AD Etiquette Advice please.

[pokerhsu]

Hey all, I was wondering what is the proper etiquette for showing your appreciation to the sales rep at the AD? Let's say for example I got the call to pick up a watch I've been waiting for. My sales rep has been super nice and exceeded my expectations. Do I bring him or her a bottle of scotch/wine when I go in to pick up the new watch? Is something like that even allowed?

What, if anything have you guys done?

Thanks.

[chronical]

You pay them the money for the watch and you leave?

[Rebel]

Originally Posted by chronical

You pay them the money for the watch and you leave?

This.

[Me4u2night]

You’re supposed to offer to name your next child after them…

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by Me4u2night

You’re supposed to offer to name your next child after them…

Thank your for your reply. It was certainly helpful.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Me4u2night

You’re supposed to offer to name your next child after them…

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Maybe I will go against the grain of the incredibly helpful (yes, that is sarcasm, read in to it “Snarky”) suggestions from some members here on TRF, I encourage you to show your appreciation. While naming your next child would be extremely flattering, I suggest something simple but thoughtful. I have bought several watches from my AD over the last 15 years, and always show my appreciation by gifting the Sales Associate a box of candy, or a lunch from the place next door, or a gift card. I think it is always been in the range of $25 to $50, nothing extravagant. Why? Consider that the state of the market right now is a seller’s realm. You can NOT just walk in to an AD and pick from a case full of Stainless Steel Rolexes (substitute any model you desire). These Sales associates are not desperate for your business. We can (and have) debate for years the reasons, righteousness, causes, etc. But the fact remains that is the situation. Now, maybe your AD has some in the safe in the back, or maybe they seriously do not have the model you desire in the store, but I submit they would have at least a dozen (probably more) customers that they could call whom would immediately come in and buy that watch. For whatever reason, your good looks, charm, spending history, (we can and have debated that a million times) they choose YOU to sell the watch to. IMHO, that warrants a small thank-you token. You are thanking your sales associate for giving YOU the opportunity to make that purchase over a dozen or more other potential buyers, certainly you are not breaking any ethical boundaries by gifting them a box of bagels, or donuts, or candy, or whatever you feel appropriate.

I had ZERO purchase experience with my current AD back in 2008 when I walked in and talked to my Sales Associate about obtaining a stainless steel Daytona. After a few months, she called and said she had gotten me one. I knew from our conversations she liked Godiva chocolates, and when I went to pick it up the watch brought a box with me. Since then I have been fortunate to have been offered and bought several hard to get models, including a BLNR, a SkyDweller, a SS Submariner etc. It may sound like I spend a lot at that store but in reality this is over 15 years, and I know for a fact several customers have spent WAY more then myself, but still I am offered a hard to obtain piece. Surely, there is nothing wrong with, and certainly IMHO it is appropriate, gifting a $25 box of chocolates or bagels in appreciation. We have had this discussion before and the passion and intensity of opinion from some members who abhorrently object to any notion of a thank you gesture. Seriously, YOU (for whatever reason) were picked from a dozen or more potential customers, what is wrong with showing your appreciation? I’ll never understand those that state is it against principal, or inherently wrong for a business transaction. What is the big deal?

Agree with Paul on this one!

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[arcampado]

Welcome to the forum

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by arcampado

Welcome to the forum

Thank you!

[Gva1985]

A simple thank you, a bit of chitchat and a smile should be enough. I was able to get my BLNR, DaytonaC, OP turquoise etc using this simple recipe.

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by Gva1985

A simple thank you, a bit of chitchat and a smile should be enough. I was able to get my BLNR, DaytonaC, OP turquoise etc using this simple recipe.

Ok Thank you for your reply. I wasn't sure if most people "tipped" in some some form.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by pokerhsu

Ok Thank you for your reply. I wasn't sure if most people "tipped" in some some form.

I’ve send a gift card $250, twice, for two difft watches. Nothing for third but will


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[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

I’ve send a gift card $250, twice, for two difft watches. Nothing for third but will


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Thank you! Would I be allowed to personally hand him a gift card or a bottle inside the AD or is that frowned upon?

[gnardex]

Originally Posted by pokerhsu

Thank you! Would I be allowed to personally hand him a gift card or a bottle inside the AD or is that frowned upon?

In Europe is not used at all to give any kind of present.
It would be considered "odd".
What I have heard, but only if you are in confidence,
is to bring something that you consume together with the staff
(e.g. a champagne bottle, that you open there and all together
you do a toast on your new watch).
No more than this,
no personal presents

welcome! if you are thinking to presents,
it means you have A LOT to celebrate!
congratulations!

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by pokerhsu

Thank you! Would I be allowed to personally hand him a gift card or a bottle inside the AD or is that frowned upon?

"Allowed"...LOL

These how to conduct business posts are ridiculous. You can afford to buy an expensive watch but don't know how to execute a simple retail transaction. Just buy the watch and do hat feels right.

[ikincooper]

Originally Posted by Gva1985

A simple thank you, a bit of chitchat and a smile should be enough. I was able to get my BLNR, DaytonaC, OP turquoise etc using this simple recipe.

Broadly speaking, I agree with the above. That said, I have on 2 occasions purchased some doughnuts and coffee vouchers as a thank you that extends beyond my SA and covers all the AD colleagues too. I’ve had similar purchasing success too: BLNR, DJ36, Explorer 1, YM37 Oysterflex and DaytonaC.

I think spending excessively or just for your SA, could be seen in a bad light. Just my opinion.


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[Robf52]

Originally Posted by ikincooper

Broadly speaking, I agree with the above. That said, I have on 2 occasions purchased some doughnuts and coffee vouchers as a thank you that extends beyond my SA and covers all the AD colleagues too. I’ve had similar purchasing success too: BLNR, DJ36, Explorer 1, YM37 Oysterflex and DaytonaC.

I think spending excessively or just for your SA, could be seen in a bad light. Just my opinion.

I've done very similar. I think this helps the relationship, and, like everywhere, relationships matter.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by pokerhsu

Hey all, I was wondering what is the proper etiquette for showing your appreciation to the sales rep at the AD? Let's say for example I got the call to pick up a watch I've been waiting for. My sales rep has been super nice and exceeded my expectations. Do I bring him or her a bottle of scotch/wine when I go in to pick up the new watch? Is something like that even allowed?

What, if anything have you guys done?

Thanks.

They should be super nice to you for spending that amount of money in his watch store thats all thats needed a polite thank you as you leave the watch retail store. ADs are just retail stores like any other retail store and just treat them the same respect as say a lady on your supermarket checkout .

[MinMay]

If you want to bring wine then go for it, be creative, be yourself, be happy

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by MinMay

If you want to bring wine then go for it, be creative, be yourself, be happy

Thank you!

[Hulkhunter]

I have done it but only at my favoured AD. They treat me very well with both the watches and the fact I get invited to most of the events/away days. I feel like a valued customer so show my appreciation.

It has to be appropriate to the relationship you have with the rep/store. Would be odd to gift something to someone who barely knows you.

[Rolexatlast]

Smile and shake hands. If they have been particularly accommodating, then maybe a nice email to the store manager

Anything further is creepy

Any kind of gift with monetary value is bribery.

[joli160]

Each country is different.

In general sales assistants in Europe do not rely on the number of sales to have a decent income.
In my place it is really frowned upon if you offer them gifts and they will look at you poorly thinking that you want to bribe them.
Show of disrespect.
Being a polite and nice customer is more than enough.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by joli160

Each country is different.

In general sales assistants in Europe do not rely on the number of sales to have a decent income.
In my place it is really frowned upon if you offer them gifts and they will look at you poorly thinking that you want to bribe them.
Show of disrespect.
Being a polite and nice customer is more than enough.

I think you are right, culture has a lot to do with it. I have noticed that the opinion of Europeans is more trended towards the no-gift policy. Here in the US tipping is common, and gifting a sales associate maybe not expected, but certainly acceptable, regardless of the business. Heck, I gifted my attorney a small token for doing a good job on a legal matter, there is nothing wrong with that IMHO and no one was aghast when I did it. I am not suggesting either opinion is right or wrong, but it does seem to have basis in the culture of Americans compared to other parts of the world. I am sure you can find difference of opinions from anywhere, but it appears to be region and culture-based.

Before anyone accuses me of being an ugly American I am NOT suggesting either opinion is correct, but culture appears to have a great deal to do with general consensus. As in your post Joli, I certainly would not recommend doing it if it is viewed as an insult.

[amh]

The ballers here on TRF host a Tequila tasting

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...hlight=tequila

[Andad]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I think you are right, culture has a lot to do with it. I have noticed that the opinion of Europeans is more trended towards the no-gift policy. Here in the US tipping is common, and gifting a sales associate maybe not expected, but certainly acceptable, regardless of the business. Heck, I gifted my attorney a small token for doing a good job on a legal matter, there is nothing wrong with that IMHO and no one was aghast when I did it. I am not suggesting either opinion is right or wrong, but it does seem to have basis in the culture of Americans compared to other parts of the world. I am sure you can find difference of opinions from anywhere, but it appears to be region and culture-based.

Before anyone accuses me of being an ugly American I am NOT suggesting either opinion is correct, but culture appears to have a great deal to do with general consensus. As in your post Joli, I certainly would not recommend doing it if it is viewed as an insult.

And you can add the Aussies and appt least one Scot Paul.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Andad

And you can add the Aussies and appt least one Scot Paul.

Added

My first time down under, about 100 years ago, I met, and immediately fell in love with an Aussie woman, she was a bartender and I proposed on the spot. Of course I got turned down, but I asked her what the biggest tip she had ever received was. She said you Aussies don’t really tip. I gave her $100.

She still wouldn’t marry me though Maybe you could look her up for me Eddie

[michaelodonnell123]

Originally Posted by Rolexatlast

Smile and shake hands. If they have been particularly accommodating, then maybe a nice email to the store manager

Anything further is creepy

Any kind of gift with monetary value is bribery.

Giving a gift with monetary value prior to the sale is bribery, after the sale is a gratuity.

[TheVTCGuy]

Maybe I will go against the grain of the incredibly helpful (yes, that is sarcasm, read in to it “Snarky”) suggestions from some members here on TRF, I encourage you to show your appreciation. While naming your next child would be extremely flattering, I suggest something simple but thoughtful. I have bought several watches from my AD over the last 15 years, and always show my appreciation by gifting the Sales Associate a box of candy, or a lunch from the place next door, or a gift card. I think it is always been in the range of $25 to $50, nothing extravagant. Why? Consider that the state of the market right now is a seller’s realm. You can NOT just walk in to an AD and pick from a case full of Stainless Steel Rolexes (substitute any model you desire). These Sales associates are not desperate for your business. We can (and have) debate for years the reasons, righteousness, causes, etc. But the fact remains that is the situation. Now, maybe your AD has some in the safe in the back, or maybe they seriously do not have the model you desire in the store, but I submit they would have at least a dozen (probably more) customers that they could call whom would immediately come in and buy that watch. For whatever reason, your good looks, charm, spending history, (we can and have debated that a million times) they choose YOU to sell the watch to. IMHO, that warrants a small thank-you token. You are thanking your sales associate for giving YOU the opportunity to make that purchase over a dozen or more other potential buyers, certainly you are not breaking any ethical boundaries by gifting them a box of bagels, or donuts, or candy, or whatever you feel appropriate.

I had ZERO purchase experience with my current AD back in 2008 when I walked in and talked to my Sales Associate about obtaining a stainless steel Daytona. After a few months, she called and said she had gotten me one. I knew from our conversations she liked Godiva chocolates, and when I went to pick it up the watch brought a box with me. Since then I have been fortunate to have been offered and bought several hard to get models, including a BLNR, a SkyDweller, a SS Submariner etc. It may sound like I spend a lot at that store but in reality this is over 15 years, and I know for a fact several customers have spent WAY more then myself, but still I am offered a hard to obtain piece. Surely, there is nothing wrong with, and certainly IMHO it is appropriate, gifting a $25 box of chocolates or bagels in appreciation. We have had this discussion before and the passion and intensity of opinion from some members who abhorrently object to any notion of a thank you gesture. Seriously, YOU (for whatever reason) were picked from a dozen or more potential customers, what is wrong with showing your appreciation? I’ll never understand those that state is it against principal, or inherently wrong for a business transaction. What is the big deal?

[Hulkhunter]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Maybe I will go against the grain of the incredibly helpful (yes, that is sarcasm, read in to it “Snarky”) suggestions from some members here on TRF, I encourage you to show your appreciation. While naming your next child would be extremely flattering, I suggest something simple but thoughtful. I have bought several watches from my AD over the last 15 years, and always show my appreciation by gifting the Sales Associate a box of candy, or a lunch from the place next door, or a gift card. I think it is always been in the range of $25 to $50, nothing extravagant. Why? Consider that the state of the market right now is a seller’s realm. You can NOT just walk in to an AD and pick from a case full of Stainless Steel Rolexes (substitute any model you desire). These Sales associates are not desperate for your business. We can (and have) debate for years the reasons, righteousness, causes, etc. But the fact remains that is the situation. Now, maybe your AD has some in the safe in the back, or maybe they seriously do not have the model you desire in the store, but I submit they would have at least a dozen (probably more) customers that they could call whom would immediately come in and buy that watch. For whatever reason, your good looks, charm, spending history, (we can and have debated that a million times) they choose YOU to sell the watch to. IMHO, that warrants a small thank-you token. You are thanking your sales associate for giving YOU the opportunity to make that purchase over a dozen or more other potential buyers, certainly you are not breaking any ethical boundaries by gifting them a box of bagels, or donuts, or candy, or whatever you feel appropriate.

I had ZERO purchase experience with my current AD back in 2008 when I walked in and talked to my Sales Associate about obtaining a stainless steel Daytona. After a few months, she called and said she had gotten me one. I knew from our conversations she liked Godiva chocolates, and when I went to pick it up the watch brought a box with me. Since then I have been fortunate to have been offered and bought several hard to get models, including a BLNR, a SkyDweller, a SS Submariner etc. It may sound like I spend a lot at that store but in reality this is over 15 years, and I know for a fact several customers have spent WAY more then myself, but still I am offered a hard to obtain piece. Surely, there is nothing wrong with, and certainly IMHO it is appropriate, gifting a $25 box of chocolates or bagels in appreciation. We have had this discussion before and the passion and intensity of opinion from some members who abhorrently object to any notion of a thank you gesture. Seriously, YOU (for whatever reason) were picked from a dozen or more potential customers, what is wrong with showing your appreciation? I’ll never understand those that state is it against principal, or inherently wrong for a business transaction. What is the big deal?

Agreed 👍.

I’m not advocating randomly walking in with a box of donuts and coffee to an AD where they don’t even know you by name. That seems to be what people think you need to do at ADs.

As you said, they aren’t desperate for your business. They could sell the watches to anyone. Same with event invites. If they chose you as a valued customer it doesn’t hurt to show appreciation with an appropriately sized gesture. I usually set the limit at £50ish. But can even be a £10 box of chocolates or something.

[pokerhsu]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Maybe I will go against the grain of the incredibly helpful (yes, that is sarcasm, read in to it “Snarky”) suggestions from some members here on TRF, I encourage you to show your appreciation. While naming your next child would be extremely flattering, I suggest something simple but thoughtful. I have bought several watches from my AD over the last 15 years, and always show my appreciation by gifting the Sales Associate a box of candy, or a lunch from the place next door, or a gift card. I think it is always been in the range of $25 to $50, nothing extravagant. Why? Consider that the state of the market right now is a seller’s realm. You can NOT just walk in to an AD and pick from a case full of Stainless Steel Rolexes (substitute any model you desire). These Sales associates are not desperate for your business. We can (and have) debate for years the reasons, righteousness, causes, etc. But the fact remains that is the situation. Now, maybe your AD has some in the safe in the back, or maybe they seriously do not have the model you desire in the store, but I submit they would have at least a dozen (probably more) customers that they could call whom would immediately come in and buy that watch. For whatever reason, your good looks, charm, spending history, (we can and have debated that a million times) they choose YOU to sell the watch to. IMHO, that warrants a small thank-you token. You are thanking your sales associate for giving YOU the opportunity to make that purchase over a dozen or more other potential buyers, certainly you are not breaking any ethical boundaries by gifting them a box of bagels, or donuts, or candy, or whatever you feel appropriate.

I had ZERO purchase experience with my current AD back in 2008 when I walked in and talked to my Sales Associate about obtaining a stainless steel Daytona. After a few months, she called and said she had gotten me one. I knew from our conversations she liked Godiva chocolates, and when I went to pick it up the watch brought a box with me. Since then I have been fortunate to have been offered and bought several hard to get models, including a BLNR, a SkyDweller, a SS Submariner etc. It may sound like I spend a lot at that store but in reality this is over 15 years, and I know for a fact several customers have spent WAY more then myself, but still I am offered a hard to obtain piece. Surely, there is nothing wrong with, and certainly IMHO it is appropriate, gifting a $25 box of chocolates or bagels in appreciation. We have had this discussion before and the passion and intensity of opinion from some members who abhorrently object to any notion of a thank you gesture. Seriously, YOU (for whatever reason) were picked from a dozen or more potential customers, what is wrong with showing your appreciation? I’ll never understand those that state is it against principal, or inherently wrong for a business transaction. What is the big deal?

Thank you for this detailed reply. You described my exact line of thinking when I posted my original question. Cheers.