Forum, what are your best stories of snobby people at an AD? :D

[supacarrot]

So I had a pretty negative experience with a worker at the Jaeger LeCoultre in Rome. I'm 26 and generally default to shorts and a black t-shirt when abroad so I don't get mugged in places I don't know, but generally don't find myself to be looking sketchy.

I went to various Rolex ADs, the London A Lange & Sohne, the Paris Audemars Piguet, the Florence flagship for Panerai, and some others with everyone being super nice and letting me try on a wide variety of pieces. The guy at the Jaeger LeCoultre kept trying to make me look through the catalog in store instead of letting me try on watches and only reluctantly let me finally try on one of the cheapest pieces. So that got me thinking...

Anyone have any great stories of snobby folks at a watch AD?

[zaydans]

London Jewelers at the Oculus in NYC. Crap selection of Rolex models and didn’t seem to be bothered at all that I might be potential buyer!!

Conversely, the staff at Lee Perla, and Hartgers in NJ were really cool and had no problem letting me try stuff on?

[John S]

Well, I am a salesperson for 30 years. My experience taught me that most of the inbound salesperson (i.e. wait for walk in customer) use their eyes to screen and qualify ups (i.e. walk in prospect). When I bought my first Rolex, I not only call for an appointment, but also wore my newly bought Tudor Black Bay 58. Even that, the salesperson still didn't believe I would buy at the first visit.

After selection and some negotiation, I was told to pay by certified fund, in order to get a discount. So, I went out to get my car and drove to the nearest bank. Just the moment when I drove off the parking lot, the salesperson went out and checked what car I drove. I guess she wanted to confirm that I didn't drive a shit box, and decided if it worth her to wait for me to come back in 10 - 15 min. or not. This was my 1st experience in buying my first Rolex.

When I bought my 2nd Rolex in about 6 weeks, the situation completely changed. I became their repeat customer, and I knew what I was buying, not randomly trying different models. The salesperson knew that I was serious, could make a decision on spot, and came from a long way (i.e. not a tire kicker). She felt more comfortable in dealing with me.

If you were them, being hit by so many "tire kickers" before, you may behave similar. In addition, this may be the instruction from their manager, to qualify the customer before putting an expensive watch on their wrist. Who knows?

[supacarrot]

Originally Posted by John S

Well, I am a salesperson for 30 years. My experience taught me that most of the inbound salesperson (i.e. wait for walk in customer) use their eyes to screen and qualify ups (i.e. walk in prospect). When I bought my first Rolex, I not only call for an appointment, but also wore my newly bought Tudor Black Bay 58. Even that, the salesperson still didn't believe I would buy at the first visit.

After selection and some negotiation, I was told to pay by certified fund, in order to get a discount. So, I went out to get my car and drove to the nearest bank. Just the moment when I drove off the parking lot, the salesperson went out and checked what car I drove. I guess she wanted to confirm that I didn't drive a shit box, and decided if it worth her to wait for me to come back in 10 - 15 min. or not. This was my 1st experience in buying my first Rolex.

When I bought my 2nd Rolex in about 6 weeks, the situation completely changed. I became their repeat customer, and I knew what I was buying, not randomly trying different models. The salesperson knew that I was serious, could make a decision on spot, and came from a long way (i.e. not a tire kicker). She felt more comfortable in dealing with me.

If you were them, being hit by so many "tire kickers" before, you may behave similar. In addition, this may be the instruction from their manager, to qualify the customer before putting an expensive watch on their wrist. Who knows?

In all my life walking into Rolex ADs in my typical black T-shirt for casual days I have never had any of the salespeople treat me other than a potential buyer. The same goes for all of the Panerai salespeople I have met. Crazy to hear there are some snobby ones out there. Can I ask what city this was in? Curious if it is regional.

[jrs146]

I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad experience. I deal with a few AS’s and they’ve always treated me with respect.

[brandrea]

Our Patek AD is staffed by a particularly snooty Sales associate. Perhaps he’s no longer there ... I wouldn’t know as I will never go back

[ArtNouveau]

I can’t recall a single incident ever where I felt “looked down on” in a watch store. Then again I don’t waste a bunch of their time unless I’m truly ready to buy. If I’m just browsing I tell them that and don’t ask to try on a bunch of stuff I’m not going to buy.

A little recent anecdote. I was in NY over Memorial Day weekend and checked out the two new Watches of Switzerland stores and the Fifth Avenue Boutique. They all spot the BLRO(of course a watch salesman looks to see what you’re wearing) and that gives some instant cred. At the same time they all probably think “if he got that from another dealer it’s pretty unlikely he’ll buy something from me.” And they would be right for the most part.

[GB-man]

One time at FP Journe they completely ignored me which was awkward since the store was about the size of my bedroom. I’ve since returned and received excellent service so it must have been a one off.

Once at Porsche the salesman ignored me completely so I walked into the attached Land Rover dealership (same ownership) and bought a 911 through one of their salesman lol

[fsprow]

My several experiences have been very positive.

[Seibei]

Thankfully I have more important things to think about than how I am treated by shop clerks.

[Douglas9700]

On a recent special occasion vacation to Zurich, we visited the Rolex AD. I was excited to buy a Rolex there just to have as a memorable keepsake. Unlike usual, the model wasn't really the big determinant. They had no other customers in the store at the time, and apparently they viewed my spouse and me in that same group. They occasionally glanced over at us while they fiddled with papers, adjusted what they were leaning on while standing around and mostly just looked away, in order to avoid eye contact I suppose. For a good four minutes or so of our looking at the displays, chatting together, and looking at the three salespeople hoping to have some element of acknowledgement, no one ever spoke to us-ever, except when we eventually walked out the security guard said 'thank you'. After a few laughs, we thought perhaps he should have been appointed in charge of the sales department.