Do dealers and greys like extremely knowledgable clients?

[Incroyable12]

I've noticed that some dealers seem to clam up if you seem to ask too many esoteric questions or disclose that you know all the ins and outs of certain models, the market, etc.

On the other hand I've read interviews and chatted with some dealers who seem to enjoy interacting with extremely knowledgable customers and collectors.

[teck21]

Maybe they’re just different.

Just a thought.


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[KY..]

When I talk to dealers about modern and vintage models they realize I know more than the average bear and the results have been mixed as to them appreciating it vocally or keeping quiet.
I think it can be intimidating to some dealers if you know more about their product than they do.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by KY..

When I talk to dealers about modern and vintage models they realize I know more than the average bear and the results have been mixed as to them appreciating it vocally or keeping quiet.
I think it can be intimidating to some dealers if you know more about their product than they do.

I think many of them also don't appreciate the fact that you may have your own sources or know all the tricks. It makes it more difficult for them to sell things to you.

I've also noticed many dealers don't necessarily like clients who are looking for an extremely specific rare item.

[IamJacky]

I've bought several pieces from various grey dealers in my area and in my experience it makes the deal and bargaining process easier and much faster.

I wouldn't say I'm extremely knowledgable about watches, but I do my due diligence before approaching the dealer, and usually they can instantly sense I mean business and that I've done my homework, and when I ask for a "best offer" the price is usually a little bit better than I expected.

Most of them are really into watches too, so I've also had some nice conversations about watches and watch markets in general. But that's just my own experience, can't speak for others.

[Old Expat Beast]

I guess they're all different, and have their good days and bad days, though of course no-one likes a smart-ass.

[grimps]

I would expect most enthusiasts that have a lot of knowledge of Rolex or other bands already know and have a good relationship with a grey dealer anyway

[Incroyable12]

My impression is that some dealers don't like it when customers know how much things are wholesale price or what they pay for B2B.

For example many dealers sell certain Rolex parts at a huge premium on Chrono24 when in reality you can buy these parts for a fraction of the cost from the RSC.

[johnwigan]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

I've noticed that some dealers seem to clam up if you seem to ask too many esoteric questions or disclose that you know all the ins and outs of certain models, the market, etc.

On the other hand I've read interviews and chatted with some dealers who seem to enjoy interacting with extremely knowledgable customers and collectors.

It is a job for them, they are more than likely not interested in what you know or don't know. It is like going to the Doctor with a bad knee and telling him everything you know about knees. They just want the pertinent information to get the job done as quickly as possible and send you on your way.

[jimcameron]

They sell watches. They don't want to listen to a lecture.

[Incroyable12]

In reality it's probably annoying if the customer knows too much about pricing and the market and other esoteric details.

[brandrea]

I suppose it depends on the sales associate and the customer dynamics more than anything.

My AD loves to geek out with me

[JayHantz]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I suppose it depends on the sales associate and the customer dynamics more than anything.

My AD loves to geek out with me

Mine does too!

[77T]

What one knows and what one says are two things that should never meet in a convo with a dealer.

Listening to a “know it all” is just a cost of doing business. Patience with them has grown thin methinks.


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[beshannon]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I suppose it depends on the sales associate and the customer dynamics more than anything.

My AD loves to geek out with me

I agree and I do the same with my good friend. However, he is not an AD for everything. Many dealers do not seem to be very interested in their product.

[Harry-57]

They like clients who are extremely likely to pay and look likely to give them repeat business.

If I speak to someone selling anything and they appear to not know what they are selling, I will buy if it's to my advantage. I will walk if I believe the knowledge gap will be to my disadvantage.

[1William]

Depends on the SA/Grey and the conversation. I have found that when you are a real customer and not just a tire kicker you move along very well in discussions.

[Incroyable12]

Part of the fun in collecting watches is doing research on what your next piece might be and the thrill of the hunt.

I'm guessing some dealers might take that as tire kicking if you're not immediately looking to buy and only have a lot of questions; I'm mostly speaking about second hand/vintage dealers rather than ADs.

Many savvy/experienced collectors also seem fond of haggling hard which dealers no doubt find annoying.

[Pinchy]

It's not likely to help. They will all love that you show an interest, but you can easily imagine if your customer knew more than you did about your own job? You could imagine how that would feel.

The ultimate customer is the one that loves everything the SA says and falls in love with every watch on the spot and buys it on the spot.

[joli160]

I’ve never met a knowledgable SA in a Rolex AD, based on all the bullocks they usually try to feed me. I just let them rattle and don’t feel the need to correct them.

At the PP salon in Geneva the staff amazed me, awesome experience. Very knowledgable and proud to represent their brand in the finest way possible. Love to see that

[Alpino]

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Extremely knowledgable clients won't deal with grey dealers ...

[Gab27]

I think it varies a lot and, to some extent, the reasons a specific individual is selling watches may have some impact on their level of enthusiasm with respect to brand/product specifics. Heck, the course an individual's day probably also impacts how enthusiastic they are about talking watches with someone.

I've observed that the AD SAs that are most knowledgable in my area are the ones that are extensively involved in used/estate watch sales, which doesn't really shock me as IMHO dealing in used sales often requires much more knowledge than selling a fixed number of new products for a firm price set by the maker. FWIW, I do feel like these individuals are more likely to appreciate someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about the brand. That said, it may not increase your chance of getting a watch (as that decision is most likely one of economics).

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by Alpino

.

Extremely knowledgable clients won't deal with grey dealers ...

Seriously?

[WatchGuy1966]

It's less about your knowledge and more about their insecurity. Some people are very uncomfortable when you know more than the "expert" SA. Some appreciate it and it's fine. I was talking with one of my SA's the other day and asked about a certain subdial on an IWC. She said "I don't know Don, often you know more about these than me. I have too many brands to know everything about every watch, but you enjoy a lot of your spare time reading about it online." She didn't feel little or threatened by my knowledge, she appreciated it. And while she is at work all day, trying to sell watches, she does not have the spare time I do to look up things and check the forums almost every day. And when she goes home at night, she wants to hang with her kids, not delve into every subdial, PR, BR, etc.

[Tensai]

It’s difficult to sell items to a client who thinks s/he is an expert. They will be very picky, annoying, likely to complain a lot, and quick to return an item. A dealer’s nightmare.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by Tensai

It’s difficult to sell items to a client who thinks s/he is an expert. They will be very picky, annoying, likely to complain a lot, and quick to return an item. A dealer’s nightmare.

They also tend to haggle quite a bit.

A dealer's ideal client would be some rich person who knows what they want but aren't necessarily very knowledgable.

[Benzsiam]

I don’t think they care either way. They would preferred nice clients that have money to spend in their shops.

[kieselguhr]

Ahhh yes. My favorite patients are the University of Google alumnis. I’m absolutely sure sales associates and watch dealers are thrilled to deal with them as well.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

There is no collective “they.” There are no union meetings, basic training or CEUs. These are all individuals. It’s rather like asking “Do dealers and greys like green beans?” It’s the same answer.

[pjaffe]

Here was my AD interaction today. I walk in and see an "exhibition" Rootbeer.

Me: Hi, can i try on that CHNR?

SA: Oh that's funny, I've never heard it called that before. That's cause in Swiss those are the colors right?

Me: facepalm.