I'm annoyed with my AD

[Screaminbones]

I'm annoyed with your AD's behaviour too.

We do have several ADs to choose from and I would never do business with someone trying to strong-arm me

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by Greg 59

Happened to walk into my local AD the other day just to see what they had and also to keep the rapport alive. I've already bought 2 rolex watches from them in the past so they know me well. We talked about current affairs, availability of watches etc. Then out of the blue I was told they had a CHNR out the back. I said that I'd never seen one in real life and I would appreciate having a look.
The watch was brought from the safe. It was still in its coffin. I tried it on and under the lights in the store the colours just popped. I immediately fell in love. I was told I could buy it if I bought some jewellery aswell or a 36mm datejust.
I immediately found myself going from feeling very positive to a feeling of resentment and distrust. Earlier we had been talking about flippers and how bad they were for the industry and if anyone ever flipped a watch they had sold they would blacklist them and yet not 15 minutes later the AD is doing something I consider to be just as underhand.
I left the store shortly afterwards calling out so the manager could hear, "I'd have bought that watch today if you'd let me".
I wonder what Rolex would think if they knew. It really puts you off the brand.

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No one likes to be treated poorly and admittedly we weren't there to hear the tone of the conversation when the bundle offer was made but perhaps you could have handled it differently to preserve the relationship and perhaps convince them otherwise on the bundle and you may have walked out with the CHNR.
As it is, I think you can forget them calling you for a desired piece after your comment exiting the store.
What you might have done differently that might have ended with a different outcome is kinda laughed off the bundle offer and said something like "come on, I'm a standing customer. I come to you for my watch and jewelry needs. I would like to buy the CHNR." Might have worked, maybe not but its all academic now.

[Greg 59]

Originally Posted by DonRickles

There's always more to every story. I personally think the AD knew you were window shopping, not buying.



As your story begins, you were casually walking in, just to keep up appearances. They were nice enough to show you something very interesting. Keep in mind ANY watch in the safe, is considered sold (money in their bank).



Now to prove their point that you weren't buying, they through you the bundle story....



Could be???



I may be wrong but.....



My opinion, find a new AD.



NEXT!

This is a fair response and I don't disagree. Yes, I did go into the store with no intention of buying but, to be fair that's because they never have anything to sell. I do visit regularly (once every couple of months) and I do ask whether they've had anything nice in.
They are always very coy and rarely admit to even seeing a Daytona or a Pepsi in yonks. It was therefore a real surprise when I was suddenly told about this CHNR and then to be asked if I wanted to see it was another revelation.
You should also realise that all my previous purchases have been impulse buys so just because I wasn't walking through the door waving dollars doesn't mean I wouldn't have pulled the trigger. I have the funds,
If as you say, any watch in the safe should be considered sold. Why even offer it to me? (Just thinking out loud).

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[Greg 59]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

No one likes to be treated poorly and admittedly we weren't there to hear the tone of the conversation when the bundle offer was made but perhaps you could have handled it differently to preserve the relationship and perhaps convince them otherwise on the bundle and you may have walked out with the CHNR.

As it is, I think you can forget them calling you for a desired piece after your comment exiting the store.

What you might have done differently that might have ended with a different outcome is kinda laughed off the bundle offer and said something like "come on, I'm a standing customer. I come to you for my watch and jewelry needs. I would like to buy the CHNR." Might have worked, maybe not but its all academic now.

That's a very fair point. Actually, I didn't say those words as I left in a nasty or condescending way. I just spoke them to the SA as I bid my farewells but in earshot of the manager, who I also chat with regularly. I am pretty light hearted and everything is said with a smile.
However, it was only after sleeping on it did I start to feel a bit miffed and decided to share the experience with you guys.
I hope that clarifies the situation.

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[DonRickles]

I must ask, do you even want the CHNR?

Throwing some levity into the mix!

[Greg 59]

Originally Posted by DonRickles

I must ask, do you even want the CHNR?



Throwing some levity into the mix!

Yes. If you re-read my original post I did clarify that after trying it on I fell in love with it! Pathetic I know but that's me and watches.

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[DonRickles]

Originally Posted by Greg 59

Yes. If you re-read my original post I did clarify that after trying it on I fell in love with it! Pathetic I know but that's me and watches.

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Yes, I read that. They are quite the addiction!

I posted that to double check, but mostly in fun!

It wasn't meant to be, is how I look at situations like this....then I move on and forgive.

Good luck Greg!

[Overwound]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Bas,

AD’s make a reasonable $ profit on Rolex watch sales.

Sorry, to me bundling is wrong.

These AD’s should be shown up for what they are and expect the repercussions if any.

If I did this in my engineering business I would be out of business by now.

I agree about bundling, in this manner, being wrong. If it's in demand it will sell quickly. When none are available wait until they are back in stock again. All the dealers are doing is unloading what doesn't sell onto those who want what does. Taking advantage of your client base because you can doesn't mean you should.

We the customers aren't the ones forcing dealers to buy whatever Rolex wants them to. Since they can't say anything to Rolex, unless the dealers wants all watches taken out of there store, AD problems become ours.

I vote with my words and money. I have one Rolex and will not have another. I'm a fan of the product but not the AD practices or how Rolex treats their authorized sales chain. Maybe other manufacturers would act in similar ways if they had Rolex's brand power. For me it would turn watches into a terrible hobby.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Greg 59

I actually have tried to contact Rolex. I cannot find an email address anywhere. The few I have guessed have bounced back as "blocked"!

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The world isn’t in a great place right now.....I’d drop this and move on.

The AD don’t want your business for just that one watch, they want additional purchasing. They’ve offered, you’ve not accepted, move on

[mikkolopez]

I guess for most people now there are far more serious and pressing matters at hand.
If like you after falling in love with the watch and if I do get that call, I am not sure if I’d still go for it at this point in time.
But the AD failed this time, I’d look for another AD after we’ve been let out.


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[samson66]

That's disgusting. Particularly since #1 you have a purchase history with them and #2 this isn't an especially hard watch to source.

Suggest buying it somewhere else and stopping in that AD to show them your nice new watch and remind them that they won't be getting anymore of your business.

[gh0stleader]

Why not post a Google review of your interaction?

Next time someone looks up that shop on Google maps for the phone number or directions, they'll know what to expect before stepping into the shop.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by Greg 59

That's a very fair point. Actually, I didn't say those words as I left in a nasty or condescending way. I just spoke them to the SA as I bid my farewells but in earshot of the manager, who I also chat with regularly. I am pretty light hearted and everything is said with a smile.
However, it was only after sleeping on it did I start to feel a bit miffed and decided to share the experience with you guys.
I hope that clarifies the situation.

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Fair enough Greg. If I were in your shoes I would be miffed too. I'd probably set the unsavory episode aside and keep making my visits looking for what I wanted. Doesn't sound like you have a lot of ADs to turn to and you never know what they might offer any given day. Good luck.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Greg 59

I actually have tried to contact Rolex. I cannot find an email address anywhere. The few I have guessed have bounced back as "blocked"!

Sent you a PM, when back in my office will send you the appropriate email for Rolex about your situation. Please leave emotion at the door and just send facts chronologically. Rolex can handle it :)

And as others have said, the AD acted inappropriately. Rolex as a company is impressive on MANY levels and, imho, well worth supporting.

[42itus]

Sucks to hear about treatment like this.

In my opinion, the only way that behavior like this changes is when people start voting with their wallet. You wanted this Rolex so bad and it made you upset enough to start this thread. And think about the thousands of others all over the world that walk out of ADs feeling like they were treated like crap, being literally laughed at when you ask for a Daytona. Yet, Rolex doesn't care. Why would they? Even in the biggest crisis (in my opinion) that this generation has faced people are still begging their ADs and paying a premium to the grey to get the watch they want.
Rolex has done such an amazing job of marketing that I've read on this forum about grown men crying upon receiving a call. For. a. watch.
I totally get your frustration. I'm just stating an opinion that the demand for SS Rolex watches are so high that we are allowing the ADs to act like this. If you put yourself in their shoes, and you got guys begging to "be considered" to "have the privilege" of spending thousands to buy their product, of course you're going to get some douche like behavior. It's a power trip and a money grab.
Easier said than done but I would find another AD. Or just wait until the "gotta have it" crowd moves on from Rolex.
Stay safe during these crazy times.

[blankapdx]

For a repeat customer. Wow that is just bad. So sorry OP, time to find a new AD. There are some good ADs out there. I'm one of the lucky one that found one. Best of luck!

[joli160]

I find it strange that so many members think they have a right to get in effect "free" money from any AD in wanting to buy a hot model.

If the AD is not willing to play this game but runs his business to gain maximum profit out of a sale people run to the head master and complain that it is not fair.

Zero consideration for the AD who needs to pay rent, income tax, wages, marketing etc.

Very funny if you think about it

[timlaw]

the only thing I find a bit shifty is to tell you the bundle deal requirement only once you were on the hook for the watch

they should have been up front about their conditions before they let you wear the watch thinking you could buy it without strings attached

I am not sure the current situation will change the conduct of AD's - they wont see another watch for say 6 months at best from Rolex so they may be even more keen to max out sales on the few watches they may have to sell

they will probably shut the doors before they sell sought after watches at MSRP to "just anyone"

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by Greg 59

I actually have tried to contact Rolex. I cannot find an email address anywhere. The few I have guessed have bounced back as "blocked"!

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Rolex Head Office
Rue François-Dussaud, 3-5-7
1211 Genève 26 – Suisse
Phone: +41 22 302 22 00

Didn't see an email address, but I'm sure someone on the forum can help.

[Claven2]

Originally Posted by joli160

I find it strange that so many members think they have a right to get in effect "free" money from any AD in wanting to buy a hot model.

If the AD is not willing to play this game but runs his business to gain maximum profit out of a sale people run to the head master and complain that it is not fair.

Zero consideration for the AD who needs to pay rent, income tax, wages, marketing etc.

Very funny if you think about it

Or, on the other hand, in this case the AD is stuck with an expensive watch and possibly liquidity issues - he may have shot himself in the foot, a last chance to move that model before paying customers can't even visit his store for weeks on end... ;)

[ibz_s_b]

Originally Posted by pmk416

Dude, F that douchenozzle. What nerve! I'd sooner go gray

douchenozzle

[shawn13ca]

Originally Posted by gh0stleader

I hate lumping Rolex w/ slimy A.D.'s but Rolex needs to get a handle on this before they "sega dreamcast" themselves... (i.e., hype around the product faded due to lack of availability and the actual availability of other equally as good, if not better products)

Actual availability of better product is already there with Grand Seiko. Omega is not that far off. Rolex, even though I like my watch, is not miles ahead of everyone else. They should really be careful. Present times show that all good times can end pretty fast for big companies.

[BDII]

With you man. Fed up with a lot of them. Would have walked on that too. In this climate, it's pretty crazy to be trying to strong arm someone into buying something they don't want like that.... and lets be clear, that is absolutely what they are doing with bundling.

I foresee a lot of these AD's making management changes at the back end of this. It is a culture that has been created by arrogant leaders in management.

There are still some great AD's out there who have great leadership who would never dream of treating customers this way.

[Nikrnic]

Too bad for them, I'd write them off. My AD had three Chnr's in stock (one full RG) on Christmas week plus an Azzurro DJ and a Smurf. I tried it on, it's very nice but it didn't sing enough. I have a Blnr, a DJ41 Wimbledon and had my radar on a VCO anyway so I wasn't buying anything although he was in a good mood to sell anything. I bought five there since 2018 and bet I could of got a little discount, at least I know for sure he'd eat the tax. If that ever happened to me that would be The End.

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[Greg 59]

Thanks once again for all your responses. The various opinions and insights are very interesting.
One further thing that I should like to add is that like many of us, I have been harbouring after a Daytona for a few years now. Realising how difficult they are to get and how everyone says that you need to build up a relationship with your AD and show them you are serious about buying.
To this end, I have done just that. I've bought watches from them that whilst they are lovely in their own right, they were not my first choice but... I have dutifully played the game. Hopefully demonstrating my worth. To be fair they've always said that I need to have bought from them before.
My total spend with them to date is approximately AU$50k.
However, they appear to have moved the goalposts. It's one thing to tell you that you need to buy 'x' in order to get 'y' but I'm now having to buy 'w' in order to get 'x' if you get my drift.
I'm my opinion, this is wrong on so many levels.

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[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by johnorpheus

sure there are obviously bigger and more important issues than watches, and not just during a crisis, but this is a Rolex forum, so...............

Maybe we can get a moratorium on responses that consist of telling people watches are not important because there is a pandemic going on. We are all stuck inside trying to distract ourselves.

I understand what you say and I mostly agree. I’m just unable to understand the feeling this guy’s having towards a stupid behaviour from a stupid salesperson when there’s the first major disaster we’ll be witnessing in our lifetime just around the corner.

Sure, it’s lame but it’s just a Rootbeer Rolex.
It’s nothing compared to the countless number of people who will lose their job in the next couple of weeks. Really, it’s moot.

[Yachtbuoy]

Originally Posted by Greg 59

Thanks once again for all your responses. The various opinions and insights are very interesting.
One further thing that I should like to add is that like many of us, I have been harbouring after a Daytona for a few years now. Realising how difficult they are to get and how everyone says that you need to build up a relationship with your AD and show them you are serious about buying.
To this end, I have done just that. I've bought watches from them that whilst they are lovely in their own right, they were not my first choice but... I have dutifully played the game. Hopefully demonstrating my worth. To be fair they've always said that I need to have bought from them before.
My total spend with them to date is approximately AU$50k.
However, they appear to have moved the goalposts. It's one thing to tell you that you need to buy 'x' in order to get 'y' but I'm now having to buy 'w' in order to get 'x' if you get my drift.
I'm my opinion, this is wrong on so many levels.

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It's really disheartening to hear, especially seeing as I am chasing my first Rolex (just a basic OP36). Makes me wonder whether it's even worth pursuing, hell, it took me months to even track down an OP36 of any variety just to have a look at it.

[Becweb]

I would have done everything the AD tells me to get this watch... Your loss in my opinion but to each his own...

[3 Putt]

This is another post, like many, that shows the concept of building a relationship with an AD has limited merit. I suppose if you are buying watches monthly, or spending six figures annually with them, a relationship will develop. But how many people can do this consistently?

I will never pay over MSRP. I have a lot of watches and enjoy them all. I can wait for anything I like.

I prefer the grey market, and a couple of the TRF trusted sellers for my needs. In the past two weeks, I have bought a new DJ41 and a Patek 5127g from the same one. Exceptional service, better than market price, and he showed me real appreciation for my business. I guarantee he will see more of my business moving forward. I do not need my name on a card to feel the watch is mine.

I don't feel the OP is complaining, but sharing a very common story that many people have accepted as the new normal.

[DirtyJohn]

I can't see anything wrong with bundle deals. The good thing is, most people will give them a miss and nobodies like me finally get the chance to get hold of one of these elusive SS models. Ending up with an additional F. Bucherer? Well, not the end of the world, is it?