Rolex Boutique Vancouver questionable sales policies

[DMak]

Originally Posted by rolex aficionado

There is a Rolex boutique in DT Vancouver?
Huh!
I've never noticed!

It just opened this year. It's attached to the Shangri-la hotel on Alberni.


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[hambone1983]

Originally Posted by Rol604

I don't know why people feel they should be able to walk into a store (one they have no relations with even) and buy a DaytonaC for MSRP.

The supply/demand mechanism on this watch is pretty clear you either wait or pay the premium.

you don't?

Rolex could clear every waiting list in a month if it wanted to. There is no actual supply shortage, just a fabricated one. Its all part of managing the brand, the perceived rarity of the piece, the perceived prestige of having one, the marketing hootenannny that it takes a year to manufacture one Rolex. They aren't who they are by not understanding this and not knowing how to keep their customers (and dealers) salivating.

[brucethemanlee]

I agree I don't expect being able to walk into AD with zero reach relationship and being able to get Daytona C. I've been in the game long enough to know that. However I was just a bit taken back by their watch sales conditions. Seemed very cheap and slimey. Esp when "Rolex" the brand is so highly regarded and reputation is number 1. And this was Rolex-branded store. That's all.


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[Ticknaway]

Originally Posted by texex91

Yep I fly from Texas to Canada everyday to sell Rolex at a retail store

There is no issue.

The AD set's it's own policies. The OP asked what it would take to be VIP and the AD told him--take it or leave it.

NOW, because the OP doesn't LIKE the policy, then so be it.

I have to agree with this, not that anyone likes these policies. Imagine if you were to be asked what it would take to sell your home, every right exists for you to establish the criteria for purchase so if prospective buyers disagree with the stated terms there's other houses for sell.

[DRKBC]

Originally Posted by Eric Chan

Personally, I don't agree with this sales tactic. They do it because they can get away with it. The proverbial waiting list is preferable to this nonsense. However, given the demographics and the clientele, I can understand why they do it.

Another AD in Downtown Vancouver who also sells Patek had this silly VIP program. I can't remember what their program entailed, but it was along the line of buying bunch of jewelry from them before they would sell you a Patek. Stupid.

Aside from being a Rolex Boutique, this place does nothing for me. My business will stay with Montecristo for life. Late last year, I was offered a white dial Daytona 116500 at MSRP, but I declined. That is what I call service. I guess being a loyal customer for nearly a decade and a half means something to my AD.

100 percent agree, it's no way to do business. Customer loyalty deserves to be addressed as it is something you have earned. Monte Cristo obviously understands this. Asking people to buy there way in is no way to build a loyal clientele.

[KBM]

The fact that they had both white and black sitting in the safe says a lot about the efficiency of this sales strategy...

[jonnyz1245]

Originally Posted by Rol604

I don't know why people feel they should be able to walk into a store (one they have no relations with even) and buy a DaytonaC for MSRP.

The supply/demand mechanism on this watch is pretty clear you either wait or pay the premium.

Why shouldn't people feel that way? Ridiculous. The watch is listed on the Rolex website and its a product they sell to the general public. Why shouldn't Joe Q Public be able to walk into a Rolex AD and buy it for MSRP? I don't see anything on the Rolex website under the Daytona heading that says you may have to go to an AD, buy a pm watch, and wait years for the chance to buy a SS Daytona.

[DRKBC]

Originally Posted by jonnyz1245

Why shouldn't people feel that way? Ridiculous. The watch is listed on the Rolex website and its a product they sell to the general public. Why shouldn't Joe Q Public be able to walk into a Rolex AD and buy it for MSRP? I don't see anything on the Rolex website under the Daytona heading that says you may have to go to an AD, buy a pm watch, and wait years for the chance to buy a SS Daytona.

Agreed and well said

[behardt]

Originally Posted by DRKBC

Agreed and well said

I agree it's stupid and makes people mad, but we see this all other luxury goods as well. High end cars, etc.

[DRKBC]

Originally Posted by behardt

I agree it's stupid and makes people mad, but we see this all other luxury goods as well. High end cars, etc.

I agree with you, but its such a strange strategy to me when growing a business. I mean most people aren't going to fall into the buy two PM watches and I will allow you to by a Daytona trap, at least I don't think so. What they will do is a pay a premium to buy it of 10 or 20 percent whatever the figure is. If you are an established dealer is the 4 grand extra you are going to make on that Daytona sale really worth it, in comparison tp building a relationship?

I get dealers not necessarily wanting to sell to the fist guy that walks in off the street.That client may have intentions to just flip the watch and they may never see them again. Selling to a loyal customer at list on the other hand recognizes the fact there is a relationship between the buyer and the seller. And that relationship means more than just making an extra buck because one can. He or she may still go out and flip the watch, but at least you have addressed their commitment to your business. In effect you have said to the client we value you and your loyalty to us rather than if you have the cash you just became my best friend.

[carlhaluss]

While I have not posted for a while on this forum, I have to add my experience with the Boutique here in Vancouver as well.

A few months ago, I visited for the first time. Wanted to see if they had the newer Basel 2016 Explorer I, which I had not yet seen. They said they had, but showed me the older version with the 3-6-9 arabics in metal. I explained that the newer model had the lumed arabics and also slightly larger minute and hour hands. They played dumb! At the time, I thought it very strange that I would have to explain that to sales personnel who specialize in Rolex. I could understand if I was visiting an AD who carried many different brands. Finally, after some discussion and almost persuasion on my part, one of the salesmen went rather reluctantly into the stock room to see if he could find another Explorer I. He came back with the model I was looking for.

So, they tried to con me into getting the older model, which is the only one they had in the display case. There is absolutely no way they could not have known the differences between the models. The saddest part of the tale is that I already knew one of the salesman from a previous experience at another AD, having purchased a Grand Seiko from him. And, I was prepared to buy the Explorer I at full, non-discounted price if I liked it.

They have likely sold the Explorer I to some unsuspecting individual who thinks he/she is getting the latest model. Any ethical business would first explain to the buyer that they have two choices.

There are other choices in Vancouver for Rolex, as already mentioned in this thread. I have had previous excellent experiences at both Montecristo and Lugaro Jewellers. I ended up getting a lovely Tudor Heritage Black Bay 36 at Lugaro.

I find it very sad also that a visitor to our city received the type of treatment he did. Having been to New York myself a few times, I had nothing but good shopping experiences wherever I went. While I don't have a lot of money, I visited some very high-end shops and boutiques, and was treated very well.

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by carlhaluss

I find it very sad also that a visitor to our city received the type of treatment he did. Having been to New York myself a few times, I had nothing but good shopping experiences wherever I went. While I don't have a lot of money, I visited some very high-end shops and boutiques, and was treated very well.

Thnx...



I understand that with the foreign money and tourist money flowing into Vancouver that they're probably trying to cash-in. But what happens when that money stops coming in? Who will be the long term customers? Anyways their business. Their sales policy but I didn't agree with it so i walked out. No harm done.



Fortunately, I have plenty of ADs in NY to purchase stuff :thumbs: Watch shopping in NY is great!



Depending on what Basel 2017 brings...my current 2017 Rolex wish list is:

• SS Coke (Basel 2017?)
  
• Mysterious Rolex teaser chronograph??? (Basel 2017?)
  
• Another Daytona C but in BLACK!

[dadonn2]

Obviously they can do what they like and set terms. Personally, I think it's sleazy and that it compromises the brand when a Rolex boutique is pulling tactics like this. Don't really understand how people can see it differently or wouldn't be completely put off.

[sensui]

Is Rolex some kind of Saint/charity company? Like these "sleazy" ads they're out to make money. As much as they "frown" upon this practice they're laughing all the way to the bank as the hype grows. Don't kid yourself in thinking if Rolex wanted this stopped it wouldn't have happened already.

[Melchizedek]

Originally Posted by sensui

Is Rolex some kind of Saint/charity company? Like these "sleazy" ads they're out to make money. As much as they "frown" upon this practice they're laughing all the way to the bank as the hype grows. Don't kid yourself in thinking if Rolex wanted this stopped it wouldn't have happened already.

???? You do realize Rolex doesn't make more money if the AD charges 200% for a watch right? They got paid when the ad bought inventory that's it. Nothing sleazy about rolex, the MSRP is what ADs should charge at most, you should stop buying from those ADs if you have a problem with the price.


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[Mick P]

Chaps

This forum is loaded with postings asking for advice what is the best Rolex to buy for investment purposes. Also we get panic postings - is the Rolex market going to crash and will my nice new BLNR be worthless next year.

Now we get the opposite, someone complaining about a tactic that Rolex use to drive prices up.

Someone somewhere needs to decide what they want.

Regards

Mick

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

This forum is loaded with postings asking for advice what is the best Rolex to buy for investment purposes. Also we get panic postings - is the Rolex market going to crash and will my nice new BLNR be worthless next year.

Now we get the opposite, someone complaining about a tactic that Rolex use to drive prices up.

Someone somewhere needs to decide what they want.

Regards

Mick

Ha! Great point. All the flippers selling these for $16-18,000 should be grateful that Rolex has manufactured a perceived shortage

[KrismanX]

Well that just feels disrespectful. "If you can't buy at least 3 watches from us now, we won't let you buy the one you want." Unfortunately that's their prerogative to make whatever store policy they see fit; they just happened to have chosen one that belittles and condescends potential clients.

Just because a client has not purchased 3 watches from you yet, doesn't mean giving them a fantastic and friendly experience with their first purchase is going to deter them from coming back... In my experience it is the respecting of your potential clients big and small that helps build those long lasting relationships they were holding out for. Furthermore anyone that would have already bought that many pieces from you should prooobably be put onto a contact list of clients you announce your hard-to-stock inventory to....If you really like to honor respect your best clients, that is. Then again boutiques tend to be filled with walking "bouties" (i.e. full of )

Just my opinion.

Digging that wish list btw!

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by KrismanX

Well that just feels disrespectful. "If you can't buy at least 3 watches from us now, we won't let you buy the one you want." Unfortunately that's their prerogative to make whatever store policy they see fit; they just happened to have chosen one that belittles and condescends potential clients.

Just because a client has not purchased 3 watches from you yet, doesn't mean giving them a fantastic and friendly experience with their first purchase is going to deter them from coming back... In my experience it is the respecting of your potential clients big and small that helps build those long lasting relationships they were holding out for. Furthermore anyone that would have already bought that many pieces from you should prooobably be put onto a contact list of clients you announce your hard-to-stock inventory to....If you really like to honor respect your best clients, that is. Then again boutiques tend to be filled with walking "bouties" (i.e. full of )

Just my opinion.

Digging that wish list btw!

I'm with you!

They just won't get my money EVER!

[Aceldama]

This might be one of the dumbest things I've read here on this forum.

[SonnyAK]

For many of the stated reasons, I no longer visit AD's

[speedmaster73]

Originally Posted by jonnyz1245

Why shouldn't people feel that way? Ridiculous. The watch is listed on the Rolex website and its a product they sell to the general public. Why shouldn't Joe Q Public be able to walk into a Rolex AD and buy it for MSRP? I don't see anything on the Rolex website under the Daytona heading that says you may have to go to an AD, buy a pm watch, and wait years for the chance to buy a SS Daytona.

well said

[speedmaster73]

Originally Posted by behardt

I agree it's stupid and makes people mad, but we see this all other luxury goods as well. High end cars, etc.

no. you see this on 'supercars' apparently...... NOT run of the mill luxury BMWs, Mercedes, Porsche etc

Rolex is not a 'supercar' of watches. not even close.

[speedmaster73]

Originally Posted by sensui

Is Rolex some kind of Saint/charity company? Like these "sleazy" ads they're out to make money. As much as they "frown" upon this practice they're laughing all the way to the bank as the hype grows. Don't kid yourself in thinking if Rolex wanted this stopped it wouldn't have happened already.

according to an AD i spoke with today in Fla, Rolex is aware of this and not happy. I was told that the daytonas will start flowing faster to ADs and this is reflected in prices already dropping on the grey market......

I was shocked to say the least but hey, Im only repeating what the AD told me. Conversation started when i popped in and asked him about the daytona-c charade going on. I guess rolex is reading the forums and relalize they are alienating customers....

[Rol604]

Go to Montecristo if you ever want to buy a Rolex in Vancouver. Even if you just walk in, they will offer 10% off on most sports models. Short waitlist for BLNR which just requires you to put down a deposit. They do not play games.

[Rol604]

Originally Posted by hambone1983

you don't?

Rolex could clear every waiting list in a month if it wanted to. There is no actual supply shortage, just a fabricated one. Its all part of managing the brand, the perceived rarity of the piece, the perceived prestige of having one, the marketing hootenannny that it takes a year to manufacture one Rolex. They aren't who they are by not understanding this and not knowing how to keep their customers (and dealers) salivating.

Well, if you think about it, it's not the worst thing Rolex could do. They could very well raise the MSRP on SS model to something like 15K and make as many as they could sell. People will still likely pay up and Rolex makes a lot more money at the expense of everyone else.

[sensui]

Originally Posted by Melchizedek

???? You do realize Rolex doesn't make more money if the AD charges 200% for a watch right? They got paid when the ad bought inventory that's it. Nothing sleazy about rolex, the MSRP is what ADs should charge at most, you should stop buying from those ADs if you have a problem with the price.


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Fully realize that. Doesn't change the fact they enjoy the hype/publicity having the hottest watch in the market that people are paying a premium for. They're looking at the long game slowly trickling this watch and maintaining this shortage to make sure it consistently sells immediately after production.


Sorry I just don't see a problem with someone wanting to make money charging more for a hot product. Bottom line anyone can walk away and eventually the price comes down if no one buys it. In this case, I agree with op I'd walk and just look elsewhere. Not everyone is as resourceful/have relationships .

[Melchizedek]

Originally Posted by sensui

Fully realize that. Doesn't change the fact they enjoy the hype/publicity having the hottest watch in the market that people are paying a premium for. They're looking at the long game slowly trickling this watch and maintaining this shortage to make sure it consistently sells immediately after production.


Sorry I just don't see a problem with someone wanting to make money charging more for a hot product. Bottom line anyone can walk away and eventually the price comes down if no one buys it. In this case, I agree with op I'd walk and just look elsewhere. Not everyone is as resourceful/have relationships .

I guess my point was don't single out Rolex... it happens with exotic cars and nintendos... there's nothing "shady" or "evil" about Rolex



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[sensui]

Originally Posted by Melchizedek

I guess my point was don't single out Rolex... it happens with exotic cars and nintendos... there's nothing "shady" or "evil" about Rolex



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Most definitely. I see no evil here, just classic capitalism. The sleazy reference was in response to the previous poster.

[gregmoeck]

Post the name of the bad AD's and let's maintain a list so people at least have a fair chance at shopping