A Tale of two ADs...

[London Gent]

I popped into town today to try on some watches in anticipation of my next purchase. I was wearing my GMT2c and although I am not as knowledgeable as some of the guys here I feel I have a fairly solid understanding of Rolex, particularly 'sports' models.

The first AD I visited was a joke. I tried on a white faced Milgauss much to the chagrin of the salesperson who was apparently offended I had interrupted her afternoon daydream. Conversation when looking at the Milgauss went as follows:

AD '' Do you work with computers?''
Me '' Not really''
AD ''If you did you wouldn't need to get this watch serviced at all because it resists magnetic fields''
Me '' I don't really work with computers though...''
AD '' Well if you ever do in the future this watch is the perfect choice for someone who uses computers...''

Admittedly the salesperson had a good attempt at describing the Milgauss' USP but delivered it in such an agressive and monotone way I couldn't buy from her. I passed and looked elsewhere.

On the flipside I visited a Rolex Boutique a few moments later and had a good half hour chat with Manager who was a complete WIS. We discussed my potential purchase for around 10 minutes and spent the remaining time shooting the breeze on Rolex related topics. At one point he went to the safe and showed me two watches from his personal collection which he keeps at work as he, quite rightly, reasons it is safer than keeping them at home. He was ignoring some very well dressed individuals who looked keen to buy as he seemed genuinely keen to chat to a fellow watch lover...

Not so good for the other shoppers (apologies if it was anyone on here!) but a really refreshing change to my usual AD experiences. I wonder which method of selling, if either, Rolex would prefer.

[esm]

Great story. I like the Rolex boutique store on Bond street. From memory the manager's name is Peter and he is a true WIS. Bought my GV off him last year and we got on so well that my wife had to pretty much pull me out of the store so we can go across the road to Salvatore Ferragamo so she can buy her shoes.

They are one of my fave central London ADs they have always been nice to me when I visit.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by London Gent

I popped into town today to try on some watches in anticipation of my next purchase. I was wearing my GMT2c and although I am not as knowledgeable as some of the guys here I feel I have a fairly solid understanding of Rolex, particularly 'sports' models.

The first AD I visited was a joke. I tried on a white faced Milgauss much to the chagrin of the salesperson who was apparently offended I had interrupted her afternoon daydream. Conversation when looking at the Milgauss went as follows:

AD '' Do you work with computers?''
Me '' Not really''
AD ''If you did you wouldn't need to get this watch serviced at all because it resists magnetic fields''
Me '' I don't really work with computers though...''
AD '' Well if you ever do in the future this watch is the perfect choice for someone who uses computers...''

Admittedly the salesperson had a good attempt at describing the Milgauss' USP but delivered it in such an agressive and monotone way I couldn't buy from her. I passed and looked elsewhere.

On the flipside I visited a Rolex Boutique a few moments later and had a good half hour chat with Manager who was a complete WIS. We discussed my potential purchase for around 10 minutes and spent the remaining time shooting the breeze on Rolex related topics. At one point he went to the safe and showed me two watches from his personal collection which he keeps at work as he, quite rightly, reasons it is safer than keeping them at home. He was ignoring some very well dressed individuals who looked keen to buy as he seemed genuinely keen to chat to a fellow watch lover...

Not so good for the other shoppers (apologies if it was anyone on here!) but a really refreshing change to my usual AD experiences. I wonder which method of selling, if either, Rolex would prefer.

Ignoring potental paying customers to have a "chat" with someone who was not clearly looking to buy at that time would get a subordinate terminated if working for me.

THe manager should have excused himself from your conversation each time another potential customer walked in an needed to be greeted and their needs and intent assessed.

Once the manager had time, he would have been free to continue to "develop a relationship" with you.

[Speed]

Sometimes I think Rolex feels their watches sell themselves...which might explain the vast differences in sales person quality...Just my opinion.

[petesjag]

nice story...but if I were the manager I would have made an attempt to give both you and the other customers attention at the same time....its not that difficult but some just dont have the skills to do this...

[London Gent]

[QUOTE=Newportkrieger;2242962]Ignoring potental paying customers to have a "chat" with someone who was not clearly looking to buy at that time would get a subordinate terminated if working for me.

Crikey that's an extreme response.

[boa2]

People buy for different reasons, and with different experiences. Glad you found one that worked for you.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Speed

Sometimes I think Rolex feels their watches sell themselves...which might explain the vast differences in sales person quality...Just my opinion.

I would agree, Bill. However, I don't think can just rely on the product anymore, especially with equal or arguably better offerings from Omega coming out at very competitive prices. Rolex needs its sales force to have at least a basic grasp of the range, and little nuggets of information that turns it from just being a watch into being something truly special. I intend to pitch a training idea to Rolex to try and bring about an improvement in the general quality of knowledge

[RJC]

[QUOTE=London Gent;2243130]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

Ignoring potental paying customers to have a "chat" with someone who was not clearly looking to buy at that time would get a subordinate terminated if working for me.

Crikey that's an extreme response.

John Connor fought to free us of these machines!!

[London Gent]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

I would agree, Bill. However, I don't think can just rely on the product anymore, especially with equal or arguably better offerings from Omega coming out at very competitive prices. Rolex needs its sales force to have at least a basic grasp of the range, and little nuggets of information that turns it from just being a watch into being something truly special. I intend to pitch a training idea to Rolex to try and bring about an improvement in the general quality of knowledge

I was hoping the thread would go along these lines

I am convinced the vast majority of people buying any item at a price point similar to a Rolex watch expect salespeople to have at least a rudimentary product knowledge.

I wonder if Rolex do intend to have an AD cull and follow the boutique sales model like Omega are apparently starting to do. Training idea sounds interesting tell us as much as you can!

[London Gent]

Originally Posted by esm

Great story. I like the Rolex boutique store on Bond street. From memory the manager's name is Peter and he is a true WIS. Bought my GV off him last year and we got on so well that my wife had to pretty much pull me out of the store so we can go across the road to Salvatore Ferragamo so she can buy her shoes.

They are one of my fave central London ADs they have always been nice to me when I visit.

Do you factor in the cost of buying your wife shoes when out in that part of town like I have to do?

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by London Gent

I was hoping the thread would go along these lines

I am convinced the vast majority of people buying any item at a price point similar to a Rolex watch expect salespeople to have at least a rudimentary product knowledge.

I wonder if Rolex do intend to have an AD cull and follow the boutique sales model like Omega are apparently starting to do. Training idea sounds interesting tell us as much as you can!

I've been working on a training manual containing technical information and the history behind each of the models, and I also have a few ideas for seminar classes too. Don't want to give too much away yet

[conrail]

Haha what a moron that first AD salesman was - I cannot believe such people exist. Truthfully Rolexes should just sell themselves, cut the middle man! Oh wait, we already have such a setup -> just buy from the sellers on here! :)

[George Ab]

If I have time, I stop in to look at watches. I have been to many, many watch AD of different manufactures and it varies between the individual salesperson. Some have little understanding and would be just as suited selling cars, house appliances, etc. and others are WIS who love and sell watches.

Maybe you should seek out Chris aka The GMT Master?

[esm]

Originally Posted by London Gent

Do you factor in the cost of buying your wife shoes when out in that part of town like I have to do?

We had the private invite before the items went on sale publicly, so yes.... The wife picked up about 5 pairs or shoes and a bag from memory... But the other thing we wanted to do was to get wedding gifts for her sisters wedding. Ended up at Tiffanys.
My GV was one of those - at the right place, right time kinda thing (unplanned). So I was happy

[rmfnla]

AD '' Do you work with computers?''
Me '' Not really''
AD ''If you did you wouldn't need to get this watch serviced at all because it resists magnetic fields''
Me '' I don't really work with computers though...''
AD '' Well if you ever do in the future this watch is the perfect choice for someone who uses computers...''


Does that mean participating on TRF is hazardous to my DJ..?

[rolexertion]

Originally Posted by London Gent

The first AD I visited was a joke. I tried on a white faced Milgauss much to the chagrin of the salesperson who was apparently offended I had interrupted her afternoon daydream. Conversation when looking at the Milgauss went as follows:

AD '' Do you work with computers?''
Me '' Not really''
AD ''If you did you wouldn't need to get this watch serviced at all because it resists magnetic fields''
Me '' I don't really work with computers though...''
AD '' Well if you ever do in the future this watch is the perfect choice for someone who uses computers...''

I wonder which method of selling, if either, Rolex would prefer.

A bored salesperson with a condescending attitude, quoting specious hogwash, will drive me out of the store very time.

[Badfish179]

I love to be able to read about someone's experiences in London while I sit at my computer in upstate New York. I am also amazed to see how similar things are no matter where in the world you are. I only visited London once in 1979 when I was 17 and I loved it. Thanks for sharing your experiences London Gent.

[London Gent]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

AD '' Do you work with computers?''
Me '' Not really''
AD ''If you did you wouldn't need to get this watch serviced at all because it resists magnetic fields''
Me '' I don't really work with computers though...''
AD '' Well if you ever do in the future this watch is the perfect choice for someone who uses computers...''


Does that mean participating on TRF is hazardous to my DJ..?

I think you should probably limit your sessions to 5 minutes per day or wrap your DJ in tin foil just to be on the safe side.

[London Gent]

Originally Posted by Badfish179

I love to be able to read about someone's experiences in London while I sit at my computer in upstate New York. I am also amazed to see how similar things are no matter where in the world you are. I only visited London once in 1979 when I was 17 and I loved it. Thanks for sharing your experiences London Gent.

No problem, glad you enjoyed the read. It's reassuring (in a strange sort of way) to hear less than stellar ADs aren't just a London/UK phenomenon.

At least we don't have Tourneau in the UK, by all accounts these guys sound pretty bad too.

London has changed quite a bit since you last visited, you should come back if you can!

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by London Gent

I think you should probably limit your sessions to 5 minutes per day or wrap your DJ in tin foil just to be on the safe side.

Can I use the same tin foil I line my hat with to hide my thoughts from the aliens?

[phantom357]

Originally Posted by conrail

Haha what a moron that first AD salesman was - I cannot believe such people exist. Truthfully Rolexes should just sell themselves, cut the middle man! Oh wait, we already have such a setup -> just buy from the sellers on here! :)

x2

[dddrees]

Always great to be able to spend a bit of time looking at great watches and talking a bit about them with someone who shares the passion.

Sounds like a good time, at least at the second AD anyway.