Annoyed about AD experience

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Columbia04

I have kept up with the mess it has become, yes. Just to be clear, I wasn’t actually expecting a BLNR to be in the store. All I really wanted was to be put on a list to get one somewhat soon and sort of feel our dealers to see which I wanted to potentially do my business with for a long term relationship. The fact he actually went In the back to go out of his way to show me one new in the box and said better yet it wasn’t spoken for but I couldn’t have it really rubbed me the wrong way even tho I was going to buy another piece at the same time. As a new rolex buyer someone has to give you a chance at some point, at least IMO. I guess I picked one hell of a time to enter the market.

Pay 2 Play my friend. Reach out to a seller here as I suggested. Or, contact every AD in the NOVA, MD, DC area, but you probably won't be happy with the results.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Columbia04

I have kept up with the mess it has become, yes. Just to be clear, I wasn’t actually expecting a BLNR to be in the store. All I really wanted was to be put on a list to get one somewhat soon and sort of feel our dealers to see which I wanted to potentially do my business with for a long term relationship. The fact he actually went In the back to go out of his way to show me one new in the box and said better yet it wasn’t spoken for but I couldn’t have it really rubbed me the wrong way even tho I was going to buy another piece at the same time. As a new rolex buyer someone has to give you a chance at some point, at least IMO. I guess I picked one hell of a time to enter the market.

Agree; simply obnoxious. This guy sounds like a real prick, and I would definitely be in touch with the store owner and perhaps BBB.

As I said only mildly tongue-in-cheek, I would also take any opportunity to suggest I'd been discriminated against. That accusation scares the shit out of anyone these days.

[Ticknaway]

Don’t give up just beware of the situation right now and find an AD YOU can work with, everybody in the world(hyperbole) is looking for those two watch’s, perhaps go into an AD and just ask questions at first don’t offer to buy at first strike up a conversation about what is the in thing right now leave and come back a few times then offer to buy. That’s what I did. Of course money is important but you gotta work the angles!

[JLM3]

Fleetlord for the win!!!

[Masteryacht]

With Rolex cutting back on production, it just makes it that much harder. In the past 2 years I was able to get a Daytona C and BLNR from my AD, with the BLNR just sitting in the display case.
Now, they have nothing in stock except DJs and Milgauss. Recently they said my Daytona was the last one they’ve gotten and I’ve had it for nearly a year. It sucks!

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Columbia04

Hello everyone,

I’m new to the forum and Rolexes in general.

I have always wanted to start a real collection of these luxury watches and both my wife and I have been very fortunate to receive huge promotions recently which now allow this to become reality.

For my first Rolex I really want a BLNR and also concurrently want to get my wife a new Diamond Tag Heuer Carrera. (I know!! BUT she has her heart set on this model when she saw it.) I also want to get her, her first Rolex for our anniversary. I want to be put on the list for a 43 mm sea dweller for myself and a Daytona C for my father as a thank you for all he has done for me in my earlier years to help me get where I am today.

Anyways, armed with vast knowledge from TRF as I have been lurking the last year or so yesterday I set out to go try and make deal(s) happen at all of my close dealers to see stock and overall friendliness and try to develop a relationship but quickly realized that this is going to be a lot harder than I thought.

No AD had any SS whatsoever and only saw one YM2 and one white gold blue sub after going to 7 dealers!! Md Va area.

All but one wouldn’t even talk to me about getting on a list for BLNR & Daytona c. All said strong relationship or 5+ year wait for both. One even said “ oh well, sorry for your bad luck.”


Crazy but annoying moment: One dealer did have the harder to find Tag I wanted in stock and after mentioning I wanted a BLNR he went to the back and brought out one for me to see. I asked him if it was spoken for he said no but I couldn’t buy it without a solid relationship with the AD. I was thinking - Why even show it to me then?! I told him If they had all of them in stock I would buy all four watches at the same time. Not to mention he already knows I will be looking very soon for a Rolex for my wife for our anniversary. He was baffled when I didn’t want the TAG Heuer, then offered it with 0%. I said money wasn’t the issue at all, I want a dealer that is going to take care of me when I would like something if at all possible. Needless to say but I didnt even buy the Tag. (Side note: Like I would pay retail for a TAG by itself, lol).

How do I develop a relationship if they won’t even sell me stuff they have in stock? I’m talking over 40k in watches. Just insane to me. Is this scenario the new norm?

I’m not going to mention any dealers in particular but overall I’m very frustrated at what happened at pretty much all of them. Most were very rude acting like I was in the wrong part of town even tho I was polite dressed nicely and had 25 grand in cash on me to make a deal that day.

Makes me not even want a Rolex.

<rant over>

First welcome to the forum. Second, it's OK to buy something else. Third, that means more for the rest of us.

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by Columbia04

How do I develop a relationship if they won’t even sell me stuff they have in stock? <rant over>

You buy a diamond TAG at MSRP.

Or keep looking for a good AD. I would find the smaller family owned places if you can and try them. The issue is the smaller AD’s rarely get the Daytona/SS SkyD etc.

My AD is 3 hours away and I drive past 6 to get to them. Relationship is really good though.



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[acfcheung]

Congrats on the promotions.

By saying you will buy all 4 watches at the same time (3 of them being very sought after pieces) wouldn't help with the situation.

What they wanna hear is I will take 3 full gold watches plus a daytonaC, sad but true.

Sent from my VKY-L29 using Tapatalk

[Mystro]

This is why those that won’t play games run to forum trusted sellers. Build a relationship with them.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Mystro

This is why those that won’t play games run to forum trusted sellers. Build a relationship with them.

In this market, are the trusted sellers offering good discounts off their top prices to loyal customers? I got the feeling they are not.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Mystro

This is why those that won’t play games run to forum trusted sellers. Build a relationship with them.

nothing against a TS at all, to each their own i truly believe. But, the day a relationship is needed with even a TS to get a watch is the day i quit. seriously

[JohnnyRol]

Definitely call or visit around. It took me 12 ADs to get my SD43 and I had no relationship. Good luck and Santayana the course I say

[dkg1616]

Made my relationship with my AD by just chatting, not even committing to a watch. Called me up and said he has both a YM2 and SubC date with my name on it to try out. Walked out with the SubC.

It’s more about being friendly than acting like you will throw money. Most people who walk into ADs have some sort of wealth

[Bt122]

Don’t give up, go into the store occasionally and strike up a relationship. I literally go into stores just to try on watches so I know how they look like on my wrisr. Chat with the sales people to learn about the history of watches and the brands.

[oldman2005]

You got into Rolex late, Rolex has cut their SS sport production significantly that your chance of scoring a SS Daytona without a relationship with an AD is very small. It's kind of weird but your money don't matter at Rolex AD and as someone here said AD chooses you and what to sell you.

[Roger Lococco]

I visited the ADs in Tysons 1 and Tysons 2 last week (i.e. Northern Virginia area). I thought both were really cool. Had nice conversations with both and received candid answers to my questions about watch availability from both.

[MinMay]

That's it...

I need borrow two beautiful models wearing Patek and diamonds neckless to come with me and see if I can get a Daytona C right there on the spot :)

[Vicious49]

Guess I shouldn't mention I walked in to the Rolex AD 6 months ago and saw a BLNR on display and passed on it. 2 months later I saw a no date Sub and purchased it. Saw a Sea Dweller recently and passed on that too. Guess I've been lucky and haven't experienced this 'shortage' outside of the Daytona.

Not that it matters since I have almost no desire for the current line of Rolex. I like the 5 digit serials so much better.

[KingLouie]

I contacted one AD in my country about he SS Blue Sky-Dweller. They replied the waiting line for this model is 2-3 years. This AD is located in the capital city Helsinki.

After that i contacted another one that is 100km from Helsinki and their reply was:
"the standard time for rolex watches is 4-6 weeks, but with this model you might need to wait a bit longer. Do you want us to make an order?"

I replied yes please. After one week they called me and said the watch is here. I drove there and bought the watch. Now I'm a happy owner of the Sky-dweller. They said that someone had ordered the watch and when it came he didn't want it anymore and they offered it to me. This was the first time ever contacted these ADs so no realitionships.

I guess it's a different game in the USA than in Finland where we have only three ADs in the whole country, and a lot less buying customers I guess.

[Hogtown Fatty]

I learned pretty quickly that this type of thread serves no purpose around here as the barrage of people who feel they've earned the right to desirable ss watches after years of spending at an AD will be quick to defend the current state of affairs. "want a popular ss? spend $100k, it's what I did"- that's nice for you, but not everyone can do that. A lot of people wanting one of the popular ss models can only afford one watch and want that as their lifer (or until they're older and can swing more). I know I'm on the Rolex forum here, but I seriously didn't expect as snobby and snarky an attitude as I've encountered from some members on here gloating about these unwritten/unspoken ways of the Rolex world and how they're reaping all the benefits. Blows my mind that money is no longer enough in 2018. They (the AD's) don't want your $10k. I'm not spending $100k on jewellery I don't need and watches I don't want just to earn the 'privilege' to buy a $10k ss watch- some of you guys seriously need to reevaluate how ridiculous this practice is and how silly you look taking part in it. Sure, you get your ss watch of the year sooner than anyone else, but at what expense? Well above retail if you factor it all in. Of course I'm bitter over my inability to purchase certain models- as are a lot of people-, but at the end of the day I'm of a stable enough mind to know when to give up. It's not like I'm the only one in this position... AD's OP visited have missed out on $40k (+ whatever thousands future releases would see him buying) in sales... and while most of their popular ss watches (save for that Batman) are no doubt spoken for, both they and Rolex will feel the ramifications of all this declined business at some point in the future. They have succeeded in making the watch buying experience absolutely miserable.

[rossi46]

Originally Posted by Hogtown Fatty

I learned pretty quickly that this type of thread serves no purpose around here as the barrage of people who feel they've earned the right to desirable ss watches after years of spending at an AD will be quick to defend the current state of affairs. "want a popular ss? spend $100k, it's what I did"- that's nice for you, but not everyone can do that. A lot of people wanting one of the popular ss models can only afford one watch and want that as their lifer (or until they're older and can swing more). I know I'm on the Rolex forum here, but I seriously didn't expect as snobby and snarky an attitude as I've encountered from some members on here gloating about these unwritten/unspoken ways of the Rolex world and how they're reaping all the benefits. Blows my mind that money is no longer enough in 2018. They (the AD's) don't want your $10k. I'm not spending $100k on jewellery I don't need and watches I don't want just to earn the 'privilege' to buy a $10k ss watch- some of you guys seriously need to reevaluate how ridiculous this practice is and how silly you look taking part in it. Sure, you get your ss watch of the year sooner than anyone else, but at what expense? Well above retail if you factor it all in. Of course I'm bitter over my inability to purchase certain models- as are a lot of people-, but at the end of the day I'm of a stable enough mind to know when to give up. It's not like I'm the only one in this position... AD's OP visited have missed out on $40k (+ whatever thousands future releases would see him buying) in sales... and while most of their popular ss watches (save for that Batman) are no doubt spoken for, both they and Rolex will feel the ramifications of all this declined business at some point in the future. They have succeeded in making the watch buying experience absolutely miserable.

Post of the year

"Build a relationship with your AD" is just a euphemism for "spend a ton of money."

"I get every watch I want, when I want" is just code language for "I'm rich AF and spend a ton of money."

It's elitism by any other name.

And for those that say "building a relationship isn't about spending money! Just go in and chat them up every once in a while!" I direct you to Fleetlord's post. Why would an AD give up a watch to Charlie Chat-a-lot instead of selling it to Willie the Whale? You can't have it both ways.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Hogtown Fatty

I learned pretty quickly that this type of thread serves no purpose around here as the barrage of people who feel they've earned the right to desirable ss watches after years of spending at an AD will be quick to defend the current state of affairs. "want a popular ss? spend $100k, it's what I did"- that's nice for you, but not everyone can do that. A lot of people wanting one of the popular ss models can only afford one watch and want that as their lifer (or until they're older and can swing more). I know I'm on the Rolex forum here, but I seriously didn't expect as snobby and snarky an attitude as I've encountered from some members on here gloating about these unwritten/unspoken ways of the Rolex world and how they're reaping all the benefits. Blows my mind that money is no longer enough in 2018. They (the AD's) don't want your $10k. I'm not spending $100k on jewellery I don't need and watches I don't want just to earn the 'privilege' to buy a $10k ss watch- some of you guys seriously need to reevaluate how ridiculous this practice is and how silly you look taking part in it. Sure, you get your ss watch of the year sooner than anyone else, but at what expense? Well above retail if you factor it all in. Of course I'm bitter over my inability to purchase certain models- as are a lot of people-, but at the end of the day I'm of a stable enough mind to know when to give up. It's not like I'm the only one in this position... AD's OP visited have missed out on $40k (+ whatever thousands future releases would see him buying) in sales... and while most of their popular ss watches (save for that Batman) are no doubt spoken for, both they and Rolex will feel the ramifications of all this declined business at some point in the future. They have succeeded in making the watch buying experience absolutely miserable.

are you suggesting AD's should dump their high spending clients to give the little guy a chance? Dont ask for anything that you wouldn't do yourself with your own business. Its a bad business decision. We all wish Rolex would just make more watches, but they dont. The AD's job is to run their business with the maximum return on capital.

Just trying to explain how it works, and take some of the mystery out of it. No one likes the status quo but yeah, as with anything seniority and relationships win out over unproven and unknown clients. It is what it is.

Plus most people have never bought watches they dont want to get watches they do want. They buy a lot of watches they want and get offered other watches they also want. So no one is blowing 100k just to get a daytona.

[topfuel25]

Originally Posted by Hogtown Fatty

I learned pretty quickly that this type of thread serves no purpose around here as the barrage of people who feel they've earned the right to desirable ss watches after years of spending at an AD will be quick to defend the current state of affairs. "want a popular ss? spend $100k, it's what I did"- that's nice for you, but not everyone can do that. A lot of people wanting one of the popular ss models can only afford one watch and want that as their lifer (or until they're older and can swing more). I know I'm on the Rolex forum here, but I seriously didn't expect as snobby and snarky an attitude as I've encountered from some members on here gloating about these unwritten/unspoken ways of the Rolex world and how they're reaping all the benefits. Blows my mind that money is no longer enough in 2018. They (the AD's) don't want your $10k. I'm not spending $100k on jewellery I don't need and watches I don't want just to earn the 'privilege' to buy a $10k ss watch- some of you guys seriously need to reevaluate how ridiculous this practice is and how silly you look taking part in it. Sure, you get your ss watch of the year sooner than anyone else, but at what expense? Well above retail if you factor it all in. Of course I'm bitter over my inability to purchase certain models- as are a lot of people-, but at the end of the day I'm of a stable enough mind to know when to give up. It's not like I'm the only one in this position... AD's OP visited have missed out on $40k (+ whatever thousands future releases would see him buying) in sales... and while most of their popular ss watches (save for that Batman) are no doubt spoken for, both they and Rolex will feel the ramifications of all this declined business at some point in the future. They have succeeded in making the watch buying experience absolutely miserable.

Before the elites come in and tell you about their relationship and how their AD takes care of them all these years over and over again (they get proud abt this), OP can just get the models he wants from TS or grey instead of throwing 100k to “join the club” or earn the privilege

Sure you think they look silly but they are enjoying this game and probably think those newbies who want the popular models are looking silly themselves by walking into an AD wanting to buy popular models off the shelves

[Hogtown Fatty]

Originally Posted by topfuel25

Before the elites come in and tell you about their relationship and how their AD takes care of them all these years over and over again (they get proud abt this), OP can just get the models he wants from TS or grey instead of throwing 100k to “join the club” or earn the privilege

Sure you think they look silly but they are enjoying this game and probably think those newbies who want the popular models are looking silly themselves by walking into an AD wanting to buy popular models off the shelves

The only reason someone could find a newbie walking in to an AD with cash for a popular model silly is because they've fallen victim to the hype, spending fortunes to "build relationships" and fervently want to defend the deeply unfair unspoken model which got the best of them. I fail to see what's silly about going in and wanting to buy a popular model. The AD's have made it completely unfair to the vast majority of people, making it literally impossible for a lot of us to get any popular reference within the references lifetime. Is that not insane? This whole practice makes people who take part in it look like dogs... "rewarding loyalty"? Please- they couldn't care less and only mock you when spewing such drivel. Daytona = doggy treat for grown men.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Hogtown Fatty

The only reason someone could find a newbie walking in to an AD with cash for a popular model silly is because they've fallen victim to the hype, spending fortunes to "build relationships" and fervently want to defend the deeply unfair unspoken model which got the best of them. I fail to see what's silly about going in and wanting to buy a popular model. The AD's have made it completely unfair to the vast majority of people, making it literally impossible for a lot of us to get any popular reference within the references lifetime. Is that not insane? This whole practice makes people who take part in it look like dogs... "rewarding loyalty"? Please- they couldn't care less and only mock you when spewing such drivel.

do you run a business? If you owned a lemonade stand and you had 10 cups of lemonade to sell per day, would you sell them to the neighborhood kids who can only buy one cup of lemonade per week or to the kids who buy one cup of lemonade every day? If you sell to the first group you have to find 6 days worth of new clients to replace the lost profit of refusing the first and selling to the second group .

Its business. Its smart to hold the inventory and direct who you sell it to when there is a finite supply.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

do you run a business? If you owned a lemonade stand and you had 10 cups of lemonade to sell per day, would you sell them to the neighborhood kids who can only buy one cup of lemonade per week or to the kids who buy one cup of lemonade every day? If you sell to the first group you have to find 6 new clients to replace the lost profit of refusing the first and selling to the second group .

Its business. Its smart to hold the inventory and direct who you sell it to when there is a finite supply.

I applaud your efforts at explaining these concepts to the naysayers that are coming onto this thread, but part of me thinks they are just being contrary for the sake of being contrary...

This is how it works guys. Sorry that reality is not what you think it is when it comes to acquiring select Rolex references.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

I applaud your efforts at explaining these concepts to the naysayers that are coming onto this thread, but part of me thinks they are just being contrary for the sake of being contrary...

This is how it works guys. Sorry that reality is not what you think it is when it comes to acquiring select Rolex references.

Agree Fleetlord.

There are no doubt rude AD's just like every other profession. And I mean no offense to anyone, but running through many these posts is a sense of entitlement coupled with outrage at how capitalism works.

To be blunt: There is no constitutional or inherent right to buy a Rolex from an AD.

If someone is not happy with how they are treated by an AD, they can:

1. Try another AD.

2. Go Grey.

3. Switch to another brand.

Or, to quote the Eagles "Get over it."

[Raza_actual]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

I applaud your efforts at explaining these concepts to the naysayers that are coming onto this thread, but part of me thinks they are just being contrary for the sake of being contrary...

This is how it works guys. Sorry that reality is not what you think it is when it comes to acquiring select Rolex references.

For the sake of argument, let’s say you’re completely correct, with no equivocations.

Are you okay with this business model? Because this is similar kind of discrimination I’ve experienced all my life and it disgusts me. I have one Rolex right now—it was the second watch I bought from my AD. This AD treated me wonderfully, like a VIP from the moment I walked in to buy my first watch from them—a Black Bay that I got at a deep discount. I drove 35-40 miles to the AD when there’s a huge AD less than 10 minutes from me by Uber. Why not go there? Because that AD has, time and again, treated me like garbage whenever I’ve gone there. I don’t expect to be treated like garbage anywhere I go, let alone at a store where I’m the customer buying a luxury item that costs more than the average household takes home in a month.

If you’re okay with your assessment of how things are, that’s fine. That’s up to you. But it’s not okay with me. And it’s not enough to say “go gray market” because I don’t buy gray over a certain price point. And that’s just the practical aspect. I’ve been discriminated against all my life; I see a lot of hidden discrimination in this behavior. But hey, if you’re a privileged white guy, then I’m sure it’s fine by you. Your money’s worth more than mine, apparently.

[Navarino]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

every AD has their own judgement on what constitutes a VIP but i can tell you with 100% certainty that my AD has daytonas, and every hot model from most brands in their safe most of the time. No waitlists and they are offered to clients who are great customers and who have expressed interest.

They keep them so they can reward loyalty and you know what... it works. I will never buy from another AD

AD's are constantly sizing up clients on future potential as well as past history. They look at these watches as hooks to keep the clients they want to keep.

They will sell these watches regardless, but strategically selling them to targeted individuals gives them a much greater long tern return.

Originally Posted by tyler1980

do you run a business? If you owned a lemonade stand and you had 10 cups of lemonade to sell per day, would you sell them to the neighborhood kids who can only buy one cup of lemonade per week or to the kids who buy one cup of lemonade every day? If you sell to the first group you have to find 6 days worth of new clients to replace the lost profit of refusing the first and selling to the second group .

Its business. Its smart to hold the inventory and direct who you sell it to when there is a finite supply.

Most logical, insightful posts I've read all week.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Carry The Interest

Most logical, insightful posts I've read all week.