The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Sunday 15 December 2024 @ 11:33:56 am

Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Other (non-Rolex) Watch Topics > Watches (Non-Rolex) Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 28 October 2019, 03:36 AM   #1
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Unhappy experience after purchasing watch at boutiqu

Long post, I apologize:

OK, I was not going to post or mention this experience, however, after attending Watch Time NY yesterday I got pissed all over again. Here is what happened and tell me what you think:

I went to the Blancpain boutique in Manhattan in August with my brother and the kids to browse. I have wanted a Fifty Fathoms for some time and currently owned the Bathyscaphe. Anyway, while trying on the FF Grand Date, the salesman (whom I will not name) brings over the Bathyscaphe 1970s LE. He tells me they were surprised when they received it and that it was the absolute last 1970s LE available in the entire Blancpain network and that it was a better buy than the regular FF. I have liked the watch since I first saw it when it was launched and decided to purchase it, especially being the last one available. My brother and I even joked to the sales associate that we better not see another 1970s in the case and he assured me that would not happen and we all laughed. Well, as you may have guessed, a few weeks later I return to the boutique to look at the Barakuda prototype and I see a 1970s in the glass case. I was not happy but said nothing. Yesterday I see the watch at the show and could hold my tongue no more. I spoke with another sales associate whom I have developed a relationship with and told him how unhappy I was at the sales tactic used to move the watch. Why lie about it being the last watch in network? According to him, they have had that issue before and that corporate had presented the watch as being the last in network to the boutique and that all he could do was apologize and bring it up to the powers that be, especially knowing that that was my 2nd BP and that I was considering purchasing the Barakuda as a 3rd. Anyway, it really soured me on the brand. Am I wrong in being pissed? I feel like I was duped by a greasy used car salesman technique. Would I have purchased the watch anyway? I don't know, but to me that is not the point. The boutique is supposed to embody everything great about the brand no?
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 04:21 AM   #2
locutus49
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2014
Real Name: John
Location: La Jolla, CA
Watch: Platona
Posts: 12,194
The FOMO sales tactic worked. It would not sour me on the brand unless you knew corporate sponsored that technique and it sounds like they didn't. You said you liked the watch anyway, so whether it was the last in the world, or one of many, would it matter to you?
locutus49 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 04:33 AM   #3
BigAppleBill
"TRF" Member
 
BigAppleBill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Real Name: Bill
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,735
I’m usually dubious when it comes to such sales tactics. But in the end it’s a ‘limited edition’ watch and you wanted it, so you bought it. It’s not as if they’re making more of them. You understood you were purchasing watch #x of xxx. Seeing another one in the case shouldn’t matter. Salespeople can be real asshats. I hope you’re enjoying the watch regardless.
BigAppleBill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 04:46 AM   #4
Watcheroo
2024 Pledge Member
 
Watcheroo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 3,927
If you like the watch and enjoy wearing it, so be it
Watcheroo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 05:06 AM   #5
JR16
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 6,253
You got a LE watch you really liked. I wouldn’t get too bent out of shape by a salesman. Always take what they say w a grain of salt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
JR16 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 05:15 AM   #6
GB-man
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GB-man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Watch: addiction issues
Posts: 37,356
Do yourself a huge favor and buy BP from an AD not a boutique. If you want a contact let me know. You don’t need to pay retail for BP.
__________________
GB-man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 05:25 AM   #7
PeqFB
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 182
Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
Do yourself a huge favor and buy BP from an AD not a boutique. If you want a contact let me know. You don’t need to pay retail for BP.
QFT. I bought this LE watch from an AD and got a discount. Btw, it’s a great watch!
PeqFB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 05:54 AM   #8
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Yeah, I do like the watch and enjoy it. I also knew when I purchased it that I was paying top dollar for a watch I would most likely be able to get gray for much less but I made the decision anyway. That’s on me. I just don’t think they need to play that game to sell a watch. Maybe I naively assumed the boutique would be more forthright than an AD. Learned my lesson, none can be trusted. Still a great watch! Ps they invited me to a special event at the boutique with dinner at the St. Regis after, I decided to attend. I genuinely like the people I have met at the boutique so why not? Thank you all for putting it in perspective for me. My Cuban blood is still easily boiled and in my 50s!
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 05:57 AM   #9
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
Do yourself a huge favor and buy BP from an AD not a boutique. If you want a contact let me know. You don’t need to pay retail for BP.
Thanks for the offer and I will keep it in mind. But I am now on the hunt for the Datograph up down!
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 05:58 AM   #10
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Quote:
Originally Posted by PeqFB View Post
QFT. I bought this LE watch from an AD and got a discount. Btw, it’s a great watch!
Now that’s just rubbing it in!
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 06:18 AM   #11
Fat_ninja
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2018
Real Name: Jonathan
Location: USA
Watch: P-01
Posts: 11,772
Sorry you got that treatment bro... yeah it gets upsetting when people lie to you. Bright side is u still enjoy the watch and you know not to be suckered again. These days I only work with people I like...
Fat_ninja is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 06:48 AM   #12
Jay (Eire)
2024 Pledge Member
 
Jay (Eire)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: @jb.watching
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,491
Sorry to hear that. It’s just dirty and as you say results in the customer having a sour taste in their mouth. Whether the individual in question was playing the game (which some may say is “doing their job”) or was genuinely misinformed I’m not sure you’ll ever know.

What you were told did, it sounds, influenced your decision on that day (and that’s fair). Because of that I think you should make that known to whomever runs the Boutique and the N.A. Head.

Unfortunately it’s virtually impossible at any point of sale to not encounter some level of sales tactic. The amount of crap I’ve heard or been told is mind blowing and with certainty less informed buyers are being sold a bunch of crap in many cases. But that’s the case from the sales floor to the HQ.
Jay (Eire) is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 06:58 AM   #13
mongrelnomoad
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Here and there...
Posts: 1,902
I have only had one single good experience trying, or buying, a watch of late, when the salesperson chatted casually about watches, didn’t mind that I was in jeans, a t-shirt and non-designer trainers, had no prior sales history. I was floored when he told me flat out that he would not let me buy the LineSport as it was far too big for my wrist. He was absolutely right. I have taken his name and fully intend to return if they carry anything I find interesting. Unfortunately he has proved the exception, rather than the rule.

Otherwise, I get attitude even from stores where I have spent vast sums over the years, most recently a few weeks ago when the salesperson at Lange told he “didn’t know” if there were any sports watches in the pipeline after calling me “family” for having purchased my Lange 1 MP from them previously. I feel like a chump and I don’t want to set foot there again. Honesty, dignity and decency should be the foundation of every single interaction, but they just seem incapable...

All the shady salespeople have migrated from used cars and real estate to the watch boutiques.

I have needed multiple showers each and every time.
mongrelnomoad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 07:24 AM   #14
astewartconst
"TRF" Member
 
astewartconst's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 453
There has been a 1970 sitting in a case in Chicago for a long time. I would be mad also if I were you


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
astewartconst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 07:48 AM   #15
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Hi, I’m here to browse some watches...
Attached Images
 
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 08:12 AM   #16
1665fan
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: East coast
Posts: 6,660
It will never a daytona or something selling over retail....that being said they played you which is not right
1665fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 08:25 AM   #17
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay (Eire) View Post
Sorry to hear that. It’s just dirty and as you say results in the customer having a sour taste in their mouth. Whether the individual in question was playing the game (which some may say is “doing their job”) or was genuinely misinformed I’m not sure you’ll ever know.

What you were told did, it sounds, influenced your decision on that day (and that’s fair). Because of that I think you should make that known to whomever runs the Boutique and the N.A. Head.

Unfortunately it’s virtually impossible at any point of sale to not encounter some level of sales tactic. The amount of crap I’ve heard or been told is mind blowing and with certainty less informed buyers are being sold a bunch of crap in many cases. But that’s the case from the sales floor to the HQ.
I was thinking of writing a letter. I may just do that, not that it will do any good!
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 08:25 AM   #18
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Quote:
Originally Posted by mongrelnomoad View Post
I have only had one single good experience trying, or buying, a watch of late, when the salesperson chatted casually about watches, didn’t mind that I was in jeans, a t-shirt and non-designer trainers, had no prior sales history. I was floored when he told me flat out that he would not let me buy the LineSport as it was far too big for my wrist. He was absolutely right. I have taken his name and fully intend to return if they carry anything I find interesting. Unfortunately he has proved the exception, rather than the rule.

Otherwise, I get attitude even from stores where I have spent vast sums over the years, most recently a few weeks ago when the salesperson at Lange told he “didn’t know” if there were any sports watches in the pipeline after calling me “family” for having purchased my Lange 1 MP from them previously. I feel like a chump and I don’t want to set foot there again. Honesty, dignity and decency should be the foundation of every single interaction, but they just seem incapable...

All the shady salespeople have migrated from used cars and real estate to the watch boutiques.

I have needed multiple showers each and every time.
Agreed!
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 08:26 AM   #19
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fat_ninja View Post
Sorry you got that treatment bro... yeah it gets upsetting when people lie to you. Bright side is u still enjoy the watch and you know not to be suckered again. These days I only work with people I like...
Good advice!
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 08:29 AM   #20
martinr
"TRF" Member
 
martinr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: California
Posts: 3,106
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay (Eire) View Post
Sorry to hear that. It’s just dirty and as you say results in the customer having a sour taste in their mouth. Whether the individual in question was playing the game (which some may say is “doing their job”) or was genuinely misinformed I’m not sure you’ll ever know.

What you were told did, it sounds, influenced your decision on that day (and that’s fair). Because of that I think you should make that known to whomever runs the Boutique and the N.A. Head.

Unfortunately it’s virtually impossible at any point of sale to not encounter some level of sales tactic. The amount of crap I’ve heard or been told is mind blowing and with certainty less informed buyers are being sold a bunch of crap in many cases. But that’s the case from the sales floor to the HQ.
Completely true and it doesn’t matter if it’s a boutique or an AD you have a “relationship” with. What have you done for me lately is the way it is in my opinion. So, buy the watch not the brand. Just my opinion.
martinr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 10:25 AM   #21
Jay (Eire)
2024 Pledge Member
 
Jay (Eire)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: @jb.watching
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,491
Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelFlash View Post
I was thinking of writing a letter. I may just do that, not that it will do any good!
I think you should.

We are likely all thinking that it’s a pointless exercise but it’s what you should do. Make sure you cc everyone that’s relevant along the BP N.A. chain and Richemont. I’m sure a little bit of digging will find you the right people/names.

Good luck.
Jay (Eire) is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 10:11 PM   #22
bigfatpauli
"TRF" Member
 
bigfatpauli's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Toronto
Posts: 684
So a sales person wasn't completely honest and you are surprised?

What's next, discovering that politicians lie?

Did you only buy it because it was the "last one"?
bigfatpauli is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2019, 10:36 PM   #23
AK797
2024 Pledge Member
 
AK797's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Neil
Location: UK
Watch: ing ships roll in
Posts: 59,369
I would not be impressed with this hard sell and such a blatant lie so I would do something about it, be it a letter or going back to the store and naming names. I just don't like people thinking they can get away with crap like this. As has been said I would not tie in the brand with the staff, I just went to Harrods and the guy at Rolex used to be at Omega and the girl at AP used to be at Breitling so they all shift around, so I would just go after the salesperson, not the brand.
AK797 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 October 2019, 10:48 AM   #24
MrBenF
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Real Name: Ben
Location: Sydney
Posts: 114
Unhappy experience after purchasing watch at boutiqu

I can almost relate to that. I was intent on buying an ALS from my AD but because of his attitude and less than complete transparency I have decided not to do business with him (& his company). Now I’m looking at a FPJ instead.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
MrBenF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 October 2019, 11:12 AM   #25
Justindo
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: California
Posts: 2,176
Quote:
Originally Posted by JR16 View Post
You got a LE watch you really liked. I wouldn’t get too bent out of shape by a salesman. Always take what they say w a grain of salt.
This.
Justindo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 October 2019, 08:41 PM   #26
Jay (Eire)
2024 Pledge Member
 
Jay (Eire)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: @jb.watching
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,491
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigfatpauli View Post
So a sales person wasn't completely honest and you are surprised?

What's next, discovering that politicians lie?

Did you only buy it because it was the "last one"?
Not speaking for the OP but if you were told that “this is the last piece in the world” it would influence your decision in some way, consciously or subconsciously. I just can’t believe it wouldn’t.

And yes, we deal with liars every day but that doesn’t mean you don’t call it out. In this case it may have been the sales person, it may have been corporate, who knows.
Jay (Eire) is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 October 2019, 10:07 PM   #27
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay (Eire) View Post
Not speaking for the OP but if you were told that “this is the last piece in the world” it would influence your decision in some way, consciously or subconsciously. I just can’t believe it wouldn’t.

And yes, we deal with liars every day but that doesn’t mean you don’t call it out. In this case it may have been the sales person, it may have been corporate, who knows.
Exactly. I don't get the so they lied to you at the boutique, so what? attitude. Sorry, but I think a corporate owned boutique should be a representative of the brand's identity and core values especially in the luxury goods market. Fluff all you want about how great the watch is, why it's a great value, how their brand is better etc. that is salesmanship. An outright factual lie from a brand boutique rep is something else IMHO.
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 November 2019, 03:45 AM   #28
asiparks
"TRF" Member
 
asiparks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Watch: ing the Detectives
Posts: 1,888
If that's what motivated you to buy if you weren't about to anyway, that's down to impulsive decision making on your part.
Sales guy is selling. "Its the last one" is the oldest trick in the handbook, whether watches, sofas, sneakers.

You have a beautiful watch, there are very few of them out there, honestly, why care if the boutique gets in another 4, would that diminish the enjoyment ?
__________________
Eagels may soar, but weasels are seldom sucked into jet engines...
asiparks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 November 2019, 03:57 AM   #29
locutus49
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2014
Real Name: John
Location: La Jolla, CA
Watch: Platona
Posts: 12,194
Now that your Cuban blood pressure is back to normal, how about showing some pictures. That is the smaller version of the FF, right? And it still has the sapphire bezel (a lovely feature), right? Pics or this thread does not exist. lol
locutus49 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 November 2019, 08:58 AM   #30
MichaelFlash
"TRF" Member
 
MichaelFlash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Michael
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,372
Quote:
Originally Posted by locutus49 View Post
Now that your Cuban blood pressure is back to normal, how about showing some pictures. That is the smaller version of the FF, right? And it still has the sapphire bezel (a lovely feature), right? Pics or this thread does not exist. lol

It's the Bathyscaphe 1970 not a FF LE so same size.
Attached Images
 
MichaelFlash is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.