AD’s attitudes

[Stebinners]

Is there anyone sick of the attitude of AD’s, trying to make you bend over backwards to buy any watches? Rolex AD’s have terrible customer experience.


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[kieselguhr]

Complaining about it doesn’t accomplish anything so I just walked away and found a different AD that treated me better. No complaints at all with my current. Stellar service.

[Bazil]

To be honest, no ..
I’m lucky, I have a fantastic AD, told her from day one I only want to buy the watches I’m after, no jewellery and if that was an issue then tell me.
I’ve had Submariners, GMTs and Daytona.
Lucky, maybe, honest - yes …

[OTX]

Unfortunately, that’s the way it is right now due to increased demand. That’s why the gray market exists. Straight to the point without all the BS. If you are willing to play the games, you might end up saving yourself thousands. You just have to ask yourself if it’s worth it. Even then you’re not guaranteed to get what you want!.

[Stebinners]

I have bought 4 rolex over the years, get them all serviced, went in last weel to get wifes watch serviced and asked about a datejust 41 for my upcoming big birthday, the sales lady basically said no chance you
Need to build “relationship”. Its a joke, so never going back


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[Stebinners]

Originally Posted by Stebinners

I have bought 4 rolex over the years, get them all serviced, went in last weel to get wifes watch serviced and asked about a datejust 41 for my upcoming big birthday, the sales lady basically said no chance you
Need to build “relationship”. Its a joke, so never going back


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What does this whole relationship, mean i as a customer have to beg?


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[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Stebinners

What does this whole relationship, mean i as a customer have to beg?


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Numerous threads already exist on this topic of relationship building. I was lucky enough to find a great AD right off the bat, just a short drive from my house. No complaints here. No games. To answer your question, they want you to buy other jewelry from them or watches you don’t need or want, in order to get the one you do want. Odd they would play that game for a Datejust, though. Generally, you can order those, to your specification, with a deposit. I got lucky My AD doesn’t do that. Having said that, if I want other jewelry, I do give them my business. It’s a very nice jewelry store.

Kat


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[Easy Rhino]

I don't really have a problem with them and have always been treated with respect even if they've got nothing available that I want. But then, I always treat them as I want to be treated.

It's just the nature of an over-demanded, over-desirable item.

I have been able to get the very few Rolexes I own, one of which that required some patience. The ADs that could not help me were at least straight forward about it, so I located other ADs that would work with me. It's not that difficult. I've probably been in a few dozen different ADs but bought watches from two of them and have a good newly formed relationship with a third. None of the three had any requirement to buy other non-Rolex items before being offered a Rolex to purchase.

I know that I would not want to be a SA at a Rolex store with entitled people being rude about not being sucked up to and tossing a hissy when they couldn't immediately get what they demand.

[Stebinners]

Originally Posted by Easy Rhino

I don't really have a problem with them and have always been treated with respect even if they've got nothing available that I want. But then, I always treat them as I want to be treated.

It's just the nature of an over-demanded, over-desirable item.

I have been able to get the very few Rolexes I own, one of which that required some patience. The ADs that could not help me were at least straight forward about it, so I located other ADs that would work with me. It's not that difficult. I've probably been in a few dozen different ADs but bought watches from two of them and have a good newly formed relationship with a third. None of the three had any requirement to buy other non-Rolex items before being offered a Rolex to purchase.

I know that I would not want to be a SA at a Rolex store with entitled people being rude about not being sucked up to and tossing a hissy when they couldn't immediately get what they demand.

This is far from my experience, i have bought numerous watches over the years but all the new sales people seem arrogant, maybe its just a UK thing.


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[nighthawk77]

Which AD are you using?

[Bob-a-Job]

Well, you beat me to the same question nighthawk!

[Stebinners]

Originally Posted by Bob-a-Job

Well, you beat me to the same question Nighthawk!

In the UK NW England


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[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by Stebinners

In the UK NW England


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Same here hence why I asked...There's a few in the NW, some perhaps better than others. I wouldn't lose hope just yet, and maybe try another. You have two in Manchester City Centre, Trafford Centre, Chester, Liverpool, Preston and Wilmslow off the top of my head.

Depending on which one you choose, you may have better success if you book an appointment to visit. Availability also varies from AD to AD, so no harm in shopping around too.

It is frustrating how things currently are, gone seem to be the days of simply walking in and buying a watch, but I'm sure with a little persistence and patience a DJ shouldn't be too difficult.

If you don't want to wait, you can always go to the secondary market and have the watch on your wrist in a couple of days. Some DJs are below or close to MSRP, with only a handful of models trading above MSRP.

[Stebinners]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

Same here hence why I asked...There's a few in the NW, some perhaps better than others. I wouldn't lose hope just yet, and maybe try another. You have two in Manchester City Centre, Trafford Centre, Chester, Liverpool, Preston and Wilmslow off the top of my head.

Depending on which one you choose, you may have better success if you book an appointment to visit. Availability also varies from AD to AD, so no harm in shopping around too.

It is frustrating how things currently are, gone seem to be the days of simply walking in and buying a watch, but I'm sure with a little persistence and patience a DJ shouldn't be too difficult.

If you don't want to wait, you can always go to the secondary market and have the watch on your wrist in a couple of days. Some DJs are below or close to MSRP, with only a handful of models trading above MSRP.

Preston used to be good. I bought 4 watches, then last year i went and they said they had new computer system and lost all purchase history! They almost disputed it ever bought watches from them!


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[Stebinners]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

Same here hence why I asked...There's a few in the NW, some perhaps better than others. I wouldn't lose hope just yet, and maybe try another. You have two in Manchester City Centre, Trafford Centre, Chester, Liverpool, Preston and Wilmslow off the top of my head.

Depending on which one you choose, you may have better success if you book an appointment to visit. Availability also varies from AD to AD, so no harm in shopping around too.

It is frustrating how things currently are, gone seem to be the days of simply walking in and buying a watch, but I'm sure with a little persistence and patience a DJ shouldn't be too difficult.

If you don't want to wait, you can always go to the secondary market and have the watch on your wrist in a couple of days. Some DJs are below or close to MSRP, with only a handful of models trading above MSRP.

Maybe just having bad experience with this dealer but have always gone to be loyal! Yes also bought many watches from grey when couldn’t get from dealer.


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[Ash1dreamcast]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

Same here hence why I asked...There's a few in the NW, some perhaps better than others. I wouldn't lose hope just yet, and maybe try another. You have two in Manchester City Centre, Trafford Centre, Chester, Liverpool, Preston and Wilmslow off the top of my head.

Depending on which one you choose, you may have better success if you book an appointment to visit. Availability also varies from AD to AD, so no harm in shopping around too.

It is frustrating how things currently are, gone seem to be the days of simply walking in and buying a watch, but I'm sure with a little persistence and patience a DJ shouldn't be too difficult.

If you don't want to wait, you can always go to the secondary market and have the watch on your wrist in a couple of days. Some DJs are below or close to MSRP, with only a handful of models trading above MSRP.

I have managed to get a datejust 41 mm mint green dial and a Tudor black bay 58 GMT from Goldsmiths in Trafford Centre without any wait and no spend history. However, I was very lucky as I walked in early in the morning on a weekday. It depends who you get some of the sales guys in there are very arrogant and class 1 prick's. DMR in Manchester City centre are very welcoming but no joy there at all and feel like the big spenders get the allocations. You could try Preston or Leeds as well.

[brandrea]

I like my AD, they’ve always treated me very well.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

It sounds like you’ve had a bad experience with one AD and are attempting to extrapolate that across all ADs. I don’t share your experience. As I’ve aged one habit I’ve gotten into after a difficult interaction is to ask myself what was my role in that conversation. It’s enlightening. You may want to consider trying it.

[Kinnakeet]

Originally Posted by Stebinners

Is there anyone sick of the attitude of AD’s, trying to make you bend over backwards to buy any watches? Rolex AD’s have terrible customer experience.


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I haven’t had that problem. Mine are very nice to me.

[L_S_SHOE]

Definitely. My previous AD lost their status. I’ve visited several other ADs since then and the SAs were aloof and unhelpful. If I ever want a new Rolex again, I’ll probably just source one through a trusted seller. My time and energy are too valuable to waste on a Rolex AD.

On a related note, I was out of town recently and visited a Patek AD. What a different experience. They were very friendly and comparatively transparent about which watches I could buy now, later or never, haha.


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[Nairn1980]

DJ41 shouldn’t be too hard unless you’re asking for a very desirable dial eg mint green, or Wimbledon. Also fluted and jubilee far harder than smooth and oyster.

[Oxfordian]

Great relationship with my Rolex SA, bought 4 watches no issues on any of them, but then I moved house to a totally different part of the country, however my old store still contact me occasionally to see if I want anything.

Visited my new store a few weeks back and walked out with a TTSD on first visit - see separate thread.

I think that it is just a bit of luck, your attitude in shop, attitude of SA towards you, how you interact, good bit of banter works wonders, smiles etc etc. I don’t think that there is any magic formula to getting what you want.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Stebinners

Rolex AD’s have terrible customer experience.

They don't in my part of the South West.

Warrington is nice. Shame about the Ad(s).

Moaning won't get it done but if you feel any better for getting it off your chest, then go for it.

[JonnyOld Boy]

It's not just the Rolex brand that has suffered from insufferable snootiness and snobbish behaviour from Sales people. I think the whole industry for mid-to-high end watches has become an often unpleasant place to shop in. I am genuinely perplexed by anyone with a shred of self respect, who cares less about a "relationship" with an AD and cringes and fawns just to get a mass produced item of no real exclusivity. If I ever buy another luxury watch, I doubt it will be new from an AD ,, [ unless it's one of the more straight-and-narrow brands like Breitling etc etc ].
There is no way I am going to waste my time grovelling to get on some radar of a salesman in a cheap suit, smelling of indifferent aftershave, just so I "might" get a watch.
Of course I appreciate the tales of some folk on here tell a tale that is more positive and watches are got without bending over and selling your innocence, but there is too much snobbery and unpleasantness around and WoS in the UK indeed have staff that are insufferable.

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by JonnyOld Boy

It's not just the Rolex brand that has suffered from insufferable snootiness and snobbish behaviour from Sales people. I think the whole industry for mid-to-high end watches has become an often unpleasant place to shop in. I am genuinely perplexed by anyone with a shred of self respect, who cares less about a "relationship" with an AD and cringes and fawns just to get a mass produced item of no real exclusivity. If I ever buy another luxury watch, I doubt it will be new from an AD ,, [ unless it's one of the more straight-and-narrow brands like Breitling etc etc ].
There is no way I am going to waste my time grovelling to get on some radar of a salesman in a cheap suit, smelling of indifferent aftershave, just so I "might" get a watch.
Of course I appreciate the tales of some folk on here tell a tale that is more positive and watches are got without bending over and selling your innocence, but there is too much snobbery and unpleasantness around and WoS in the UK indeed have staff that are insufferable.

Read back through the responses in this thread, Jonny; nobody is grovelling, cringing or fawning.

Only the people who sound grumpy, miserable, or jaded say that people who have a good experience are doing that.

Too many people have too high of an opinion of themselves, and think they are above going to speak to someone who works in a shop. "Get on some radar of a salesman in a cheap suit, smelling of indifferent aftershave" Is there a reason you hate these salespeople so much? Which one hurt you?

Lastly - you've said you wont be buying from an AD next, and that there is no way you're going waste your time... why bother even letting us know about that? or is it just to make you feel better about it? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that you've not even bought a watch from an AD in the last 10 years and aren't even positioned to have an opinion in this, and you're just on the "embittered AD hating bandwagon".

EDIT: Turns out I'm right... out of all 29 of Jonnys posts, at least 45% of them are moaning about the "process" of buying a Rolex. Blithering on about self respect and whinging about people "pretending to be interested in sales people's lives". Make of that what you will, folks.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

Read back through the responses in this thread, Jonny; nobody is grovelling, cringing or fawning.

Only the people who sound grumpy, miserable, or jaded say that people who have a good experience are doing that.

Too many people have too high of an opinion of themselves, and think they are above going to speak to someone who works in a shop. "Get on some radar of a salesman in a cheap suit, smelling of indifferent aftershave" Is there a reason you hate these salespeople so much? Which one hurt you?

Lastly - you've said you wont be buying from an AD next, and that there is no way you're going waste your time... why bother even letting us know about that? or is it just to make you feel better about it? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that you've not even bought a watch from an AD in the last 10 years and aren't even positioned to have an opinion in this, and you're just on the "embittered AD hating bandwagon".

EDIT: Turns out I'm right... out of all 29 of Jonnys posts, at least 45% of them are moaning about the "process" of buying a Rolex. Blithering on about self respect and whinging about people "pretending to be interested in sales people's lives". Make of that what you will, folks.

I think there are a lot of people who can’t get a watch, and have convinced themselves that if they can’t one, the people that do must be stupid, or subservient, or obsequious, pick your adjective.

Because it has to be that way. It can’t be something about them, can it?


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[JonnyOld Boy]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

Read back through the responses in this thread, Jonny; nobody is grovelling, cringing or fawning.

Only the people who sound grumpy, miserable, or jaded say that people who have a good experience are doing that.

Too many people have too high of an opinion of themselves, and think they are above going to speak to someone who works in a shop. "Get on some radar of a salesman in a cheap suit, smelling of indifferent aftershave" Is there a reason you hate these salespeople so much? Which one hurt you?

Lastly - you've said you wont be buying from an AD next, and that there is no way you're going waste your time... why bother even letting us know about that? or is it just to make you feel better about it? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that you've not even bought a watch from an AD in the last 10 years and aren't even positioned to have an opinion in this, and you're just on the "embittered AD hating bandwagon".

EDIT: Turns out I'm right... out of all 29 of Jonnys posts, at least 45% of them are moaning about the "process" of buying a Rolex. Blithering on about self respect and whinging about people "pretending to be interested in sales people's lives". Make of that what you will, folks.

Building a "relationship" is cheesy and empty in my opinion. I know loads of decent ADs and some of those are Rolex retailers. With them there is no need to "spend on crap", "form a relationship" or anything else other than walk in, have a chat and buy a watch. Your choice of verbs seems lacking in articulation and very defensive. I seemed to have touched on a nerve ....

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by JonnyOld Boy

Building a "relationship" is cheesy and empty in my opinion. I know loads of decent ADs and some of those are Rolex retailers. With them there is no need to "spend on crap", "form a relationship" or anything else other than walk in, have a chat and buy a watch. Your choice of verbs seems lacking in articulation and very defensive. I seemed to have touched on a nerve ....

Meh, no nerve touched. Your post history makes your opinion null and void to me.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by JonnyOld Boy

It's not just the Rolex brand that has suffered from insufferable snootiness and snobbish behaviour from Sales people. I think the whole industry for mid-to-high end watches has become an often unpleasant place to shop in. I am genuinely perplexed by anyone with a shred of self respect, who cares less about a "relationship" with an AD and cringes and fawns just to get a mass produced item of no real exclusivity. If I ever buy another luxury watch, I doubt it will be new from an AD ,, [ unless it's one of the more straight-and-narrow brands like Breitling etc etc ].
There is no way I am going to waste my time grovelling to get on some radar of a salesman in a cheap suit, smelling of indifferent aftershave, just so I "might" get a watch.
Of course I appreciate the tales of some folk on here tell a tale that is more positive and watches are got without bending over and selling your innocence, but there is too much snobbery and unpleasantness around and WoS in the UK indeed have staff that are insufferable.

How exactly has the Rolex brand suffered? Are cases now full of unsold discounted watches? And how is a Rolex watch an item of no real exclusivity when you still can’t walk into an AD and walk out with the one that you want? For some of us it’s no work at all being friendly while others go to great lengths to build a narrative about why being friendly is weak while at the same time complaining that people aren’t friendly to them.

This drama is tiresome.

[JRell]

Sorry to hear your experience. I get treated like gold at Henne Jewelers and I am not even close to a big spender there.