AD change of practice - no more wait lists

[sillo]

I don't think there ever were lists in the first place.

[daOnlyBG]

I didn't think there were lists, until I had a very interesting conversation with my authorized dealer a couple weeks ago.

It was the only boutique shop I had spoken with in Chicago- the others were all companies (i.e., CD Peacock, Razny, etc) that sold multiple brands.

Anyway, I asked the salesperson if buying multiple watches would push me higher in "the list" that I'd been on for over a year. He smiled and said "Nah, there's no reason for you to buy watches you don't want. We don't expect people to do that. You're on my list because I know you're really interested in this stuff."

It left me surprised, because all other ADs have explicitly begun telling me that I'll need to "establish a relationship" first.

[Harry-57]

Two UK ADs have told me on separate occasions that they don't have wait lists any more. What comes in goes in the window. I'm sure it's a bit more complicated than that. Established customers who have expressed an interest would surely get a notification of some sort and/or have their desired models set aside, if only for a day or two?

My local AD still runs an old school wait list system. The length of the list depends on how many of a particular model they anticipate receiving. I'm in pole position for the next TT Black Sky Dweller and eighth for a TT CHNR. If they anticipate receiving your watch in the next 12 months they ask for a refundable deposit. So they have my Sky Dweller deposit and they will ask me for my CHNR deposit in due course.

[Tokyo Mike]

Originally Posted by drtii

Nahhhh, dude. Nothing desirable hits the case or window. Nothing.

Lists are gone now, that's a fact. You're on a case-by-case consideration with individual sales reps. Period.

Of course, you can ALWAYS walk in and get lucky. They'll take the bird in the hand every time if they believe you're a good bet (meaning, a repeat buyer)

Otherwise, those pieces are locked in a vault and given to VIP's.

Basically, if you're looking for a GMT or Daytona, they won't see the light of day. Any other piece might make it to the case, including a Sub.

AD's do not keep watches in vaults. They need to move them on and have warranty cards registered, asap.

Holding onto watches and not moving them on, effect the AD's future allocations.

[astewartconst]

Originally Posted by daOnlyBG

I didn't think there were lists, until I had a very interesting conversation with my authorized dealer a couple weeks ago.

It was the only boutique shop I had spoken with in Chicago- the others were all companies (i.e., CD Peacock, Razny, etc) that sold multiple brands.

Anyway, I asked the salesperson if buying multiple watches would push me higher in "the list" that I'd been on for over a year. He smiled and said "Nah, there's no reason for you to buy watches you don't want. We don't expect people to do that. You're on my list because I know you're really interested in this stuff."

It left me surprised, because all other ADs have explicitly begun telling me that I'll need to "establish a relationship" first.

Chicago offered me a 114060. All I did was have them service my Explorer II and showed interest in a couple watches. It was offered to me out of nowhere and they wanted me to pick it up that day. I was going on vacation next day and was bad timing so I passed. Not sure if that helps or hurts my prospects in the future


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[inadeje]

If I were an AD I would ban waiting lists. Why? Well, the more traffic the better. Few people will make constant visits (to see if there’s a Rolex they want) and, not be tempted by other offers in store.

[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by inadeje

If I were an AD I would ban waiting lists. Why? Well, the more traffic the better. Few people will make constant visits (to see if there’s a Rolex they want) and, not be tempted by other offers in store.

Their strategy is to leverage previous purchases to determine your standing in line. Because the lists aren't public, all you're left to do is speculate and buy more merchandise. It's a bit ingenious on the AD's part, honestly, unless Rolex USA decides to do something about it.

[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by astewartconst

Chicago offered me a 114060. All I did was have them service my Explorer II and showed interest in a couple watches. It was offered to me out of nowhere and they wanted me to pick it up that day. I was going on vacation next day and was bad timing so I passed. Not sure if that helps or hurts my prospects in the future

The boutique AD on the Mag Mile?

[astewartconst]

Originally Posted by daOnlyBG

The boutique AD on the Mag Mile?

Yes


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[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by astewartconst

Yes

Nice. That's an AD I swing by often.

[412Rolex]

When I got my Daytona I didn’t receive a phone call. I was on the “list” and just so happened to be in the AD for another reason. I was browsing the store for about 30 minutes until they got it out and offered it to me. Maybe the other person on the “list” didn’t answer the phone.

I will say I have a good relationship with this AD and have given them a lot of business. I’ve also brought lots of family and friends there. At the end of the day I think they sell to whoever they want to or just so happens to be there.

[Pronto0322]

The list might as well be just a way to practice writing your name. The big boys have an arranged marriage.


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[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by foxy1moo

Stopped by local AD, I have a modest buying history, not enough to get any Rolex models, and was told that due to demand and so many people asking, they are stopping with lists all together. Apparently everything now goes in the window and it’s first come.

That’s how it should be. No lists. Available on a first come, first serve basis.

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by inadeje

If I were an AD I would ban waiting lists. Why? Well, the more traffic the better. Few people will make constant visits (to see if there’s a Rolex they want) and, not be tempted by other offers in store.

Traffic does not equal sale especially in the luxury space.

If someone who saved and was willing to spend $10k on a luxury item, done their research, drooled over pics, finds out that their dream Rolex watch is not available in store, will not all of sudden use their $10k funds to buy a completely different brand because there are other brands in the store. Doesn't happen.

This isn't buying a t-shirt Nike vs Adidas

I like VIP "lists"




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[vanhwrd4]

Originally Posted by Batmannr1

No AD I know will show a SS GMT, Daytona or Sub the light of day in the display cases at MSRP.
No waiting lists anymore and all stock is going in the window is a fairytale and a polite way of the SA to get rid of you.

Agree, it's bad business not to reward repeat customers. I currently have a DJ41 on order and waiting for a call for a Milguass Z Blue. If I knew this was my AD's policy, I would just purchase these watches through a grey dealer and save money. I can get both watches at or below MSRP and not pay taxes. I am buying through them for the possibility of acquiring a hot SS piece in the future. Also, I believe AD's need to use this time to build strong relationships b/c this market isn't always going to be this way. Not rewarding repeat customers drives away the incentive to have any loyalty to any one dealer. This might be the OP AD dealer doing this but I believe this policy is extremely short sighted.