Changing SAs

[byan1232]

Hey guys - I was wondering if it’s an issue to change SAs. My situation is I worked with an SA in west LA (who got me a RO in 2020) and then switched to an SA in South Coast Plaza (Orange County) who noted down my interest for a couple of other models. I am now moving back to West LA and was wondering if it’s an issue to switch back to my old SA. Is this something they view very negatively?

Thanks all!

[AG_Watches]

It can be more viewed as expressing interest with multiple SAs. They can see every boutique you’ve worked with and talked too and every watch you’ve bought or expressed interest in. For instance I called most of the boutiques globally 2-3 years ago and my current SA can view every piece ive expressed interest in but have heard others have negative experiences with over expressing interest. Thankfully I expressed interest in the same 2-3 timepieces every call so it wasnt like I was trying to get the whole catalogue.

One of my clients recently tried to call my SA but could see his talks with 3 other boutiques and purchases from 2 others. She advised due to current market environment continue with where you have purchases as she wouldnt be able to help him.

[byan1232]

Okay wow… I wish I knew that sooner. My old SA was pissed that I transferred to the South Coast one. He basically said it’s within a 2 hour drive so why would I transfer.. need to figure out how to rebuild this relationship now.. any advice?

[l_chissle]

Originally Posted by byan1232

Okay wow… I wish I knew that sooner. My old SA was pissed that I transferred to the South Coast one. He basically said it’s within a 2 hour drive so why would I transfer.. need to figure out how to rebuild this relationship now.. any advice?

Just say honestly didn't know this would be the case, really want to rebuild this relationship with you. Even if I move to NY, would still want to buy from you. Something to give him comfort if he spends time with you it won't be for nothing.

[thekman]

This whole thing is kinda strange. If the SA decides to leave AP or goes up the corporate ladder or whatever you will get assigned to someone else. But if you more to another city you can't just continue your relationship with AP in your new city? Our relationship supposedly is with AP the company, not with employees who may leave at anytime .

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by thekman

This whole thing is kinda strange. If the SA decides to leave AP or goes up the corporate ladder or whatever you will get assigned to someone else. But if you more to another city you can't just continue your relationship with AP in your new city? Our relationship supposedly is with AP the company, not with employees who may leave at anytime .

On the surface of it, it is odd. But I think it's more out of poor planning in a hyper demand environment while consolidating channels than out of malice. I believe the sales people are trained to say the right thing (it's all one team, your relationship is with AP not the sales person, etc, etc). But then when you buy out an entire JV partnership and keep the employees, everything sort of gets thrown up in the air.

It is clear they don't want you to buy from different boutiques, but yeah, it's messy growing pains.

To OP, why not just stay put 2 hours away? Better than restarting sour.

[byan1232]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

On the surface of it, it is odd. But I think it's more out of poor planning in a hyper demand environment while consolidating channels than out of malice. I believe the sales people are trained to say the right thing (it's all one team, your relationship is with AP not the sales person, etc, etc). But then when you buy out an entire JV partnership and keep the employees, everything sort of gets thrown up in the air.

It is clear they don't want you to buy from different boutiques, but yeah, it's messy growing pains.

To OP, why not just stay put 2 hours away? Better than restarting sour.

To be fully honest, there’s a couple of reasons. 1 is because south coast was closer to where I was staying. The second reason is I thought I would have a better chance of securing the ROO I wanted (yes - I know, stupid of me to think that). I honestly thought my relationship is with AP, not the SA. Just like thekman said, if my SA climbs the corporate ladder or leaves AP, I’m just assigned to someone else. Guess it’s because I’m still new to the luxury watch collecting game. Lesson learned.

[TunaTuna]

Yes, sorry to say that seems a bit annoying. The SA's may lose interest in you