Shunned For BLNR

[bayerische]

How many you want?

They're available here.

[BillA]

This is really a funny thread. If you don't want to be treated like garbage when you go into an AD, then don't go in. I have gone into many of them over the years and never bought from them. Just too expensive. Hey it is a commodity item. Trusted sellers on TRF have them and so do the AD's, if I want a BNIB with my name on the card, a trusted seller can make it happen, and oh yes, save some serious money. Form a relationship with an AD? Yeah, the guy who takes my money in the store is my new best friend. If you need to be stroked, then so be it.
I went into 2 AD's asking about the BLNR which were not on display, both brought them out from the back and gave me the BS story that they were waiting for a good customer to let them know. Both asked if I wanted to buy one now. Somehow I probably could have walked out of the store with it.
Ended up buying a BNIB from DavidSW, could not be happier.

[Robbyman]

They maybe in the US but my AD, Prestons in Leeds are just superb. This would never happen there.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by BillA

This is really a funny thread. If you don't want to be treated like garbage when you go into an AD, then don't go in.

If you need to be stroked, then so be it.

Thanks for the sage advice.

I never *want* to be treated like garbage at an AD. I *expect* minimally to be treated like a potential customer - I.e. Not in a way to guaranty no sale will ever happen.

Nor do I need to be *stroked* - just a little respect at least at the level I'd expect at a local shoe store for gods sake.

I am well-acquainted with the usual suspects / fantastic sellers here. ADs at large have yet to come close to decent enough treatment to make me want to buy from them. I keep thinking one day it might happen as I like to buy local - but not when the treatment is a step below Wal-Mart.

[Snow-Dweller]

My local AD here in France is a delight. I popped in on Thursday to see if they had a BLNR. It was not in the window....nor in the back. It was in a single watch display case in the middle of the shop. I went back today and bought it, and got a 500€ discount.

This is the second watch I have bought from these people, and probably not the last.

[GradyPhilpott]

Based on my experience, this was not an unusual event, but I do have to wonder if the salesman was emphasizing the "rarity" and desirability of the piece to help reel you in.

[fishingbear]

Originally Posted by Robbyman

My AD has them permanently on stock, no big issue getting them

Mine too. I saw that he had two in stock last week.

[DCgator]

In 2004 I had my name added to the list for a 16610LV at an AD in Tyson's Corner. I got a call almost a year later that they had one for me. Unfortunately, I had to decline the SubLV at the time as I had just purchased two IWC pieces weeks earlier.

The AD at the Pentagon City is one where I will never ever buy a high end watch. They remind me of most used car sales tactics (no offense intended to car sales people here). Their store in San Antonio, however, have sales staff that are professionals and treat customers first class.

I do love the family owned AD in old town Alexandria. They always treat me first class anytime I walk in their store for minor stuff (remove links, adjustment, etc). These people are as genuine and sincere and always provide the best customer care that I have observed. I often bring them treats I buy at the bakery next door to the store and they appreciate it.

[HogwldFLTR]

I'm thinking it was a ploy to get money out of you. Add you to the list and then later call you saying that there was another interested party wanting it but if you were willing to pay X then it's yours. FWIW, I don't take too kindly to BS from clerks. And have little tolerance for suspect behavior.

[threemonkeys]

This is why I'll make a call to one of our select buyers here on TRF. No-haggle price games and no BS.

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by DCGuy1965

So yesterday I had a few early errands to run by noon and as a result of a few Stella's and a Red Breast or two the night before had to force myself to roll out of bed to do so. Looked a bit rough but presentable at least. Sporting the G-Shock for the gym later etc.

Got errands done and had lunch in the fancy mall when I took it upon myself to go to the AD to browse. The salesman seemed nice. He was sporting a very large AP called the bumble bee. So I asked if the BLNR was available. He hesitates a bit and asked if I'd ever seen the watch. I replied only in pics. The conversation that ensued was quite interesting.

"well I'll bring it out but not sure if it's available."

"ok"

He brought It out in the plastic box and was very hesitant to take it out but rather I could see it wrapped up.

"so is it sold or not"

"well not exactly we have a list so we will sell it when we call clients and tell them it's here. If you give me your information I'll see what I can do to add you to our list"

Felt like i was on the Suze Orman show where she says DENIED!!! Deciding to play along I did. He looked me up, whispered something to some manager looking guy and lo n behold it was available for purchase!!!! I even got to try it on too!!!!!

I'm really not bashing the AD as I've bought from them in the past and they've always been pretty good as ADs go. I just am surprised that today this kind of crap still happens with certain models. As for the watch itself it was ok but it seemed lighter than most SS models I have. Not sure if the steel is different or not. Oh well at least I've tried one on now.

Interesting, the watch where I live is always in stock and in the display case. Perhaps the demand varies region to region.