My Ad Experience

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

Im a fairly successful guy, but I won't sugar coat it, I dress like crap. :) The only thing I have that might indicate to a salesperson I'm a prospective buyer is the twinkle in my eye :), and the watch on my wrist, which is either an Iwc, Panerai or Sub-C, or my fair knowledge of watches. But I will say I'm friendly, personable, and don't take myself too seriously, I think that plays a part. I don't walk in acting or feeling like they're there to serve and fawn over me, I treat them as friends I haven't met, which often ends up being the case.

I have recently been to 2 different Tourneaus here in FL, one was just yesterday. Also got to look at tons of Rolexes at a Mayors, and I have been treated with nothing but respect and an extremely friendly attitude.

Maybe I'm lucky, and I'm sure many bad experiences recounted above were simply rude salespeople, but I also think sometimes it depends on the customer.

I agree very much with your last statement.

[tada]

Nice story!!! So much for nice guys finish last!!!

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

I know this is a little out dated but here it goes:

On 18 Jannuary 2008 I walked into a South Florida AD.

I was in the middle of a very large constuction project and I was dresses accordingly. I was wearing Levi's jeans and a Ralph Lauren button down long sleeve shirt.

I entered the store - the maitre d, general manager, does not even greet me at the entrance. He gives me a look like what are you doing here?

I walk over to the Omega counter, I was interested in a SeaMaster. Two suited salesmen ignore me like I am the plauge.

I notice a person who appears to be one more of the "suited salesmen" walk in the enterance.

He comes over to me and askes if he can help me.

Long story short I bought a 16610. I asked my salesman if he thought a person like me would purchase such. He responded I treat all potential customers the same, by the way I just came on shift and have not punched in yet - I cannot complete the sale until I have punched in - would you please excuse me for a moment.

On my way our I proudly displayed my new watch to the 2 POSs that did not have time for me and told general manager with his superior management skills his time was limited. Afterwards I wrote and and sent a letter to the chain store's headquaters detailing my experience.

I was back today looking at some watches. I noticed the general manager was no longer there. I asked if he was off, gave a descrition, - vacation? I was told he was no longer employed at the store. Guess who the new general manger was?

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

Im a fairly successful guy, but I won't sugar coat it, I dress like crap. :) The only thing I have that might indicate to a salesperson I'm a prospective buyer is the twinkle in my eye :), and the watch on my wrist, which is either an Iwc, Panerai or Sub-C, or my fair knowledge of watches. But I will say I'm friendly, personable, and don't take myself too seriously, I think that plays a part. I don't walk in acting or feeling like they're there to serve and fawn over me, I treat them as friends I haven't met, which often ends up being the case.

I have recently been to 2 different Tourneaus here in FL, one was just yesterday. Also got to look at tons of Rolexes at a Mayors, and I have been treated with nothing but respect and an extremely friendly attitude.

Maybe I'm lucky, and I'm sure many bad experiences recounted above were simply rude salespeople, but I also think sometimes it depends on the customer.

In my case "it did not depend on the customer" - who was me. I did not include in my original post that I smiled and said hello to the GM at the entrance - no response - just an unwelcome look. Same with the two suited sales persons.

[OneilC]

I have been fortunate to have never been treated poorly by an AD. Surprisingly in NYC the dealers here try not to judge because many "slum" it to shop

[Megalobyte]

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

In my case "it did not depend on the customer" - who was me. I did not include in my original post that I smiled and said hello to the GM at the entrance - no response - just an unwelcome look. Same with the two suited sales persons.

I agree, sounds like in your case it was them. But I still think in other unpleasant experiences, a customer's demeanor may have had something to do with it. Some people are instantly likable, and some are instantly, well, not. :) I will say though that a good salesperson who values their job should be able to remain courteous, friendly and helpful in all but the worst, most difficult circumstances. I'm in sales too and I'd be friendly to a potential customer, even a difficult one, up until he runs over my dog, or insults my dead mother. :)

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

I agree, sounds like in your case it was them. But I still think in other unpleasant experiences, a customer's demeanor may have had something to do with it. Some people are instantly likable, and some are instantly, well, not. :) I will say though that a good salesperson who values their job should be able to remain courteous, friendly and helpful in all but the worst, most difficult circumstances. I'm in sales too and I'd be friendly to a potential customer, even a difficult one, up until he runs over my dog, or insults my dead mother. :)

I agree with what you have stated. Some customers just have an attitude. I just wanted to clarify my situation.

[NiceRide]

I never fault a business for trying to size me up when I walk in for an expensive purchase, it's vital they try and pick out the more profitable customer/client. One thing I remember to do is always be respectful to a business when I'm dealing with them, no matter what the heck I'm wearing.

I'm usually ignored b/c I'm in basketball shorts, $15-$20 dollar T-shirt, and running shoes. The moment I open my mouth to inquire or ask questions about a certain product, that's when I get a salesperson's full attention, usually the same one ignoring me all along. I just can't imagine what the other sales associates are thinking when what they though was this total bum is in a serious negotiation with their colleague to acquire a $100k vehicle. It's not my fault I like to make big purchases in comfortable basketball shorts

[Rollie2011]

Mr. Bill, I have to ask, as a fellow south floridian would you mind telling me which AD it was. I hate to support bad customer service and would like to avoid it if at all possible

PM if you like.

[PeteNYC13]

Hey, let's start another thread pre-judging AD's based on the fact that they pre-judge some customers?!

It sounds like bad service...but I don't know if I would chalk it up to how the OP was dressed, maybe just bad service in general and maybe just a bad day.

I have said before, I have shopped in suits and in t-shirts and I get treated well each time...or I leave.
I think some folks have their own concerns / issues with how they dress and project that onto others. Just my two cents.


-Pete