Meeting with Rolex AD

[akilis]

Originally Posted by boshingwash

Hello - I am fairly new to the watch game and need some help on this scenario. The AD says they can try and source a submariner date for me but not sure if they'll have it in a couple days. But they did want to schedule an appointment with me to meet and show me other watches they have. I agreed to meet but I sort of made it clear that I am only interested in the Subdate anyways. They said that is fine we can meet and talk .. something like that.

Is that a good move on my end to meet and put a face to the name? I was assuming they want to know if I am a serious buyer (not flipping)and if I would be interested in other watches (IWC, Omega.. etc).

Any thoughts on this scenario? I don't plan to buy the other brands anyways.

they are business people. all they care is will they make money from you. if you just like 1 watch guy, buy from grey market

[gtnator]

Originally Posted by Sherbie

Just spent 2 full days in Las Vegas and must have visited all the Rolex ADs there (must have been over 7)

Didnt see one sport model, apart from solid gold yatchmasters

One poor AD, must have had 10 out of 15 showcases/window displays completely empty - not a single watch in sight

Pitiful really


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But I hear the ADs in Vegas talk a big game, especially the new one.


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[mistercoach32]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

Translation: They have a sub in the back and they want you to buy something else to get the sub. Maybe they see you are genuine and might spend more money with them in the future and they hook you up.

This. They have the watch. No doubt. They probably liked you, but likely not enough to invite you to come by to chat. That being said, they're going A) do their best to find out if you're serious and not going to flip it and, if you show up, they'll likely have their answer that you're serious and likely won't flip it, and/or B) they're going to require you to purchase something else to have then purchase the Sub.

I'm putting my dinero on B.

[Cmikul]

To answer your question go to the meeting, easy answer.

Secondary answer is a little more entertaining.
I often window shop for things in shorts and flip flops. I also am many times ignored and or left alone which I like. It allows me to “feel” the sales environment without a sales person trying to pull their commission out of my pocket.

When I want attention I just take company. Sometimes my wife, sometimes my daughter..sometimes both. Once they BOTH put their Celine bags on the counter I usually get plenty of attention.

By the way. I am a sales manager by occupation. When shopping for big ticket items I’m not shopping for product, my first priority is to shop for a salesperson. Once I find the right one the product is the easy part.

[mitc5502]

Originally Posted by garyk

dressing nicely shows respect for them. Don’t have to go crazy but don’t roll out of bed and show up in PJs. I’ve actually seen that...

Eh...It’s a guy selling a watch, not a job interview. What other retail transactions would you dress up for to show “respect” to the person at the checkout counter?

[omx5o]

Originally Posted by mitc5502

Eh...It’s a guy selling a watch, not a job interview. What other retail transactions would you dress up for to show “respect” to the person at the checkout counter?

Dress like someone with lots of disposable income. Trust me, they’ll love you.

[Investr]

Why would you not go meet them????? U that busy

[Tom5518]

Originally Posted by boshingwash

Thanks! I heard about this right to passage too.. thats really true I am assuming? They really want to see you if you are genuine enough I guess. Some part of me feels like they do want me to buy at least one piece before committing me to the sub-date...

You said the key word: genuine. It's most important not to be fake or pretentious. AD's know the difference in the two types of customers. Guess who they like selling to better.....

Originally Posted by nworbled

Here's a somewhat related question--when you guys and gals walk into the Rolex store do you dress up knowing that you're going into the store? Like do you dress up to make it known (or look like) that you are able and willing to spend a small fortune on a watch? Or do you just dress in the same casual manner that you would normally dress?

I used to hear about people dressing down to visit a car dealership cause they didn't want the car dealer to know they had the money to afford a higher payment and didn't want to get ripped off at the dealership. But I've also heard the opposite in that people will dress up nicer cause otherwise they feel sometimes a car dealership won't give them the time of day if they come in dressed like a bum.

Earlier this year, I bought my first Rolex, a Yachtmaster, from an AD about a mile from my house that I had been to a few years ago, but had never bought from. I had spent the past couple of hours repairing my grill and was coming back from getting the tank refilled with propane. I was looking a little dingy with my $6 Walmart sweatpants and an old stained t-shirt and my old winter coat on. I don't really know why it struck me to stop in on this day of all days, perhaps because I knew they wouldn't have anything anyways. The first thing I said when I was greeted was "I'm just here to waste your time." Well, 20 minutes later, they were sizing my new Yachtmaster. It was a great experience and I am now great friends with everyone at the AD.

Originally Posted by 42itus

In my opinion what you’re wearing is not as important as how you come across. I’ve seen people walk in a AD acting like they have money to spend so some ass kissing is in order. Now I don’t know if that’s truly their demeanor but that’s how it came across to me.
What I do think does help in terms of apparel is wear a nice watch if you have one. If there is one way that a SA will know you’re serious is if you’re wearing a nice watch.

Quoted for truth. So true. If I may add, it doesn't have to even be a "nice" watch, but one that means something to you and has a story with it.

Originally Posted by Easy E

Go to the meeting. You have nothing but a few minutes to lose and a potential Sub to gain.

As far as dress, just be yourself. My AD is in another state and I just stopped in one day on a work trip, pretty sure I looked like $2. However, I genuinely engaged them showed a good deal of enthusiasm and a fair amount of knowledge (thanks TRF). The point is I showed them the real E. Good luck.

Again, the truth. Be yourself, tell them why you like the watch you are seeking and what it means to you.

Originally Posted by Bizcut1

Completely disagree - but that's they way the world spins.

When it comes to controlling a room, including a sales scenario which this is, I like to make sure I am the best-dressed one there.

Ben

The "whales" better take note of this, because they never dress up to go buy watches or jewelry.

[fiddyg]

Originally Posted by Sherbie

Just spent 2 full days in Las Vegas and must have visited all the Rolex ADs there (must have been over 7)

Didnt see one sport model, apart from solid gold yatchmasters

One poor AD, must have had 10 out of 15 showcases/window displays completely empty - not a single watch in sight

Pitiful really


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I was there 3 weeks ago and it was empty. They always ask me how long have I had my sub/did I buy pre owned.


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[fiddyg]

First time meeting my AD I walked in with gym shorts and shirt with slides on. Just straight from the gym with shoes hanging out my backpack lol. Told him I was interested in purchasing a Panerai 104 and Sub 116610LN and he showed it to me. Came back the next day and purchased it. This was 2 years ago before the “drought”. I’ve maintained a good relationship with the AD and will be picking up my BLNR tomorrow. I’ve picked up a few other pieces for the wife along the way.

[Driftwood]

Definitely go in and have fun talking watches be in the moment. Everyone has different experiences you may walk out with the Sub date or set up aquireing one soon. Build the relationship and be respectful and sincere. The Sub will come. It did for me.. You already stated what you want you were upfront. So relax and enjoy the hunt and never pay more than MSRP. If you don’t score on your visit make an effort to stay in contact with you’re AD..

[s_haverford]

Originally Posted by akilis

they are business people. all they care is will they make money from you. if you just like 1 watch guy, buy from grey market

Yea, I think if you don’t plan on amassing a decent collection, you won’t get the SS sports pieces in any reasonable amount of time. From what I have noticed, the market in NYC is on another level and unless if you are spending tens (maybe hundreds) of thousands of dollars on other non sports model pieces, you won’t get those models.

[SS Oyster]

Go to meet with them. Strike up conversation, talk family, be yourself and show your interest in the sub date.

Don’t buy anything you don’t want.

Every AD wants to meet their clients, and I think this is a good thing.


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[Ian Macdermott]

I usually get one of my lackeys to phone up and get them to make an appointment to come and see me at on of my mansions bringing a selection of watches to for me to try on.
If none meet my approval I send them away and just for fun set the dogs on them just to see how far down the 5 mile drive they manage to get.


Seriously it's a FUW where the sales person interviews one to see if they will bestow the great honor of selling one a bloody mass produced watch.

[Nairn1980]

Rolex are actively mystery shopping ADs in person and over the phone.

They are testing and monitoring ADs on how they handle people enquiring about SS Professional models to be sure they are still given the “Rolex Experience”

The AD is now expected to spend time with the customer and show them other watches on offer etc as opposed to “kicking them out the door” when they enquire about a Pepsi or Daytona. With telephone enquiries, inviting them in to show them what else is on offer fits within this.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by mitc5502

Eh...It’s a guy selling a watch, not a job interview. What other retail transactions would you dress up for to show “respect” to the person at the checkout counter?

It’s obviously different for everyone. I have two ADs I deal with, one of them is in Florida and I’ve been offered and actually bought new difficult to get sports watches at MSRP. While in Florida I was always wearing shorts and T-shirt’s so obviously I was just suggesting to this guy here to go meet with the AD and hopefully begin a nice relationship with them. But you’re right, not everyone can or should do things the way I or anyone else does them. It’s working for me so I was trying to help.

[Littletommy]

Originally Posted by nworbled

Here's a somewhat related question--when you guys and gals walk into the Rolex store do you dress up knowing that you're going into the store? Like do you dress up to make it known (or look like) that you are able and willing to spend a small fortune on a watch? Or do you just dress in the same casual manner that you would normally dress?

I used to hear about people dressing down to visit a car dealership cause they didn't want the car dealer to know they had the money to afford a higher payment and didn't want to get ripped off at the dealership. But I've also heard the opposite in that people will dress up nicer cause otherwise they feel sometimes a car dealership won't give them the time of day if they come in dressed like a bum.

I dress to match what I'm seeking. For example if I'm looking for a BLNR......

[Jeffwb65]

As far as dressing up? Nope, not me. Clothes are no longer a cue to whether somebody has "enough money". Look at Bill Gates, nerdy sweaters and Dockers, usually wears a $50 Casio Duro MDV106-1AV.
If I won a huge lottery tomorrow, I would still wear t-shirts and shorts or jeans. I don't care what people think about how I dress (retirement will do that to You). I especially wouldn't care if I were "rich". If they don't want my money, that's their hang up, not mine.
I'll always be respectful, when treated with respect. I definitely will never have a subservient attitude when trying to buy something. There's nothing I want that I would jump through hoops to get.

[jvb.nc]

Originally Posted by nworbled

Here's a somewhat related question--when you guys and gals walk into the Rolex store do you dress up knowing that you're going into the store? Like do you dress up to make it known (or look like) that you are able and willing to spend a small fortune on a watch? Or do you just dress in the same casual manner that you would normally dress?

I used to hear about people dressing down to visit a car dealership cause they didn't want the car dealer to know they had the money to afford a higher payment and didn't want to get ripped off at the dealership. But I've also heard the opposite in that people will dress up nicer cause otherwise they feel sometimes a car dealership won't give them the time of day if they come in dressed like a bum.

honestly i tend to wear tee shirts and jeans into ADs. it lets me gauge how they treat people. it’s hysteircal when you’re wearing a ceramic daytona under a hoodie sleeve and the SAs ignore you snobbily, then you pull your sleeves up and they catch your wrist and suddenly they all want to help.

if people treat me like crap, i ain’t buying from them. cars, watches, snowboards, whatever.

[TheWhiteCuban]

Everyone hate to admit it but yeah, your best option is to play the game. Go talk to them, tell then you're still interested in the sub. Make sure you don't make any jokes about grey market prices or flipping the watch.

I hope everything works out for you!

[Rosex]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Rolex are actively mystery shopping ADs in person and over the phone.

I was told by my AD that Rolex sends in mystery shoppers who offer bribes to SA's. He also told me that Rolex asked about a few of the watches that he sold ending up on Chrono24. They know they are being monitored very carefully.

[Rosex]

Originally Posted by jvb.nc

if people treat me like crap, i ain’t buying from them. cars, watches, snowboards, whatever.

I have been in sales nearly all my life and most salespeople react well to attitude not clothing. A great attitude will get you the best deal. When people come at me hard, agressive or rude I get turned off and would rather forgo my commission than deal with them.

[garyk]

The funny thing is, I never said anything about dressing a certain way and money. When I bought me DSSD JC from the Florida AD and a couple years later, a white dial ceramic Daytona, like I said, I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. It’s hot down there and I was on vacation. But earlier in the day of my JC purchase, I had been as my son said, “Pretty Womaned” buy a sales person at Mayors in Adventura. So don’t tell me dressing a certain way means nothing. People judge you and that’s a fact.

[garyk]

Oops, posted twice

[boshingwash]

Wow everyone has been so helpful to a new watch person like me.. Thanks! I can't wait to go to the appointment and see what they have; like many have stated, it'll be nice to see the other watches and understand the market more.

[blankapdx]

Good luck. I hope they have Sub waiting for u in the safe

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by P1nky_Up

Definitely go and meet in person. There is a chance they may actually have one and are just getting you to make sure it isn’t getting flipped immediately. Just be clear that is the only one you really want. Doesn’t hurt trying on some other watches in the mean time

Beat me to it almost word for word.

Originally Posted by shaunylw

I wear whatever I’m wearing. If i don’t dress up to go to work, i sure as hell will not be dressing up to spend thousands of dollars. You are highly over thinking this scenario.

THIS !!! For decades I have always worn jeans (clean, at least) and a pull-over T-shirt.

If my AD had cared about "dress" they never would have sold me 3 Rolex.

[winger14]

Originally Posted by nworbled

Here's a somewhat related question--when you guys and gals walk into the Rolex store do you dress up knowing that you're going into the store? Like do you dress up to make it known (or look like) that you are able and willing to spend a small fortune on a watch? Or do you just dress in the same casual manner that you would normally dress?

I used to hear about people dressing down to visit a car dealership cause they didn't want the car dealer to know they had the money to afford a higher payment and didn't want to get ripped off at the dealership. But I've also heard the opposite in that people will dress up nicer cause otherwise they feel sometimes a car dealership won't give them the time of day if they come in dressed like a bum.

I deliberately dress down if I plan on spending a decent amount of money somewhere. Good to see how they really treat you rather than how they treat your perceived wealth.

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by nworbled

Here's a somewhat related question--when you guys and gals walk into the Rolex store do you dress up knowing that you're going into the store? Like do you dress up to make it known (or look like) that you are able and willing to spend a small fortune on a watch? Or do you just dress in the same casual manner that you would normally dress?

I used to hear about people dressing down to visit a car dealership cause they didn't want the car dealer to know they had the money to afford a higher payment and didn't want to get ripped off at the dealership. But I've also heard the opposite in that people will dress up nicer cause otherwise they feel sometimes a car dealership won't give them the time of day if they come in dressed like a bum.

If car dealers are ignorant enough to judge a person’s “value” by the clothes then they can eff right off same for Rolex ADs. Don’t care how “rare” they are. What goes around comes around.


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[bay-dweller]

Originally Posted by Rosex

I have been in sales nearly all my life and most salespeople react well to attitude not clothing. A great attitude will get you the best deal. When people come at me hard, agressive or rude I get turned off and would rather forgo my commission than deal with them.

This.
100%

Think about how you choose your friends. You probably dont care how they dress, but you probably do care if they are genuine, respectful, interesting, and optimistic.

I have no data on this, but I bet the type of people who regularly get high demand references also get invited to dinner parties. If nobody invites you to their house, why would a salesperson want to have you as a customer?

In clients, you want quality and quantity. If the supply chain is preventing you from increasing quantity, then all you can do is focus on quality.