Rolex AD hierarchy

[PhilSF]

At at US Rolex AD, who is more senior, an operations manager or a sales associate?

[JRell]

Originally Posted by PhilSF

At at US Rolex AD, who is more senior, an operations manager or a sales associate?

Joking right? Obviously an OM. The best is an owner at an independent dealer. They can give you what you want for any reason.

[brandrea]

Deal with whoever can get you the reference you want

[JRell]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Deal with whoever can get you the reference you want

And you know they will, right? You can just tell they will come through. Sales 101 intuition.

[KatGirl]

At my AD, my SA was off on the day I went in, and got the royal treatment, and the impressive gift. It was the store MGR who told me he will get me my Explorer. I believed him, because he is the person in charge of allocations. So, I would say the Mgr has more sway.

Kat


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[ramadox]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

At my AD, my SA was off on the day I went in, and got the royal treatment, and the impressive gift. It was the store MGR who told me he will get me my Explorer. I believed him, because he is the person in charge of allocations. So, I would say the Mgr has more sway.

Kat


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I dont think you need to befriend the manager to get an explorer

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by ramadox

I dont think you need to befriend the manager to get an explorer

I don’t think so, either. My SA was not there, so he took care of me that day. All I meant was the MGR is above the SA in the hierarchy, thus addressing the OP’s original question.

Kat


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[Oxfordian]

Why would you have an operations manager at a retail store?

I can understand Sales Manager, Senior Sales Assistant, Sales Supervisor, Shop Supervisor, Shop Manager, Deputy Shop Manager, Assistant Shop Manager and a hundred and one other connotations but not Operations Manager, that's a really bizarre job title in a retail outlet.

If you were working in the head office where all the watches arrive before they were sent to the stores then I can understand the role of an Operations Manager.

Must be a US thing.

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by PhilSF

At at US Rolex AD, who is more senior, an operations manager or a sales associate?

Anyone’s guess. Rolex doesn’t run these places. They are all rinky-dink little jewelry shops, some more shady than others. So they will all make up their own rules about this.

I’m still on a few lists for the DJ I want but I’m coming to terms that I’ll never get one. Rolex doesn’t provide a pathway to have a realistic outlook on where one is in line or officially ordering anything. And I refuse to buy junky jewelry that my wife has no interest in. And I’m also not paying over retail.
So I guess I’m back to looking at IWC, Blancpain and JLC.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

Anyone’s guess. Rolex doesn’t run these places. They are all rinky-dink little jewelry shops, some more shady than others. So they will all make up their own rules about this.

I’m still on a few lists for the DJ I want but I’m coming to terms that I’ll never get one. Rolex doesn’t provide a pathway to have a realistic outlook on where one is in line or officially ordering anything. And I refuse to buy junky jewelry that my wife has no interest in. And I’m also not paying over retail.
So I guess I’m back to looking at IWC, Blancpain and JLC.

Rolex has nothing to do with who gets what, except when super rare models are in play. All ADs are not equal. There are some who do not require spend histories, to get a SS sports model. In fact, Rolex frowns upon that practice, per my AD. Find another AD. It should not be that hard to get a DJ.

Kat


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[Calatrava r]

Each AD may be different. In most cases, your best bet is to attempt to talk directly to the owner or GM of the store. This is the person making the allocation decisions on limited watches. If they want, they will deal directly with you or refer you to a sales associate.

I doubt there is any business where an employee holds sway over the owner or GM.

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Rolex has nothing to do with who gets what, except when super rare models are in play. All ADs are not equal. There are some who do not require spend histories, to get a SS sports model. In fact, Rolex frowns upon that practice, per my AD. Find another AD. It should not be that hard to get a DJ.

Kat


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Exactly my point. Rolex should take ownership and run these places instead of letting a bunch of “ADs” ruin their reputation in the long run.

And yes, apparently it’s now hard to even get a simple DJ. Checked numerous places in the US and in Europe. All you get is: no can do, may take years, get in line, may never happen. Which is a bit difficult to believe. When I go to an Omega operated boutique, I can place an actual order and make a down payment. They may not know either when something will show up, but at least you’re treated like an actual customer.

Here’s what I don’t get: why doesn’t anyone - or Rolex for that matter - let you place an order? I’m a musician. I can think of several places that are in high demand and work custom orders. I recently purchased a really nice effect pedal for guitar. It’s highly sought after and goes for silly money on the used market. The manufacturer lets anyone who wants one place a very basic order online. The website looks like it was made in 1994 (probably was). After that you get an email and a link that will tell you how far back in line you are and which order dates are currently being processed.
I waited for a little over five years. That didn’t bother me at all because at any given time I could see that I was still in line. It’s not that hard.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

Exactly my point. Rolex should take ownership and run these places instead of letting a bunch of “ADs” ruin their reputation in the long run.

When they've ripped up their infrastructure so that you can get your watch, you'll wake up and you still won't have it.

[Bambooshoot]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

When they've ripped up their infrastructure so that you can get your watch, you'll wake up and you still won't have it.

I'm not sure the OP will understand this. His posts ooze entitlement. Bu aggressively 'going through the motions' he will never get the DJ...

[Lever Escapement]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Rolex has nothing to do with who gets what, except when super rare models are in play. All ADs are not equal. There are some who do not require spend histories, to get a SS sports model. In fact, Rolex frowns upon that practice, per my AD. Find another AD. It should not be that hard to get a DJ.

Kat
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2 customers are after a Submariner. One has spent over 80K in jewelry, and the other has no spend history. I'm pretty sure I know who's going to get the allocation......

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by Lever Escapement

2 customers are after a Submariner. One has spent over 80K in jewelry, and the other has no spend history. I'm pretty sure I know who's going to get the allocation......

Not necessarily;

Before moving house my AD explained how they worked concerning allocations of new watches.

A regular customer will get preference over a non regular, it is that simple.

So if you walk in and spend £40k or more on a precious metal Rolex but are then never seen again for some years the store will give the customer who comes in frequently and buys from them frequently priority, this is the customer that they want to do business with.

So having been a regular customer for some time in my store I had the new Submariner on my wrist inside 4 weeks of it being launched back in 2020.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

Not necessarily;

Before moving house my AD explained how they worked concerning allocations of new watches.

A regular customer will get preference over a non regular, it is that simple.

So if you walk in and spend £40k or more on a precious metal Rolex but are then never seen again for some years the store will give the customer who comes in frequently and buys from them frequently priority, this is the customer that they want to do business with.

So having been a regular customer for some time in my store I had the new Submariner on my wrist inside 4 weeks of it being launched back in 2020.

I agree with this. The last time I was at my AD, the MGR was suggesting that I get a Sub, but I’d rather have an Explorer. I did try the Sub Date on, but it just did not give me the same feeling as my 16610 once did.

Kat


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[Lever Escapement]

Originally Posted by Lever Escapement

2 customers are after a Submariner. One has spent over 80K in jewelry, and the other has no spend history. I'm pretty sure I know who's going to get the allocation......

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

Not necessarily;

A regular customer will get preference over a non regular, it is that simple.

I agree, but I was talking about a customer with no spend history

Is it even possible to get a standard Submariner if that is the only timepiece you have showed an interest in, and don't have a history ?

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

Not necessarily;

Before moving house my AD explained how they worked concerning allocations of new watches.

A regular customer will get preference over a non regular, it is that simple.

So if you walk in and spend £40k or more on a precious metal Rolex but are then never seen again for some years the store will give the customer who comes in frequently and buys from them frequently priority, this is the customer that they want to do business with.

So having been a regular customer for some time in my store I had the new Submariner on my wrist inside 4 weeks of it being launched back in 2020.

My experience also. I could have walked out with a BLNR on spec and my wife walked out with an OP Grape. Both were supposedly on waitlists. Relationships count, but you can't force them, they happen organically.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

They are all rinky-dink little jewelry shops, some more shady than others.

And I refuse to buy junky jewelry that my wife has no interest in. And I’m also not paying over retail.

Man, where do you shop?

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

Anyone’s guess. Rolex doesn’t run these places. They are all rinky-dink little jewelry shops, some more shady than others. So they will all make up their own rules about this.

I’m still on a few lists for the DJ I want but I’m coming to terms that I’ll never get one. Rolex doesn’t provide a pathway to have a realistic outlook on where one is in line or officially ordering anything. And I refuse to buy junky jewelry that my wife has no interest in. And I’m also not paying over retail.
So I guess I’m back to looking at IWC, Blancpain and JLC.

All rinky-dink?
Mine is owned by WOS. If that’s rinky-dink, I’m speechless.

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

All rinky-dink?
Mine is owned by WOS. If that’s rinky-dink, I’m speechless.

Well, that’s one of them. Same non-committal attitude as in we sell what comes in and don’t really care. Hey, how about a tennis bracelet?

[daysky1]

Rolex
Cartier
Omega
Audemars Piguet
Patek Philippe
Richard Mille
Longines
IWC
Breitling
Vacheron Constantin All you have to do is go Google world's best watches and the lists go on.

[MDR143]

With an attitude like that, I’m shocked you get told no on a DJ!

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by MDR143

With an attitude like that, I’m shocked you get told no on a DJ!

Look, I know how to behave. I’m also pretty good at reading people. I have to make very far trips to even get to an AD. Went through all the motions. I did not walk away with the impression that I will ever hear from anyone again.

I also put a good friend on the case who, unlike me, has a real substantial “purchasing history” with some of her local places in Europe. We’re talking big ticket items and not just Rolex. She was given the same answers. Not going to name the stores but they are well know in the world. They all act like spoiled brats and like they’re doing you a favor.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

Look, I know how to behave. I’m also pretty good at reading people. I have to make very far trips to even get to an AD. Went through all the motions. I did not walk away with the impression that I will ever hear from anyone again.

I also put a good friend on the case who, unlike me, has a real substantial “purchasing history” with some of her local places in Europe. We’re talking big ticket items and not just Rolex. She was given the same answers. Not going to name the stores but they are well know in the world. They all act like spoiled brats and like they’re doing you a favor.

It’s possible that whomever you’ve dealt with can sense your disdain, even though you think you are hiding it. I’m a nobody, and have gotten 2 new Rolexes in less than a year, without any significant spend history.
I’m waiting on a call for a third. Should be soon. My AD is just a regular family owned jewelry store, where they treat their customers well, like any successful retailer should. I say keep trying. The MGR. told me the story of a guy visiting from the UK, who had been on the waiting list for 3 years for a BLRO, and just happened to visit my AD. The store happened to take delivery of one that very day, and sold it to this guy on the spot. That’s my kind of risky dink AD!

Kat


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[omar-rye]

I got a list, here's the order of my list that it's in
It goes: Reggie, Jay-Z, 2Pac and Biggie, André from OutKast, Jada, Kurupt, Nas, and then me

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

I got a list, here's the order of my list that it's in
It goes: Reggie, Jay-Z, 2Pac and Biggie, André from OutKast, Jada, Kurupt, Nas, and then me

I have Elon and Jeff ahead of me.

[messikens]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

It’s possible that whomever you’ve dealt with can sense your disdain, even though you think you are hiding it. I’m a nobody, and have gotten 2 new Rolexes in less than a year, without any significant spend history.
I’m waiting on a call for a third. Should be soon. My AD is just a regular family owned jewelry store, where they treat their customers well, like any successful retailer should. I say keep trying. The MGR. told me the story of a guy visiting from the UK, who had been on the waiting list for 3 years for a BLRO, and just happened to visit my AD. The store happened to take delivery of one that very day, and sold it to this guy on the spot. That’s my kind of risky dink AD!

Kat


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Not disagreeing and not dissing your watch but getting "the royal treatment" and being assigned a ladies explorer is hardly what 95% of the members of this board are after.

I'm happy you're happy but let's call a spade a spade - an EXP I is not exactly making people faint and you're still waiting for that celebration dial if I recall...

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by messikens

Not disagreeing and not dissing your watch but getting "the royal treatment" and being assigned a ladies explorer is hardly what 95% of the members of this board are after.

I'm happy you're happy but let's call a spade a spade - an EXP I is not exactly making people faint and you're still waiting for that celebration dial if I recall...

This guy was saying he can’t get a DJ. I got my DJ Wimbledon, and an OP 36 Also, what is a ladies Explorer? I don’t have any ladies’ Rolexes. As for getting the royal treatment, I was talking about the nice gift I was given. I expect gifts at pick up, but not for just dropping by. I’m not sure what it is you are trying to say, unless you ARE dissing my watches.

Kat


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