Got 'Manhattan-Once-Over-ed' at Wempe, Bond St.

[Double_J]

Originally Posted by snow_rocks

I never go to look. I can do that online!

I go to buy, and I tell the salesman what I want to buy!

If they don't have it in stock, I leave!

I don't buy into all that 'look-over' crap.

I buy merchandise!

And I don't care how I'm DRESSED when I'm buying!

Simple enough!

You can do that in person, too. I'm all for being cordial and building relationships but at the end of the day, you're a potential customer and they're the sales people. Remember who should be driving the bus in that relationship.

Whether it be cars or jewelry, be very upfront (but polite) and tell them how you want to be treated. If you want to see a watch, tell them to take out the watch. If you want to speak to a sales person, ask to speak to a sales person. Why should it be a question? Don't beat around the bush - be direct, courteous, and confident.

Just the fact that many people here feel like the salesperson should dictate how they get treated could be a symptom of why the salesperson is acting like that to begin with. You set the tone and you dictate how you want to be treated.

Also, remember that all sales people have different approaches and oftentimes they're treating you how they think you want to be treated.

For example, it's not the practice of the car dealership I use to have a sales person approach everybody who comes in the door. They understand that their clientele often prefer time to browse by themselves before speaking to someone and will let the customer tell them when they're ready to move forward. Ironically, this dealer has been dinged many a time for being "snobbish" but I've had nothing but good experiences there. And I know I'm nowhere near their richest customer nor do I dress 'to the 9's' to go car shopping.

In my experience, treatment follows attitude and confidence moreso than the clothes you wear or the jewelry you're wearing. If you tell people exactly what you want and act like you have every right to have it (within reason, of course), then most people rarely say no.

BTW - if the salesperson does say no for no good reason, you can have a little fun with it and make their lives hell for a couple of minutes (e.g., take up the AD's time looking at a bunch more watches even if you're not interested until he/she has lost at least one or two other customers). Heck - even if they kick you out, it's not like you were going to be buying from there anyway.

[Ebruner]

Much of it has to do with where you are at, as has been stated before. I live Kentucky. You will find people will not judge based on how you dress in more rural areas of the states.

In placed like NY, LA, etc people tend to be much more superficial. Which I find odd since even $11.00 hour labor in retail stores tend to wear a suit to work, so how does what you are wearing have to do with anything?

In my store you get treated the same weather you are buying a $1.00 coin holder, or selling me $15,000.00 in silver bullion. It doesn't mater, a customer is a customer.

-Eddie

[RJC]

Originally Posted by Renoir

I tend to dress down all the time, and unfortunately that treatment is normal at high end shops. The funny thing is that most of those peope working there can't afford the stuff they sell- so there the last people that should be forming judgements....

So true!

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Actually I heard the Wempe in Manhattan is quite nice...

It is very nice.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Actually I heard the Wempe in Manhattan is quite nice...

Indeed. They treat me like royalty. Fantastic place.

[larrysb]

They generally don't do the once-over in Silicon Valley. Too many zillionaires in t-shirts and flip-flops to take that chance around here.

[phelix_da_kat]

Watches of Switzerland, (there are several branches but) the Rolex showroom on Old Bond Street (next to Tiffanys)
The service was good there - the Russian lady was really friendly and helpful.

Went in jeans, boot, a T, fleece and goretex jacket.

[petesjag]

Originally Posted by larrysb

They generally don't do the once-over in Silicon Valley. Too many zillionaires in t-shirts and flip-flops to take that chance around here.

Thats funny but true!!!

[kkwn98]

Originally Posted by vailpilgrim

Wempe is one watch shop I will not be in a hurry returning to. Walked past the store on New Bond Street (London) and thought to ask if they had stock for Subs and GMTs, and if so their respective prices. Went through the front door and was greeted by a tight-lipped middle-aged salesguy - I asked about the various models and before he replied, he spent 1 second looking me up and down, then curtly said 'yes we've got 2 pieces each in stock, the list prices are £xxxx and £xxxx'. I nodded. Silence for 1 second. No offer to let me view the pieces. I learnt later from my girlfriend that the up-and-down critical inspection is apparently called the 'manhattan-once-over' aka 'moo'. She asked me if I turned up in t-shirt and flipflops, and I said no, I was in my business shirt and trousers and proper leather loafers!

Wempe's customer service gets a definite THUMBS DOWN from me!

That's too bad. I've never had a problem with them; they've always been very attentive and charming.

If anything, Wempe pride themselves on superior customer service and use this to justify their stance on discounts (or lack thereof).

[A1000]

Missed this thread the first time round but have to say I've dealt with both WEMPE and WoS and both have been pretty good. I prefer them over Selfridges or Harrods as they have nice showrooms where you get to sit down at a desk with plenty of space so that you can view the watches. Both Selfridges and Harrods have many counters with people wandering past looking at you and often making comments.

If I'm going to pay list or near then I want the full showroom treatment I've always been offered a seat and a drink in both of the shops so can't complain and once you build a relationship which includes a purchase it helps as they often e-mail with additional pieces that have come in.

[ersnyder]

Originally Posted by Speed

I ask again...where are these ADs who serve beverages and have a place for customers to sit? Man...I have yet to see one!

Hey Bill, next time you're down our way pop into the Baron & Leeds in South Coast Plaza. They'll show you every watch in the store, including the zebra, and buy you a coffee or even some champagne if you wish. They've got 2 semi-private areas to sit and one private area.

And, no surprise, they sold out a number of models over Christmas. At their store in Palm Desert they sold all the Panerai inventory. People like being treated like valued customers!

[ersnyder]

Originally Posted by larrysb

They generally don't do the once-over in Silicon Valley. Too many zillionaires in t-shirts and flip-flops to take that chance around here.

Same thing in SoCal.

[PeterT]

I think it is your luck on the day. I have had 2 Wempe experiences, 1 bad and one good.
The lady in the Harrods Rolex shop was one of the best informed I have encountered.

PeterT

[spuds]

Goldsmiths in both Chelmsford and Lakeside have never been anything less than exemplary in my experience, offering not only relaxed 'viewings' but also refreshments. (& both branches have made continued efforts to correspond via email due to my hearing difficulties which is also unusual yet very welcome).