Horrible experience at Wempes NYC

[ObscureLight]

Hi fellow TRF'ers,

It's been a while since I was active on the forums but I have checked every now and then. I had to run away to escape all the enablers here . Just kidding (well maybe a little but personal life was busy) Anyways I'd just like to share an appalling experience I've had at Wempes an AD in NYC that has gotten a few compliments from members here. Anyways here goes.

Just about a week ago I went to Wempes in NYC with my girlfriend to look for a Vacheron Constantin, because it seems that many on this forum has had good impressions of Wempes (reason why I went to them). The doorman gave me a weird look when he saw me and did not even open the door (they have a doorman letting people in because the door is always locked) I figured it might be because I was wearing Jeans and a Hoodie so I didn't think too much of it. I let myself in when the doorman was letting a customer leave.

After I walked into the store I immediately got down to business and told them the VC that I was looking for. The salesperson Melanie or Marie or some name similar to that helping me out was impatient and didn't look too happy. Taking a look at their selection of VCs, They did not have the model I was looking for in stock and I told them to check if they can order one for me. I would need it within a months time because I will be traveling soon. I left my name number and e-mail and she said she would contact me the next day to let me know of the availability.

I decided to just browse around a few more minutes before leaving just to see what they have. As I was leaving I smiled and shook the salespersons hand and thanked her for her time. I also smiled and thank the doorman and bid him good night at which he just open the door and said "mhm" without even looking at me.

Now a week later I have not heard a single peep. I would never bother visiting Wempes ever again because of that this experience. If I liked champagne I would also complain that everyone that came in was offered champagne except for my girlfriend and I (Just turned 21 a couple months ago ). Sure I am only 21 and probably not their average suit wearing mid age client base, but I felt really disrespected by the whole thing. At this point I feel that Tourneau NYC has given me much better treatment the few times I've visited them and you know how bad of a rep they have on this forum. I don't think I've been this disrespected at any high end store I've visited. I'm sure they will do great even without my business but coming from owning several establishments in the sales and service industry, if I received a complaint from a customer about with an experience like this no doubt the employees will be more or less disciplined or shown the door depending on the severity. (Maybe I have high standards for service? I don't know)

Thanks for reading and I know AD experiences are subjective but I just wanted to share mine. It was a good thing my girlfriend mentioned to me hey why don't you ask that guy that sold you Rolexes in the past and see if he has the Vacheron you are looking for. Boy was I glad when I heard that DavidSW also sell Vacherons too as I thought he mainly dealt Rolexes

[Art 1]

Sorry to hear. I have always been treated well at that location and have gone in wearing a hoodie.

[ObscureLight]

Originally Posted by Art 1

Sorry to hear. I have always been treated well at that location and have gone in wearing a hoodie.

Maybe it's an age thing? I am often told I look like I'm 16. I can't even buy lottery tickets without being IDed

[NYCrussino]

Originally Posted by ObscureLight

Maybe it's an age thing? I am often told I look like I'm 16. I can't even buy lottery tickets without being IDed

Sadly, I've experienced the same thing. Im 23 and am never treated well in ADs until they see the money. Anyway, I'd rather give my money to one of the trusted sellers on here than give a rude salesperson a commission, hope all works out.

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by ObscureLight

Maybe it's an age thing? I am often told I look like I'm 16. I can't even buy lottery tickets without being IDed

I didn't have a great experience either, not to mention, it was a Sunday and had a few people inside the store (not a racial, ethnic thing) but there were some foreigners there who were SO RUDE TOO and walked right in front of me at the case I was looking at... I have a short fuse and said EXCUSE YOU, they gave me the most dumb stare i've ever seen...

Anyway, went in to look at the forged carbon 44mm AP ROO, and wasn't treated well either.

I'm 27 but look like i'm in my earlier 20's too

[pietermann]

Sorry to hear that. A time ago I also visited Wempe NYC and had a good experience. I'm also a young person, had a hoodie and jeans on, just like you.

I guess you caught them on the wrong time ;).

[bottom of the ninth]

I would never return that is for sure! Stick DavidSW treats everyone with respect!

[FremStar]

Sorry to hear/read this... I am not affiliated with Wempe, however, I have passed your post on to the proper hands, expect this to get sorted out.

Similar to Art I have gone into that location wearing street clothes and it's always a great time there! It can't be an age thing since my brother and you are peers...

[Al1988]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience.

I've been to that particular Wempe while on holiday in NYC and like you I am 21 and yet interestingly I had a completely different experience. Again, like you I was wearing jeans, t shirt and flip flop and if I remember correctly I was served by a chap called Federico. I'll be honest, in all of the ADs i've been to, none were as good as him - I honestly felt like he gave a damn. I think we ended up having a good half hour discussion about my Black Bay before I even told him what I had come into the store looking for!

I'd definitely recommend giving them another chance if I were you, perhaps they were having an off day? Besides in all the cities in the world, you'd think they'd be used to 20-somethings buying high end watches

[Lion]

Originally Posted by Al1988

Sorry to hear about your bad experience.

I've been to that particular Wempe while on holiday in NYC and like you I am 21 and yet interestingly I had a completely different experience. Again, like you I was wearing jeans, t shirt and flip flop and if I remember correctly I was served by a chap called Federico. I'll be honest, in all of the ADs i've been to, none were as good as him - I honestly felt like he gave a damn. I think we ended up having a good half hour discussion about my Black Bay before I even told him what I had come into the store looking for!

I'd definitely recommend giving them another chance if I were you, perhaps they were having an off day? Besides in all the cities in the world, you'd think they'd be used to 20-somethings buying high end watches

Regardless of how you are dressed you should be treated with respect and kindness.....I would not give them another chance.....I was treated with disrespect by a Jared's(I also entered at two different times wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt...was followed by the security guard while in the store and could not get a sales person to wait on me) until they saw my Rolex, on my third visit, and the 'Red Carpet Treatment' was given to me. When I was done browsing I asked to see the Store Manager and gave him my constructive feedback and left. Now they will never see a dime of my 'Money' due to their attitude and they way I was treated.....
Take it easy.....Leo

[rolexperfect]

I've been in the HQ of Wempe in Germany many times and well they also have someone in the door. Sometimes they treat you good or bad. Last time it was great. I was asking for the IWC BP. Can't really say its because of wearing a hoodie or not. Maybe they just had some bad experience that day or I don't know. It's really relative.

[kilyung]

I've always had good service there. I've noticed that the mood is dark in NYC after Sandy. Maybe it's just a result of the aftermath?

[SirGrotius]

Sucks. You're right to be offended.

Lose the hoodie though, man. You're in NYC.

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by ObscureLight

Hi fellow TRF'ers,

It's been a while since I was active on the forums but I have checked every now and then. I had to run away to escape all the enablers here . Just kidding (well maybe a little but personal life was busy) Anyways I'd just like to share an appalling experience I've had at Wempes an AD in NYC that has gotten a few compliments from members here. Anyways here goes.

Just about a week ago I went to Wempes in NYC with my girlfriend to look for a Vacheron Constantin, because it seems that many on this forum has had good impressions of Wempes (reason why I went to them). The doorman gave me a weird look when he saw me and did not even open the door (they have a doorman letting people in because the door is always locked) I figured it might be because I was wearing Jeans and a Hoodie so I didn't think too much of it. I let myself in when the doorman was letting a customer leave.

After I walked into the store I immediately got down to business and told them the VC that I was looking for. The salesperson Melanie or Marie or some name similar to that helping me out was impatient and didn't look too happy. Taking a look at their selection of VCs, They did not have the model I was looking for in stock and I told them to check if they can order one for me. I would need it within a months time because I will be traveling soon. I left my name number and e-mail and she said she would contact me the next day to let me know of the availability.

I decided to just browse around a few more minutes before leaving just to see what they have. As I was leaving I smiled and shook the salespersons hand and thanked her for her time. I also smiled and thank the doorman and bid him good night at which he just open the door and said "mhm" without even looking at me.

Now a week later I have not heard a single peep. I would never bother visiting Wempes ever again because of that this experience. If I liked champagne I would also complain that everyone that came in was offered champagne except for my girlfriend and I (Just turned 21 a couple months ago ). Sure I am only 21 and probably not their average suit wearing mid age client base, but I felt really disrespected by the whole thing. At this point I feel that Tourneau NYC has given me much better treatment the few times I've visited them and you know how bad of a rep they have on this forum. I don't think I've been this disrespected at any high end store I've visited. I'm sure they will do great even without my business but coming from owning several establishments in the sales and service industry, if I received a complaint from a customer about with an experience like this no doubt the employees will be more or less disciplined or shown the door depending on the severity. (Maybe I have high standards for service? I don't know)

Thanks for reading and I know AD experiences are subjective but I just wanted to share mine. It was a good thing my girlfriend mentioned to me hey why don't you ask that guy that sold you Rolexes in the past and see if he has the Vacheron you are looking for. Boy was I glad when I heard that DavidSW also sell Vacherons too as I thought he mainly dealt Rolexes

Ritchie,

My family and I are long time customers at Wempe, as soon as I read this post I brought it up with Mr. Ruediger Albers who is also a close personal friend.

Mr. Albers has sent me the video in which you (wearing an Aeropostale hoodie) and your Mrs. (wearing a white long sweater of some sort) entered Wempe from what I was able to see there were about 30+ customers in the shop at the time, within 8 minutes Melanie provided you with her undivided attention. I cannot vouch for why you did not receive a call back, however, keep in mind the storm we just had in NYC.

I tend to read all of these types of threads and must say after reviewing the video that this one is unwarranted...

Excerpt directly from Rudy...

"Melanie earns high praises and the perception of this client is very contrary to what I experienced in the almost 10 years with her.

She remembers him."

[HL65]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Ritchie,

My family and I are long time customers at Wempe, as soon as I read this post I brought it up with Mr. Ruediger Albers who is also a close personal friend.

Mr. Albers has sent me the video in which you (wearing an Aeropostale hoodie) and your Mrs. (wearing a white long sweater of some sort) entered Wempe from what I was able to see there were about 30+ customers in the shop at the time, within 8 minutes Melanie provided you with her undivided attention. I cannot vouch for why you did not receive a call back, however, keep in mind the storm we just had in NYC.

I tend to read all of these types of threads and must say after reviewing the video that this one is unwarranted...

Excerpt directly from Rudy...

"Melanie earns high praises and the perception of this client is very contrary to what I experienced in the almost 10 years with her.

She remembers him."

I also saw the video and agree with Sam 100%. I watched him open the door for you as well and watched Melanie help you. I think your thread is way off base!

[MoosicPa]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Excerpt directly from Rudy...

"Melanie earns high praises and the perception of this client is very contrary to what I experienced in the almost 10 years with her.

She remembers him."

If she remembers him, why didn't she remember to call him back??? Sounds like a lame excuse to me. Bad customer service and follow-up. In my business when I tell a client/customer that I will call them, then I call them.

[mtasquared]

Well, the saleslady should have called if she promised to. I'll just put in my 2 cents which is that I have received good service in the couple of times I have been to Wempe. My salesman seemed more than happy to show me and let me wear a platinum Lange 1 grand ($48K). He also noticed my classic submariner and handled it turning the bezel (harumph). Its always a little dicey when dealing with high end goods salespeople. The possibility of being treated snobbily gets the blood flowing. Still, its wrong.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by MoosicPa

If she remembers him, why didn't she remember to call him back??? Sounds like a lame excuse to me. Bad customer service and follow-up. In my business when I tell a client/customer that I will call them, then I call them.

Yep agree, this is really the crux of it for me, and seems to me what the OP was most disappointed with in the first post. Seems silly that there has been footage studied and arguments about who opened the door etc, but no explanation as to why there was no follow up.

If I tell someone I will call them in my job, I do it. Even if it to say I haven't got an answer for them yet. Even if I was tied up and called later than I said, I do it. Even if I'm off work, I do it or organise a colleague to do it.

[MoosicPa]

In a kind of related story, back in July I went to my local Hamilton AD to order the Pioneer Khaki L.E. watch. The sales lady behind the counter had no idea of what I was talking about, and told me they didn't have in stock. I explained to her that I realized that, but would like to see if one can be ordered, as it is a limited edition piece and had not yet been released. She responded that no one cannot be ordered, and I would have to wait and see if the store receives one. At that point I thanked her and was leaving when the stores owner was walking in. He happens to be a client and friend of mine. He stopped me asked how I was doing and what was I doing there. I explained to him that I was trying to order the watch, but was informed by his sales associate that I would have to wait and see if one comes into the store. His response was "What are you talking about?" "Of course we can order it!" I followed back into the store, where he had a conversation with the sales associate, and a call was placed tot he sales rep. Needless to say, the watch was ordered and should be in later this Month.

I guess the lesson of the story is that some sales associates just aren't willing to go the extra mile for the sale.

[Art 1]

Good work, Sam.

[nauticajoe]

Sorry to hear.

[brkanand]

Both the parties have shared their respective point of view here. Now put this incident behind and move on!

Please thank Fremstar for his splendid efforts to resolve this issue and place facts as near to truth as possible.

[Trouble15]

Originally Posted by brkanand

Both the parties have shared their respective point of view here. Now put this incident behind and move on!

Please thank Fremstar for his splendid efforts to resolve this issue and place facts as near to truth as possible.

Well said.

[TARDIS]

I figured it might be because I was wearing Jeans and a Hoodie so I didn't think too much of it.

You go in a bank wearing a hoodie over your head and you will get attention from security. Same applies to shops with expensive gear in stock. A high percentage of robberies are carried out with perps in hoodies. They have every reason to be suspicious by your presentation.

Duh

[Stonedcl]

How do you know that was him on that day in the store on the tapes..
Might be someone else , I'm sure a lot of people with hoodies walk up in there..

[ObscureLight]

Originally Posted by TARDIS

I figured it might be because I was wearing Jeans and a Hoodie so I didn't think too much of it.

You go in a bank wearing a hoodie over your head and you will get attention from security. Same applies to shops with expensive gear in stock. A high percentage of robberies are carried out with perps in hoodies. They have every reason to be suspicious by your presentation.

Duh

Ummm when did I said that I had the hood over my head?

[Rolex time is money]

Whats up with guys that look younger than their actual age? make me jelous, Im 28 but most think Im much older... heck some people even think my wife is my daughter when in fact she is 2 years older than me

[artschool]

you could go back in with a nice new watch and say
“I was in here yesterday, you wouldn’t wait on me. You people work on commission, right?”
“Big mistake. Big. Huge.”

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by artschool

you could go back in with a nice new watch and say
“I was in here yesterday, you wouldn’t wait on me. You people work on commission, right?”
“Big mistake. Big. Huge.”

Even if this is a joke it is a foolish statement... Ritchie was waited on... The Vacheron he wanted was not in stock.

[artschool]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Even if this is a joke it is a foolish statement... Ritchie was waited on... The Vacheron he wanted was not in stock.

well it was obviously a joke.

but setting that aside you are coming across as very defensive for something you are not affiliated with.