What is the "full experience" at an AD?

[Kestrel]

It is pleasant and in a nice store but it isn’t anything more than a transaction. A few years ago it was difficult to think of purchasing at an AD due to the large grey discount (~20% or more on a SS professional watch). Buying that way meant you wouldn’t lose a ton on resale if you decided you didn’t like what you bought and/or that the saved 20% goes to the next watch. And in my experience the AD experience is not that memorable or special. That model hurt ADs. The current model is far better for them. Now people line up to pay full retail (40% markup) on a watch. They sell every watch for full profit with a list that extends for years.

Not to say I dislike ADs. Mine is a family run shop and they give back to the community. I have no problem supporting them and in fact I think they are great people. But business is business and it is tough to compete on steeply discounted luxury goods.

[Raypep]

I've only ever bought 2 rolex's one in ~2009 and one in 2018. I think both times I just got offered a water.

I do wonder if it is based on the watch you are purchasing, or looking at. If you're looking at a DJ or Day-Date, they seem to grow on trees, which is more competition from one AD to the next. And my assumption is they would want to differentiate themselves.

[Jabbo84]

A free glass of cheap champagne before they stick it to you. Reminds me of a lot of dates I’ve had.

[alex.cicollo]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

My AD visit usually starts out with a little music to celebrate my arrival.

This does the trick.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dfe8tCcHnKY

Then, fresh carpet is unrolled so I need not walk in the footsteps of others


After some jibber jabber about the state of the market, my new timepiece is placed on my wrist and I am whisked away to wear my new Rolex while living a luxuriously active and on trend 2020 lifestyle.

LOVE IT!!!!!


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[mk2jag]

Originally Posted by Jabbo84

A free glass of cheap champagne before they stick it to you. Reminds me of a lot of dates I’ve had.

Haha!!




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[CashGap]

Walked in, saw a DJ41 Rhodium I'd never seen in person... had just had a business win on the trip, decided to buy. SA disinterestedly quoted MSRP and said "no discounting" before I asked.

Checked currency conversion. A little less expensive than from my preferred trusted seller in Florida.

Said I'll take it. He walked me over to a table, got the box, ran my AMX Platinum. As my watch dinged "AMX Fraud Alert", he smiled for the first time and said "DECLINED!!!" while tossing the card on the counter in front of me.

I tapped "This is a legitimate charge" on my phone and said "Try again".

He tried not to look disappointed when the charge went through the second time.

But, US Customs experience made up for it. I checked the box that I was over the limit for a watch when I arrived at O'Hare. The representative glanced at it, said "Have a nice day" and waived me through.

[therealcbar]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Bottle of water and MSRP. Isn’t that enough these days

This ^ for me

[Dsegel]

Glass of Veuve for the wife and 2 nice glasses of Scotch for me while sizing etc. Great experience. Bought a Sub-

[arindamclt]

Originally Posted by Xtralarg

40% mark up, these AD's are laughing when you leave!

For some brands, if the watch costs $100, the AD makes $50 - that's a 100% markup. For others, the AD makes $40 on a $100 watch - that's a 67% markup.