What are your criteria for a great AD? (Or a bad one?)

[stusrt]

To expand on the tread from ijen0311 http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=67072
I would like to hear people’s opinion on what they think makes a great AD. I know for many, they do enough research before buying that they don’t care about anything but the bottom line price.
In the Detroit area, there are over a dozen Rolex AD’s, so I can be picky. But only 1 Panerai AD, so not much choice there.
Here is my list in order of importance:
Price
No BS! If you don’t know the answer, tell me you don’t know. (I will walk out on anyone that gives me a line of crap I know is a lie)
Really know their stuff about the line – can educate me. Usually means they also love timepieces, which makes the discussions and purchase more enjoyable.
Willing to spend the time to discuss what I am looking for (don’t rush me)
Selection – I am often looking at a few brands, and it’s great when they are all in the same store and I can compare them side-by-side

This is what I hate most with sales people, and is common in the large chain stores:
Don’t know anything about the watches
Try to pressure you into buying (“we can give you 180 days interest fee only if buy today”)
Trashing another line, trying to sell theirs (“IWC isn’t half the watch as a Rolex”)
Snotty attitude (“it’s a Rolex, we don’t need to discount”)

I am looking at buying an Omega Speedmaster next. I found an Omega AD that really knows the line, spent the time to educate me about all the differences between the Speedmasters, and gives current market discounts (20-30%). When I’m ready to pull the trigger, I’m buying the watch from this AD.

[The GMT Master]

As a salesman at an AD myself, I try to adhere to a few criteria:

1) Never rush the customer. I find people tend to appreciate having a very laid back approach to buying an expensive watch. I don't mind spending a lot of time, even over several different occasions, building up a relationship with the customer, explaining the different possibilities for the watch, and the pros and cons for each model.

2) Honesty. Always the best policy.

3) Knowledge. A good salesman, in my opinion, is a knowledgeable one, hence why I come on TRF. If I don't know the answer, I make sure I find someone who does, so I don't spread misinformation to the customer.

4) Courtesy. Again, when a customer is considering to part with any amount of cash, they deserve to be treated excellently. Good customer service is a dying art, but it's one I intend to continue.

5) Choice. Working at a dealership that sells several other high-end brands, I always feel it's right to offer a range of brands, and not be restricted. However, if the customer wants to focus on just one brand, then I'm more than happy to do that as well.

6) Listening. Probably the most basic thing any salesman can do. Instead of the customer feeling like it's a battle to buy an item, listening and doing what the customer wants makes things a lot easier for both parties.

Those are my views, and I really hope the customers I deal with appreciate the extra effort I put in.

[vapalux]

Originally Posted by stusrt

To expand on the tread from ijen0311 http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=67072
I would like to hear people’s opinion on what they think makes a great AD. I know for many, they do enough research before buying that they don’t care about anything but the bottom line price.
In the Detroit area, there are over a dozen Rolex AD’s, so I can be picky. But only 1 Panerai AD, so not much choice there.
Here is my list in order of importance:
Price
No BS! If you don’t know the answer, tell me you don’t know. (I will walk out on anyone that gives me a line of crap I know is a lie)
Really know their stuff about the line – can educate me. Usually means they also love timepieces, which makes the discussions and purchase more enjoyable.
Willing to spend the time to discuss what I am looking for (don’t rush me)
Selection – I am often looking at a few brands, and it’s great when they are all in the same store and I can compare them side-by-side

This is what I hate most with sales people, and is common in the large chain stores:
Don’t know anything about the watches
Try to pressure you into buying (“we can give you 180 days interest fee only if buy today”)
Trashing another line, trying to sell theirs (“IWC isn’t half the watch as a Rolex”)
Snotty attitude (“it’s a Rolex, we don’t need to discount”)

I am looking at buying an Omega Speedmaster next. I found an Omega AD that really knows the line, spent the time to educate me about all the differences between the Speedmasters, and gives current market discounts (20-30%). When I’m ready to pull the trigger, I’m buying the watch from this AD.

Seems about right to me!

X2

Si

[ijen0311]

No rushing.
No acting like it's the last watch of that kind ever to be made.
No BS.
No judgement based on how I look, my age, or what I wear.
No acting like spending thousands on a watch is a small decision.

Extras include an AD where you can just look at watches, try things on, even if you're not in the market...

[DSJ]

My AD is great. Here's why:
1. Low Pressure - take as much time as needed
2. Willing to work with you on a budget
3. Competitive Pricing
4. Serves liquor!
5. Treats all equally

[buz-lh]

1. Knowledge
2. Politeness
3. Good selection
4. Good pricing
5. After sale service.
6. Appreciates my business.

Luckily I have such an AD and it is a pleasure to deal with him.

[East Bay Rider]

My favorite store just lost their AD status but they still sell used Rolex and TONS of other high end brands so I will definitely buy from them again. It's a small shop packed full of watches. The owners and the guys working there are enthusiasts, knowledgeable, friendly and like to just talk about watches in general. There's no drinks or fancy VIP treatment. It's not a fancy store at all. They show me watches like the BP fifty fathoms (to build my interest) and give me past isues of watch magazines and catalogs. They treated me well long before I bought anything expensive and my wife bought my Rolex there because we trust them.
This is what I would expect from a good AD.

[chenx15]

just great discounts, i really don't care if they throw bullS at me all the time. good savings is all i care for.

[AIKO]

I really wish my AD's had more Rolex materials when I was considering which to purchase. Both of my AD's had really old materials-not even a catalogue. I like to have these things in hand rather than look on the web. All the other brands-Omega, Breitlling, Tag....had fantastic materials to provide.