Is it normal for ADs to blatantly admit to prioritizing buyers of other merch?

[Krash]

Originally Posted by steveclr

me - but I don't act on it and neither would the OP - relax

I’m not the one that thinks about punching people in the throat. So you’re the one that needs to relax, not me.


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[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Any company prioritizes their better customers. If they don't, they won't be around long.

This.

[xrole]

Originally Posted by Phil8352

It kind of made me want to punch him in the throat.

Lets play: "Spot the guy with anger management issues".

[Divingdeep87]

Coooooooooome on please!!!!!

What do you want them to do? We all want the same 10 watches - off cause there has to be games to get one. Especially at the bigger AD’s.

If we could get all the watches we want this wouldn’t be as fun.

[SamArj]

Simple maths applies.
If the watch is worth significantly more in the grey market than the cost of the tat they are asking you to buy then buy the tat.

If that's not the case then politely say no.

No violence of any kind required, only maths.

[Funkle]

If the SA is working on any type of commission, it's no wonder he tried to sell you something he can actually sell you.
No doubt the wait bait he offered was in bad taste, and he probably would/could not be able to adjust that for you anyway.

[TheVision]

I mean keep in mind, all AD's are actually jewelry stores that happen to sell Rolex on the side. So its all retail business.

And retail business exists by milking as much money as they can from their buyers. Rolex, is just a watch manufacturer and does not dictate any terms on the retail side.

And AD's know the market very well. Why would they sell a hot piece like sub, gmt, daytona to a random customer who'll NEVER show up at the store again. And the market price is WAY above then AD's retail price.

So how can they squeeze more $$$$ out of potential customer is have them spend more $$$ on needless items like rings, bracelets etc before they allocate u a piece.

If AD's start giving out Rolexes like candy to everyone with no purchase history, they won't exist. Supply and demand.

3 years ago, same thing happened with car sales. No supply and high demand made Stealerships over charge customers with $3k-$5k markup and customers were STILL buying them. Why cos the dealership can put those prices knowing someone is willing to overspend.

Rolex situtation is basically the same deal. AD's control the market.

That being said, its a lot better than 2 years ago. I got my sub date in only 7 weeks and no purchase history. I'm on waitlist for batman and my rep said she can make it happen under a year.

One of the other friends was on the waitlist for a SD43 (zero purhcase) and he picked up his last month (was on waitlist for 5 months).

But there are some terrible ADs. I was on the sub waitlist at another local AD and rep had told me the same thing...if I buy a Tudor, my name would be bumped up higher on the waitlist). I never went back to that AD...

[Mick_Tock]

I was recently in an AD where all the Rolex watches were "exhibition only". I asked what it would take to be able to buy one. I was told "We need to get to know you first". I took that to be code for "Pop in from time to time and purchase something else and we might consider you". Luckily I got what I wanted before the tail started wagging the dog. (>5 years ago).
So yes, I think it's common practice, but not always that explicit.

[Krash]

All businesses give their best customers preferential treatment. Why people are surprised by this is beyond me.


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[jacowestt]

It's common for Authorized Dealers to suggest bundling luxury jewelry with highly sought-after Rolex models, but it's unusual for an SA to be so direct about it. While bundling is part of the sales game, it's typically handled more subtly, and your reaction is understandable. If you're uncomfortable with this approach, you might want to stick with your usual SA or explore other buying options, like the gray market.

[train-time]

Originally Posted by 77T

At that AD maybe they have normalized such behavior.

Don't let it trigger you towards violence though.

Turn him in if you are that outraged.
Rolex has banned tie-in sales via their contract with ADs.


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Good luck with that...

[77T]

Originally Posted by train-time

Good luck with that...

That was an alternative ending to punching the SA in the throat.


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[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by TheVision

I mean keep in mind, all AD's are actually jewelry stores that happen to sell Rolex on the side. So its all retail business.

One of the wonderful benefits of buying at one of the Boutiques that only sell Rolex watches.

[steveclr]

Originally Posted by Krash

I’m not the one that thinks about punching people in the throat. So you’re the one that needs to relax, not me.


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a woman next to me at work expressed her desire to punch a baby giraffe in the face when she was having a bad day - its just humor to some of us but I can definitely see how it could be misconstrued - I'm asking for a truce

[joli160]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

One of the wonderful benefits of buying at one of the Boutiques that only sell Rolex watches.

Perhaps that doesn’t matter much, boutiques are all owned by an AD and not by Rolex so you are still dealing with the same management.
I don’t see why the business etiquette changes by entering the ‘same’ shop through a different door.

[Mystro]

I thought the “neck punching” was obviously in jest. It’s a common phrase to exaggerate anger in many walks of life including the military. It’s a generational phrase like “getting knocked on your azz” is considered a good thing that it keeps you humble and life more down to earth real.

[enjoythemusic]

I just hope we hear back from the OP Phil. Look fwd to his reply ��

[Phil8352]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I thought the “neck punching” was obviously in jest. It’s a common phrase to exaggerate anger in many walks of life including the military. It’s a generational phrase like “getting knocked on your azz” is considered a good thing that it keeps you humble and life more down to earth real.

Thank you for spoon feeding it to them.

[Shadow Play]

Originally Posted by Phil8352

Thank you for spoon feeding it to them.

I’ve never heard of the phrase “punch someone in the throat” here in the UK. Always good for me to learn about matters other than watches here on TRF. Thank you.

Now that it has been spoon fed* to you regarding why AD’s prioritise better customers, I trust you no longer feel as angry about the situation you found yourself in and that you now have a better understanding of the AD’s position?

* I hesitated to use the phrase “spoon fed” as here in the UK it can sometimes be interpreted as being somewhat condescending but given it’s a phrase you are happy to use I assume that is not the case elsewhere in the world.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by whatisarolexym

It is disgusting and not all ADs are like that, mine for example did not expect me to buy anything else.



I believe there is some sort of legal case against Rolex/ADs for this behaviour.



It is terrible and hopefully these ADs will learn a lesson once the Rolex hype dies down a lot more

I don’t think it is disgusting at all, especially if you are able to put yourself in the AD's shoes for even a second.

I know of no such legal case...can you be more specific?

If the supply/demand climate changes, good businesses will adjust prices down (and still make a profit). If that's your idea of "learning their lesson", bring it on.

If AD's started putting the afternoon Fed Ex arrivals in the case the next morning then the only people getting them are a bunch of unemployed people that the grey dealers will pay to camp out and be first in line each morning.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Krash

All businesses give their best customers preferential treatment. Why people are surprised by this is beyond me.


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Exactly. And beyond business this is simply human nature.

On the mundane end of the spectrum if I’m having a garage sale I’m going to give my friendly neighbor a better price on my record collection than the jackazz up the street.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by 77T

At that AD maybe they have normalized such behavior.

Don't let it trigger you towards violence though.

Turn him in if you are that outraged.
Rolex has banned tie-in sales via their contract with ADs.



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But it says Rolex will not intervene, so this is a policy without substance or control by Rolex. ADs sell to their best customers or to make big concurrent sales. Happens all the time. It is sort of how the world works, actually.

[stevestil]

Yes- normal.

I prefer this to be honest over the put your name down on this piece of paper so we can throw it out right when you leave option


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[4reRlxGuy]

Originally Posted by stevestil

Yes- normal.

I prefer this to be honest over the put your name down on this piece of paper so we can throw it out right when you leave option


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This

Like many have said, going grey and paying a premium for a desirable piece or bundling is less costly over the long haul.

It's a black and white situation opposed to buy some jewelry, diamonds, and precious metal pieces and "I'll work on getting that piece you want someday."

[Afratello03]

Yes! It's really nothing new, You're lucky they were honest. Maybe a good time to get something new for your wife.

[steveclr]

Originally Posted by Shadow Play

* I hesitated to use the phrase “spoon fed” as here in the UK it can sometimes be interpreted as being somewhat condescending but given it’s a phrase you are happy to use I assume that is not the case elsewhere in the world.

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by joli160

Perhaps that doesn’t matter much, boutiques are all owned by an AD and not by Rolex so you are still dealing with the same management.
I don’t see why the business etiquette changes by entering the ‘same’ shop through a different door.

In the US most big cities have one or more stand alone Rolex only Boutiques. Yes they are owned by an existing AD but they are separate entities and do not share business, or doors. My last five have been from one, separate store in an upscale mall. There is no jewelry or other watch brands to offer, you either get a Rolex from them or you get nothing.

[DoctorA]

It’s becoming the new norm
I’d rather being told my chances and I decide what to do rather than being lied to “you’re on the list for sure, it might take a little bit of time” but nothing happens

[Tylerlsu2008]

Originally Posted by Phil8352

It kind of made me want to punch him in the throat.

Is it normal for them to be so upfront about this?

LOL, grow up