Rules don’t apply to the Rich and famous

[sm84]

I’ve been visiting multiple Ads outside of my regular AD and in different states just to get a feel of what is happening in the watch world. I’ve been doing the same with other big brands too but at their boutique stores. What I’ve started to observe is slightly annoying and appalling.

First, if you are shopping outside of your state but with the same parent company (meaning they have stores in multiple locations and they are not a boutique) they don’t even want to consider your purchase history. They expect you to start from scratch. This was truly annoying and appalling.

Boutique or AD, they all say the same thing that you need to build a relationship and a relationship often starts with buying multiple pieces most of them you probably aren’t even interested. The second thing that they say is that they want to sell watches only to people who truly enjoy watch collecting and not to flippers.

So, I ended up asking how is it that, if that is the case there still are flippers and people who seem to be able to release a hot watch that probably is just announced in a matter of days on to a grey market site? How is it that the rich and famous can openly say that they buy watches as investment pieces with the obvious intent of flipping, and still be offered more pieces? So are you only selling to the rich, and the rules don’t apply to them? They don’t get blacklisted etc?

In most cases the sales associates react like they had a mental short circuit and then they say that’s just how the Watch world is or that they are just a sales associate and they don’t make the rules.

My personal take on this is that, if someone gives u a chance to buy a hard to get watch it will help fuel further purchases and therefore build history. However, I’ve also heard stories where SAs take a chance on someone and that someone flips the watch which is the reason I feel this whole situation exists. How can you trust that someone won’t flip? At the same time when I see super rich people doing the same without any repercussions it’s even more annoying.

I agree with many over here that if the cost of building a relationship is about spending money on something you don’t want, then it’s better to save that money and just go grey from a reputed seller or CPO from a reputed store. Either ways if u buy unwanted items, in the long run you’d probably be spending the same. For ex: I like a specific watch but the boutique openly tells me to buy 2 pieces at least totaling over $50k just to be considered for the watch I want, which retails at approx $10k.

What are your experiences?

[Sglider]

my experience doesn't seem to mirror what many here claim to have experienced, or did experience

I bought a Rolex. I didn't buy anything else from that store. My first inquiry into the brand was last summer, checked in 3-4 times with the salesman and made a purchase in late March. I had even turned one down in September.

Seems to be a lot of different experiences throughout the globe.

[rmwill]

If commenters like this have a similar indignant attitude when speaking with their SA, I am not surprised that they have zero luck with an MSRP opportunity. "Mental short circuit" is a pretty snobby perspective.

[sm84]

Originally Posted by Sglider

my experience doesn't seem to mirror what many here claim to have experienced, or did experience

I bought a Rolex. I didn't buy anything else from that store. My first inquiry into the brand was last summer, checked in 3-4 times with the salesman and made a purchase in late March. I had even turned one down in September.

Seems to be a lot of different experiences throughout the globe.

Actually, my experience at my home AD is similar to yours. My issue is that the same parent company of my home AD, treats me differently in a different state.

Other than Rolex, the issue seems to be with other brands too. Unless ur meaninglessly buying, it’s hard to establish a “relationship” everywhere.

PS: it was not like that in the beginning though. At a time when the market was not particularly bad the same AD told me I couldn’t but a SS DJ 41. It was just meeting the right person, and some amount of pure luck that changed course for me. This was the message I was trying to convey but I guess I didn’t articulat that well.

[Booth9999]

Seems like you understand the game then. Just curious, do you expect Jayz to wait in line for a watch?

[sm84]

Originally Posted by Booth9999

Seems like you understand the game then. Just curious, do you expect Jayz to wait in line for a watch?

At his level of wealth, if it were me, I’d just go grey tbh. At that level of wealth 2x,3x MSRP means nothing.

Though what I was taking about is working hard to buy something u want. I guess everyone has their own opinion, so do I, and I will respect and leave it at that.

[DC116710LN]

Each location of an AD has their own long list of clients to accommodate. It's certainly not "appalling" for them to prioritize those who have shopped at their specific location.

And yes, as with every for profit business, they will cater to those with means.

[sm84]

Originally Posted by DC116710LN

Each location of an AD has their own long list of clients to accommodate. It's certainly not "appalling" for them to prioritize those who have shopped at their specific location.

And yes, as with every for profit business, they will cater to those with means.

If one were to go by your last statement, then If one has the money, then it shouldn’t matter right? 🙃

Also, my point was not about randomly going to an out of state AD but going to an AD with whose brand I have an existing relationship. If I were to use an analogy, even if u were just a regular customer with your everyday bank, you could transact with the same bank at a different location or different state without being treated indifferently. Hope that makes sense.

[alphadweller]

If I was running an AD business, I'd do the same, i.e. prioritise the clients with the highest purchase history. I would make a list of names with money spent and serve the top ones first. If I've got unclaimed watches, that's when I'd consider second tier clients.

[brandrea]

Pretty much applies to most things in life, not just watches

[Calatrava r]

There are numerous posts here from people who say they take every watch offered and then sell it if they want to. Who knows why dealers load up the same people with watches. Makes no sense and encourages flipping.

[sm84]

Originally Posted by rmwill

If commenters like this have a similar indignant attitude when speaking with their SA, I am not surprised that they have zero luck with an MSRP opportunity. "Mental short circuit" is a pretty snobby perspective.

Just curious, so it’s okay if an AD is snobbish, but not okay when a customer is?

Fundamentally, my opinion is that respect is key to any relationship. Is it okay if an AD treats u disrespectfully?

[rmwill]

If I felt disrespected, I would never interact with them again. Period.

I would most certainly not care how their "list" works, as i would not be buying anything from them, let alone hand wringing about the perceived fairness of it.

Originally Posted by sm84

Just curious, so it’s okay if an AD is snobbish, but not okay when a customer is?

Fundamentally, my opinion is that respect is key to any relationship. Is it okay if an AD treats u disrespectfully?

[CedCraig]

You’re only now realizing that rules don’t apply to the rich and famous?

[Halifax Daytona UK]

Personally I would never buy something I don’t want and anyone who does need to go to see their doctor. They also need to realise the relationship is in YOUR head , the AD basically doesn’t give a hoot about you personally.

I’ve bought both my Daytonas from greys , one at list about 7 years ago and one about 10% over.

[Halifax Daytona UK]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

If I was running an AD business, I'd do the same, i.e. prioritise the clients with the highest purchase history. I would make a list of names with money spent and serve the top ones first. If I've got unclaimed watches, that's when I'd consider second tier clients.

100% agree.

Any business is going to look after their best customers. 90% of you new business comes from existing clients

[Nads786]

Originally Posted by rmwill

If commenters like this have a similar indignant attitude when speaking with their SA, I am not surprised that they have zero luck with an MSRP opportunity. "Mental short circuit" is a pretty snobby perspective.

When was the last time you dealt with a SA? I’ve had some bad experiences when they could be bothered to talk to me while I’m being extremely friendly. I don’t even make demands or have expectations. They have zero interest in even talking to customers.

It’s a flat out bad experience from half of the SAs.

If they want us to buy a certain number of pieces - sure list the spend and a timeline on when I can get the watch. At least that’s honest and direct.

[Fleetlord]

Most AD's really only care about buyers. If a person organically buys lots of jewelry and other stuff from AD's and have been doing that for an extended period of time...then they will get access to limited supply / high demand brands such as Rolex.

If you're not spending, you're not getting. If seen it myself at AD all the time.

Dude walks in to pick up a Rolex sub at the store. Long time customer. His wife is with him. She wanders around the store and sees a diamond necklace she loves. $100K plus impulse buy later, he got the Rolex, the necklace she loved and MORE access to more Rolexes....That was not an unwanted jewelry purchase. That is who you are competing with for Rolex.

Unfortunately if you're not in that category or are unwilling to be...then it's simply too late. Either go grey or there are plenty and plenty of other brands with references piled up in showcases waiting for buyers. No prior purchase needed. Just show up. Pay. Leave with watch. Easy as can be.

[Nads786]

The larger problem is the watches price isn’t being floated against the market but pushed down by MSRP. Let it float and we’d see a different dynamic IMO.

ADs will profit maximum which is in their best interest but not their watch specific customers. We’ll continue getting shafted.

[ol' Rex]

Rules never apply to the "rich and famous". They never have, and they never will.

If you really expect "the rules" to apply to everyone, you are in for a whole lot of disappointment.

And whinging about the injustice of it all on the Internet won't change a thing...

[rmwill]

Last week. I came in to see the new exhibition Explorer 40 and to pick up my 2023 catalog. Had a nice chat over a cappuccino. They are always kind and eager to talk watches.

Originally Posted by Nads786

When was the last time you dealt with a SA? I’ve had some bad experiences when they could be bothered to talk to me while I’m being extremely friendly. I don’t even make demands or have expectations. They have zero interest in even talking to customers.

It’s a flat out bad experience from half of the SAs.

If they want us to buy a certain number of pieces - sure list the spend and a timeline on when I can get the watch. At least that’s honest and direct.

[Nads786]

Originally Posted by rmwill

Last week. I came in to see the new exhibition Explorer 40 and to pick up my 2023 catalog. Had a nice chat over a cappuccino. They are always kind and eager to talk watches.

Current customer correct? I’ve gotten similar experience with my SA who I previously bought my Wife’s engagement ring. The others have created a very different customer experience.

While it makes sense to cater to existing customers, you have no idea who the new customer is. They could be a whale. I don’t think it makes sense to treat new customers poorly regardless if you aren’t interested in selling them a watch.

It’s a bad business strategy - don’t change any tactic the money won’t ever stop coming.

[Bartolo]

My experiences differ greatly.

1. I am happy that my local ADs and boutiques favor local residents. They can sell every watch, so what would be the purpose in just shipping their allotments all over the world? The owners opened a shop in my city to establish relationships with LOCALS. As it should be IMHO.

2. Personality, personal interest, being understanding of the lack of inventory, all go a LONG way. If you go into a shop fussing about the lack of inventory and them not jumping to sell to you, an unknown, then you've already lost. The people OP complains about is the very people who decide who gets what, at least for some pieces. (Yes for some pieces the decision may be made by the manager or even a corporate higher-up in another city.)

3. I have purchased several hard-to-get waitlist only pieces by following my own advice above. I'm not rich nor an influencer. But my wife and I treat the staff well, are friendly, and show our love of watches. We have learned to be the people to whom they want to deliver.

[rmwill]

I am a customer now, but I was treated the same way before I made purchases.

Its like anything in retail. A local high end grocery and liquor store recently made a snarky comment about my wife's taste in wine and I left a basket of $300+ on the counter and left. You have to separate shitty customer service, which exists all over the place, and the AD conspiracy theories floated often on TRF.

Originally Posted by Nads786

Current customer correct? I’ve gotten similar experience with my SA who I previously bought my Wife’s engagement ring. The others have created a very different customer experience.

While it makes sense to cater to existing customers, you have no idea who the new customer is. They could be a whale. I don’t think it makes sense to treat new customers poorly regardless if you aren’t interested in selling them a watch.

It’s a bad business strategy - don’t change any tactic the money won’t ever stop coming.

[BillA]

Confucius says: “He who buys what they don’t need is a fool”

[sm84]

Originally Posted by HAPConst

The average Joe blow will hem and haw about the purchase. They will inspect and critique everything. They will even have the gall to ask for a discount. How long is the warranty, there’s a microscopic scratch, what swag do I get with it? I wouldn’t want to sell to someone like this either. Look at all the rediculous threads on here about trivial issues.

Rich and famous see a watch, buy it instantly without a care for price, and don’t ask a million annoying questions.

Who says money can’t buy everything eh? 🙃

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by HAPConst

The average Joe blow will hem and haw about the purchase. They will inspect and critique everything. They will even have the gall to ask for a discount. How long is the warranty, there’s a microscopic scratch, what swag do I get with it? I wouldn’t want to sell to someone like this either. Look at all the rediculous threads on here about trivial issues.

Rich and famous see a watch, buy it instantly without a care for price, and don’t ask a million annoying questions.

True story.

[WatchTimes]

Life isn't always fair...

[sm84]

Originally Posted by Bartolo

My experiences differ greatly.

1. I am happy that my local ADs and boutiques favor local residents. They can sell every watch, so what would be the purpose in just shipping their allotments all over the world? The owners opened a shop in my city to establish relationships with LOCALS. As it should be IMHO.

2. Personality, personal interest, being understanding of the lack of inventory, all go a LONG way. If you go into a shop fussing about the lack of inventory and them not jumping to sell to you, an unknown, then you've already lost. The people OP complains about is the very people who decide who gets what, at least for some pieces. (Yes for some pieces the decision may be made by the manager or even a corporate higher-up in another city.)

3. I have purchased several hard-to-get waitlist only pieces by following my own advice above. I'm not rich nor an influencer. But my wife and I treat the staff well, are friendly, and show our love of watches. We have learned to be the people to whom they want to deliver.

I agree with everything above including point 3 where I’m not rich or an influencer.

What I think is not clear perhaps is the fact that ADs say they want to sell only to people who love watches and “not flip” them. Then this would mean the absence of a grey market. If someone can get hard to get limited production and then flip it without a thought, then the logical observer will question this right?

This is why grey market succeeds because there exists transparency. You have money you buy it if it is listed. No waitlists, no unnecessary dance etc.

At the end of the day (if you have the courage to accept it) some of us enjoy the chase too 🙂

[Brich436]

The AD only has so many of the “hot” steel sports watches to sell. They want to maximize the profits. It’s that simple. Nothing more or less.

I’ve been a customer of my AD for over 13 years. I’ve never bought a single thing I didn’t want. They give me very good pricing on jewelry I have bought for my wife. They offer outstanding customer service to everyone I have referred to them.

I got my Explorer 1 - 2 weeks after release in 2021. The store owner had to approve the sale and he did for me. It’s not a super hot watch but it was the one for me. I waited 3 days for my Submariner in 2019. My SA called me and offered me a Pepsi GMT and I turned it down - I wasn’t in the market for one.

Find an AD you like. Buy more than watches from them (or a watch). Nothing you dont want but there is a lot of gifts you can get from an AD! Get to know the people who work there and the ownership. Refer friends and family. Its worked well for me.


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