Seeking advice for AD relationship

[Scubastu]

Your purchase history exists with the original shop not with an individual sale assistant who has left and moved on.
Having said that it doesn't hurt to cast your net as wide as possible and approach new AD's, there is evidence that watches are becoming easier to get hold of and all the BS that AD's spout about purchase history will wane.

[colonelpurple]

I think both approaches are true. There is such a thing as a relationship with a salesperson, but much less an AD. Also, fundamentally a shop will want to sell an item. The more they have in a queue for a particular item, the less they are interested in giving it to a newbie. When stock builds up, anything goes.

I am unusual, I have relationships with many jewellers, most I have only bought one watch from. I take a pinch the salesperson relationship, as turnover in the UK for chains seems to be quite high, for single family owned jewellers it is much less.

My approach is really to seem serious, and speak to a serious salesperson.

An example, I walked into a prestigious branch of a chain in the UK this weekend. I asked to try on a sub from exhibition cabinet, not that interested but just wanted to check I was not that interested. The salesperson said yes, he didn't seem that engaged (another punter looking at a sub), had to speak to a few other customers first (it was quite busy) and eventually got around to me (ok it was 5 mins but I am impatient).

I wore my most expensive Rolex (this is one trick). When he saw me take it off to try on the sub, his attitude changed in a flash. I looked serious as well, wearing smart casual clothes, and an expensive aftershave doesn't hinder (perfume for the ladies - Diptique or above ;) ). anyway long story short, in the space of 15 minutes he told me loads of insider info. and had listed and offered me every watch they had in stock, and ones coming up soon that were not wait listed.

He also had an extensive used catalogue, and said that he could monitor as used items came in and offer me ones matched to my specification. I didn't consider this before and thought it was interesting. I never pay over retail, but with many models this would be ok at the moment.

Some conclusions to be drawn:

1. I was lucky - I got a good guy who was serious about making money and shifting his stock to "jam today" (i.e. the customer sitting in store), rather then "jam tomorrow" (the one hovering on a theoretical list)

2. There are models that in that location were not that queued. Namely some professional models (yes, amazing) and DJs, of course the usual suspects, e.g. 36mms, diamond numerals, bi-metal and solid solid (always the case anyway).

3. if you want a Rolex keep an open mind. for example, if you want a very specific configuration of DJ you will have to wait, if you are more flexible, they can find something for you quickly (I found out my Wimbledon dial is in demand and quite difficult to get as supply is intermittent - hooray!).

So that was a fun conversation, whilst my wife finished off the museum. I would actually come back to this guy, he seemed very serious and willing to go and find me what I want.

Obviously the market has loosened a little but I still think that jewellers prize more the customers who are likely to be repeat, rather then one off. That is the same in any industry. for example, I am now on my second VW id (very happy customer, upgraded from an ID3 to an ID4) and the garage offered me more discounts second time, and even the manager came out to shake my hand, and said he was very pleased with my loyalty and please call him directly if any questions in the future.

Lastly, think you have to make an assessment of the AD. Are the staff interested, knowledgeable, serious ? do they carry multiple watches on trays that clink together ? are they getting good supply from Rolex or are they being starved ? Do they try to point out things to you that should be obvious that you know (it is a mechanical watch sir, and has to be wound!). There are good and average ADs, that is just how it is.

Finally, there are some dealers in the world that don't operate a queue system for many models (I know, crazy right). They just put watches on display immediately that come in, and first come first served. For example, last time I visited the Rolex boutique in Mamilla in Jerusalem, they operated like this. Personally I love this approach. Go in regularly, get excited to see what has come in. Completely transparent and no games with customers.

[JSCP]

Time for gray.

[BigNasty66]

You can start up something new with another AD if the old one isn't working or you go gray if you're not ready for the waiting game.

[jimcameron]

Personally I would never go "gray". Regardless of the honesty of Gray market sellers, I would never be 100% confident that every component of the watch down to the tiniest screw is Rolex made.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I don’t need a new Rolex bad enough to go grey, I can wait for an AD. And if I don’t get a new Rolex then back to my first point, I don’t need a new Rolex.

And now I’ve got CPO to keep me entertained. I’ll be fine.

[KatGirl]

To be perfectly honest, I can’t afford to go grey. I do hope to add a batgirl next year, (I am on the list), but will need to divest myself of a large portion of my current ridiculously large collection, in otder to add another $10,000 + watch to my growing Rolex stable.. For me, a good AD/SA relationship is not just preferred, it’s a necessity.

Kat


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[skb1065]

first time poster, long time lurker!

I prefer the AD relationship because the whole process (while it may seem like a waste of time) is so much more satisfying than buying gray/used , the feeling of getting a package from FedEx versus getting the full AD treatment is night and day

[dtwer]

I think there is such thing called relationship with the AD, though it is largely dictated by transactional value. Meaning, if you bring enough value to the AD, then your relationship may rank higher enough for a Rolex.

Case in point. I know I have relationship with my AD, because they send me messages every now and then to ask if I was interested in pieces that they can "give me a good price on." The problem is, pretty much all of those watches they message me for are like JLC, Grand Seiko, Breitling and other brands that I have no interest in whatsoever.

To them, my "relationship" is obviously not a Rolex-worthy relationship, lol.

[Jack T]

Part of the problem, a big part, is that too many people don’t have any interest in nice watches, they only want a Rolex.

[JonnyOld Boy]

I am of the opinion that self respect is more valuable than fawning and pretending to be even slightly interested in the lives and conversations of a Sales assistant, all in the name of trying to obtain a mass produce item of no real exclusivity. I find the whole notion of "having to build a 'relationship' "pretty shallow. Thankfully in the UK now, more and more, that is not a thing. I know about a dozen ADs within 90 minutes drive where knowing what underpants your SA wears is irrelevant , but being in the right place at the right time is very relevant. A neighbour popped into a dealer in Sussex last month and asked about a SS no date Sub and they said they could get him one in a "few weeks" , he now has it. ZERO buying history and he walked in there with a Seiko Solar on. There are still the sleazy ADs that try and sell you all sorts of crap and promise you the Earth , but the proportion is shrinking. The last Rolex I was offered was a silver dial OP in February 2020 at W Brufords and I also had zero history with them. I declined it [ lovely watch , just 'not me' ] but I did not have to demean myself in anyway to get that opportunity....

[gamingdoctor]

Money you spend at the AD on non rolex junk + Rolex >>>>> Money you spend at gray

[GONZO2LR]

Remember...you are the customer, you are doing them a favor of SPENDING $$$$$ your money in their establishment, it's not the other way around..

some, will never get it...sad...

tell them off and find another place...

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by GONZO2LR

Remember...you are the customer, you are doing them a favor of SPENDING $$$$$ your money in their establishment, it's not the other way around..

some, will never get it...sad...

tell them off and find another place...

This is the fundamental reason we have so many Karens in the world. Entitlement because they have money.

Giving someone money for nothing is a favor. Giving someone money in exchange for something of value is a transaction. I have something they want (money) and they have something I want (good or service). If you think about these things as a mutually beneficial transaction, I promise life will go better for you. You should give it a try.

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Have people here never heard of a business relationship? Customer gives an establishment their loyalty, and business in turn takes care of customer over some guy off the street.
I assume the people complaining here don’t like airline frequent flier plans, hotel loyalty programs, and getting a last minute table at the restaurant at which you’re a regular.

I swear, some of the people here must not exist in the real world.

Originally Posted by bluestreak

This is the fundamental reason we have so many Karens in the world. Entitlement because they have money.

Giving someone money for nothing is a favor. Giving someone money in exchange for something of value is a transaction. I have something they want (money) and they have something I want (good or service). If you think about these things as a mutually beneficial transaction, I promise life will go better for you. You should give it a try.

Well said.

[John Doyle]

Originally Posted by GONZO2LR

Remember...you are the customer, you are doing them a favor of SPENDING $$$$$ your money in their establishment, it's not the other way around..

some, will never get it...sad...

tell them off and find another place...

Not when you can flip it for major profits - in that case they are giving you free cash knowingly.
In normal times I would agree with you. Nowadays, not at all. Seems like you've never taken part in any sort of VIP event whatsoever.

[Peterflycat]

Originally Posted by dtwer

I think there is such thing called relationship with the AD, though it is largely dictated by transactional value. Meaning, if you bring enough value to the AD, then your relationship may rank higher enough for a Rolex.

Case in point. I know I have relationship with my AD, because they send me messages every now and then to ask if I was interested in pieces that they can "give me a good price on." The problem is, pretty much all of those watches they message me for are like JLC, Grand Seiko, Breitling and other brands that I have no interest in whatsoever.

To them, my "relationship" is obviously not a Rolex-worthy relationship, lol.

I guess that goes back to the same point you made: the relationship is all value based. The profit margins on the other brands are higher. I'm sure your allocation will magically arrive when you buy 3 JLCs at MSRP.

[Dave O]

It's become obvious to me after reading several threads about AD relationships that some people just don't like to strike up conversations and build relationships with people. They think it's a waste of their time. And that's fine. But for me, whether it's my AD/SA, the guys at the pro shop at my golf course, the grocery store clerk or wherever - I try to be nice to people and strike up a conversation, get to know the person a little more. It doesn't take much effort, and you'd be surprised what you might learn from someone. And you may also find that they reciprocate. Many of these people that have to deal with the public day in and day out deal with a lot of jerks. Does it take that much time to be nice to them, strike up a conversation with them, ask them how their day is going etc.? It might even brighten their day and a pleasure to talk with someone that isn't being a jerk to them. And by no means is any of this ass kissing - it's just showing an interest in someone.

I love going to my AD. I love looking at all the different watches they have. I love talking to the sales staff not only about watches, but baseball, golf, family stuff etc. I've never bought any jewelry from them and I have never purchased a watch I didn't want. I have also received many different highly desired watches from them with relatively short wait periods. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you rather allocate a watch to someone you have no history with or is a jerk to you whenever you see them or to someone you enjoy being around. Now I'm not saying there aren't cases where someone walks off the street, with no history with the AD and is able to buy a watch. But these are more likely the minority, and not common.

It's not game playing for some of us. We enjoy talking with people and don't see it as a waste of our time. If it's not for you, that's fine. But there is no need to look down on those of us that do.

[gamingdoctor]

Originally Posted by Dave O

It's become obvious to me after reading several threads about AD relationships that some people just don't like to strike up conversations and build relationships with people. They think it's a waste of their time. And that's fine. But for me, whether it's my AD/SA, the guys at the pro shop at my golf course, the grocery store clerk or wherever - I try to be nice to people and strike up a conversation, get to know the person a little more. It doesn't take much effort, and you'd be surprised what you might learn from someone. And you may also find that they reciprocate. Many of these people that have to deal with the public day in and day out deal with a lot of jerks. Does it take that much time to be nice to them, strike up a conversation with them, ask them how their day is going etc.? It might even brighten their day and a pleasure to talk with someone that isn't being a jerk to them. And by no means is any of this ass kissing - it's just showing an interest in someone.

I love going to my AD. I love looking at all the different watches they have. I love talking to the sales staff not only about watches, but baseball, golf, family stuff etc. I've never bought any jewelry from them and I have never purchased a watch I didn't want. I have also received many different highly desired watches from them with relatively short wait periods. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you rather allocate a watch to someone you have no history with or is a jerk to you whenever you see them or to someone you enjoy being around. Now I'm not saying there aren't cases where someone walks off the street, with no history with the AD and is able to buy a watch. But these are more likely the minority, and not common.

It's not game playing for some of us. We enjoy talking with people and don't see it as a waste of our time. If it's not for you, that's fine. But there is no need to look down on those of us that do.

I understand what you're saying, although I think when most people hear talk about "building a relationship," there's a strong insinuation that this is *mostly* a financial relationship - like the OP suggests.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by gamingdoctor

I understand what you're saying, although I think when most people hear talk about "building a relationship," there's a strong insinuation that this is *mostly* a financial relationship - like the OP suggests.

I think you are right that many people here interpret the word “relationship” differently. Some interpret the fundamental kindness of human conversation as demeaning, others think they are doing the AD a favor just by showing up with a pocket full of money. Many of us just like to talk with like minded people about subjects shared in common, including watches. Despite these vivid imaginary descriptions of personal debasement that the naysayers flog all that the proponents of “relationships” are talking about is simply being nice. For those arguing against being nice who hurt you?

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Dave O

It's become obvious to me after reading several threads about AD relationships that some people just don't like to strike up conversations and build relationships with people. They think it's a waste of their time. And that's fine. But for me, whether it's my AD/SA, the guys at the pro shop at my golf course, the grocery store clerk or wherever - I try to be nice to people and strike up a conversation, get to know the person a little more. It doesn't take much effort, and you'd be surprised what you might learn from someone. And you may also find that they reciprocate. Many of these people that have to deal with the public day in and day out deal with a lot of jerks. Does it take that much time to be nice to them, strike up a conversation with them, ask them how their day is going etc.? It might even brighten their day and a pleasure to talk with someone that isn't being a jerk to them. And by no means is any of this ass kissing - it's just showing an interest in someone.

I love going to my AD. I love looking at all the different watches they have. I love talking to the sales staff not only about watches, but baseball, golf, family stuff etc. I've never bought any jewelry from them and I have never purchased a watch I didn't want. I have also received many different highly desired watches from them with relatively short wait periods. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you rather allocate a watch to someone you have no history with or is a jerk to you whenever you see them or to someone you enjoy being around. Now I'm not saying there aren't cases where someone walks off the street, with no history with the AD and is able to buy a watch. But these are more likely the minority, and not common.

It's not game playing for some of us. We enjoy talking with people and don't see it as a waste of our time. If it's not for you, that's fine. But there is no need to look down on those of us that do.

Very well said, Dave. Unfortunately, there is a whole group of guys here, who just don’t see what is very clear to you, me, Kevin, and many others. We are simply treating staff at our ADs, as we treat everyone else in our lives: with simple human kindness. It takes no extra effort, and we enjoy our time spent, at the AD. I get excited every time I make the trip. I know I’m going to get to talk about watches, which is one of my passions, and catch up with old friends, which is how I see the people there. On Saturday, I showed them some of my wedding pics, because they asked to see them. They were genuinely interested, because we had formed a relationship, over the past few years. My SA told us about the plans for her daughter’s upcoming wedding, in the fall. The fact that I happened to walk out with a beautiful new Datejust, was simply the icing on the cake. What a great time, and a great day.

Kat


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[GK12345EMAIL]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Very well said, Dave. Unfortunately, there is a whole group of guys here, who just don’t see what is very clear to you, me, Kevin, and many others. We are simply treating staff at our ADs, as we treat everyone else in our lives: with simple human kindness. It takes no extra effort, and we enjoy our time spent, at the AD. I get excited every time I make the trip. I know I’m going to get to talk about watches, which is one of my passions, and catch up with old friends, which is how I see the people there. On Saturday, I showed them some of my wedding pics, because they asked to see them. They were genuinely interested, because we had formed a relationship, over the past few years. My SA told us about the plans for her daughter’s upcoming wedding, in the fall. The fact that I happened to walk out with a beautiful new Datejust, was simply the icing on the cake. What a great time, and a great day.

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hello. I’m glad you have a had a great experience with this AD, but please don’t assume those that don’t are being arrogant or are acting entitled

I live in the area and visited this AD several times since mid 2022. I regularly visited and had great conversations with 3 SA’s there. Just before Christmas 2022, I was offered a watch that I wanted but in a different precious metal. I politely declined and and said I would like to wait for what I really wanted. This happened while I was out of town

When I returned back home, I dropped by and met the SA who texted me, and he said he didn’t really have a watch for me, and that he was gauging me. I didn’t say anything to that

Later I was offered a Tudor green dial watch in gold with a leather strap for over $20k - something I said I was not interested in

After that I could tell my subsequent visits became useless. One of the girls there would take out her iPad and “check me in” and make some vague comments

I had expressed interest in several watches and got to know three SA’s on a personal level. I was even told that they were getting more watches than ever and that I just had wait a while

I even told them that my daughter was graduating from college in 2023 and would love to get her a small size OP as a gift for her. They noted that

After several visits, I just stopped going there. The experience left a bad taste in my mouth and I won’t ever visit them again.

Of course this experience is not unique to Rolex. I have had similar things happen at PP and AP. The only exception I have personally seen to this FPJ, though I’m sure others have had negative experiences there as well.

I have decided now I will wait and buy grey only going forward. The market does seem to becoming more rational now

Again I’m happy you were treated well, but please don’t assume that others are doing something wrong when an AD plays games with them

Please believe me. I know how to treat people. I have been in sales for 3 decades, with several relationships going back to when I started

[4reRlxGuy]

I hear you GK12345EMAIL.

I'd like to hear from others who have had a long term relationship with an AD so we can see if their approach changed after covid hit.

My AD of 25 years lost their Rolex account at the beginning of covid so I will never know if they would have treated me differently once demand went through the roof.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by GK12345EMAIL

Hello. I’m glad you have a had a great experience with this AD, but please don’t assume those that don’t are being arrogant or are acting entitled

I live in the area and visited this AD several times since mid 2022. I regularly visited and had great conversations with 3 SA’s there. Just before Christmas 2022, I was offered a watch that I wanted but in a different precious metal. I politely declined and and said I would like to wait for what I really wanted. This happened while I was out of town

When I returned back home, I dropped by and met the SA who texted me, and he said he didn’t really have a watch for me, and that he was gauging me. I didn’t say anything to that

Later I was offered a Tudor green dial watch in gold with a leather strap for over $20k - something I said I was not interested in

After that I could tell my subsequent visits became useless. One of the girls there would take out her iPad and “check me in” and make some vague comments

I had expressed interest in several watches and got to know three SA’s on a personal level. I was even told that they were getting more watches than ever and that I just had wait a while

I even told them that my daughter was graduating from college in 2023 and would love to get her a small size OP as a gift for her. They noted that

After several visits, I just stopped going there. The experience left a bad taste in my mouth and I won’t ever visit them again.

Of course this experience is not unique to Rolex. I have had similar things happen at PP and AP. The only exception I have personally seen to this FPJ, though I’m sure others have had negative experiences there as well.

I have decided now I will wait and buy grey only going forward. The market does seem to becoming more rational now

Again I’m happy you were treated well, but please don’t assume that others are doing something wrong when an AD plays games with them

Please believe me. I know how to treat people. I have been in sales for 3 decades, with several relationships going back to when I started

My AD only sells Rolex, though their other location(S) may sell Tudor. To be clear, I never used the words “arrogant” or “entitled” to describe anyone here. I only talked about how I treat the staff, at my AD, and vice versa, and related how it has worked out, for me. I am sorry you had a less than satisfactory relationship, with your own AD. Cheers!

Kat

[bluestreak]

Have people here never heard of a business relationship? Customer gives an establishment their loyalty, and business in turn takes care of customer over some guy off the street.
I assume the people complaining here don’t like airline frequent flier plans, hotel loyalty programs, and getting a last minute table at the restaurant at which you’re a regular.

I swear, some of the people here must not exist in the real world.

[Peterflycat]

Originally Posted by GK12345EMAIL

Hello. I’m glad you have a had a great experience with this AD, but please don’t assume those that don’t are being arrogant or are acting entitled

I live in the area and visited this AD several times since mid 2022. I regularly visited and had great conversations with 3 SA’s there. Just before Christmas 2022, I was offered a watch that I wanted but in a different precious metal. I politely declined and and said I would like to wait for what I really wanted. This happened while I was out of town

When I returned back home, I dropped by and met the SA who texted me, and he said he didn’t really have a watch for me, and that he was gauging me. I didn’t say anything to that

Later I was offered a Tudor green dial watch in gold with a leather strap for over $20k - something I said I was not interested in

After that I could tell my subsequent visits became useless. One of the girls there would take out her iPad and “check me in” and make some vague comments

I had expressed interest in several watches and got to know three SA’s on a personal level. I was even told that they were getting more watches than ever and that I just had wait a while

I even told them that my daughter was graduating from college in 2023 and would love to get her a small size OP as a gift for her. They noted that

After several visits, I just stopped going there. The experience left a bad taste in my mouth and I won’t ever visit them again.

Of course this experience is not unique to Rolex. I have had similar things happen at PP and AP. The only exception I have personally seen to this FPJ, though I’m sure others have had negative experiences there as well.

I have decided now I will wait and buy grey only going forward. The market does seem to becoming more rational now

Again I’m happy you were treated well, but please don’t assume that others are doing something wrong when an AD plays games with them

Please believe me. I know how to treat people. I have been in sales for 3 decades, with several relationships going back to when I started

Echo your post! I don't think most of people here have any problems in making friends at work or in our personal life, and I always treat my SA with friendship and respect, but that still doesn't seem to overcome the "waitlist” much effectively. I'm sure you can make real personal friends with your SA in an ideal situation and I'm really happy (and somewhat jealous) if that's happening for some members as mentioned in their posts. But in some cases, when dealing with an AD that sits in a high-income high-population metro area and makes most of their profits on jewelry, I really start to question how much personal charm can overweigh purchase history.

[4reRlxGuy]

Originally Posted by Peterflycat

Echo your post! I don't think most of people here have any problems in making friends at work or in our personal life, and I always treat my SA with friendship and respect, but that still doesn't seem to overcome the "waitlist” much effectively. I'm sure you can make real personal friends with your SA in an ideal situation and I'm really happy (and somewhat jealous) if that's happening for some members as mentioned in their posts. But in some cases, when dealing with an AD that sits in a high-income high-population metro area and makes most of their profits on jewelry, I really start to question how much personal charm can overweigh purchase history.

Besides watch collecting I collect exotic cars. In early conversations the topic came up and and since then I've invited my SA to private Lambo and a RR events. I don't think it will change the dynamic of getting or not getting a desired piece.

I think spend history influences the powers that be. All they can do is make a request to those in power and plead their case why a specific client deserves anything.