Musings on how to deal with Rolex Authorized Dealers

[amh]

I've done some self-reflection after AD experiences over the last few years. I have sometimes confused the AD 'relationship' with a real relationship. In truth, when dealing with the AD it must be purely transactional. Be friendly and courteous but keep them at arms length.

How dealers operate
- They are there to make a profit
- Some have lists, others don't
- Some prioritize customers, others don't
- Some will force jewelry or non-Rolex purchases, some will not
- Rolex deliveries to dealers vary (AD doesn't get to 'order' everything they want)

How dealers behave
- Some will be very honest with you - complete transparency
- Others will be very deceptive (will claim they have no stock while having pieces in the safe)

How the buyer should behave
- They are not your friend. No need to tell them you have moved or how long ago. Keep this to yourself if you are not native to the region.
- They don't really care about your collection or how you got it. Enthusiasts may trade or sell watches periodically while building a set - mentioning such transactions will not help you.
- Do not buy undesired items. If truly planning on a purchase anyway it's fine but do not connect it to a Rolex purchase. Same applies for other watch brands.
- Do not compromise. Ask for the model you want and do not accept variants not on your list (eg. Two tone.) Remain consistent.
- Shop at multiple ADs if possible, you will increase your chance of success.
- Do not mention the other ADs! This would be akin to tell your wife/girlfriend that you're seeing someone else.
- If you buy a watch at a different AD, do not share the acquisition with the first AD.
- Stay in touch but do not pester. Demand still exceeds supply.

This is a game. You must learn to play it.

[duquephart]

Originally Posted by amh

I've done some self-reflection after AD experiences over the last few years. I have sometimes confused the AD 'relationship' with a real relationship. In truth, when dealing with the AD it must be purely transactional. Be friendly and courteous but keep them at arms length.

How dealers operate
- They are there to make a profit
- Some have lists, others don't
- Some prioritize customers, others don't
- Some will force jewelry or non-Rolex purchases, some will not
- Rolex deliveries to dealers vary (AD doesn't get to 'order' everything they want)

How dealers behave
- Some will be very honest with you - complete transparency
- Others will be very deceptive (will claim they have no stock while having pieces in the safe)

How the buyer should behave
- They are not your friend. No need to tell them you have moved or how long ago. Keep this to yourself if you are not native to the region.
- They don't really care about your collection or how you got it. Enthusiasts may trade or sell watches periodically while building a set - mentioning such transactions will not help you.
- Do not buy undesired items. If truly planning on a purchase anyway it's fine but do not connect it to a Rolex purchase. Same applies for other watch brands.
- Do not compromise. Ask for the model you want and do not accept variants not on your list (eg. Two tone.) Remain consistent.
- Shop at multiple ADs if possible, you will increase your chance of success.
- Do not mention the other ADs! This would be akin to tell your wife/girlfriend that you're seeing someone else.
- If you buy a watch at a different AD, do not share the acquisition with the first AD.
- Stay in touch but do not pester. Demand still exceeds supply.

This is a game. You must learn to play it.

People good at the car buying game are very familiar with all of these points.

[omar10213245]

see, here's how i go about it, with mixed results.

First, I KICK open the door to the store, and I come bustling in, like so:



then i walk up to the nearest sales associate, and i grab him by the tie (or shirt collar if no tie), and i get right up in their face, and i blurt out, "WHERE'S THE SONUVABITCH WHO'S GONNA SELL ME A BRAND NEW ROLEX TODAY, HUH?!" before shoving them away with contempt. After the SA scrambles off to find the manager, I stand there looking as impatient as possible, hands on hips, tapping my foot if need be. The manager comes out, and I let 'em have it: "NOW HERE THIS, YOU LITTLE PEON! I WANT A PANDA DAYTONA, AN' I WANT IT RIGHT GODDAMN NOW!!", poking them in the forehead as I bark their marching orders. As the manager stammers and stumbles over his words to forment a response, I give 'em the ol' "DID I STUTTER, SQUEAKY?? MAKE IT HAPPEN!!" At that point, the manager will usually trip over their own feet as they quickly pirouette to go back to the safe and get what I asked for.

Again, I've gotten mixed results from the above approach.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

see, here's how i go about it, with mixed results.

First, I KICK open the door to the store, and I come bustling in, like so:



then i walk up to the nearest sales associate, and i grab him by the tie (or shirt collar if no tie), and i get right up in their face, and i blurt out, "WHERE'S THE SONUVABITCH WHO'S GONNA SELL ME A BRAND NEW ROLEX TODAY, HUH?!" before shoving them away with contempt. After the SA scrambles off to find the manager, I stand there looking as impatient as possible, hands on hips, tapping my foot if need be. The manager comes out, and I let 'em have it: "NOW HERE THIS, YOU LITTLE PEON! I WANT A PANDA DAYTONA, AN' I WANT IT RIGHT GODDAMN NOW!!", poking them in the forehead as I bark their marching orders. As the manager stammers and stumbles over his words to forment a response, I give 'em the ol' "DID I STUTTER, SQUEAKY?? MAKE IT HAPPEN!!" At that point, the manager will usually trip over their own feet as they quickly pirouette to go back to the safe and get what I asked for.

Again, I've gotten mixed results from the above approach.

This is really the only way to do it.

[noshame]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

see, here's how i go about it, with mixed results.

First, I KICK open the door to the store, and I come bustling in, like so:



then i walk up to the nearest sales associate, and i grab him by the tie (or shirt collar if no tie), and i get right up in their face, and i blurt out, "WHERE'S THE SONUVABITCH WHO'S GONNA SELL ME A BRAND NEW ROLEX TODAY, HUH?!" before shoving them away with contempt. After the SA scrambles off to find the manager, I stand there looking as impatient as possible, hands on hips, tapping my foot if need be. The manager comes out, and I let 'em have it: "NOW HERE THIS, YOU LITTLE PEON! I WANT A PANDA DAYTONA, AN' I WANT IT RIGHT GODDAMN NOW!!", poking them in the forehead as I bark their marching orders. As the manager stammers and stumbles over his words to forment a response, I give 'em the ol' "DID I STUTTER, SQUEAKY?? MAKE IT HAPPEN!!" At that point, the manager will usually trip over their own feet as they quickly pirouette to go back to the safe and get what I asked for.

Again, I've gotten mixed results from the above approach.

I'm guilty. Must admit I laughed while reading this. Plus, Vince's strut is an all-time classic! Thanks, Omar.

[SLWoodster]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

see, here's how i go about it, with mixed results.

First, I KICK open the door to the store, and I come bustling in, like so:



then i walk up to the nearest sales associate, and i grab him by the tie (or shirt collar if no tie), and i get right up in their face, and i blurt out, "WHERE'S THE SONUVABITCH WHO'S GONNA SELL ME A BRAND NEW ROLEX TODAY, HUH?!" before shoving them away with contempt. After the SA scrambles off to find the manager, I stand there looking as impatient as possible, hands on hips, tapping my foot if need be. The manager comes out, and I let 'em have it: "NOW HERE THIS, YOU LITTLE PEON! I WANT A PANDA DAYTONA, AN' I WANT IT RIGHT GODDAMN NOW!!", poking them in the forehead as I bark their marching orders. As the manager stammers and stumbles over his words to forment a response, I give 'em the ol' "DID I STUTTER, SQUEAKY?? MAKE IT HAPPEN!!" At that point, the manager will usually trip over their own feet as they quickly pirouette to go back to the safe and get what I asked for.

Again, I've gotten mixed results from the above approach.

Prove results for Vince McMahon.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

see, here's how i go about it, with mixed results.

First, I KICK open the door to the store, and I come bustling in, like so:



then i walk up to the nearest sales associate, and i grab him by the tie (or shirt collar if no tie), and i get right up in their face, and i blurt out, "WHERE'S THE SONUVABITCH WHO'S GONNA SELL ME A BRAND NEW ROLEX TODAY, HUH?!" before shoving them away with contempt. After the SA scrambles off to find the manager, I stand there looking as impatient as possible, hands on hips, tapping my foot if need be. The manager comes out, and I let 'em have it: "NOW HERE THIS, YOU LITTLE PEON! I WANT A PANDA DAYTONA, AN' I WANT IT RIGHT GODDAMN NOW!!", poking them in the forehead as I bark their marching orders. As the manager stammers and stumbles over his words to forment a response, I give 'em the ol' "DID I STUTTER, SQUEAKY?? MAKE IT HAPPEN!!" At that point, the manager will usually trip over their own feet as they quickly pirouette to go back to the safe and get what I asked for.

Again, I've gotten mixed results from the above approach.

You go for a collar/tie-grab? Somehow I’d have expected you to go Gene Hackman from “Mississippi Burning” in this scenario…

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by dannyp

You go for a collar/tie-grab? Somehow I’d have expected you to go Gene Hackman from “Mississippi Burning” in this scenario…

This? This method is reserved for platinum pieces only

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

This? This method is reserved for platinum pieces only

Correct. However you forgot the similar gif from “LA Confidential”

[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

This? This method is reserved for platinum pieces only

[Calatrava r]

You are over thinking this OP. People buy watches from ADs everyday all over the world and I suspect many are first time buyers. Getting to know people goes a long way in everything. I always think of salespeople I see regularly as friends.

[Cigars&Watches]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

see, here's how i go about it, with mixed results.

First, I KICK open the door to the store, and I come bustling in, like so:



then i walk up to the nearest sales associate, and i grab him by the tie (or shirt collar if no tie), and i get right up in their face, and i blurt out, "WHERE'S THE SONUVABITCH WHO'S GONNA SELL ME A BRAND NEW ROLEX TODAY, HUH?!" before shoving them away with contempt. After the SA scrambles off to find the manager, I stand there looking as impatient as possible, hands on hips, tapping my foot if need be. The manager comes out, and I let 'em have it: "NOW HERE THIS, YOU LITTLE PEON! I WANT A PANDA DAYTONA, AN' I WANT IT RIGHT GODDAMN NOW!!", poking them in the forehead as I bark their marching orders. As the manager stammers and stumbles over his words to forment a response, I give 'em the ol' "DID I STUTTER, SQUEAKY?? MAKE IT HAPPEN!!" At that point, the manager will usually trip over their own feet as they quickly pirouette to go back to the safe and get what I asked for.

Again, I've gotten mixed results from the above approach.

This gave me a good laugh

[Laostuh]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

see, here's how i go about it, with mixed results.

First, I KICK open the door to the store, and I come bustling in, like so:



then i walk up to the nearest sales associate, and i grab him by the tie (or shirt collar if no tie), and i get right up in their face, and i blurt out, "WHERE'S THE SONUVABITCH WHO'S GONNA SELL ME A BRAND NEW ROLEX TODAY, HUH?!" before shoving them away with contempt. After the SA scrambles off to find the manager, I stand there looking as impatient as possible, hands on hips, tapping my foot if need be. The manager comes out, and I let 'em have it: "NOW HERE THIS, YOU LITTLE PEON! I WANT A PANDA DAYTONA, AN' I WANT IT RIGHT GODDAMN NOW!!", poking them in the forehead as I bark their marching orders. As the manager stammers and stumbles over his words to forment a response, I give 'em the ol' "DID I STUTTER, SQUEAKY?? MAKE IT HAPPEN!!" At that point, the manager will usually trip over their own feet as they quickly pirouette to go back to the safe and get what I asked for.

Again, I've gotten mixed results from the above approach.

working in sales, from my experience the guy who comes in asking "WHO WANTS TO SELL ME" usually doesn't buy crap. Plus they are nightmares to deal with.

[T4ME]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

see, here's how i go about it, with mixed results.

First, I KICK open the door to the store, and I come bustling in, like so:



then i walk up to the nearest sales associate, and i grab him by the tie (or shirt collar if no tie), and i get right up in their face, and i blurt out, "WHERE'S THE SONUVABITCH WHO'S GONNA SELL ME A BRAND NEW ROLEX TODAY, HUH?!" before shoving them away with contempt. After the SA scrambles off to find the manager, I stand there looking as impatient as possible, hands on hips, tapping my foot if need be. The manager comes out, and I let 'em have it: "NOW HERE THIS, YOU LITTLE PEON! I WANT A PANDA DAYTONA, AN' I WANT IT RIGHT GODDAMN NOW!!", poking them in the forehead as I bark their marching orders. As the manager stammers and stumbles over his words to forment a response, I give 'em the ol' "DID I STUTTER, SQUEAKY?? MAKE IT HAPPEN!!" At that point, the manager will usually trip over their own feet as they quickly pirouette to go back to the safe and get what I asked for.

Again, I've gotten mixed results from the above approach.

Yo! this has to be the funniness video lol

[BaronArtz]

Originally Posted by T4ME

Yo! this has to be the funniness video lol

Ridiculous.

That approach will get you escorted out of the store by security.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by BaronArtz

Ridiculous.

That approach will get you escorted out of the store by security.

Nah dude, you shove that guy to floor first. Then yell check yoself.

In all seriousness I did have an actual relationship with my SA, we would talk at random about many other non-watch topics. He unfortunately for me moved on to bigger pastures. That AD pretty much iced me shortly after. I went grey mostly from that point on. I have scored an LV from them, but slim pickings for sure.

[ratty]

Originally Posted by amh

I've done some self-reflection after AD experiences over the last few years. I have sometimes confused the AD 'relationship' with a real relationship. In truth, when dealing with the AD it must be purely transactional. Be friendly and courteous but keep them at arms length.

…..

This is a game. You must learn to play it.

So how long has it taken you work this out?

[2loaded]

Hahaha! Great replies.
OP, great opinions up until the last line. As this is YOUR experience it is very different for others.

[whiskyrolex]

So what's your success rate using these tips?

[amh]

Originally Posted by whiskyrolex

So what's your success rate using these tips?

Not really success, just bitter lessons learned. That's a type of success by itself.

AD1: Probably not going to shop there again. Relationship = divorced.
AD2: Recent purchase and looking forward to more in the near future! Relationship = had a nice dinner once, hoping for a 2nd date.
AD3: Still developing. Relationship = Asked out for coffee, no reply

AD4 and AD5 have closed. Relationship = attended funerals.

[amh]

Originally Posted by ratty

So how long has it taken you work this out?

Far too long!

Originally Posted by 2loaded

Hahaha! Great replies.
OP, great opinions up until the last line. As this is YOUR experience it is not for others.

Indeed. Other people keep posting:
- It just takes patience...
- No purchase history necessary...
- Just be a nice guy...
- Eventually it will happen...
- Get to know everyone...

All of those are true because someone experienced it - yet none of them are true if applied to others. I tend to think of things in black & white but the truth is most things are a shade of gray. We must find out what works for us.

If only there were a watch buying service that took all the work out of it! (Yes - DavidSW is my man - ha ha!!!)

[hellofromthebay]

Good stuff here. I would add details about the importance of meeting the right SA.

A seasoned SA often had an existing client list that can’t satisfy. They aren’t looking for new clients.

A new SA is eager to build their client list. The problem with the new SAs is they often quit or get fired. You just have to get lucky when matching with an SA.

When at all possible, build a relationship with a assistant manager.


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[beshannon]

Originally Posted by amh

This is a game. You must learn to play it.

No I do not.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by beshannon

No I do not.

Was my first thought when reading OP's last sentence.

I guess this is fine if it floats your boat and you and nothing else to do.

Glad I have too much to do with work, family, friends, community, and other hobbies. I could not imagine a life that revolved around spending a ton of time to save a few grand on a watch.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

Was my first thought when reading OP's last sentence.

I guess this is fine if it floats your boat and you and nothing else to do.

Glad I have too much to do with work, family, friends, community, and other hobbies. I could not imagine a life that revolved around spending a ton of time to save a few grand on a watch.

Agreed and I would rather spend my time looking for better watches from better brands with AD's that actually want my money

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

Was my first thought when reading OP's last sentence.

I guess this is fine if it floats your boat and you and nothing else to do.

Glad I have too much to do with work, family, friends, community, and other hobbies. I could not imagine a life that revolved around spending a ton of time to save a few grand on a watch.

Yeah I tend to agree.


Also going out for dinner with one AD and coffee with another is quite blurring the lines of friendship you’re suggesting not to to do.

[amh]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Yeah I tend to agree.


Also going out for dinner with one AD and coffee with another is quite blurring the lines of friendship you’re suggesting not to to do.

That part wasn't literal

[Harry-57]

We have friendly and cordial relationships with a number of dealers who sell things we like. It's all first name terms, it's all very friendly and it's all very enjoyable. But businesses are in business to do business. They won't be there next week/month/year if they don't post good profit margins. As inclined as we might be to pop in for the occasional chat/beverage/gossip, to believe that the fundamental component of "the relationship" goes any further than giving them money would be delusional of me.

It works the other way around too. I'm self employed. I have run my business for 25 years. I'm on friendly, warm, good will terms with all the clients I work with. We get on, that's why most of them come back for repeat projects and recommend me. I will go the extra mile if necessary but I don't work for nothing and I'm nobody's servant or slave.

OP. Patience and measured persistence will get you there. Don't give up.

[amh]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

We have friendly and cordial relationships with a number of dealers who sell things we like. It's all first name terms, it's all very friendly and it's all very enjoyable. But businesses are in business to do business. They won't be there next week/month/year if they don't post good profit margins. As inclined as we might be to pop in for the occasional chat/beverage/gossip, to believe that the fundamental component of "the relationship" goes any further than giving them money would be delusional of me.

It works the other way around too. I'm self employed. I have run my business for 25 years. I'm on friendly, warm, good will terms with all the clients I work with. We get on, that's why most of them come back for repeat projects and recommend me. I will go the extra mile if necessary but I don't work for nothing and I'm nobody's servant or slave.

OP. Patience and measured persistence will get you there. Don't give up.

Thanks! I respect your opinion. I'll keep at it, albeit with less attention and just let this Tulip Craze fizzle out.

I do tend to over-analyze things but some TRF members have noted that I have a somewhat "grumpy" or impatient tone. That has been true. But I've come through the 7 stages of grief and realized that a certain AD is a dead end. People kept saying "find a new AD" or "not all ADs are the same" but I refused to believe it. However more recently an AD that I never believed would help me has been reaching out. They are _not_ all the same.

My wife and I do have some good memories from AD purchases in the past. Back in the "good old days" one could stop by and browse, chat, try on a few models, get a quote, think about it, sleep on it, consider it. Now it's all rather virtual, the catalog is online and there's little in the store - and what they have is not for sale. (The Omega cabinet is full but no one's even browsing )

[shaunylw]

I really enjoy the two ADs i now buy from, and they have been pretty good to me. But once we get back to a reasonable amount over MSRP, it’s grey only for me. I find it annoying to wait, I’m not incredibly patient, and i don’t really buy a lot of jewelry.


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