Meeting with Rolex AD

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by nworbled

Here's a somewhat related question--when you guys and gals walk into the Rolex store do you dress up knowing that you're going into the store? Like do you dress up to make it known (or look like) that you are able and willing to spend a small fortune on a watch? Or do you just dress in the same casual manner that you would normally dress?

I used to hear about people dressing down to visit a car dealership cause they didn't want the car dealer to know they had the money to afford a higher payment and didn't want to get ripped off at the dealership. But I've also heard the opposite in that people will dress up nicer cause otherwise they feel sometimes a car dealership won't give them the time of day if they come in dressed like a bum.

If car dealers are ignorant enough to judge a person’s “value” by the clothes then they can eff right off same for Rolex ADs. Don’t care how “rare” they are. What goes around comes around.


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[ERok32]

Originally Posted by nworbled

Here's a somewhat related question--when you guys and gals walk into the Rolex store do you dress up knowing that you're going into the store? Like do you dress up to make it known (or look like) that you are able and willing to spend a small fortune on a watch? Or do you just dress in the same casual manner that you would normally dress?

I used to hear about people dressing down to visit a car dealership cause they didn't want the car dealer to know they had the money to afford a higher payment and didn't want to get ripped off at the dealership. But I've also heard the opposite in that people will dress up nicer cause otherwise they feel sometimes a car dealership won't give them the time of day if they come in dressed like a bum.

Seriously, you’re way over thinking this. I’ve met many people who consider jeans and a polo shirt to be supremely formal attire and rock high end watches. Not like you’re shopping for a complicated Patek or anything.


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[zengineer]

Originally Posted by nworbled

Here's a somewhat related question--when you guys and gals walk into the Rolex store do you dress up knowing that you're going into the store? Like do you dress up to make it known (or look like) that you are able and willing to spend a small fortune on a watch? Or do you just dress in the same casual manner that you would normally dress?

I used to hear about people dressing down to visit a car dealership cause they didn't want the car dealer to know they had the money to afford a higher payment and didn't want to get ripped off at the dealership. But I've also heard the opposite in that people will dress up nicer cause otherwise they feel sometimes a car dealership won't give them the time of day if they come in dressed like a bum.

Car dealers may be "deceptive" at times but they have the advantage of not being emotional about the vehicle the way many buyers are. They've seen it all before, you aren't going to get anywhere by playing dress up (or down). You either go in as a well informed consumer with a firm position or you don't.

Whether you got their attention in the lot or not was just part of the game. Ignoring you is the salesman's equivalent of a schoolgirl playing hard to get.

I will admit I am in the automotive business and am able to buy most cars at a set discount similar or equal to the manufacturers employees but I also know enough dealers to be sure they are not swayed by your worn out shoes.

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[Tom5518]

Originally Posted by zengineer

Car dealers may be "deceptive" at times but they have the advantage of not being emotional about the vehicle the way many buyers are. They've seen it all before, you aren't going to get anywhere by playing dress up (or down). You either go in as a well informed consumer with a firm position or you don't.

Whether you got their attention in the lot or not was just part of the game. Ignoring you is the salesman's equivalent of a schoolgirl playing hard to get.

I will admit I am in the automotive business and am able to buy most cars at a set discount similar or equal to the manufacturers employees but I also know enough dealers to be sure they are not swayed by your worn out shoes.

Sometimes they might be playing hard to get, but often they just think you are going to be a waste of time or they flat out don't like you.

[007timer]

For sure go and meet in person. Even if they show you other watches, it’s good for you to see what’s out there.


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[Koeppenjm]

Went through the same dance when trying to purchase a GMT a few months ago at an AD. Went in, had a nice conversation, tried on a few pieces but expressed I was only interested in a specific model, especially because it was my first Rolex. I left without anything and the AD telling me that would see what they could do and would be in touch. One month later they called telling me they had the watch. Definitely worth going.

[jlovda]

This reminds me of getting instructions to visit the Soup Nazi.

[locutus49]

Don't let them con you into buying another watch if you don't want to. When they ask, tell them you would love to buy another watch but only have the budget for the Sub. When they mention the word flipper, ask what a flipper is. Okay, maybe that is playing too dumb but you get the picture.

[Sherbie]

Just spent 2 full days in Las Vegas and must have visited all the Rolex ADs there (must have been over 7)

Didnt see one sport model, apart from solid gold yatchmasters

One poor AD, must have had 10 out of 15 showcases/window displays completely empty - not a single watch in sight

Pitiful really


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[gtnator]

Originally Posted by Sherbie

Just spent 2 full days in Las Vegas and must have visited all the Rolex ADs there (must have been over 7)

Didnt see one sport model, apart from solid gold yatchmasters

One poor AD, must have had 10 out of 15 showcases/window displays completely empty - not a single watch in sight

Pitiful really


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But I hear the ADs in Vegas talk a big game, especially the new one.


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[fiddyg]

Originally Posted by Sherbie

Just spent 2 full days in Las Vegas and must have visited all the Rolex ADs there (must have been over 7)

Didnt see one sport model, apart from solid gold yatchmasters

One poor AD, must have had 10 out of 15 showcases/window displays completely empty - not a single watch in sight

Pitiful really


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I was there 3 weeks ago and it was empty. They always ask me how long have I had my sub/did I buy pre owned.


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[Easy E]

Go to the meeting. You have nothing but a few minutes to lose and a potential Sub to gain.

As far as dress, just be yourself. My AD is in another state and I just stopped in one day on a work trip, pretty sure I looked like $2. However, I genuinely engaged them showed a good deal of enthusiasm and a fair amount of knowledge (thanks TRF). The point is I showed them the real E. Good luck.

[ArtNouveau]

Sounds like you only made a phone call in the beginning? I’m a firm believer that in person visits carry much more weight than random phone calls so going in to meet them is important.
Setting an appointment though kind of makes me think of a gaggle of car salesmen tag-teaming a hapless client to separate them from their money. Go but stick to your guns if the sales pressure heats up.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

Go but stick to your guns if the sales pressure heats up.

Exactly
Don't let them upsell you to a Rolesor or PM watch

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by boshingwash

Hello - I am fairly new to the watch game and need some help on this scenario. The AD says they can try and source a submariner date for me but not sure if they'll have it in a couple days. But they did want to schedule an appointment with me to meet and show me other watches they have. I agreed to meet but I sort of made it clear that I am only interested in the Subdate anyways. They said that is fine we can meet and talk .. something like that.

Is that a good move on my end to meet and put a face to the name? I was assuming they want to know if I am a serious buyer (not flipping)and if I would be interested in other watches (IWC, Omega.. etc).

Any thoughts on this scenario? I don't plan to buy the other brands anyways.

It all sounds good to me and a great way for them to sum you up and for the all critical relationship to begin.
Have fun

[Rado63]

Yes just go in and tell them what you would be interested in. You never know what they have in the store at that moment meaning they may have a sub date and you can have it. But your intro said the AD mentioned they don't have a sub but do have other models to show you. That sounds to me that they are winking, "if you buy this then maybe we have that" My.02.

[akilis]

Originally Posted by boshingwash

Hello - I am fairly new to the watch game and need some help on this scenario. The AD says they can try and source a submariner date for me but not sure if they'll have it in a couple days. But they did want to schedule an appointment with me to meet and show me other watches they have. I agreed to meet but I sort of made it clear that I am only interested in the Subdate anyways. They said that is fine we can meet and talk .. something like that.

Is that a good move on my end to meet and put a face to the name? I was assuming they want to know if I am a serious buyer (not flipping)and if I would be interested in other watches (IWC, Omega.. etc).

Any thoughts on this scenario? I don't plan to buy the other brands anyways.

they are business people. all they care is will they make money from you. if you just like 1 watch guy, buy from grey market

[s_haverford]

Originally Posted by akilis

they are business people. all they care is will they make money from you. if you just like 1 watch guy, buy from grey market

Yea, I think if you don’t plan on amassing a decent collection, you won’t get the SS sports pieces in any reasonable amount of time. From what I have noticed, the market in NYC is on another level and unless if you are spending tens (maybe hundreds) of thousands of dollars on other non sports model pieces, you won’t get those models.

[Cmikul]

To answer your question go to the meeting, easy answer.

Secondary answer is a little more entertaining.
I often window shop for things in shorts and flip flops. I also am many times ignored and or left alone which I like. It allows me to “feel” the sales environment without a sales person trying to pull their commission out of my pocket.

When I want attention I just take company. Sometimes my wife, sometimes my daughter..sometimes both. Once they BOTH put their Celine bags on the counter I usually get plenty of attention.

By the way. I am a sales manager by occupation. When shopping for big ticket items I’m not shopping for product, my first priority is to shop for a salesperson. Once I find the right one the product is the easy part.

[Investr]

Why would you not go meet them????? U that busy

[fiddyg]

First time meeting my AD I walked in with gym shorts and shirt with slides on. Just straight from the gym with shoes hanging out my backpack lol. Told him I was interested in purchasing a Panerai 104 and Sub 116610LN and he showed it to me. Came back the next day and purchased it. This was 2 years ago before the “drought”. I’ve maintained a good relationship with the AD and will be picking up my BLNR tomorrow. I’ve picked up a few other pieces for the wife along the way.

[Driftwood]

Definitely go in and have fun talking watches be in the moment. Everyone has different experiences you may walk out with the Sub date or set up aquireing one soon. Build the relationship and be respectful and sincere. The Sub will come. It did for me.. You already stated what you want you were upfront. So relax and enjoy the hunt and never pay more than MSRP. If you don’t score on your visit make an effort to stay in contact with you’re AD..

[SS Oyster]

Go to meet with them. Strike up conversation, talk family, be yourself and show your interest in the sub date.

Don’t buy anything you don’t want.

Every AD wants to meet their clients, and I think this is a good thing.


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[Ian Macdermott]

I usually get one of my lackeys to phone up and get them to make an appointment to come and see me at on of my mansions bringing a selection of watches to for me to try on.
If none meet my approval I send them away and just for fun set the dogs on them just to see how far down the 5 mile drive they manage to get.


Seriously it's a FUW where the sales person interviews one to see if they will bestow the great honor of selling one a bloody mass produced watch.

[Nairn1980]

Rolex are actively mystery shopping ADs in person and over the phone.

They are testing and monitoring ADs on how they handle people enquiring about SS Professional models to be sure they are still given the “Rolex Experience”

The AD is now expected to spend time with the customer and show them other watches on offer etc as opposed to “kicking them out the door” when they enquire about a Pepsi or Daytona. With telephone enquiries, inviting them in to show them what else is on offer fits within this.

[Rosex]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Rolex are actively mystery shopping ADs in person and over the phone.

I was told by my AD that Rolex sends in mystery shoppers who offer bribes to SA's. He also told me that Rolex asked about a few of the watches that he sold ending up on Chrono24. They know they are being monitored very carefully.

[Jeffwb65]

As far as dressing up? Nope, not me. Clothes are no longer a cue to whether somebody has "enough money". Look at Bill Gates, nerdy sweaters and Dockers, usually wears a $50 Casio Duro MDV106-1AV.
If I won a huge lottery tomorrow, I would still wear t-shirts and shorts or jeans. I don't care what people think about how I dress (retirement will do that to You). I especially wouldn't care if I were "rich". If they don't want my money, that's their hang up, not mine.
I'll always be respectful, when treated with respect. I definitely will never have a subservient attitude when trying to buy something. There's nothing I want that I would jump through hoops to get.

[TheWhiteCuban]

Everyone hate to admit it but yeah, your best option is to play the game. Go talk to them, tell then you're still interested in the sub. Make sure you don't make any jokes about grey market prices or flipping the watch.

I hope everything works out for you!

[garyk]

The funny thing is, I never said anything about dressing a certain way and money. When I bought me DSSD JC from the Florida AD and a couple years later, a white dial ceramic Daytona, like I said, I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. It’s hot down there and I was on vacation. But earlier in the day of my JC purchase, I had been as my son said, “Pretty Womaned” buy a sales person at Mayors in Adventura. So don’t tell me dressing a certain way means nothing. People judge you and that’s a fact.

[garyk]

Oops, posted twice