Does frequent contact with ADs amount to anything?

[Eagles4133]

It does make a difference. In the end, it's really up to the SA who they want to offer coveted items up to. Obviously don't go overboard, but stopping in somewhere new to build a relationship is key. I have never gifted anyone anything or groveled. It also helps to show some real knowledge about the hobby instead of just being someone who wants something they know nothing about. This also helps distinguish you from a true flipper who just wants a hot piece to make some quick cash.

[Langeholic]

Originally Posted by kegan

Also internet rudeness is singling someone out by clearly not reading through the post and taking them completely out of context. If you were to do that you would see that I directly referred to no one and the poster I was quoting clearly took it as the joke I meant it to be,at least I think that’s what this means. By the way I do speak plainly to others in person and regularly call out b.s. when necessary. It’s a highly successful means of communication. Thanks for asking. That being said there also a lot of truth to what you have pointed out and I will apologize if I have offended anyone and I will try to less of my flawed self in the future.

I'm sorry you felt singled out. I directly quoted only your post, and not others, for brevity and also because it was the most recent in the thread that I wanted to respond to. Be assured that I didn't single you out, as I was clear that I was referring to multiple posts in this thread; not just yours. I also didn't take anything out of context. As well, I was not speaking in defense of the person you quoted, who then responded with, "rofl". That person is clearly not being referred to as exhibiting the behavior that would make one "full on pathetic". Anyway, okay, I shall quote every relevant post in this thread, then. Wall of text ahead:

This post:

Originally Posted by DG123

A watch is not worth more than one's dignity.

And others like it, like the following:

Originally Posted by Mystro

^^^Spot on. As a professional, looking desperate or transparent by constantly visiting a jewelry store to gain favor to maybe get to purchase is kinda pathetic.

Originally Posted by amh

This is the truth.

Frequent purchase of non-Rolex product will get some attention. Rolex is the reward for loyalty.

Originally Posted by fskywalker

+100000000000000000

Originally Posted by kegan

Probably right, full on pathetic is much more successful than “kinda”pathetic.

Originally Posted by amh

Are in response to posts in this thread like the following:

Originally Posted by Tridor

I think it does. Over the years I've bought three Rolexes from my AD, some jewelry for my wife, and have my watches serviced by the in-house Rolex certified watchmaker. I'm far from his biggest customer, but anytime I stop in, he treats me well and we have great conversations about the technical aspects of Rolex. He has told me that I will never have to be on a wait list, and that if I want something in the Rolex line, he'll order it for me right away. I think that comes from a long term relationship (about 25 years) and mutual respect.

Originally Posted by Travis29

Yep, 2 pcs in 5 months

Your one off many wanting the same model. consistency is key, build a relationship. I dropped in monthly to say hi or ask about updates. Dnt expect them to chase u down.

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

I met my SA in 1997 when he was working at a multi-line watch only store. We hit it off well and I consider him a friend. Over the years I always visited with him from time to time, we talked watches, cars, hobbies, families, vacations, etc.
When I’ve asked for a watch he gives me a time estimate but I still check in regularly to see how things are going. All this may seem like TMI but my advice is to drop in occasionally to chat, you will get your watch sooner.

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

Yes. Swingby and say hello whenever you are in the area. Don't be weird about and initiate small talk. It's all about maintaining relationships.

Originally Posted by Trailboss516

Visited once, had a few-times-a-week text exchange with the SA, and my wishlist watch arrived in 6 weeks without any spend history.

Worth it for me to send the texts? Yes
Shame and loss of dignity? LOL no

Originally Posted by rohada

It has worked for me to get a Pepsi GMT without any purchase history. I drop in every few months or so. Too frequently may be weird and uncomfortable. I have developed a very good rapport with the SA. My SA actually records the visits in my file on her iPad (or she may be playing Candy Crush). Regardless, it did result in a Pepsi GMT.

I would also say it depends on the AD, the SA, part of the country (or world), the watch you want, time of day, weather that day, the day of the week, color of your eyes, etc. I deal with a regional chain and I deal with only this one location within that chain. The others are not convenient to me. I wish you well.

Originally Posted by GST15

I believe in face to face contact and establishing a level of trust. Others may feel differently, and maybe its because my AD is a small family owned establishment. I had no purchase history, and since my first Rolex, I have purchased a few Jewlery items, but things I would have purchased elsewhere. In three years, I have purchased five Rolex watches at retail.
So I stop in whenever I am in town to share a cup of coffee and talk watches. No pressure. Sometimes I bring in coffee or lunch, and sometimes they give me some Rolex bling. It is how I live my life, and it works for me.

Originally Posted by D3R3K

I'm fortunate to work a couple of blocks away from my AD. I stop in once every other month or so just to chat and talk watches. We've developed a good rapport and I feel that there is mutual enjoyment to our conversations. I was able to get a submariner date within a few months and I'm hopeful that I will be able get a Pepsi GMT in the next couple of months.

Originally Posted by CarlOver

Be patient. Let them know what you want and that you don't need other watches. Plenty of folks have received the watches they want without purchase history. Best watch at MSRP.

Originally Posted by Travis29

I think it’s subjective- I’m always in the area where my AD is located. Made sense to say hi while there. Dropped in 5 times landed 2 watches. 40% success rate. Each was “oh I was going to call you.”

Originally Posted by bluestreak

I am glad that my self-esteem and sense of self-worth is high enough that my sense of dignity is not offended by going to a store quarterly or semiannually and treating a salesperson (high school education or no) as if he were an actual human being on my level.

Hell, there are enough anecdotes in this forum that people have lucked into a watch just by walking in at the right time, that popping in occasionally might get you what you want.

Originally Posted by jb335

I stop in every 6 weeks or so for just a quick hello, look at exhibtion pieces, talk shop, Rolex rumors, new watch releases etc.

I never ask if my watch is in beacuse I know if it was, he'd tell me!! And never text or email.

I'm usually in there for 5-10 minutes.

Like most things in life, you need a balance. Don't be a pest but you also have to show face and remind them you're still around and still interested.

Not sayng my approach is perfect but is working okay for me. I get 1 or 2 watches a year fron my AD.

Originally Posted by Greenwood_

Yes - I think building a genuine business relationship with your SA makes a difference when it comes to allocations.

Buying the jewellery and watches we like is a large part of this, but we also call past when in the area every few months to catch up.

Another bonus is visiting the AD for events and exhibitions - it’s a great opportunity to see interesting and uncommon watches that I’m never likely to own (this is amazing DD!).

Originally Posted by Spoonage

I would say not necessarily frequency but the quality of the communication. In my case I would visit the store and talk to my SA and also the staff. When we talked it was not just watches it was more casual and I never went in demanding or expecting anyone to bend over backwards to get me a piece. Almost jokingly one day I asked what the wait on a white SS Daytona was (I did want one but figured the multi-year list). The Manager said she'd get back to me and a couple days later she said I'd have one in a few months. She went straight to the owners and said I deserved it and they said yes. Never put on a list, first time I asked about the Daytona, I am far from being a whale. All I did was be nice to all of the staff and honest with what I wanted. This was pre-covid but goes to show that being nice paid off.

* * * * *

Originally Posted by amh

I took your comments as rather humorous!
To note:
- No TRF user in the current thread was named or refereneced.
- We were talking about hypothetical behavior at an AD. That's what the whole thread is about!

And yes, in general the internet is more unguarded & rude than people in real life.

- Don't be mistaken--I wasn't speaking in your defense. You were laughing in agreement to the comments disparaging the interactions with ADs.
- Direct-quoting or @mentioning users is not a prerequisite to directly refer to a person within a single linear comment thread.
- Interesting how you describe the described behavior at an AD as being "hypothetical" when in response to numerous other posts in this thread already speaking about their real life experiences in interacting with their ADs.
- I don't accept the copout of the internet generally being "more unguarded & rude than people in real life." Being on the internet is not an excuse to speak to others dismissively.

[amh]

@ Lange - so yes the "drop by" approach seems to work for some people. Is it their charming personality? Their local market? Their local AD? Their extensive purchase history? Who knows.

But in many other places stopping by to chat is a complete waste of time and will end up causing fatigue at the AD. The expect purchases.

For a good Friday chuckle, don't forget one of the many Tequila Tastings threads:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...hlight=tequila

[Travis29]

Originally Posted by tim plains

and you have never bought anything else from that ad?

dj36.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

My AD has everyone's recent spending in their database and the management allocates based on cold hard figures. If you really like your AD as a friend, by all means talk to them, but watch allocation has a different set of rule - $$$$$.

I don’t think that’s the case for smaller family owned ADs, especially if you have decent rapport with the owner / manager / decision maker - you can still get lucky occasionally and within reason. Bigger ADs aka national chains you are correct $$$$ matter only.


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