Ben Bridge Rolex

[quinson418]

Saturday night I played poker in my friend's place, 3 Rolex sport watches showed up, an Explorer II wore by a female, a GMT Master II wore by a guy, and my Sea Dweller.

Before our poker game started, I talked to the guy with the GMT Master II about Rolex watches. He said that he didn't have much knowledge of the watch and asked me if I knew how to set the time up for him properly. So I showed him how the 24 hour hand work, and help him set up the time for two time-zones. He was really excited to understand how the 24 hour hand work and how Rolex came up with this brilliant idea for pilots to keep time like that.

Anyways, my friend mentioned that he brought the watch to Ben Bridge (an AD from the United States) to try to setup the time on his GMT Master II, yet the sales in there didn't even tell him anything about how the watch works and just setted up the basic time for him, disregarding the 24 hour hand.

I have been in Ben Bridge a couple of times and find their service really limited. I will probably never buy from them since they don't sound like they really care about their business while they always tell him how they only sell to their "VIPs" because they are scared of customers selling them on Ebay.

Does anyone have any bad experiences with Ben Bridge?

[colemanitis]

I've heard several negatives about Ben Bridge, but have no first hand experience.

[Gaijin]

Ben Bridge. I want nothing to do with them. They offer zero discount some days and are adament about it. Then another day its wink wink I'll make some phone calls and see what I can do. Its like that sales person at a car dealership who says he has to "check with the manager" 3 or 4 times during your negotiation.

They will not allow you to buy a LV without engraving it. Same with the SS Daytona (I have been laughed at by sales people there who told me they are reserved for customers who spend over $100,000 on jewelry as well.)

I will never buy anything from them.

[Omar_Jaramillo]

Yea... I had Bad experiences with BenBridge before and even tough I bought my TT BLue Sub from a Ben Bridge I really dont recomend anyone doing business with them. They gave me misleading and incorrect information and didint keep their word on the pricing they gave me, I ended up buying the watch because I really loved it and it was the closest AD.... but dont get me wrong TT Blue SUb IS AMAZING !!

[Welshwatchman]

Now if that had been a serious game there would have been 3 Rolex watches going home with just ONE person.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I have never met Ben Bridge

[Chris B]

Is he related to Lloyd Bridges? lol





"They sure picked a hell of a day to show me the YM2"

[haakon59]

My experiences with Ben Bridge have been just fine. In my experience, they will discount on brands other than Rolex, which is a practice I have seen other AD's imitate. Although I can't speak to the point about how the guy walked out of the store but didn't know how to set the GMT hand, well, I think it's a little difficult to judge from this distance. For example, I have been in sales situations where I felt the need to explain critical features about how something worked, only to have the customer be dismissive and rude about my effort. Often they would come back after ignoring me the first time and ask again. Dealing with people all the time might mean some will get "beat down" after a while. Also, many people who buy Rolex already know how the GMT function works. The best solution might be for the salesperson to ask, I suppose.

[vh_bu98]

My first Swiss watch was a Tissot that I bought from the Ben Bridge in Frisco years ago. I thought they were nice and helpful. Although looking back, I overpaid for the watch.

The Ben Bridge at Dallas did not leave a good impression on me. Mainly because I feel that the general manager or store owner (not sure what his title is, but he has a portrait of himself hanging on the wall) comes off as being arrogant. I had inquired about an LV last year and was immediately asked if I had purchased anything from the store before. Than he started going off on about special customers and that he would have to give a good reason to contact the VP of the company to order a LV. I didn't like being treated like that.

The other people I have dealt with at the Dallas store were generally nice and they did offer me a discount on Omegas when I was looking at them although the discount wasn't huge. I could have gone to Costco and get a better deal. I never inquired about a Rolex discount from them.

[supra2nv]

used car salespeople!!!!!

plus blackmailers regarding the Daytona.

completely annoyed by them for years!

[Val]

Ok, I feel the need to reply here, being an employee from Ben Bridge, If you buy an LV you do NOT have to have it engraved, I just sold one last month, and of the handful of Lv's we've sold we've never asked/demanded them to be engraved. Also, what are we supposed to say... Welcome, would you like to buy a Rolex, i can give you a discount! Are you serious?

It's funny, most of us can't stop talking about the quality and craftsmanship of this fine timepiece, but when it's time to purchase you treat it like it should be sold at Wal-Mart! Do you ask for a discount on the food you buy? How about the clothes you wear? Both will not hold their value or last as long like a fine swiss luxury timepiece. I agree that the selection process for the LV and the S/S Daytona is wrong, but that is out of our hands.

Also not everyone has an interest in all the fine workings of these watches that we sell. Granted the associates should know the basics, but come on do you realize how many people just come in to waste our time. "Oh yea, i'll be back to buy" is my favorite. They never return, So there goes an hour or two of me not selling! Thanks guy....

Unfortunately, I will probably never own one of these fine watches, but if ever I am in a position to buy I will be extremely grateful that I can afford a LUXURY time piece.

I am a sales professional, I study constantly, I am an Accredited Jewelry Professional by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) I strive to be the best, I am not a used car salesman!

Discounting cheapens the image of any watch brand! After a while, it becomes about price not the watch. I guess if you want to save money you can just buy a replica or a fake or whatever...

[Tools]

I am not associated with Ben Bridge in any manner...but I have spent enough there, it seems, to feed a small third world nation for a month.

Ben Bridge is a jewelery store - they sell fine jewelery, and happen to be an authorized dealer for Rolex. Nothing more.

Occasionally you will find someone very knowledgable about Rolex at Ben Bridge, or at many fine jewelery stores. This does not make them an "expert" in Rolex watches any more than the Tags they sell or the diamond earrings there. Most of them have a Rolex "specialist" on staff; not an expert on the watch but a specialist at selling them; you might not meet this person when you walk in. If you want to buy a product, research it yourself but don't ask a salesman (person); their only job is to sell it.

As for attitude....everybody has one - deal with it.

thank you

[Rubenonfire]

Lots of good comments here on both sides of the equation. I purchased my GMT-II from a Ben Bridge in Arizona, but I admit to dealing with only one salesperson with whom I've come to build quite a good relationship with, even BEFORE I bought my watch. He was knowledgable, polite, patient and certainly had a willingness to negotiate to a reasonable extent. To be completely honest, however, I never really fished for a discount on my watches. If you're trying to "save money" in your purchase or buying it for an investment, you're barking up the wrong tree with a wristwatch, especially a Rolex...if you're buying one, you're not thinking about saving cash. Taking that into consideration, my guy at Ben Bridge agreed to discount sales tax and that was about it, which was really all I wanted....something he KNEW I could have easily done by buying the watch out of state on a business trip and having it shipped to my home.

Where I DO strongly agree with some of the negative feedback is on the education level I've seen not only towards Rolex, but also other luxury brands sold by MANY major AD's. Yes I understand that the average client is not a WIS, but some of the BS that I've heard fly out of the mouths of salespeople at SEVERAL AD's is astonishing...but that boils down to the store and the individual's training process. That being said, I do believe it IS the responsibility of the sales person to be knowledgeable about the product they are selling and the type of clients they attract. I don't expect anyone selling Rolex at an AD to know what I know (which is really not that much), but I DO expect them to treat me with respect and not make up some BS line about something related to the watch. Don't insult my intelligence by saying that you can't discount a Rolex, don't tell me I need to have my watch engraved if I want to buy it....that's just plain ignorant. Know your business, and do it with pride.

[Gaijin]

I am confused Val. What are you saying we should just go into Ben Bridge and "NOT" try and get a discount? That would be stupid. The reason I have never and will never buy a Rolex from Ben Bridge is because they have only offered me a discount once. On a TT Rose Gold DJ. This after I appeared to want to leave. It was after 30 minutes of "No way, Rolex does not allow us to discount." (an absolute lie) Then it was "let me make some phone calls." Total used car salesman action. I have been to 3 Ben Bridge in 2 different cities. All bullshitted me mercilessly.

I have bought 5 Rolex personally. Ben Bridge lost all of those sales. Why? Because they refuse to discount. Am I stupid because I can get $780 off (10%) on my TT Blue Sub somewhere else? No, that's fine I'll just pay full price at Ben Bridge because I want to compare it to the clothes or food I buy? Are you kidding me?

I found a great AD (the oldest in my city) that has an in house Rolex watch tech, great service, great salepeople, great after sales help and most importantly will give me a discount over the phone for me or any member here. No going in and back and forth BS.

Sorry Man, I don't mean to be a jerk, but I work hard for my money and my watches. I'm getting the best price that I possibly can. This is not like buying $100 worth of groceries or a pair of pants.

I was told by several salepeople at BB that I cannot get a LV or SS Daytona there unless I have it engraved to prohibit me from flipping it (like I would.) Insulting. They also laughed when I asked them to consider getting one for me. Lame. I was told that they are reserved for thier "very special customers." Fine, as they are at all ADs. Just be a little more respectful. Ben Bridge will never get a dime of my Rolex money. One of thier sales people even told me I need to spend a minimum of $100,000 in jewelery to even be considered for a SS Daytona.

I appreciate that you have taken the time to join here and learn as well as work hard to be a proffesional. Your hard work towards getting various certifications is admirable.

Finally there is no comparison to the fact that I and most members here want the best possible price we can get on a big ticket item. To say that we should just get a replica/fake because we are so concerned about price. Makes no sense. I want a genuine Rolex at the best possible price. That is just common sense.

[Tombstone]

What is being said about lack of a discount and engraving is TRUE!!!!!
Back when I was looking for an LV Sub I was told we don't have one but if we did you would have to have it engraved so you can not sell it and make more money????? What I have not been addressed like that since I was 5 years old. I have bought a few Rolex watches as well none from BB due to excessive BS.
I went to a real dealer and bought my LV Sub. So who cares about BB in the long run??

[Tools]

There are plenty of jewelers beside BB who do not offer discounts. That's our free enterprise system: - don't like what you see, go somewhere else.

I, too, would walk out if any dealer told me I HAD to engrave any piece of jewelry. There are just too many other avenues for the product. That being said, I cannot believe that BB, as a franchise, has a policy of this requirement. As a retailer they have no rights to the product after sale, and absolutely no expectation of our retention or disposition once money changes hands.

If some small time dealer (or BB franchisee) is jealous that you might make a buck or two after they so graciously provided it to you at a 50% or more mark-up, and insisted on having it engraved.....I'd be on the phone that day to the regional RSC lodging a formal complaint about them requiring me to "deface" my Rolex.

I have never seen that type of behaviour at a BB in Vegas. Of course there is plenty of attitude going around at any high end store - frequently coming from sales people that cannot afford the products they sell. But BB does not have a monopoly on this.

[President]

People get discounts on luxury cars, why not luxury watches?

I've never heard of anybody going to an M-B dealer who says to go and buy a KIA when asked for a discount.

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by Val

...
It's funny, most of us can't stop talking about the quality and craftsmanship of this fine timepiece, but when it's time to purchase you treat it like it should be sold at Wal-Mart! Do you ask for a discount on the food you buy? How about the clothes you wear? Both will not hold their value or last as long like a fine swiss luxury timepiece. I agree that the selection process for the LV and the S/S Daytona is wrong, but that is out of our hands.
...

Val, have you or would you pay sticker price for a car? If someone is planning to spend thousands of dollars on an item that has a good size mark-up, than there's no harm in asking for a discount. Just because a person asks, it doesn't mean they will get it. And if a customer doesn't like the price, they can go somewhere else.

Now you may be a great person and one of the better people who work at Ben Bridges, but the reality is that there are other employees who have left a bad impression on some of us. And some of these employees are just not the sales people, but those in management.

A few weeks ago, I inquired about the new SS GMT II at the BB in Dallas. The same person who had no inclination of selling me an LV pretty much flat out said I was lying when I mention that people in the US have already purchased it. He mentioned that Ben Bridges, being one of the largest Rolex ADs in the US, would know if they were being sold in the US.

I probably will never step foot in that store again due to the attitude of this person. There are too many ADs in the Dallas area for any store to have such a behavior. As a Ben Bridge employee, you may want to inform your management team on what is being said on here. Some customer service training sounds like it's in order.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by President

People get discounts on luxury cars, why not luxury watches?

I've never heard of anybody going to an M-B dealer who says to go and buy a KIA when asked for a discount.

Try to get a discount on a 'vette when they come out each fall.

[Val]

All good points... all stores are different. However there is a difference between being offered a discount and asking for one. As i'm sure you are aware, it is commissioned based sales. If I discount, I'm taking money away from myself. And even then, there is only so much that I can do. (You can PM me if you want to know what I can do ) Maybe my food and clothes remark was a bit extreme, but if I offer to discount an watch, then you will go to the next store and say "so and so will give me this much off, what can you do?" after that, you will be back and say... "so and so will give me this much off",... well you get the point. I understand wanting to get the best value. So we're stuck trying to a) make some money, b) follow the rules, c) satisfy the customer.

Believe me when I say that a lot of times our hands are tied. I wish that some of you could shop with me, I know that I would definitely give you all the respect and courtesy you deserve. If my comments have in any way crossed a line then I'm sorry. I am but a lonely indian surrounded by many chiefs...
Anyway, everyone have a great 4th of July!!

[Val]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

Val, have you or would you pay sticker price for a car? If someone is planning to spend thousands of dollars on an item that has a good size mark-up, than there's no harm in asking for a discount. Just because a person asks, it doesn't mean they will get it. And if a customer doesn't like the price, they can go somewhere else.

Now you may be a great person and one of the better people who work at Ben Bridges, but the reality is that there are other employees who have left a bad impression on some of us. And some of these employees are just not the sales people, but those in management.

A few weeks ago, I inquired about the new SS GMT II at the BB in Dallas. The same person who had no inclination of selling me an LV pretty much flat out said I was lying when I mention that people in the US have already purchased it. He mentioned that Ben Bridges, being one of the largest Rolex ADs in the US, would know if they were being sold in the US.

I probably will never step foot in that store again due to the attitude of this person. There are too many ADs in the Dallas area for any store to have such a behavior. As a Ben Bridge employee, you may want to inform your management team on what is being said on here. Some customer service training sounds like it's in order.

Well yeah, that person does not know what they are talking about. We have sold at least 2 S/S GMT's in Houston. If you go back, ask for Billie, believe me, she will do what she can to get you what you need!

[hbbfam]

I was looking over some old posts, and was curious about Ben Bridge. I bought my first, and so far, only Rolex from the BB in Scottsdale. One of my good friends is an assistant manager there. I knew he would take good care of me, and when he said they don't discount I didn't question it. However, they do offer a third year to the warranty. If one has a service need thats worth a few hundred. Is that a reasonable alternative to the lack of discounts?

[sharif]

What it's worth, it's all about finding a knowledage watch specialist at ANY AD. Problem is, I usually walk into an AD, and the jewelry sales person tackles me, and starts showing me pieces. As others have mentioned, the lack of BASIC knowledge, and total BS comments or claims about ROLEX gets really old.

Once you find a good watch specialist, at ANY AD..stick with it. Shop the sales person....not the AD. :)

FYI, one of the nicest and most knowledge watch specialists I have encountered, was at Ben Bridge in Las Vegas. Man..I wish all of them were like that guy.

[Lubrifar]

I've visited my local BB here in Anchorage and found them with average knowledge, at best. I looked quite seriously into the Rolex lineup since I am considering to start saving for a purchase. The typical comments were "that looks nice" or "I perfer this over that" and nothing else pertaining to history or movement or anything significant behind a specific model. They even made me sat down by the counter because it was their policy for Rolex customers. ...hmmm

Anyway, when I asked about discount, they offered 3% if I were to pay in cash. So my question is, since AK has no sales tax, would it be a great deal if I were to go with BB or do I have better discount opportunity elsewhere?

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Lubrifar

I've visited my local BB here in Anchorage and found them with average knowledge, at best. I looked quite seriously into the Rolex lineup since I am considering to start saving for a purchase. The typical comments were "that looks nice" or "I perfer this over that" and nothing else pertaining to history or movement or anything significant behind a specific model. They even made me sat down by the counter because it was their policy for Rolex customers. ...hmmm

Anyway, when I asked about discount, they offered 3% if I were to pay in cash. So my question is, since AK has no sales tax, would it be a great deal if I were to go with BB or do I have better discount opportunity elsewhere?

3% for what model?

Better be a SS Daytona! Other than that a 3% discount is seriously weak.

[Lubrifar]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

3% for what model?

Better be a SS Daytona! Other than that a 3% discount is seriously weak.

I looked at GMT2, TOG, Sub and Exp1 so I'm assuming all models. 3% does sound weak, but I have no sales tax here either. I remembered exchanging IM with you before about the TOG, what % of discount can you get (ballpark figure) and no sales tax either right?

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Lubrifar

I looked at GMT2, TOG, Sub and Exp1 so I'm assuming all models. 3% does sound weak, but I have no sales tax here either. I remembered exchanging IM with you before about the TOG, what % of discount can you get (ballpark figure) and no sales tax either right?

Easy 10% on the TOG.


Might be worth a cheap direct flight on Alaska Airlines.

[Lubrifar]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

Easy 10% on the TOG.


Might be worth a cheap direct flight on Alaska Airlines.

I will IM you when the time comes my friend. Thanks.
Ok, we can get back to original topic. Ben Bridge, fire away.

[gha]

Val, Possibly if you changed around the a), b), & c), putting c)..satisfy the customer..first, you may notice that the "discount" question is eliminated.
Satisfy the customer first, count the commission last.
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"....gha

[Lol-x]

Ben Bridge are very good people to deal with and a good company too.
Like all large companies, they have different employees and different fact situations.
They get a lot of annoying or antagonistic customers and have to put up with a lot, maybe this can affect the way they on occasions treat other customers.
By and large it is about building a bond and a level of trust with a dealer.
From their perspective where they have established goodwill with a customer over a number of years and there are limited amounts of a particular model, would it not make good business sense to maintain that goodwill rather than subrogate that to some person who turns up out of the blue and might very well want to buy just so they can go and sell the watch on e-bay for a profit. The Green Milgauss might be a very good example of that principle at this very time.

I say good on you Ben Bridge
I've only bought 1 watch from them before.