Ideal frequency to check in with a boutique

[Frank Tupelo]

I am looking to hopefully acquire my first AP at some point. I first visited my local boutique for the first time about 6 weeks ago. I’ve never played this waiting game with any brands, so it’s an entirely new concept to me.

I live about a mile from my boutique and visit the shopping center often (once a week) for other reasons. I want to strike the right balance between showing interest and staying top of mind while not annoying them.

Appreciate the feedback.

[seadubs]

Daily

[Frank Tupelo]

Originally Posted by seadubs

Daily

Haha. I’ve dropped by a few times over the past six weeks, which feels a bit much. Once a month feels about right. But, the boutique is surround by other shopping and eating establishments that I frequent, so it doesn’t hurt to drop by and doesn’t come off as being too creepy.

[only1swami]

Originally Posted by Frank Tupelo

I am looking to hopefully acquire my first AP at some point. I first visited my local boutique for the first time about 6 weeks ago. I’ve never played this waiting game with any brands, so it’s an entirely new concept to me.

I live about a mile from my boutique and visit the shopping center often (once a week) for other reasons. I want to strike the right balance between showing interest and staying top of mind while not annoying them.

Appreciate the feedback.

I try to go once every 4-6 weeks in person, but regularly texting my SA about non AP stuff + horology in general


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[Frank Tupelo]

Originally Posted by only1swami

I try to go once every 4-6 weeks in person, but regularly texting my SA about non AP stuff + horology in general


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I don’t get the feeling my SA would really appreciate texting me. I’m glad you’re able to have that type of relationship. My SA is younger and from a different background than horology, so does not have a deep history in the space (maybe a year or two).

Related question. Do folks tend to focus the relationship on their SA, or start to build relationships with all of the folks at the boutique? My SA just happens to be the one that established our profile (wife may want an RO as well and checks in with me), so there is no warn intro or other established relationship beyond that.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Once a month at most, one every three months at the least, IMHO.

[Bearxj86]

I think once every month or so- if you bring gifts you can do it more often lol

[Frank Tupelo]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

I think once every month or so- if you bring gifts you can do it more often lol

This was another question I had. I’ve heard people reference gifts, but wasn’t sure whether they were appropriate or could even be accepted.

What types of gifts do you recommend? I’ve seen bottles of wine suggested.

[AshAP]

AP in London will return gifts to sender, I think it’s a relatively new policy.


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[AshAP]

..

[Mini2]

Originally Posted by AshAP

AP in London will return gifts to sender, I think it’s a relatively new policy.


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Thats why they sent me back the 100k USD

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by Mini2

Thats why they sent me back the 100k USD

$100K is below the minimum threshold for them to keep a gift and advance you in the list. Try harder next time.

[MP777]

I like this new policy, too many SAs are getting fat with gifts. This would somewhat even out the playing field.

Originally Posted by AshAP

AP in London will return gifts to sender, I think it’s a relatively new policy.


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[PBJ1925]

I keep it to once a quarter (3 months).

[Reign]

Boils down to how well you know them. Would you see a good friend once a month or an acquaintance once a month?

Same goes for gifts - do you send your friends holiday gifts? Do you send strangers gifts?

I think once you put it in that context and evaluate the strength of your relationship, the when / what will come more naturally


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[Frank Tupelo]

Originally Posted by Reign

Boils down to how well you know them. Would you see a good friend once a month or an acquaintance once a month?

Same goes for gifts - do you send your friends holiday gifts? Do you send strangers gifts?

I think once you put it in that context and evaluate the strength of your relationship, the when / what will come more naturally


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I think this is good advice. I need the “ultimate guide to timepiece waitlists.”

I figured AP would need to limit or eliminate the ability for SA’s to accept gifts. That seems like a slippery slope that ends with pay to play.

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by Reign

Boils down to how well you know them. Would you see a good friend once a month or an acquaintance once a month?

Same goes for gifts - do you send your friends holiday gifts? Do you send strangers gifts?

I think once you put it in that context and evaluate the strength of your relationship, the when / what will come more naturally


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Reign has his own bar stool, as does AshAP, when they walk in the whole crew shout their name…think ‘Cheers’ and you’ll get the idea :)
As to gifts, I just collected a watch and I stopped of at Selfridges and picked up cupcakes for the office, nothing big, just a gesture at Xmas.


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[GW44]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Reign has his own bar stool, as does AshAP, when they walk in the whole crew shout their name…think ‘Cheers’ and you’ll get the idea :)
As to gifts, I just collected a watch and I stopped of at Selfridges and picked up cupcakes for the office, nothing big, just a gesture at Xmas.


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Like the “Cheers” analogy there Gary

Wonder where AP House keep the red carpet for their VVIPS?!

[fsprow]

Only when you go by to purchase another item (jewelry, less in demand watches).

[Mbbgysam]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

I don’t get the smart ass comments…I really don’t. When somebody asks a question and they show sincerity, why can’t you simply move on and just not comment at all if you don’t want to be helpful?

I asked a ton of newb questions when I started participating on this forum. The one thing that absolutely drew me into AP was the genuine camaraderie from everybody. It seems like Keyboard Warrior Syndrome spreads as fast as Covid…

Anyway, OP, to your question. Obviously there is no magical answer here. My personal approach is to check in once every 3 months to re-state interest. That’s it. Don’t ask about other watches unless you genuinely want them instead of whatever it is you asked about originally. Keep it to one watch and keep showing that it’s something you want to add to your collection.

Good luck!


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I'd say I also average going in once per quarter (we text in between) and it has felt like the right cadence between picking up watches and checking out new marketing pieces.

Originally Posted by Reign

Boils down to how well you know them. Would you see a good friend once a month or an acquaintance once a month?

Same goes for gifts - do you send your friends holiday gifts? Do you send strangers gifts?

I think once you put it in that context and evaluate the strength of your relationship, the when / what will come more naturally


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This is great advice. I'm lucky to have a couple SA's that share interests beyond just watches, so our relationships have naturally turned into friendships. My advice is to take it slow, build some rapport, and use your best judgement from there

[CobraKai2020]

I sent cookies to mine - I'm pretty sure they ate them.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by CobraKai2020

I sent cookies to mine - I'm pretty sure they ate them.

Baked goods, tokens of affection and physical favors are welcome

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

Baked goods, tokens of affection and physical favors are welcome

What's a "physical favor"?

[Frank Tupelo]

Originally Posted by CobraKai2020

I sent cookies to mine - I'm pretty sure they ate them.

Nominal gifts are probably okay. Anything meaningful enough that it could be seen as a bribe or buying your SA off is likely frowned upon.

[TunaTuna]

You must go at least weekly, better yet twice a week, otherwise they will forget you as a prospect. You have to show them you really want it. Think of it like going after a job you really want. Let them know you are a "go getter" and are dying for the watch. I cannot stress this enough

[just1time]

From what I have gathered lately from the forum, you have to check in directly monthly, indirectly weekly, send gifts monthly, donate your kidney yearly.
And that's for a regular piece. Your first born is to be sacrificed for An allocation piece.

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by just1time

From what I have gathered lately from the forum, you have to check in directly monthly, indirectly weekly, send gifts monthly, donate your kidney yearly.
And that's for a regular piece. Your first born is to be sacrificed foe An allocation piece.

You're catching on.

[Frank Tupelo]

Originally Posted by just1time

From what I have gathered lately from the forum, you have to check in directly monthly, indirectly weekly, send gifts monthly, donate your kidney yearly.
And that's for a regular piece. Your first born is to be sacrificed for An allocation piece.

I appreciate how you lulled me into thinking this was serious advice. Now that I’ve stopped by a few times over the last couple months, It finally feels as though we are being taken seriously. Just like any relationship, it takes time to build and determine how serious the counter-party is.

And just like any type of sales, they have a funnel. A million people drop in once stating they want a RO. A certain percentage drop in again to follow-up. Even fewer drop in a third time or last more than a few months. Finally it whittles down to the deserving few left who get the prize.

[GoingPlaces]

At least once a day.

[m3jasper]

Twice a day.