible from their remaining stock...

[BroncoOne]

There’s some sour grapes. I’m sorry that you are so angry.

As for the sales tax, I’m sure that the buyer pays more tax in a single quarter than you or most other people will pay over their entire lives. I’m not losing sleep that the state didn’t also confiscate another $5000 oh his money to light the state house speaker’s cigar.

TheAD has the absolute right to sell a watch to whichever customer that they believe will drive their own business, that they, not you, risk the capital to open. Sure, I’d rather the sweet woman got the watch, but they have to pay the bills, including your paycheck. I note that you didn’t report offering to waive your pay that week to direct the watch to her.

Sorry for being snarky, but look at the other side.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by BroncoOne

As for the sales tax, I’m sure that the buyer pays more tax in a single quarter than you or most other people will pay over their entire lives. I’m not losing sleep that the state didn’t also confiscate another $5000 oh his money to light the state house speaker’s cigar.

Yes, if you’re buying a Rolex you shouldn’t pay taxes on a luxury purchase. Because you’ve already paid more taxes than most plebes.

Lol. I wonder why most people think Rolex owners are douchebags…

[BroncoOne]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Yes, if you’re buying a Rolex you shouldn’t pay taxes on a luxury purchase. Because you’ve already paid more taxes than most plebes.

Lol. I wonder why most people think Rolex owners are douchebags…

OK call me douchebag. I’ll wear the badge proudly.
Hint- nobody cares what anyone else thinks.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by BroncoOne

OK call me douchebag. I’ll wear the badge proudly.
Hint- nobody cares what anyone else thinks.

Only sociopaths don’t care about what *anyone* thinks.

[BroncoOne]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Only sociopaths don’t care about what *anyone* thinks.

No, only sociopaths care what random faceless internet losers think.

[rockysw]

Originally Posted by BroncoOne

There’s some sour grapes. I’m sorry that you are so angry.

As for the sales tax, I’m sure that the buyer pays more tax in a single quarter than you or most other people will pay over their entire lives. I’m not losing sleep that the state didn’t also confiscate another $5000 oh his money to light the state house speaker’s cigar.

TheAD has the absolute right to sell a watch to whichever customer that they believe will drive their own business, that they, not you, risk the capital to open. Sure, I’d rather the sweet woman got the watch, but they have to pay the bills, including your paycheck. I note that you didn’t report offering to waive your pay that week to direct the watch to her.

Sorry for being snarky, but look at the other side.

oh wow, calm down. Like it or not, OP has the right to express his opinion. Seems like you are deep in the rolex game.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by rockysw

oh wow, calm down. Like it or not, OP has the right to express his opinion. Seems like you are deep in the rolex game.

Agreed.
The OP's account of their experience seemed to align somewhat with what I have been able to work out is the lay of the land in some locations and was a plausible and convincing account to me.
Puting to one side any issues around tax avoidance, it was quite reasonable.
If one doesn't like the message it may be prudent to not get too worked up about it.

[rmwill]

Keep arguing with a one post chatbot folks!

[BumbleB]

Originally Posted by Not My Style

I worked at an AD in Cincinnati for two years, so let me give you some insight on what it's like.

First, if you want a sports model, you better buy other things. My AD wouldn't sell a sports model to anyone without previous purchase, with few exceptions. A two-toned Sea-dweller, sure, because no one wants that watch. We would write names on cards and pretend we were adding clients to some master list, but the truth is, it was just input into some program to automatically text the client. Rolex wants ADs to keep the dream alive, because not everyone is getting what they want.

Second, it's more important who you are than how you are. I had a sweet young woman check in with me monthly asking to get her fiance a Submariner. She wasn't rich or famous, just a hard working woman who saved up to get her man something special. I was really hoping to make this happen…

Another woman walked in during this time, arrogant and conceited. Talked to me like I was beneath her, asking for the same watch. I informed her that we would try, but she didn't want to hear it. Her husband was some no name, buried on the roster, Reds baseball player. Frankly, her attitude had me completely disgusted.

When I told the owners about this, they grabbed a Submariner from the safe and sold it to her the next day. I got credit for the sale, and I hated every second of it. This woman was vile, and her arrogance stemmed from who she was married to, not even her own accomplishments.

Third, there are rules to buying Rolex…but those rules can be broken. Again, if you're influential, or just rich, the rules don't apply.

Most of my clients wanted me to ship them their watches to avoid paying taxes. Now legally speaking, if I ship you the watch, you report it in your home state. But honestly, we knew most, if not all, our clients were skipping this procedure.

But worse than "legal" tax fraud is just straight up tax fraud. My associate had a client named Jack out of New York drive eight hours to put a platinum Daytona in his pocket and walk out, only for us to later ship him an empty box. That's $5,000 in taxes Ohio got screwed out of…taxes that go to police, schools, infrastructure. Do you think these guys care? Nope. This happened several times while I worked there.

Fourth, watchmakers aren't Gods. So many people were amazed to meet our watchmakers, but let me give you some insight…it's just a two year technical program. They're human, and they screw up a lot.

I saw two watches get destroyed because they forgot to simply tighten the case backs. I once watched both watchmakers struggle to make a simple fix before telling me it was irreparable, and it had to be shipped back. I took the watch from them, looked at it for 10 seconds, and told them here's what's stopping the repair…you would have thought I cracked the code. Numerous times they couldn't get the watch backs off for battery repairs.

And the level of arrogance having that title almost matched the level of arrogance from some of my clients. The best compliment I got from them was, "You're smart enough to be a watchmaker." Nevermind I have an actual college degree, why would I want to waste my life working on trinkets? These guys act like they're curing cancer, when they're glorified toy makers.

Fifth, Rolexes are mechanical. If you complain that your watch isn't accurate, then look at your cell phone. Or buy a Casio. It amazes me how many people actually think Rolex is the best at time keeping. Everyone has a watch in their pocket connected to a satellite.

Sixth, Rolex is a company more concerned about image than honesty. Do you think they're going to admit to you that you'll never get that watch you desire? Do you think they care if you saved up for something special? If you're not a select client, don't bother.

As someone who sold Rolex, I can honestly say I hate their product and everything associated with it. It reeks of arrogance and entitlement, and why?

Are they the best watch on the market? No, there are companies that do far better.

Are they truly handcrafted? No, they're mass produced.

Are they going to make you a better person? No, 99% of people don't care what watch you're wearing. If you're an entitled jerk without a Rolex, you'll still be an entitled jerk when you put one on. I know plenty of them.

But if you want to keep chasing that dream, stop on down to Richter and Phillips.

“Numerous times they couldn't get the watch backs off for battery repairs.”
i’m guessing these were Quartz Rolexes with batteries? Did you get many of these? Technically I guess you meant battery replacement, instead of battery repair


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