Bringing up Grey dealers during AD visit #2

[RaZCaL]

In light of the other thread about mentioning Grey markets to ADs, I have a different scenario. What happens if you walk into an AD that you are trying to build a relationship and they see your Daytona on your wrist and ask where you purchased it from? Is it wise to mention the Grey market or tell a white lie that it’s from another AD?

Curious what others would do…

[MTBer]

I don’t see the point of lying about it. If they ask, I’d say be honest and tell them you wanted the watch and had to pay the premium on the secondary market.

[JLM3]

Tell them you bought it grey and would like to buy from a AD....they will see you have money since they know what they go on the grey market for and may think they can make a good customer out of you..

[EEpro]

I did this exact thing. The watch got a lot of attention. I told them it was purchased for a large sum of money and I'd love to sell it to buy oysterflex PM from them. It got the gears spinning. Was offered rose gold Daytona on next visit and told them I would wait for white / steel.

[MrGoat]

Yeah, don’t lie about it. Stand behind your decision. The people at AD’s aren’t any different than the rest of us, they just happen to be in a position that many attribute power to because egos get in the way of sense for them. You went Grey, who cares. This should show the AD you don’t play games and have the ability to comfortably pay a large mark up for what you want, when you want it. Maybe that person doesn’t align with their sales strategy, who cares, that just means they don’t get you as a client. Find someone that appreciates your business, is attentive and encourages a honest relationship that doesn’t require some silly games about purchasing thousand of dollars of things while wasting your time to do business with.


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[2loaded]

It definitely takes one out of the " tire kicker" category.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by RaZCaL

In light of the other thread about mentioning Grey markets to ADs, I have a different scenario. What happens if you walk into an AD that you are trying to build a relationship and they see your Daytona on your wrist and ask where you purchased it from? Is it wise to mention the Grey market or tell a white lie that it’s from another AD?

I'd tell them I got my watches while spending time at my overseas offices, but with the hassle of flying these days, I'd rather go local Maybe replace "flying" with "booking private jets" for extra effect

[TTbluesy]

What do they care?

They sell to the greys and the greys sell to you.

They make more money that way, so they’re perfectly fine pushing you off to the greys.


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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Yeah, don’t lie about it. Stand behind your decision. The people at AD’s aren’t any different than the rest of us, they just happen to be in a position that many attribute power to because egos get in the way of sense for them. You went Grey, who cares. This should show the AD you don’t play games and have the ability to comfortably pay a large mark up for what you want, when you want it. Maybe that person doesn’t align with their sales strategy, who cares, that just means they don’t get you as a client. Find someone that appreciates your business, is attentive and encourages a honest relationship that doesn’t require some silly games about purchasing thousand of dollars of things while wasting your time to do business with.


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[mountainjogger]

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

Mark Twain

[JSolution]

People overthink this stuff way too much. I have bought majority on grey market because my AD said they couldn’t get me them. I still buy from him in between. I bought a gmt meteorite because he said simply he cannot get me one he doesn’t give a **** why would he.

[franklee168]

Exact thing happened to me. My response to the SA was, "you know the story"

[sj24k]

"yes, i bought it from a reseller because no rolex AD could deliver in my timeframe. would have preferred to purchase from you or another AD, but rolex makes that nearly impossible."

i am always 100% upfront about this and honestly could care less what the AD thinks. i am nice, cordial, and happy to build a relationship. but not at the expense of pretending i will play the game.

[RaZCaL]

I went with the consensus here. I answered honestly that I went grey and received two different reactions. One SA was understanding and told me that it was a wise decision since the market price is so high now. We had a pleasant conversation about the state of Rolex and the grey markets. Another SA gave me a snarky reaction like I did the worst thing ever. I told her that if she was able to source one for me right now at the store, I would purchase all of them. I walked right out...WORST EXPERIENCE.

[Mystro]

I make a point of saying I know and purchase from all the dealers like DavidSW, etc... I want the AD to know I am very experienced in sourcing my watches when I want them. That way the AD better step if they want to earn my business. I don’t play games.

[sj24k]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I make a point of saying I know and purchase from all the dealers like DavidSW, etc... I want the AD to know I am very experienced in sourcing my watches when I want them. That way the AD better step if they want to earn my business. I don’t play games.

every now and then someone on the forum gives me hope we haven't all lost our minds. thanks, and yes.

[Seddyspaghetti]

I wouldn’t walk into an AD i was trying to build a relationship with a modern active rolex if i were to even wear a rolex. I’d rather wear another brand like AP or grand seiko or something.

I don’t care to explain to the SA where i get my other rolex watches from.

[dannyp]

Sure, why not? Especially if you lament having to pay such a premium by not being able to get through dealer (casually mention the two other watches you'd have bought with the difference if you had).

Build rapport: you're both "flipper victims" here, lol.

[Deepseadoug]

I was in my local Ad a few months ago and I slipped and used the word “flipped” instead of “sold” in a conversation about a rootbeer gmt I parted ways with right around the time covid was really shutting everything down. I think I said I “ flipped my rootbeer for some cash to a dealer” and you should have seen everybody in the places neck break and had eyes on me. They know what that word means. It’s like when you tell your puppy “bad dog” they knowww! I’m 2 for 2 in this Ad first time was when they asked me what I did for a living I told them I smuggle drugs internationally and the place almost shut down in silence. Now this.They ain’t ever gonna call me for anything ever so I at least get some good laughs at their expense. In my experience any mention of any dealings with anybody but said Ad they look at you like you’re a criminal.

[Chiboy]

If I were an AD and heard a customer bought a Daytona from the gray market, I'd think, "Well, he's the last one I have to worry about flipping something I sell him. He PAYS the markup rather than trying to MAKE the markup."

[Brew]

I could not imagine a proper sales person asking such a question. It's none of anyone else's business.

[macrowatch]

I think it’s a very reasonable qualification question from a sales person to determine if they are able to get your business. (And again, OP question frames as ‘where did you get the watch from).

[envuks]

I’ve been trying to build a relationship with a second AD over the past year. I go in and talk with them every few months, have worn both my 116718 and 116500 on different occasions. Early in the process, the SA told me my best bet was to go back to the AD I got the daytona from.

They still have not yet sourced a watch for me. It we do have decent conversations when I visit. Who knows. I actually feel it’s been healthy. Ive got better things to spend my time on than begging for another Rolex....


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[zengineer]

Tell them you got it from the grey dealer that they sold it to.

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[Jacksan]

Last time I went into the local AD here, the SA basically told me it was going to be next to impossible to get a SkyDweller.
He notice my DD, and commented on it, I told him the truth that I got it from a non-local AD. He proceeded to inform me that I should go back to the previous AD, that I would have a better chance of getting one from them.
So, if you now tell him that you got it from another AD, that's likely where you'd be referred.
"Of course if you were to start a relationship with us, we can see what we can do" is what he said, but his attitude and body language basically shut me down from ever wanting to go back there again.

[Mifune]

'non of your business... but more than likely, the same place I will buy my next piece!'

[hambone1983]

my answer would be that if you are trying to build a relationship with someone whose interest in you is 100% pecuniary, then put some dough in his pocket. He may appreciate that you are pleasant and knowledgeable but if you have a heart attack and collapse in front of him, he will step over you to get to the next potential sale.

[Bizcut1]

Originally Posted by JSolution

People overthink this stuff way too much. I have bought majority on grey market because my AD said they couldn’t get me them. I still buy from him in between. I bought a gmt meteorite because he said simply he cannot get me one he doesn’t give a **** why would he.

Exactly this. Jesus, it's a watch.

[Robine]

If the SA doesnt think you are a baller, change it

[The Kermit]

When I bought my BLNR grey my ad verified and sized it up for me.

He knows I have bought a number on the grey market and this does help as he knows whatever I buy it will not be flipped.