AD in Tampa

[Ferdelious]

I know I'm beating a dead horse with this thread but maybe the squeaky wheel will finally get some grease if we all keep expressing our disappointment in Rolex's sales strategy.

Had to kill some time while waiting to pick up someone at the airport so I went to Mayors in International Plaza. It was the first time I've been there in months and the display case stock was abysmal. The only stainless sport model they had was an Explorer I. There wasn't even a salesperson in sight so I just walked right out. How could that be good business practice for Rolex?

[travisb]

Yup. I pop in there fairly often and that’s been the case for a long time now.
No surprise as it’s like that with just about all ADs.


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[scarlet knight]

They are running down their own brand. Displays I’ve seen at ADs are bereft of SS sports models.

[T01]

The way it is these days. I remember when the cases were stocked full of SS pieces. My how times have changed. Doesn't seem like it's going to get any better in the near future as well......

[captainron62]

I just stopped by Kiefers in Wesley Chapel today, (Suburb of Tampa for those who don't know). They had a nice stock considering the current inventory issues! I saw a Milguass, a TT GMT, a Stainless YM, several DJ's of course. A lot of his and her watches on display as they seemed to be pushing the matching sets. They had around 20 or so Rolex watches in stock which was impressive and the sales guy was pretty cool as well.

Oh, and the TT Chocolate YM was really nice in person! I am still not sold on the "new gold" but it was a lot better on the wrist than I anticipated. I didn't walk price, but all watches were tagged of course with MSRP.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Ferdelious

I know I'm beating a dead horse with this thread but maybe the squeaky wheel will finally get some grease if we all keep expressing our disappointment in Rolex's sales strategy.

Had to kill some time while waiting to pick up someone at the airport so I went to Mayors in International Plaza. It was the first time I've been there in months and the display case stock was abysmal. The only stainless sport model they had was an Explorer I. There wasn't even a salesperson in sight so I just walked right out. How could that be good business practice for Rolex?

I agree, the situation is pitiful.
But, according to TRF member FLEETLORD, this is what Rolex wants and this business strategy is genius. He praises what Rolex is currently doing. I guess, your mileage may vary!

[superstarmar]

I believe that’s Dr. Toms AD.
It pays to have a relationship .

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by captainron62

I just stopped by Kiefers in Wesley Chapel today, (Suburb of Tampa for those who don't know). They had a nice stock considering the current inventory issues! I saw a Milguass, a TT GMT, a Stainless YM, several DJ's of course. A lot of his and her watches on display as they seemed to be pushing the matching sets. They had around 20 or so Rolex watches in stock which was impressive and the sales guy was pretty cool as well.

Oh, and the TT Chocolate YM was really nice in person! I am still not sold on the "new gold" but it was a lot better on the wrist than I anticipated. I didn't walk price, but all watches were tagged of course with MSRP.

That’s the local AD to good friends of ours. I was there staying with them a few months ago (from the UK) and went in to see Keifer.

They were very friendly, but sadly had nothing to show by way of SS sports pieces.

Nice store though.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by captainron62

I just stopped by Kiefers in Wesley Chapel today, (Suburb of Tampa for those who don't know). They had a nice stock considering the current inventory issues! I saw a Milguass, a TT GMT, a Stainless YM, several DJ's of course. A lot of his and her watches on display as they seemed to be pushing the matching sets. They had around 20 or so Rolex watches in stock which was impressive and the sales guy was pretty cool as well.

Oh, and the TT Chocolate YM was really nice in person! I am still not sold on the "new gold" but it was a lot better on the wrist than I anticipated. I didn't walk price, but all watches were tagged of course with MSRP.

Wife just bought one.

[captainron62]

Originally Posted by Art 1

Wife just bought one.

That watch has my gears turning! I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. It is really unique and looks great on the wrist. Funny how some watches look one way in pics and then totally different in action!

[77T]

Originally Posted by superstarmar

I believe that’s Dr. Toms AD.
It pays to have a relationship .

I’ve been there a few times in the past - last time in 2016 though...

Very nice people and very clueful Rolex-wise. Like the ADs here near me, what you see in the case isn’t all that is available.

Serious buyers are handled different than browsers methinks...

[77T]

Originally Posted by Art 1

Wife just bought one.

Wow - very nice!

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by captainron62

That watch has my gears turning! I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. It is really unique and looks great on the wrist. Funny how some watches look one way in pics and then totally different in action!

Pictures don't do this watch justice. The dial and rose gold are amazing.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by 77T

Wow - very nice!

Thanks! Found it in Ontario.

[DahMan]

I have never had a worst buying experience, than through Mayor’s, and it was back when they had plenty of stock, and wanted my 5 digit sub, for a 6 date. They got it, and I do believe the 6 digit to be above the mark.
But I have bought 3 times, and never from the same guy, and nothing special in the transaction. I hear guys getting Champagne, a trinket, none of that. Sign and by.

[DahMan]

P.S, not all that great at discounting, either. Been to Sarasota, and Fort Myers....

[Ferdelious]

Originally Posted by 77T

I’ve been there a few times in the past - last time in 2016 though...

Very nice people and very clueful Rolex-wise. Like the ADs here near me, what you see in the case isn’t all that is available.

Serious buyers are handled different than browsers methinks...

My family has bought probably 10 rolexes from this store in the past. So I am an existing customer and serious buyer. There used to be at least 1 sometimes 2 sales reps in the Rolex section at all times.


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[DahMan]

I was non-plussed... but I haven’t been to Tampa, finguers crossed

[Dr.Brian]

I think much of the realities of the rest of the world have reached the U.S. And won't be going anywhere any time soon. I also suspect that they're not trying to grow the U.S. market as opposed to China, etc. So basically we're screwed for hard to find models unless you are established or they want to work with you. My AD is out of business a few years now, but one local jewelry store and AD has gotten a good bit of business from my wife, so I might still be in the game if I want something. I had a good contact at Govberg as well, but he moved on. :(

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by scarlet knight

They are running down their own brand. Displays I’ve seen at ADs are bereft of SS sports models.

The market always has limits. Continued disappointment, and time marches on. Never wise to take customers for granted. Precedent includes the Wright Bros. and ADMP.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Ferdelious

My family has bought probably 10 rolexes from this store in the past. So I am an existing customer and serious buyer. There used to be at least 1 sometimes 2 sales reps in the Rolex section at all times.


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If it were me (with that level of buying history) then I’d have gone to the back to at least say hello to my friends.

I have that sort of relationship with only one AD. Even when I’m killing time I chat to show my genuine interest in their shop.

What prompted you to walk out? I’m sure there were other pieces in the safe.


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[Onequik135i]

I purchased a previous 2 tone DJ from that store 14 years back, funny how times have changed w the SS shortage these days.

[Tampashooter]

Mayors Tampa is a great AD. My AD. Great employees. Suffering at the hands of Rolex or whomever is to blame for the current nonsense.

When I’m going in there. my salesman knows ahead of time, because we probably texted 5 times that day.

Know this. As mad as some here may be about availability, it’s ten fold that for the salesmen.

[enjoythemusic]

(Some humor, some truth) About their inventory, sorry as it's me swooping in and... If you stayed for a bit, bet they'd have offered you coffee, a drink etc.

btw, got Hulk from Nick @ Mayors Tampa about 8 weeks ago. Next time you stop in ask for him, but NEVER under ANY circumstance mention me. You never knew me, you weren't there, you didn't see anything.... ever! Just don't.

[CalSRQ1]

Was also in same AD in Sarasota. No SS stock on the shelf. Was told that the OP 39 in white and black “had not been released to dealers yet” and when I said I’ve seen it...I was “mistaken that anyone had one on their wrist.”

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

I agree, the situation is pitiful.
But, according to TRF member FLEETLORD, this is what Rolex wants and this business strategy is genius. He praises what Rolex is currently doing. I guess, your mileage may vary!

Hey, thanks for the shoutout! I wasn't even going to add my .02, but you did that for me..

Yep, ROLEX is doing just fine....better than ever.

I'm not the only one on TRF who thinks this as well, so I hope you give them equal props..

[Vivalas]

It’s a double edge sword though because if the shelves were full of them, no one wound want them. There has to be some compromise, what that is who knows.

[captainron62]

Originally Posted by CalSRQ1

Was also in same AD in Sarasota. No SS stock on the shelf. Was told that the OP 39 in white and black “had not been released to dealers yet” and when I said I’ve seen it...I was “mistaken that anyone had one on their wrist.”

I wish I would have been there for that. They would have had to call me a liar as I had one on my wrist two weeks ago in a store!

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Hey, thanks for the shoutout! I wasn't even going to add my .02, but you did that for me..

Yep, ROLEX is doing just fine....better than ever.

I'm not the only one on TRF who thinks this as well, so I hope you give them equal props..

Cheers!

[Ferdelious]

Originally Posted by 77T

If it were me (with that level of buying history) then I’d have gone to the back to at least say hello to my friends.

I have that sort of relationship with only one AD. Even when I’m killing time I chat to show my genuine interest in their shop.

What prompted you to walk out? I’m sure there were other pieces in the safe.


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I figured there was nothing to see or try on. My only interest right now is a no date Sub and guessing there was not one in inventory. I haven't bought a watch from that store in about 5 years and didn't see my normal sales person.

It looks totally unprofessional to have display cases empty IMO, could almost be perceived as the store going out of business. And I know that's not the AD's fault and they feel the brunt of it.