Establishing relationship with AD

[dauster]

Originally Posted by prushkovez

The most annoying fact from my dealings with those Rolex sales individuals was that the uneducated hack was lecturing me, that before I become worthy/deserve to buy the Batman, at first I will need go for a lesser models... I almost exploded! Don't tell me what to do and I will not tell you to go and get engaged with yourself... and this attitude is across the board... so outrageous!!

Trust me I was just like you a few years back. I thought once I make some money and can finally afford the finer things in life, I would enjoy a great experience at ADs and high end clothing shops etc. In reality most people working at these high end shops (including Savile Row Tailors) are not very educated / knowledgable about the products they are selling and really only cater to their big spenders and I sometimes I feel they don't really cater to anyone regardless of spend and they just suck at their job. Your life will be easier if you accept that.

Just continue to casually keep trying ADs around the country (just like me) and you might get lucky (like me but took me many tries) or just move on from wanting to buy at ADs

[Gearjockey]

I don’t think that it’s fair to characterize people as uneducated without knowing their background and I certainly wouldn’t assume that either. They work there because they chose that job and that’s fine with me. I treat others with respect unless and until they show me disrespect.
However, the moment that the SA became “unpleasant” I would’ve shut it down and walked out.

[LndLord]

So many topics on this

[Offshore]

If you've received poor service or been treated condescendingly, speak to management. Hopefully they will welcome your comments and interpret them in a constructive way, perhaps focusing more on staff training.

If speaking to management, you should also be able to have a frank conversation about the watch you want. If it is highly unlikely you will be allocated one in a reasonable timeframe, they should tell you this, with apologies, and you can then focus your attentions elsewhere.

In my opinion this is the minimum one should expect.

[JTL31]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Nos ALL ADs are the same. Mine has never treated me, in a condescending manner.

Kat

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I’m fortunate in dealing with a small family owned business for 8 yrs. now where most of the staff know my name and passion for watches. They let me “play” like a kid in the candy store and just browse or chat. I was notified immediately when they received 2 watches of interest into their preowned case. A white OP before its discontinuation & a BB58, both under 6 months old. Not heavy hitters by some or heavily sought after, but I was thrilled at the opportunity to own them & to purchase at a nice discount.

I do feel for others on TRF that are not so fortunate and have to deal w/big chains.

[jb335]

Go to another AD that doesn’t stock jewelry or other brands. Ask for a DJ, better yet, a 36mm DJ.

Get DJ and then ask for a GMT.

Easy


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[dauster]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

I don’t think that it’s fair to characterize people as uneducated without knowing their background and I certainly wouldn’t assume that either. They work there because they chose that job and that’s fine with me. I treat others with respect unless and until they show me disrespect.
However, the moment that the SA became “unpleasant” I would’ve shut it down and walked out.

not sure if you are responding to me but I said " uneducated / knowlegable about the products they are selling". I am not interested in having a discussion about philiosphy with my SAs but good knowledge about the very expensive products they are selling is important to me. Just like I appreciate a good deli that is enthusiastic about the cheese and salami they are selling and let me try some - makes it experience way more fun.

[capnty]

Originally Posted by prushkovez

Hi y’all. Probably it was discussed here ad nauseam, but please explain to me - I don’t understand this AD establishing relationship routine.

So, initially I went to a local AD and told them that I want to buy the GMT Batman. And I knew about the wait time routine and such. To my surprise the sales guy gave me very unpleasant and condescending lecture, explaining that I need to “establish a relationship” ie spend a fortune before I will be entitled to become a chosen one. And it was not only the case in Austin. I’ve got the similar responses in San Antonio, Houston, SF and London Rolex AD locations. My point is - I don’t want to buy a bunch of rings and bracelets and other useless garbage to my wife, and other members of my family. I’m here for the WATCH!! What I’m trying to say is, why one needs to undergo a series of humiliating encounters and kissing somebody’s behind, rather than to go grey and buy whatever you want right away. Not to spend 50-100K to buy a 10-20K timepiece, but pay 15-30K and get what you want on the spot.

By this post I did not mean to offend anybody, this is just a question. Out of a morbid curiosity.

I would politely remind them that 7-10 years ago one could buy a Rolex at Costco

Sooner or later, the market will cool, and AD behavior will have to adjust accordingly.

[kopi-c]

Originally Posted by prushkovez

I understand supply and demand point. But my point is if you are on a market for Rolex, that means you have money and you are not spending your last 10-15 grand and letting your kids ho hungry to bed. My question is why do you want to spend up to 100k to buy 10-15k watch, instead of paying 15-30k for a same piece you want, going grey? It’s a huge savings up to 70k, isn’t it?

I can tell you are frustrated and turn off by the Rolex AD experience. Sadly, that is how most AD operate nowadays for their popular watch/reference you just mentioned GMT master II, 126710blnr need some luck/patience to acquire.

Some incoming watch post I've seen are from people who don't have pre-spend history and were just at the right place and time getting their GMT. The manager or SA liked the customer enough to allocate one so just keep trying at other Rolex AD's.

[rockysw]

I think if you want to buy one rolex, it would be cheaper to go gray. No point buying things you dont want especially at full price (a lot of jewellery goes on sale and most other watches are readily available at discount).

[Sherwooddavid]

I’ve been dealing with our AD for over 30 years and have a really good relationship. Over that time I’ve purchased several watches including Rolex’s and our wedding and engagement rings.
My last purchase was a Sub a few months back and I was given a Rolex hat and pen as a gift that was much appreciated.
At that time I mentioned that I was interested in purchasing the new Daytona 126500 for my upcoming 70th birthday and they said they would call me when one comes in so I’m looking forward to that.(not turning 70)
When I sometimes drop in for a visit and to say hi they know me by name and are alway friendly and I’m treated with courtesy and respect.
I’m not a rich guy either just a retired blue collar tradesman who’s done well and managed my money over the years and has a few dollars left over after the bills are paid for a few luxuries that will eventually go to the kids and grandkids.

[Lawlex]

I would understand the waitlist and the game etc. but never in a condescending way, had one encounter to one of the closest AD to me, never shopped with them thereafter.

If all ADs are like that, go grey. It supposed to be a pleasant experience.


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[amh]

Originally Posted by learningtofly

That’s fine for people who can afford to pay the hugely inflated grey prices seen in the listings from our trusted sellers. Not everyone can, and not everyone will as a matter of principal.

They're not really inflated - they're merely Market Price. Is it better to pay $5k extra for a SS Rolex or to buy $50k in marked-up jewelry at the AD?

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

I don’t think that it’s fair to characterize people as uneducated without knowing their background and I certainly wouldn’t assume that either. They work there because they chose that job and that’s fine with me. I treat others with respect unless and until they show me disrespect.
However, the moment that the SA became “unpleasant” I would’ve shut it down and walked out.

I think many of the SAs don't know a thing about Rolex or watches. Are they uneducated? No idea and I don't care. They're selling jewelry.

And I've never encountered one that's unpleasant (ie. actually rude.) They very politely advise to spend $50k in jewelry to get noticed (or buy a diamond bezel lady datejust first.) This type of comment may indeed upset people even if it's not intended to be rude.

Originally Posted by Offshore

If you've received poor service or been treated condescendingly, speak to management. Hopefully they will welcome your comments and interpret them in a constructive way, perhaps focusing more on staff training.<snip>.

Seems pointless. The SAs do the owner's bidding.

Let's see how that fantasy plays out:
TRF user: "Hello Mr Owner! I was told to buy some datejusts before I can get a Batman!"
Owner: "Oh my gosh! I had no idea my staff was coercing purchase of unwanted items. Here, let me pull a fresh GMT from for the safe for you right now."

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by prushkovez

The most annoying fact from my dealings with those Rolex sales individuals was that the uneducated hack was lecturing me, that before I become worthy/deserve to buy the Batman, at first I will need go for a lesser models... I almost exploded! Don't tell me what to do and I will not tell you to go and get engaged with yourself... and this attitude is across the board... so outrageous!!

“Uneducated”, huh? You must have been a joy to interact with.

I’ve said it many times on threads like these. If you can afford a Rolex you are probably used to getting whatever you want simply because you have money. If you have that level of entitlement, simply being told “no” is seen as bad service.

I have an AD that gets me watches after a reasonable wait. I’ve never bought jewelry, but I’ve bought a couple of non-Rolex watches because, surprise, I like watches. They have never been condescending to me. Ever.

In fact at this point I’ve visited a double digit number of ADs, and not once have I been with anything other than courtesy and respect. They’ve not given me what I wanted, but they have never been rude. Sometimes I wonder what some folks are doing when they go into a store.

And I don’t think that being nice to a salesperson, a fellow human being, is beneath me, or “kissing butt.” People deserve respect regardless of their job.

But you do you.

[REQUIEMnJADED4U]

I have great rapport with my SA at my local AD. I have never felt spoken down to or disregarding as unfortunately some others have. I feel like I normally have respectful small talk with various AD's I've stopped by in my travels the last couple of years. At worst, only felt once in NYC and Vegas that the SA didn't really want to chat watches or state of market.

As for paying market price at grey dealers vs "building a relationship". Everyone should do what they feel is best for them. What works/makes sense for one person doesn't always necessarily apply to the next person in line.

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

“Uneducated”, huh? You must have been a joy to interact with.

I’ve said it many times on threads like these. If you can afford a Rolex you are probably used to getting whatever you want simply because you have money. If you have that level of entitlement, simply being told “no” is seen as bad service.

I have an AD that gets me watches after a reasonable wait. I’ve never bought jewelry, but I’ve bought a couple of non-Rolex watches because, surprise, I like watches. They have never been condescending to me. Ever.

In fact at this point I’ve visited a double digit number of ADs, and not once have I been with anything other than courtesy and respect. They’ve not given me what I wanted, but they have never been rude. Sometimes I wonder what some folks are doing when they go into a store.

And I don’t think that being nice to a salesperson, a fellow human being, is beneath me, or “kissing butt.” People deserve respect regardless of their job.

But you do you.

Can I get an Amen!
The majority of TRF members go quietly about their “AD relationship” which is basically being a decent human being. Being as I never experience these perceived slights I always wonder what those that do contribute to this situation.

[HMHM]

It’s always the same arguments regurgitated approximately 100x now…. That they (potential buyers) have money but ADs are not entertaining them. They feel “insulted” as a result. Asked about purchase history, they have none. Asked to build purchase history, they refused. So is OP suggesting that the his wants are more essential than others, and that the rest of the people with history at the AD should be bypassed for him to get the watch ASAP? Is it a question of one rules for them and one rules for me? Secondly, it’s always the same argument that they have money, and that they are not spending their last 10-15 grand on a watch. So clearly OP is rich and can afford to buy and buy and buy until the AD is willing to get on their knees to beg OP to pick his choice of watches such as Le Mans, 126500, BLRO etc.

[Chaucer1787]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

Can I get an Amen!
The majority of TRF members go quietly about their “AD relationship” which is basically being a decent human being.

This has been my experience and it seems to work rather well for me. I sometimes think humility goes even further than spend history.

Oddly enough, it doesn’t take much. I bought a Tudor Ranger. I will be buying an engagement ring in January but nothing super insane as my girlfriend has simple taste.

This being said, on a whim, I asked my AD earlier this week about how realistic it was for me to be allocated a BLRO. I was surprised by the answer. She said something like, “Well, you are a regular client, you are buying an engagement ring… we take care of our regular clients first…”

My spend history is peanuts in comparison to some whales I’m sure. 2 subs, a Tudor, a cheap Hamilton and a to-be engagement ring purchase. These little things add up.

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[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Chaucer1787

This has been my experience and it seems to work rather well for me. I sometimes think humility goes even further than spend history.

Oddly enough, it doesn’t take much. I bought a Tudor Ranger. I will be buying an engagement ring in January but nothing super insane as my girlfriend has simple taste.

This being said, on a whim, I asked my AD earlier this week about how realistic it was for me to be allocated a BLRO. I was surprised by the answer. She said something like, “Well, you are a regular client, you are buying an engagement ring… we take care of our regular clients first…”

My spend history is peanuts in comparison to some whales I’m sure. 2 subs, a Tudor, a cheap Hamilton and a to-be engagement ring purchase. These little things add up.

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People throw out numbers like “I don’t want to spend 50K on stuff don’t want” or “it takes 200K to get a Daytona” as if it’s axiomatic. It’s different at different ADs and with different customers.

Sometimes I think the people that can’t get watches have to convince themselves that the people that do get them are idiots (spending hundreds of thousands to get a watch you can buy for 30) or don’t have any dignity (“kissing butt of uneducated hack”). It’s weird.

[windingmybusiness]

Where did you buy your Breitling, Omega, and Panerai? If any of those dealers also sell Rolex, you may have a more pleasant experience.

[SMDRFE]

Just got my 126610LN this week, my fourth Rolex, from our smaller, hometown, out of state AD that we still do business with!

My wife has been buying jewelry from them for over a decade, so when I got into watches it wasn't a problem to get things. They had conveniently "forgotten" about that stainless steel Sub I had wanted this year, but when my wife was finally buying some jewelry, her first real purchase of the year, suddenly that Sub was "remembered" and they had it for me within a month to go with my wife's goodies.

When I was buying my first Rolex, a white dial Sky-Dweller, I didn't even really realize that there was a "game" to get Rolexes, and that we had already been playing it. I've never had to wait more than a month or two for the Rolexes I've wanted, assuming the "skids had been greased" by my wife with other purchases historically or recent, which she was going to make anyways.

If you don't want to play the "game", just want to get the Rolex you want, and don't want to waste time/money/energy establishing a relationship with an AD if you don't already have one, just go grey/secondary, pay the premium, and be happy. You can have your watch tomorrow, and you will have a relationship established anyways, with your new grey guy.

If you happen to like other watches though, why not establish that relationship with an AD, and spend that premium secondary market money on some actual watches instead? As long as you have the patience to play what can be a pretty long game, things will work out.

If you have a wife or significant other that likes nice jewelry, find a good jeweler that carries Rolex also, and that can be your ticket as well.

The way the AD sees it, they know these watches are hard to get and that they're worth $$$$ more on the secondary market when they can only sell them for MSRP. Why give a stranger that's not doing any other business with the store $5-10k? If they know they can only make so many calls to their regional Rolex rep per month/year to get one of those harder to get watches, they're going to reserve those calls for their better customers that are buying other watches and/or jewelry also. Why give that slot to an unknown off the street with no history with the store and that isn't buying anything else, when they know they could very well just flip it the next day for a big profit? Why give a stranger $5-10k for nothing?

You don't have to like it, but that's how it works these days. I envy the guys that got into watches way before me (first nice watch at 40), and being able to just walk into an AD and get what you want, possibly below MSRP. A buddy got a SS Daytona new in NYC maybe 10 years ago, and as I recall even got a 10% discount on it.

[TheVision]

Ya went to a shit AD....I have 3 ADs in my immediate area and 2 of them have the same vibes cos frankly, they already have their "favourite" VIP clients who are constantly buying all the new pieces along with diamond rings and necklaces for their spouse. So these stores don't really care for some random customer walking in and asking for a sports Rolex.

The 3rd AD was much better and was the one who offered me the sub date with only a 7 week wait with zero purchase history. I'll be getting a gmt next year and will use the same rep and the store.

[scooba]

Originally Posted by prushkovez

Hi y’all. Probably it was discussed here ad nauseam, but please explain to me - I don’t understand this AD establishing relationship routine.

So, initially I went to a local AD and told them that I want to buy the GMT Batman. And I knew about the wait time routine and such. To my surprise the sales guy gave me very unpleasant and condescending lecture, explaining that I need to “establish a relationship” ie spend a fortune before I will be entitled to become a chosen one. And it was not only the case in Austin. I’ve got the similar responses in San Antonio, Houston, SF and London Rolex AD locations. My point is - I don’t want to buy a bunch of rings and bracelets and other useless garbage to my wife, and other members of my family. I’m here for the WATCH!! What I’m trying to say is, why one needs to undergo a series of humiliating encounters and kissing somebody’s behind, rather than to go grey and buy whatever you want right away. Not to spend 50-100K to buy a 10-20K timepiece, but pay 15-30K and get what you want on the spot.

By this post I did not mean to offend anybody, this is just a question. Out of a morbid curiosity.

You don’t have to do,the dealer dance . Just go to a Gray Dealer pay a little extra and skip the relationship bs

[sien]

Originally Posted by littletommy

grey is the way!

I've purchased multiple rolexes from dsw. Perfect transaction each time. I had my desired pieces the next day and they didn't ask me to bring them chocolates and wine.

I don't even waste my time at the 'ad's' anymore.

+1

[Wee-Willie]

Originally Posted by amh

Yes OP that's how it is in Austin. Very few ADs and lots of money via California transplants and booming tech industry.

It's not only faster but also far less expensive to simply buy grey.

Unwanted jewelry is unwanted. They'll push Tudor/GS/Omega/Cartier as well but don't buy those either The Rolex hype is slowly waning, many pieces already at MSRP on the grey market.

as a fellow comrade of the people's republic of Austin, have you had any success getting a new watch here.

I have a small purchase history at Kormans and got a new op41 blue dial after a 25 day wait.

[Harry-57]

Condescending and humiliating? They obviously don't want your business. They are not important. Keep looking. There are good ADs out there.

ADs are retailers. So when you find one who doesn't patronise and humiliate you on first acquaintance, you start spending. Not a year passes when we don't buy something from our AD. It's always something we want, it's seldom expensive and it's always an opportunity to be seen, ask questions and chat to whoever is around.

If you are walking speculatively into ADs you come across and expecting to make progress at the first attempt, you're chosen the wrong brand - at the moment. Nothing stays the same for ever.

[MarioB83]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

“Uneducated”, huh? You must have been a joy to interact with.

I’ve said it many times on threads like these. If you can afford a Rolex you are probably used to getting whatever you want simply because you have money. If you have that level of entitlement, simply being told “no” is seen as bad service.

I have an AD that gets me watches after a reasonable wait. I’ve never bought jewelry, but I’ve bought a couple of non-Rolex watches because, surprise, I like watches. They have never been condescending to me. Ever.

In fact at this point I’ve visited a double digit number of ADs, and not once have I been with anything other than courtesy and respect. They’ve not given me what I wanted, but they have never been rude. Sometimes I wonder what some folks are doing when they go into a store.

And I don’t think that being nice to a salesperson, a fellow human being, is beneath me, or “kissing butt.” People deserve respect regardless of their job.

But you do you.

110% agree with you. Many people used to buy everything they want just Because money. Sorry pal, not this time.

[amh]

Originally Posted by Wee-Willie

as a fellow comrade of the people's republic of Austin, have you had any success getting a new watch here.

I have a small purchase history at Kormans and got a new op41 blue dial after a 25 day wait.

Korman sold me a CHNR, love it! Ben Bridge got my wife a YM37. Beyond that, nothing. Still on BLNR waiting list FWIW but I've stopped visiting. Buying different toys now since Rolex watches are a lost cause (and don't want any other brands.)

[wgdaytona]

Originally Posted by slimpee

if you want to get it at retail, you’ll have to wait or play their game.

If you want the watch sooner, go grey market and buy from a reputable seller. It’ll probably cost less than buying crap you don’t want and take way less time.

Of course, if you have to buy crap at least you have something to show for your money as opposed to paying a premium at grey.

The solution you want, getting the desired gmt at retail without having to buy crap and/or wait forever because you’re a really nice guy and a true collector and you deserve it, likely isn’t an option unless you get lucky.

accurate.

[4reRlxGuy]

I don't know if one will be able to build a relationship with an AD in certain markets like socal. It looks like family owned ADs like the one I dealt with for 25+ years and had it's account pulled in 2021 will be a thing of the past.

With the larger chain ADs SAs come and go and from what I experienced when you start over with a new SA it's almost like completely starting over.

Find a grey you trust. They need you to survive and will remember your bday, anniversaries, and holidays. I visited my AD multiple times checking in to see if anything would become available for my bday or xmas.

My grey came through with a BLRO for my bday last month and a PM daytona for Xmas (both below list price/no tax and stickered)