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Shibak · 3 June 2013, 04:40 PM

I was a bit disappointed with a local high end Rolex dealer today. I walked in asking about the new night/day GMT Master II. The self proclaimed #1 dealer in Michigan knew nothing of the watch to come, and were even stunned when I showed them pictures of it. They claimed they would be the first to receive one when it is released and immediately wanted an 20% deposit to assure me of getting one first! Kind of scary given that fact they didn't know anything of it, let alone a price.

Things that make you go hmmmmmm??????

Furbo · 3 June 2013, 05:42 PM

LOL, I was at my AD during Baselworld 2013 and the boss there already knew all about new GMT, even had catalog of all new Rolex watches, fresh from Baselworld.
He showed me everything, even though he had a broken leg (that's why he was back from Basel so soon).

No chance of me surprising him with a new Rolex model. :D

CKL1213 · 3 June 2013, 05:57 PM

it's sad seeing the retailers don't even have a slight interest on what they are selling.

For my case, my usual golf supplier who have no idea who won this year Augusta Master.

HillDweller · 3 June 2013, 06:41 PM

That's retail! Little interest in the object or the subject.

CKL1213 · 3 June 2013, 07:13 PM

I bet some AD don't even know what is Baselworld

they might think it is some kind of Disneyland, Legoland and Universal Studio

Reu · 3 June 2013, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HillDweller

That's retail! Little interest in the object or the subject.

SPOT ON.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CKL1213

I bet some AD don't even know what is Baselworld

they might think it is some kind of Disneyland, Legoland and Universal Studio

Mr DateJust · 3 June 2013, 08:43 PM

Happens all the time. I was in an AD about 2 weeks ago looking at a 42mm explorer II (which is lovely but ended up feeling too big on). I was wearing my 40mm version and the woman asked why are you wanting to buy the same watch again after looking at mine. I explained that its not the same watch and the explorer II had been upgraded to 42mm over a year ago! She had no idea that that the explorer II had been changed to a new model.

busytimmy · 3 June 2013, 08:53 PM

This thread cracks me up

SUBversive · 3 June 2013, 09:18 PM

Par for the course. Few years ago when the sub was revised I had an ad take out a (outdated) catalog to prove to me that the sub (no date) would never be updated to ceramic. All this proves is that most of these salespeople could be at best buy the next day misleading you on a tv and they are just trying to keep you focused on the product in the case. Buy what I have here. Just buy this one. What's the difference? I need my commission.

Swift_Movement · 3 June 2013, 09:26 PM

how would he know what amount a 20% deposit is if he doesn't know the price

Spunga · 3 June 2013, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift_Movement

how would he know what amount a 20% deposit is if he doesn't know the price

They just pluck a number out of thin air.

travisb · 3 June 2013, 09:46 PM

Not suprised.

topgear · 3 June 2013, 10:09 PM

I get very annoyed whenever I know more than the seller (of whatever nature).

Reu · 3 June 2013, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUBversive

Par for the course. Few years ago when the sub was revised I had an ad take out a (outdated) catalog to prove to me that the sub (no date) would never be updated to ceramic. All this proves is that most of these salespeople could be at best buy the next day misleading you on a tv and they are just trying to keep you focused on the product in the case. Buy what I have here. Just buy this one. What's the difference? I need my commission.

As someone from within a REAL sales environment I have said this before but must repeat again that these store 'assistants' are just that, an assistant to carry out a transaction - it's not actually selling. Just advising facts, or what should be facts rather than innacuracies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by topgear

I get very annoyed whenever I know more than the seller (of whatever nature).

Completely understandable.

floater156 · 3 June 2013, 11:22 PM

The probably focus on their other lines of jewelry and their Rolex sales is a secondary interest to them.

sncarney18 · 3 June 2013, 11:43 PM

This is what I have noticed when dealing with ADs as far as product knowledge. If the AD is primarily a high end jewelery store, then minimal knowledge on watches. Think about it from a sales perspective, diamonds are a lot more competitive than watches. It would make more sense to be competent on selling diamond pieces and limited on watches because watch buyers know what they want anyway. We are all watch obsessed on this forum, we will always know more than most ADs. I have actually enjoyed the sales people at the Rolex boutiques though. In Vegas, they all knew their products and were more fund to speak to because those same sales people did not have to sell diamond rings.

Thatguy · 3 June 2013, 11:49 PM

Standard.

cop414 · 3 June 2013, 11:52 PM

Not surprised at all. When I was looking at my 14060M the girls at the AD swore that it had the new ceramic bezel insert, no amount of arguing would get them to change their minds...

nauticajoe · 4 June 2013, 12:02 AM

That's scary.

CKL1213 · 4 June 2013, 01:43 AM

I never argue with my AD, in fact before I went to them, I studied and knew everything about the watch, I will just politely and sincerely ask them "how much discount can you give me?"

I don't even let them size my bracelet.

Shibak · 4 June 2013, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift_Movement

how would he know what amount a 20% deposit is if he doesn't know the price

My thoughts exactly, which is why I walked. Funny thing is, I was also looking a the Omega collection comparing Seamaster sizes and the lady behind the counter said yeah, that guy over there is our Omega expert, he knows everything about them. I had to laugh to myself and think, great...Where is the Rolex expert? The assortment of Rolex's were quite impressive, the knowledge of them was not. Kinda sad. The whole "give me money now and we will worry about you later" theme kind of pissed me off. Excuse my language, but understand my frustration.

So today I contacted another AD closer to me and he is a "Rolex guy" himself and knew all about the Day/Night GMT. He even said he will be getting one. Where on the list will I be?? Number 2, lol. No deposit required. Now this is the way customers should be treated!

Brandon(phila) · 4 June 2013, 02:05 AM

You can't expect them to know as much as "us" (WIS).....but they should have some basic knowledge b/c of what they are selling.
If they were selling items that cost $25 that's one thing, but when the average price is
7K -50K + for a watch, they should have some knowledge/interest.

On the other hand...there are some really good knowledgeable sales people

kilyung · 4 June 2013, 03:08 AM

I'm shocked! [not really]

Rolexpilot · 4 June 2013, 03:47 AM

Salesmen are more profitable to business owners if they have no knowledge of their product line.

That's just the way it is with cars, boats, airplanes, watches, houses.

If they did, they wouldn't be salesmen.

Nidal · 4 June 2013, 03:54 AM

Low wage individuals. No more to say

diver2012 · 4 June 2013, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolexpilot

Salesmen are more profitable to business owners if they have no knowledge of their product line.

That's just the way it is with cars, boats, airplanes, watches, houses.

If they did, they wouldn't be salesmen.

I'm sorry but that's the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. Total nonsense.

Reu · 4 June 2013, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver2012

I'm sorry but that's the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. Total nonsense.

I have to say I completely agree with you.

I can't comment on the guy who posted that garbage as I'd have to search long and hard for a non-ridiculing response.

Again, people on this forum insist on referring to retail assistants as salespeople, which they are not!?!?

Aside from retail, though, you won't find any business owners whose preference it is to have a sales force who know little about the product or service they are selling.

Weird, foolish comment...

Reu · 4 June 2013, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nidal

Low wage individuals. No more to say

And you... You belong with matey-boy who made the comment about business owners taking on people with no knowledge of what they are selling.

I'm not a fan of retail staff, not particularly anyway, purely as I think most, ok some, are just CRAP. Saying though that they earn minimum wage is rubbish as you will find some who earn significantly decent salaries, depending on the type of items they work with.

LA_LEC · 4 June 2013, 04:18 AM

Glengarry Glen Ross

AK797 · 4 June 2013, 04:22 AM

With ADs Ive found its hit and miss with their watch knowledge but at the Rolex Boutiques they know their stuff.

3 June 2013, 11:22 PM	#15
floater156 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Chris Location: Wisconsin Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,984	The probably focus on their other lines of jewelry and their Rolex sales is a secondary interest to them. __________________ Lead by example through production.

3 June 2013, 11:52 PM	#18
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,244	Not surprised at all. When I was looking at my 14060M the girls at the AD swore that it had the new ceramic bezel insert, no amount of arguing would get them to change their minds... __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

4 June 2013, 04:18 AM	#29
LA_LEC "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Los Angeles Watch: Explorer Posts: 1,793	Glengarry Glen Ross __________________ 16610 ♛ 16610LV ♛ 214270 MK2 "Life is far too short not to wear a Rolex!"

3 June 2013, 04:40 PM	#1
Shibak "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Great Lakes State Watch: Omega Posts: 110	Local AD knows squat... I was a bit disappointed with a local high end Rolex dealer today. I walked in asking about the new night/day GMT Master II. The self proclaimed #1 dealer in Michigan knew nothing of the watch to come, and were even stunned when I showed them pictures of it. They claimed they would be the first to receive one when it is released and immediately wanted an 20% deposit to assure me of getting one first! Kind of scary given that fact they didn't know anything of it, let alone a price. Things that make you go hmmmmmm??????

3 June 2013, 05:42 PM	#2
Furbo "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Slovenia, EU Watch: BLNR Posts: 1,507	LOL, I was at my AD during Baselworld 2013 and the boss there already knew all about new GMT, even had catalog of all new Rolex watches, fresh from Baselworld. He showed me everything, even though he had a broken leg (that's why he was back from Basel so soon). No chance of me surprising him with a new Rolex model. :D

3 June 2013, 05:57 PM	#3
CKL1213 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Malaysia Posts: 367	it's sad seeing the retailers don't even have a slight interest on what they are selling. For my case, my usual golf supplier who have no idea who won this year Augusta Master.

3 June 2013, 06:41 PM	#4
HillDweller Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Manchester Watch: 16520 Posts: 17	That's retail! Little interest in the object or the subject.

3 June 2013, 07:13 PM	#5
CKL1213 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Malaysia Posts: 367	I bet some AD don't even know what is Baselworld they might think it is some kind of Disneyland, Legoland and Universal Studio

3 June 2013, 08:43 PM	#7
Mr DateJust "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Glasgow, UK Watch: 16570 Posts: 909	Happens all the time. I was in an AD about 2 weeks ago looking at a 42mm explorer II (which is lovely but ended up feeling too big on). I was wearing my 40mm version and the woman asked why are you wanting to buy the same watch again after looking at mine. I explained that its not the same watch and the explorer II had been upgraded to 42mm over a year ago! She had no idea that that the explorer II had been changed to a new model.

3 June 2013, 08:53 PM	#8
busytimmy "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Watch: ing the detectives Posts: 3,745	This thread cracks me up

3 June 2013, 09:18 PM	#9
SUBversive Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: ri Watch: Sun Dial Posts: 14,346	Par for the course. Few years ago when the sub was revised I had an ad take out a (outdated) catalog to prove to me that the sub (no date) would never be updated to ceramic. All this proves is that most of these salespeople could be at best buy the next day misleading you on a tv and they are just trying to keep you focused on the product in the case. Buy what I have here. Just buy this one. What's the difference? I need my commission.

3 June 2013, 09:26 PM	#10
Swift_Movement Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Jon Location: Kitchener, Canada Watch: The Throne Posts: 375	how would he know what amount a 20% deposit is if he doesn't know the price

3 June 2013, 09:46 PM	#12
travisb 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 33,493	Not suprised.

3 June 2013, 10:09 PM	#13
topgear "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Middle East Watch: 116710 LN, PAM390 Posts: 887	I get very annoyed whenever I know more than the seller (of whatever nature).

3 June 2013, 11:43 PM	#16
sncarney18 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Steve Location: South Jersey Watch: Rolex and Omega Posts: 277	This is what I have noticed when dealing with ADs as far as product knowledge. If the AD is primarily a high end jewelery store, then minimal knowledge on watches. Think about it from a sales perspective, diamonds are a lot more competitive than watches. It would make more sense to be competent on selling diamond pieces and limited on watches because watch buyers know what they want anyway. We are all watch obsessed on this forum, we will always know more than most ADs. I have actually enjoyed the sales people at the Rolex boutiques though. In Vegas, they all knew their products and were more fund to speak to because those same sales people did not have to sell diamond rings.

3 June 2013, 11:49 PM	#17
Thatguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Wayne Location: California Watch: Rolex, PAM Posts: 3,302	Standard.

4 June 2013, 12:02 AM	#19
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	That's scary.

4 June 2013, 01:43 AM	#20
CKL1213 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Malaysia Posts: 367	I never argue with my AD, in fact before I went to them, I studied and knew everything about the watch, I will just politely and sincerely ask them "how much discount can you give me?" I don't even let them size my bracelet.

4 June 2013, 02:05 AM	#22
Brandon(phila) "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Brandon Location: Phila burbs Watch: DSSD Posts: 755	You can't expect them to know as much as "us" (WIS).....but they should have some basic knowledge b/c of what they are selling. If they were selling items that cost $25 that's one thing, but when the average price is 7K -50K + for a watch, they should have some knowledge/interest. On the other hand...there are some really good knowledgeable sales people

4 June 2013, 03:08 AM	#23
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	I'm shocked! [not really]

4 June 2013, 03:47 AM	#24
Rolexpilot Banned Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: USA Posts: 157	Salesmen are more profitable to business owners if they have no knowledge of their product line. That's just the way it is with cars, boats, airplanes, watches, houses. If they did, they wouldn't be salesmen.

4 June 2013, 03:54 AM	#25
Nidal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: USA Watch: SubC LV Posts: 1,821	Low wage individuals. No more to say

4 June 2013, 04:22 AM	#30
AK797 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Neil Location: UK Watch: ing ships roll in Posts: 59,369	With ADs Ive found its hit and miss with their watch knowledge but at the Rolex Boutiques they know their stuff.

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