AD info worth a read I believe

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

Thanks for sharing but I think some of the things they're said are AD dependent. I told my AD what I want and usually end up getting it.

And this

[Kiddodoc]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Im in San Antonio and I wore shorts and a T-shirt when I was offered and picked up my Sub.

I am too and never have I been offered anything by Moretti's or Lee Michaels. I am fortunate to have an AD from my hometown that gets me what I want.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by 911991

Rolex manufactures 800K to 1 million watches per year, hard to believe they are tracking watches because of stickers.

They aren't. They've bought/built software to do it for them. I'm sure there are one or more algorithms in place to scan certain popular watch marketplace websites for specific keywords. When a "hit" comes back someone can look into it.

Originally Posted by huncho

the amount of steel skydwellers, daytonas, pepsis, or the few other hard to get models, is small enough to track and make it worth it. not saying it's true but it's not hard to believe. the total number of watches they produce isn't really relevant here when a large % of that consists of datejusts, ladies pieces and PM watches flippers aren't interested in

It's also probably worthwhile to do since a small handful of models created the current situation. For a time even DJs were unobtainable because the hype had spread from the three or four truly hot pieces throughout the entire lineup. All started with:

Stainless Daytona
Stainless BLRO
Stainless SkyD blue

Then moved to:
Olive DD
Turquoise OP
YG green Daytona
Green dial/bezel Sub

And then it all went out of control, to a point where it was no longer really beneficial to Rolex (such as when mystique around 2-3 models helped drive sales of everything else).

So, perhaps operating under the theory that if you cut off the head, the body withers.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by Bxtek

Some great and very interesting info! All makes sense. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

ditto.

[Dmcnill]

interesting! sounds really great thanks for sharing.

[4rnold]

It's allways interesting to hear these kind of stories.

But, I'm having a hard time believing it, in the sense that it's exagerated.

Yes, of course they look at your clothes, isn't that normal. It's also a form of respect that you dress accordingly.
Imagine the salesperson wearing shorts and a shabby shirt, wouldnt you think it's weird?

Do they check out your home and you background? Rofl
It's hard to do and most of the time even illegal...

At most, they build a relationship with you, just like your butcher, or you local restaurant...

Recently one of my favourite restaurants gave me a table just before closing time, because i'm a good client. So does the AD...

What isnt normal ? Don't overthink stuff...

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by 4rnold

Do they check out your home and you background? Rofl
It's hard to do and most of the time even illegal...

Zillow and LinkedIn searches would hardly be illegal. I don't think "background" was used in the sense of a formal background check (for which you'd have to give consent).

[4rnold]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Zillow and LinkedIn searches would hardly be illegal. I don't think "background" was used in the sense of a formal background check (for which you'd have to give consent).

True, and yes they will check out linkedin from time to time. My Ad one time asked me wath I did for a living. But he knew me allready for some years. It was once when we were chatting a little during a calm moment for him. They are human too, and when they know you for some years, i'ts normal for them to get attached to you in some sense. They appreciate that you appreciate them. Thats completely normal.

Now, yes it's possible that he looked on linkedin or facebook out of curiosity. That's why I said I'm having a hard time to believe it because it's exagerated. I do believe it happens but not on a regular large scale.

Believe me, a shop owner doesnt have the time nor the intrest to check everyone out who asks for a Rolex.

[bluestreak]

People are crazy if they don’t think a salesman in a luxury goods shop isn’t doing a cursory LinkedIn or Google search on potential customers. Takes 20 seconds and is pretty standard.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by IT Nerd

Great post and info!

A decent strategy for getting an AD to open the safe is to show up with a rare or exotic watch on your wrist. This can work to your advantage with ADs that you know to be passionate about horology.

It might take a couple of visits with different pieces coupled with engaging conversation, but this got me in pretty good with the former sales manager of a mom and pop AD several years ago.


As for being asked for personal info to quantify a customers purchasing power - all they really need these days is a phone number. There are also "ambient" technologies that some retailers deployed that track and identify customers by their mobile device RF signals (primarily bluetooth & wifi), but I don't believe that took off as much as the retail sector expected it to.



I couldn't agree more!

+1

Nothing says qualified Rolex customer like a grand complications Patek on the wrist. Nothing says qualified, but no life time value left to milk by walking in with a white daytona.

[HelloMelo]

Interesting read but I find it hard to believe as well. Or it might be more anecdotal if anything.

I wear t-shirts and sweats every time I visit my AD. The store is located in a mall and I'm usually dressed in comfy clothes to shop. Not sloppy of course, but normal comfortable clothes.

I've been offered 3 pieces last year and have developed a great relationship with my AD. My AD has not once asked what my wife or my profession was.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by IT Nerd

Great post and info!

A decent strategy for getting an AD to open the safe is to show up with a rare or exotic watch on your wrist. This can work to your advantage with ADs that you know to be passionate about horology.

It might take a couple of visits with different pieces coupled with engaging conversation, but this got me in pretty good with the former sales manager of a mom and pop AD several years ago.


As for being asked for personal info to quantify a customers purchasing power - all they really need these days is a phone number. There are also "ambient" technologies that some retailers deployed that track and identify customers by their mobile device RF signals (primarily bluetooth & wifi), but I don't believe that took off as much as the retail sector expected it to.



I couldn't agree more!

I got my first Rolex after I walked in with a JLC on my wrist. Always seems to start a convo about watches. It’s worked at two ADs.

[Finslayer83]

Might be, wouldn't put it past some.

There are others:

me: Hello do you have a Submariner reference 124060? I've been looking for one and finally got the money together.

them: let me see..... why do you like this model?

me: always wanted a new one and never had the chance before, I've got an older sub I bought years ago second hand.

them: hang on..... if we did have one would you be able to pick it up?

me: I'm on the other side of the state, but yes would take the day off and drive over.

them: Good news, we got one!

Drove to Memphis the next day, in a dirty Toyota 4x4, and bought it wearing a tshirt, shorts, and tevas.

We should ask the SA's for their address to profile them....

[Blowarfson]

Thanks for sharing great info

[TheVision]

It's all subjective and doesn't apply to all ADs. I bought my lv sub after a 8 month wait with zero purchase history and always walked in wearing a t shirt jeans and boat shoes. And wearing my garmin Fenix. Never spend a single dime outside of the sub.

Now on the waitlist for a polar exp2 at the same AD. I was also offered a silver dial dj41 last month which I passed since I had told y rep I was looking for white duals. Already sold my lv to bobswatches last year during peak market due to some work related hardships.

[Blowarfson]

Thanks for sharing great info

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by dwjez14

1. Do not tell an AD your grail watch if you do you will wait forever. Let’s say you want blue sky d. He said do not tell them you want one. Tell them you want a Batman or something else you are more likely to get offered the blue sky d due to the AD thinking it’s not your grail watch. They want to milk you for every dollar. Your more likely to get offered a watch that isn’t your grail to try to keep you buying more and more.
2. When you give your address one of the first things they do is look you up. Look at the value of the house. They offer stuff based on what they think you can spend. ( house value is a starting indicator. We all know that does not matter but it is.
4. They do serious profiling. Younger people , certain demographics ; and how you are dressed does affect your ability to get watches until they know your true story. I think this is a huge mistake

He also said Rolex does monitor the market. There has been instances where they look for watches that are on secondary market with full stickers all that. If Rolex sees one they will often buy it.

8 end of quarters are the Best time to throw a Hail Mary and try to
Get the hard to acquire pieces some Ads trying to meet quotas. Let’s say they are a watch or 2 off. Well guess what they know they can sale a In demand watch

I think these pints are nonsense.

[4rnold]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

People are crazy if they don’t think a salesman in a luxury goods shop isn’t doing a cursory LinkedIn or Google search on potential customers. Takes 20 seconds and is pretty standard.

that is not true, and I'm not crazy (whatever crazy means anyway)

they do it with good customers, but more out of curiosity.


They sometimes get hundreds of potential rolex buyers on the floor every week, it's crazy to think they check them out

They don't even ask their names

yes, for good customers, sometimes they will check it, but believe me , they have other and better things to do

[4rnold]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

I think these pints are nonsense.

they are

[amh]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

I think these pints are nonsense.

Forgive me, had to

[AD337]

Some interesting stuff here.. I think some of it exaggerated but some of it has some truths to it as well….

Interestingly in these recent times, when I dress in my comfy street wear with nice “hot special” sneakers the out fit could be a t shirt.. sweat pants.. sneakers.. a hat.. something like that is common for me, but that outfit could exceed $2,000-$3,000 easily .. but if Im dressed in decent slacks, button down, good belt and shoes.. probably more like a $500-$800 outfit.. LMAO I wonder if SA’s notice detail that much, no way huh?! Maybe..?!


Lucky for me I’ve got an awesome AD locally and another one pretty local to me too in Houston at the boutique.. He took notice to nice watches I have on when I’ve frequented there, and he and I kicked it off well and I’ve been fortunate to now become a customer there.. HE WITHOUT a doubt deals with major big wealthy clients, but he still gives me plenty of his time and attention and Im no one special.. I only make about half a million a year and am a small business owner.

[WheresCassAt?]

Originally Posted by AD337

Some interesting stuff here.. I think some of it exaggerated but some of it has some truths to it as well….

Interestingly in these recent times, when I dress in my comfy street wear with nice “hot special” sneakers the out fit could be a t shirt.. sweat pants.. sneakers.. a hat.. something like that is common for me, but that outfit could exceed $2,000-$3,000 easily .. but if Im dressed in decent slacks, button down, good belt and shoes.. probably more like a $500-$800 outfit.. LMAO I wonder if SA’s notice detail that much, no way huh?! Maybe..?!


Lucky for me I’ve got an awesome AD locally and another one pretty local to me too in Houston at the boutique.. He took notice to nice watches I have on when I’ve frequented there, and he and I kicked it off well and I’ve been fortunate to now become a customer there.. HE WITHOUT a doubt deals with major big wealthy clients, but he still gives me plenty of his time and attention and Im no one special.. I only make about half a million a year and am a small business owner.

haha "only"

You're doing quite well champ. Cheers to a successful 2023

[Binky1]

Originally Posted by amh

Forgive me, had to

Forgiven…beat me to it!

[rolexgs]

makes a lot of sense.

[dtwer]

Thank you for the very interesting information, OP. I am glad that Rolex is doing something to curb the flipping.

[goldboy]

This was actually quite interesting, some point I would have never thought of. Thanks for sharing.