Do dealers and greys like extremely knowledgable clients?

[Incroyable12]

I've noticed that some dealers seem to clam up if you seem to ask too many esoteric questions or disclose that you know all the ins and outs of certain models, the market, etc.

On the other hand I've read interviews and chatted with some dealers who seem to enjoy interacting with extremely knowledgable customers and collectors.

[teck21]

Maybe they’re just different.

Just a thought.


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[KY..]

When I talk to dealers about modern and vintage models they realize I know more than the average bear and the results have been mixed as to them appreciating it vocally or keeping quiet.
I think it can be intimidating to some dealers if you know more about their product than they do.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by KY..

When I talk to dealers about modern and vintage models they realize I know more than the average bear and the results have been mixed as to them appreciating it vocally or keeping quiet.
I think it can be intimidating to some dealers if you know more about their product than they do.

I think many of them also don't appreciate the fact that you may have your own sources or know all the tricks. It makes it more difficult for them to sell things to you.

I've also noticed many dealers don't necessarily like clients who are looking for an extremely specific rare item.

[Dannyv]

Originally Posted by KY..

When I talk to dealers about modern and vintage models they realize I know more than the average bear and the results have been mixed as to them appreciating it vocally or keeping quiet.
I think it can be intimidating to some dealers if you know more about their product than they do.

That has definitely been my experience. A little unfortunate as I'd love the chat.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by Dannyv

That has definitely been my experience. A little unfortunate as I'd love the chat.

Vintage is such a shark tank that many dealers seem to prefer their customers to be fairly ignorant.

There was that big lawsuit that John Mayer filed against Bob Maron for selling fakes.

[RKunz]

If you talk about vintage to most ADs they may not know much about say what model & year was the first Rolex GMT. It just depends whether the AD is simply a sales person or an enthusiast. I was both. I owned all the Mondani books. I met Osvaldo Patrizzi back in the 80s-90s. I studied all the auction results. I learned how to spot a refinished dial from an original. So I could dialogue in both worlds. Most ADs only know bullet points on new models because Rolex makes sure they are trained in that. A lot of the ADs that knew both new and vintage they were the first ADs to be cut by Rolex.

[IamJacky]

I've bought several pieces from various grey dealers in my area and in my experience it makes the deal and bargaining process easier and much faster.

I wouldn't say I'm extremely knowledgable about watches, but I do my due diligence before approaching the dealer, and usually they can instantly sense I mean business and that I've done my homework, and when I ask for a "best offer" the price is usually a little bit better than I expected.

Most of them are really into watches too, so I've also had some nice conversations about watches and watch markets in general. But that's just my own experience, can't speak for others.

[Old Expat Beast]

I guess they're all different, and have their good days and bad days, though of course no-one likes a smart-ass.

[rolexjackson]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I guess they're all different, and have their good days and bad days, though of course no-one likes a smart-ass.

Or a know it all!


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[grimps]

I would expect most enthusiasts that have a lot of knowledge of Rolex or other bands already know and have a good relationship with a grey dealer anyway

[Incroyable12]

My impression is that some dealers don't like it when customers know how much things are wholesale price or what they pay for B2B.

For example many dealers sell certain Rolex parts at a huge premium on Chrono24 when in reality you can buy these parts for a fraction of the cost from the RSC.

[johnwigan]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

I've noticed that some dealers seem to clam up if you seem to ask too many esoteric questions or disclose that you know all the ins and outs of certain models, the market, etc.

On the other hand I've read interviews and chatted with some dealers who seem to enjoy interacting with extremely knowledgable customers and collectors.

It is a job for them, they are more than likely not interested in what you know or don't know. It is like going to the Doctor with a bad knee and telling him everything you know about knees. They just want the pertinent information to get the job done as quickly as possible and send you on your way.

[fixinbones]

Originally Posted by johnwigan

It is a job for them, they are more than likely not interested in what you know or don't know. It is like going to the Doctor with a bad knee and telling him everything you know about knees. They just want the pertinent information to get the job done as quickly as possible and send you on your way.

Well you hit that nail right on the head. 😂

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by johnwigan

It is a job for them, they are more than likely not interested in what you know or don't know. It is like going to the Doctor with a bad knee and telling him everything you know about knees. They just want the pertinent information to get the job done as quickly as possible and send you on your way.

There's a real possibility you might get hoodwinked by dealers though. A doctor isn't going to pull one over you.

Given all the fakes, frankenwatches, aftermarket parts, and refinished dials on the market now it's a real risk.

[jimcameron]

They sell watches. They don't want to listen to a lecture.

[waterking]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

They sell watches. They don't want to listen to a lecture.

This....it ain't rocket science no matter how hard you try to make it.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

They sell watches. They don't want to listen to a lecture.

This


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[Incroyable12]

In reality it's probably annoying if the customer knows too much about pricing and the market and other esoteric details.

[brandrea]

I suppose it depends on the sales associate and the customer dynamics more than anything.

My AD loves to geek out with me

[JayHantz]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I suppose it depends on the sales associate and the customer dynamics more than anything.

My AD loves to geek out with me

Mine does too!

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I suppose it depends on the sales associate and the customer dynamics more than anything.

My AD loves to geek out with me

I agree and I do the same with my good friend. However, he is not an AD for everything. Many dealers do not seem to be very interested in their product.

[77T]

What one knows and what one says are two things that should never meet in a convo with a dealer.

Listening to a “know it all” is just a cost of doing business. Patience with them has grown thin methinks.


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[Harry-57]

They like clients who are extremely likely to pay and look likely to give them repeat business.

If I speak to someone selling anything and they appear to not know what they are selling, I will buy if it's to my advantage. I will walk if I believe the knowledge gap will be to my disadvantage.

[1William]

Depends on the SA/Grey and the conversation. I have found that when you are a real customer and not just a tire kicker you move along very well in discussions.

[Incroyable12]

Part of the fun in collecting watches is doing research on what your next piece might be and the thrill of the hunt.

I'm guessing some dealers might take that as tire kicking if you're not immediately looking to buy and only have a lot of questions; I'm mostly speaking about second hand/vintage dealers rather than ADs.

Many savvy/experienced collectors also seem fond of haggling hard which dealers no doubt find annoying.

[joli160]

I’ve never met a knowledgable SA in a Rolex AD, based on all the bullocks they usually try to feed me. I just let them rattle and don’t feel the need to correct them.

At the PP salon in Geneva the staff amazed me, awesome experience. Very knowledgable and proud to represent their brand in the finest way possible. Love to see that

[Pinchy]

It's not likely to help. They will all love that you show an interest, but you can easily imagine if your customer knew more than you did about your own job? You could imagine how that would feel.

The ultimate customer is the one that loves everything the SA says and falls in love with every watch on the spot and buys it on the spot.

[Alpino]

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Extremely knowledgable clients won't deal with grey dealers ...

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by Alpino

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Extremely knowledgable clients won't deal with grey dealers ...

Seriously?