Walking past my A.D.....

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by RolexPD

I was in an AD last weekend, and they literally had TWO watches on display in the entire store - a women's gold Datejust and a diamond-bezeled President. The AD seemed completely disinterested in selling me a watch and basically told me that they couldn't do anything to even try to get me a watch.

What's worse for the AD's business - having watches that you can't buy or having no watches and telling customers that they can't buy the watches that they don't have?

Not having watches to sell?

They actually have a lot of watches to sell …it’s just that demand has been so high that the moment they land they are sold to existing customers. Which means that, outside models like the PearlMaster, there will be likely no stock for walk-in customers.

But ADs are doing the best business they have done in decades.

It just sucks for anyone who is a first-time client/walk-in.

[telesquire]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

This does answer the question as to whether or not they are actually getting any watches though. I mean if they can populate the exhibition that quickly, one may wonder where all these watches were going before… oh, riiiiiight…

The fact that non AD jewellers have hundreds of 2021 Rolex for sale right now tells you that watches ARE coming through and to the UK. I mean just on fleabay there are over 400 2021 UK located watches and there's so many physical jewellery shops who wouldn't consider using ebay that have multiple 2021 Rolex for sale right now.

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

I disagree, without a watch to try on you ask your AD to get you something that you haven’t seen on your wrist so you have no idea how it looks. By having the display watches it gives people the chance to try before they ask for one.

So today I tried two watches, one I liked, one I didn’t. Without these display watches I couldn’t have done this.

What difference does it make. They won't get one to fill any of these "wants". Back in the day we called this a "circle jerk". That is all Rolex is doing. Waste of time and complete stupidity. Just make more watches. They are massed produced, build more production lines.

[1William]

Not my favorite way of doing things. Items displayed should be available for sale. To show me something that I want and have the funds for and then not sell it to me creates hard feelings for the store and the band.

[Roadglide 2016]

This reminds me of Lucy and the football with Charlie Brown, Ugh

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

What difference does it make. They won't get one to fill any of these "wants". Back in the day we called this a "circle jerk". That is all Rolex is doing. Waste of time and complete stupidity. Just make more watches. They are massed produced, build more production lines.

Sorry, but doing this would be the definition of stupidity. Rolex is a luxury good. Luxury brands strive to get to the point where their demand outpaces supply. Once they do, there’s simply no business reason to go back.

Now, one could argue that since the demand is so insatiable, that Rolex might want to consider supplying a watch that is available to anybody that wants one. You see luxury brands such as LV and Hermès do this with some of their handbags, while many remain unobtainable. However, as bad as it sounds, even that runs a risk of diluting the prestige of the brand.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Sorry, but doing this would be the definition of stupidity. Rolex is a luxury good. Luxury brands strive to get to the point where their demand outpaces supply. Once they do, there’s simply no business reason to go back.

Now, one could argue that since the demand is so insatiable, that Rolex might want to consider supplying a watch that is available to anybody that wants one. You see luxury brands such as LV and Hermès do this with some of their handbags, while many remain unobtainable. However, as bad as it sounds, even that runs a risk of diluting the prestige of the brand.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

First of all a mass produced anything is debatable to be a luxury item but let's just say Rolex is a luxury. I mean by definition a Coca Cola is a luxury because one you don't need a soda but you can just buy a private label one if you really need a soda at a third of the price.

Rolex is nothing more than a mass produced heavily marketed product. There are PLENTY of mass produced premium (luxury as you call them) products you can go buy right now AT MSRP on there website. Just because something is limited in quantity (yet you can buy it all day long any day of the week from a gray) does not mean if they produce more it will "hurt" their brand. Simply just not true. Some economists would actually say squeezing supply, allowing a gray dealer to make all the margin and not capitalizing on a huge demand to make 10X what you already are is the definition of stupidity.

[miatang]

Similar scenes in Birmingham UK WoS.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

First of all a mass produced anything is debatable to be a luxury item but let's just say Rolex is a luxury. I mean by definition a Coca Cola is a luxury because one you don't need a soda but you can just buy a private label one if you really need a soda at a third of the price.

Rolex is nothing more than a mass produced heavily marketed product. There are PLENTY of mass produced premium (luxury as you call them) products you can go buy right now AT MSRP on there website. Just because something is limited in quantity (yet you can buy it all day long any day of the week from a gray) does not mean if they produce more it will "hurt" their brand. Simply just not true. Some economists would actually say squeezing supply, allowing a gray dealer to make all the margin and not capitalizing on a huge demand to make 10X what you already are is the definition of stupidity.

I agree with your argument that an economist might think what Rolex is doing is dumb. But, generally speaking, economists make terrible business executives for this very reason.

Look at Panerai as the quintessential example of what happens when you shift to meet “demand”. I’m not at all saying anything has changed as they still make a very fine watch, but the perception of luxury and perception of value is shot because they over-produced.

Rolex will never make such a mistake. The sweet spot for a completely excessive good that one does not need is to produce at the level just below the true demand. You then let human nature and marketing take it from there.

Now, it’s a valid argument Rolex is taking this too far, as demand now FAR outstrips supply. Whether they attempt to close the gap at all is a business decision. But what they will never do is go back to the days where you can go buy any watch you want. If we see that again, there’s been a massive demand shift.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

First of all a mass produced anything is debatable to be a luxury item but let's just say Rolex is a luxury. I mean by definition a Coca Cola is a luxury because one you don't need a soda but you can just buy a private label one if you really need a soda at a third of the price.

Rolex is nothing more than a mass produced heavily marketed product. There are PLENTY of mass produced premium (luxury as you call them) products you can go buy right now AT MSRP on there website. Just because something is limited in quantity (yet you can buy it all day long any day of the week from a gray) does not mean if they produce more it will "hurt" their brand. Simply just not true. Some economists would actually say squeezing supply, allowing a gray dealer to make all the margin and not capitalizing on a huge demand to make 10X what you already are is the definition of stupidity.

Just because you buy something you don't need (Coca Cola) doesn't make it a luxury; it's a discretionary purchase.
I'm the last one to profess that I understand Rolex's strategy, but I'd guess they're as surprised as anyone by the explosion of demand these last few years. Since they're a charitable trust, they operate differently than a western corporation, i.e., less short term quarter-to-quarter thinking, less concentration on maximizing immediate profit, more long-term focus on perpetuating the brand. Criticize them all you want, but they are very successful masters of marketing and most certainly act in their long-term best interests.

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

What difference does it make. They won't get one to fill any of these "wants". Back in the day we called this a "circle jerk". That is all Rolex is doing. Waste of time and complete stupidity. Just make more watches. They are massed produced, build more production lines.

Rolex isn’t going to build more watches, it sells every watch it makes very easily. Rolex isn’t going to change anything anytime soon. If we want our Rolex watches we have accept the current situation and get on with it.

And yes my AD does get watches, and yes my AD can get me the watch or watches I want, I just have to be patient.

I like this situation whereby the store has these demo watches, I get to see and try the watch, as a result I have a better idea of what I like or dislike.

Thumbs up from me

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by 1William

Not my favorite way of doing things. Items displayed should be available for sale. To show me something that I want and have the funds for and then not sell it to me creates hard feelings for the store and the band.

Would you rather have no watches to try or to look at?

For me I prefer this way, yesterday being able to try the DSSD and SD was great, I have always liked the SD but never been able to try one until now, now I know that it fits, looks good and it is neither too big or too heavy for me, the DSSD however is the opposite.

We know that buying a Rolex isn’t easy but why should it be? The brand is in demand and sought after by many, watch enthusiasts, aspirational buyers, and unfortunately profiteers amongst those hunting out a watch.

I get the feeling that no matter what an AD does it cannot do the right thing, if they have no watches we moan, if they have watches for us to try but not buy we moan, if the AD’s shelves were full and the safe overflowing we would moan as our watches were losing value not gaining.

[djtheot]

Walked past and omega boutique that had watches in the window that you could try on and buy. Madness! Sorry still irritated as I walked past a WOS on Oxford street this week with the exhibition sign that I missed. Went in to enquire and got shot down by a snotty SA with a withering look of contempt, despite me having buying history with them (that they did not check). I get it, must be hard batting away the same numptys that can’t read trying to god forbid by a Rolex but please don’t look down your nose at me. I’m properly bored with it now. Gonna dabble with some other brands going forward.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jbreeden]

Just think, in 50 years people will be trying to prove their want with no movement was an exhibition piece, super rare because they were not supposed to be sold to the public. Haha

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by djtheot

Walked past and omega boutique that had watches in the window that you could try on and buy. Madness! Sorry still irritated as I walked past a WOS on Oxford street this week with the exhibition sign that I missed. Went in to enquire and got shot down by a snotty SA with a withering look of contempt, despite me having buying history with them (that they did not check). I get it, must be hard batting away the same numptys that can’t read trying to god forbid by a Rolex but please don’t look down your nose at me. I’m properly bored with it now. Gonna dabble with some other brands going forward.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The fact that nothing is available is a bad situation for everybody. Like it or not, that’s just the reality. Despite this, you deserve to be treated with respect as any potential customer would be. Especially by a luxury brand. If they were indeed looking down on you or saying things you found to be offensive, you should have called him/her out directly. Put them in an embarrassing situation. That’ll put an end to the behavior really fast.

My only caveat is you need to be certain their behavior is indeed uncalled for. I know sometimes when I am in a situation I don’t like, it’s possible to overreact or your mindset makes the situation worse than it really is. It really bothers me to hear of situations where potential customers are ridiculed or made to feel inferior - unless of course the customer themselves are acting out of line.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[mjwalter80]

That is crazy - I was in my AD last week and they had 6 empty display cases. Normally they have a watch or two and a couple of watches in the outward facing displays, but even those were empty. They told me they don't even have a watch to display.

[Oldbigmouth]

My AD mentioned they'd get display pieces in within a few weeks, that was a month ago. as I understand it, they're not functioning / completed watches.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

I think this is an excellent development.

Many people complained “you can’t even try them on”. Well, now you can. And now Rolex is teasing everybody and is even more evil.

Seeing and holding a watch is important in determining if you really like something and whether it is worth your hard earned money. So there’s utility there. This could also be an opportunity for new customers to actually strike up a conversation and work towards building a relationship to separate yourself from all the noise that an AD deals with every hour of the day. You know, prove that you actually KNOW something about Rolex and WANT something because you like or love it…


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

100% agree all brands should do it. for normal people to order a 10-50k watch without ever trying it on is crazy

[djtheot]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

The fact that nothing is available is a bad situation for everybody. Like it or not, that’s just the reality. Despite this, you deserve to be treated with respect as any potential customer would be. Especially by a luxury brand. If they were indeed looking down on you or saying things you found to be offensive, you should have called him/her out directly. Put them in an embarrassing situation. That’ll put an end to the behavior really fast.

My only caveat is you need to be certain their behavior is indeed uncalled for. I know sometimes when I am in a situation I don’t like, it’s possible to overreact or your mindset makes the situation worse than it really is. It really bothers me to hear of situations where potential customers are ridiculed or made to feel inferior - unless of course the customer themselves are acting out of line.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Just a flippant comment along the lines of I have lots of customers that want that watch delivered in a way that suggests I should not be asking. Life’s short I just let it go. I have some fantastic AD relationships (not WOS) where I get treated well and have been looked after. They have also been honest with about my chances even though I’m a big spender. This occasion was the exception and certainly not the norm I have experienced across the stores I visit. I’m empathetic to the sales folk. I know my go to AD is finding the gray market frustrating.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dontbeshort]

The AD giveth and then taketh away !

[msu_1972]

Rolex is just toying with us all now. So Sad.....

[BillA]

It would be one thing if the AD could get you the watch.
But what is the point of going in, trying it on, saying you want it and the AD says forget about it.

I think this is good for the AD, look, it got the OP to walk into the store.
Maybe they can sell you other stuff now that you are in the store.

[Dini]

I think it’s a great thing. People get to try the watches on to see if they actually like it. At the same actually engaging in conversation with the sales advisers/managers as opposed to just walking in and walking out 2 seconds later. It’s an opportunity to hit it off with the advisors and they may even see just how excited a particular watch makes someone. I can understand it being frustrating but everyone has to get in line for a particular model unless you have a fantastic relationship already (even without spending to much) or you’ve got the funds to jump the line.

[hypnotoad]

I was about to ask for the location.

[Francist]

F me ..an OP for exhibition only. It's the "cheapest" model ffs.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

I understand it is a frustrating time for the one-time purchase customer or somebody trying to build a relationship. However, you do realize AD’s are selling more watches than ever before, right? They just don’t see the display cases and they are sold the minute they get the shipments.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Absolutely correct. And they are selling them all at full retail. Great time to be an AD.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by petay993

So they can supply them, they just won't let you buy them.

Glad I am out of the Rolex game. My recent OP will be my last.

Even the OP is labelled exhibition.

Not necessarily. What they are doing is forcing ADs to retain a given piece and only sell it when the exact equivalent arrives again in stock. Basically slowing down the rotation of pieces in favor of displaying watches to the public. Sounds good to me.

[Boopie]

The Rolex shop at Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops in Vegas had a fully array of exhibition watches a couple of weeks ago.

[zengineer]

It's a step in the right direction. It is of course not anything approaching the ideal situation (from the buyer's perspective) where you buy anything you want the day you decide to stop by the AD but empty cases are worse visually.



Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

[alphadweller]

Better than nothing. At least you can try it on and get a feel for the piece, It's a good way to know if it's worth getting one from the grey market or not.