An 'insight' for the newbies

[GS93108]

Here's an article about AP's South-East Asian CEO, Stefanie Ng:

https://www.theceomagazine.com/busin...t-stefanie-ng/

A few comments within the article stand out to me as embodying AP's attitude, these comments are attested to by so many of us on here, yet are poo pooed by many others.

"...keep evolving – never stand still.”

“One important thing we have remained consistent with over the years is being focused on enhancing our clients’ experience and better responding to their evolving needs and expectations,”...

“We don’t necessarily need four walls to sell watches. We can sell a watch anywhere – on a golf course or at restaurants."

“The critical questions we constantly ask ourselves is how we can offer an unforgettable experience to a client outside the boutique.”

“Human connection is part of the brand’s DNA, which reinforces our reputation for excellence and continuing to be one of the industry leaders.

“Luxury in its purest form remains a human experience with interactions and passing on know-how from one person to another.”

“A brand needs to be connected with its clients in order to remain relevant to their evolving needs and expectations.”

The bolding and underlining are mine.

This pretty much sums up why WE AP clients love AP and why AP loves us. Clearly there are many 'wannabe' AP clients that aren't being loved by AP, but that's because there's only so much love to go around and AP is focused on those that are already dear to its heart.

Those with aspirations to be part of the AP family need to understand that it starts and ends with the relationship. No matter how 'big time' you think you are I guarantee you that AP has 10x potential customers of equal financial standing to fill your shoes. The point of difference is YOU, not your wallet.

Consider it food for thought.

[macrowatch]

That's what I've been doing wrong! I just need to order the watch take out and have them meet met at the restaurant!

Jokes aside, thanks for sharing.

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

That's what I've been doing wrong! I just need to order the watch take out and have them meet met at the restaurant!

Jokes aside, thanks for sharing.

It's nice to see some comments directly from AP that set the scene.

p.s.

I'm sure we'll see an AP owned country club and restaurant chain at some point :)

[macrowatch]

If they do a hotel, I'm totally taking the pens and desk clocks and they can just bill me for it. Ha!

[Mini2]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

If they do a hotel, I'm totally taking the pens and desk clocks and they can just bill me for it. Ha!

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Here's an article about AP's South-East Asian CEO, Stefanie Ng:

https://www.theceomagazine.com/busin...t-stefanie-ng/

A few comments within the article stand out to me as embodying AP's attitude, these comments are attested to by so many of us on here, yet are poo pooed by many others.

"...keep evolving – never stand still.”

“One important thing we have remained consistent with over the years is being focused on enhancing our clients’ experience and better responding to their evolving needs and expectations,”...

“We don’t necessarily need four walls to sell watches. We can sell a watch anywhere – on a golf course or at restaurants."

“The critical questions we constantly ask ourselves is how we can offer an unforgettable experience to a client outside the boutique.”

“Human connection is part of the brand’s DNA, which reinforces our reputation for excellence and continuing to be one of the industry leaders.

“Luxury in its purest form remains a human experience with interactions and passing on know-how from one person to another.”

“A brand needs to be connected with its clients in order to remain relevant to their evolving needs and expectations.”

The bolding and underlining are mine.

This pretty much sums up why WE AP clients love AP and why AP loves us. Clearly there are many 'wannabe' AP clients that aren't being loved by AP, but that's because there's only so much love to go around and AP is focused on those that are already dear to its heart.

Those with aspirations to be part of the AP family need to understand that it starts and ends with the relationship. No matter how 'big time' you think you are I guarantee you that AP has 10x potential customers of equal financial standing to fill your shoes. The point of difference is YOU, not your wallet.

Consider it food for thought.

Everything you quoted is the antithesis of what the Rolex experiences has been over the last few years.

[taylorhall]

15202s for everybody


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kimwizzzuuu]

Originally Posted by taylorhall

15202s for everybody


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When things are readily available, majority will not want them nowadays

[Vivalas]

Great article Gary, well worth a read

[AperolSpritz]

Originally Posted by kimwizzzuuu

When things are readily available, majority will not want them nowadays

So true... unfortunately

[ts3]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Here's an article about AP's South-East Asian CEO, Stefanie Ng:

https://www.theceomagazine.com/busin...t-stefanie-ng/

A few comments within the article stand out to me as embodying AP's attitude, these comments are attested to by so many of us on here, yet are poo pooed by many others.

"...keep evolving – never stand still.”

“One important thing we have remained consistent with over the years is being focused on enhancing our clients’ experience and better responding to their evolving needs and expectations,”...

“We don’t necessarily need four walls to sell watches. We can sell a watch anywhere – on a golf course or at restaurants."

“The critical questions we constantly ask ourselves is how we can offer an unforgettable experience to a client outside the boutique.”

“Human connection is part of the brand’s DNA, which reinforces our reputation for excellence and continuing to be one of the industry leaders.

“Luxury in its purest form remains a human experience with interactions and passing on know-how from one person to another.”

“A brand needs to be connected with its clients in order to remain relevant to their evolving needs and expectations.”

The bolding and underlining are mine.

This pretty much sums up why WE AP clients love AP and why AP loves us. Clearly there are many 'wannabe' AP clients that aren't being loved by AP, but that's because there's only so much love to go around and AP is focused on those that are already dear to its heart.

Those with aspirations to be part of the AP family need to understand that it starts and ends with the relationship. No matter how 'big time' you think you are I guarantee you that AP has 10x potential customers of equal financial standing to fill your shoes. The point of difference is YOU, not your wallet.

Consider it food for thought.

I get the relationship thing works well for AP and makes its customers feel special, but it feels a little thick for my liking. I don't want to constantly stay connected to a watch dealer or brand (and vice versa), be it my Patek AD or the local AP House. The word AP family alone strikes a weird chord with me. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to wait and will stay in touch (and I will take no for an answer), but I am not prepared to give the watch thing that much importance. Too many other things I am more interested in and I like to do. There goes ...

[Vivalas]

Originally Posted by ts3

I get the relationship thing works well for AP and makes its customers feel special, but it feels a little thick for my liking. I don't want to constantly stay connected to a watch dealer or brand (and vice versa), be it my Patek AD or the local AP House. The word AP family alone strikes a weird chord with me. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to wait and will stay in touch (and I will take no for an answer), but I am not prepared to give the watch thing that much importance. Too many other things I am more interested in and I like to do. There goes ...

Not everyone is going to like the way AP (or any company as it happens) operates and that’s okay, we’re all different. In my very limited experience of them so far I have to say their service levels are second to none - exceptional I’d say. I personally like what they do and the way they interact with clients.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

If they do a hotel, I'm totally taking the pens and desk clocks and they can just bill me for it. Ha!

lol I will take the AP clocks off the wall. Really would want a tourbillon wall clock in rose gold with green dial. That would be a cool piece unique.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by ts3

I get the relationship thing works well for AP and makes its customers feel special, but it feels a little thick for my liking. I don't want to constantly stay connected to a watch dealer or brand (and vice versa), be it my Patek AD or the local AP House. The word AP family alone strikes a weird chord with me. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to wait and will stay in touch (and I will take no for an answer), but I am not prepared to give the watch thing that much importance. Too many other things I am more interested in and I like to do. There goes ...

I gotcha but I would not read too much into it. with all the hype what is an executive supposed to say. I am not even saying she doesn't mean it but let's be real it's a very cool product that I am passionate about, nothing more nothing less.

I wouldn't mind playing some golf with Ian Poulter though or checking out some novelties at an AP House while drinking a whiskey. I don't think there is more to it. In the best case some cool friendships along the way.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by kimwizzzuuu

When things are readily available, majority will not want them nowadays

So true.

[seadubs]

Originally Posted by kimwizzzuuu

when things are readily available, majority will not want them nowadays

1000%

[GW44]

Originally Posted by Vivalas

Not everyone is going to like the way AP (or any company as it happens) operates and that’s okay, we’re all different. In my very limited experience of them so far I have to say their service levels are second to none - exceptional I’d say. I personally like what they do and the way they interact with clients.

I’m sure the AP experience is great once you get your hands on your first new AP from them

I’m hoping that’s soon for me too Stephen

[WatchEater666]

I don't think AP does anything that differently from the other brands I've bought from before. I had a pretty mixed experience with them so far. Gave the rep a detailed list of what I'm after and was pretty much just sent the exact opposite.

[AperolSpritz]

I love AP but at the end of the day it's just corporate bullsh*t imho...
And that's fine.

[xsnv]

Originally Posted by AperolSpritz

I love AP but at the end of the day it's just corporate bullsh*t imho...
And that's fine.

Couldn't have said it better. like what the hell does: "Luxury in its purest form remains a human experience with interactions and passing on know-how from one person to another" actually mean? lol.

AP is a business, they don't 'inherently' like anybody, they're paid to 'like' you (by you interestingly enough) - which as the poster said above is perfectly fine. Let's just not try to pretend it's something else.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by xsnv

"Luxury in its purest form remains a human experience with interactions and passing on know-how from one person to another"

And to think someone was paid to come up with that LOL

[drhk]

Originally Posted by AperolSpritz

I love AP but at the end of the day it's just corporate bullsh*t imho...
And that's fine.

This pretty much sums it up in one sentence

[benlee]

Originally Posted by AperolSpritz

I love AP but at the end of the day it's just corporate bullsh*t imho...
And that's fine.

This. Can't believe some people are actually buying into such stories. It's an interview for publicity so of course she is going to bring up all these talking points. Not that they are lies, but the reality is kind of different.

I used to be quite into AP and still owns 6 AP watches in my collection. But my biggest gripe with the brand is there is no transparency nowadays. I understand AP watches are very popular and in demand but I do not like to waste time waiting with no certainty so I am moving on.

Its not a big loss to me as there are many great brands to explore, some with arguably better horological credentials if not the resale cache.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by benlee

This. Can't believe some people are actually buying into such stories. It's an interview for publicity so of course she is going to bring up all these talking points. Not that they are lies, but the reality is kind of different.

I used to be quite into AP and still owns 6 AP watches in my collection. But my biggest gripe with the brand is there is no transparency nowadays. I understand AP watches are very popular and in demand but I do not like to waste time waiting with no certainty so I am moving on.

Its not a big loss to me as there are many great brands to explore, some with arguably better horological credentials if not the resale cache.

Completely agree with all of this. I tried dealing with AP "corporate" and you talk about complete opaqueness and even being mislead. I had an allocation that I was told was committed (and had a deposit on) taken away from me. Of course, they returned the deposit, but that sure isn't a positive experience. The only reason I am still an AP customer is because I found an AD that has been absolutely transparent, cordial, and professional. This AD has kept my love of the brand and their products going.

So I am with you - I call BS on all the corporate fluff. I get why they do it...all companies do. I'm just wise enough at this point to recognize it and control my actions accordingly. For me personally, it starts and ends with transparency and without that, any relationship is nothing more than transactional.

[HMHM]

I must say though… although this is PR garbage, I think AP boutique staffs are much better trained and cordial than any Rolex/PP SAs, especially if one does not have purchase history. The less talk about Rolex SA the better (unless you have purchase history). Patek boutique in London were quite snobbish as well compared to AP house in London.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Tanuki

Everything you quoted is the antithesis of what the Rolex experiences has been over the last few years.

And AP unless you are a dress watch fan.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by EEpro

And AP unless you are a dress watch fan.

When she talks about "enhancing our clients’ experience" she's probably not referring to the nth person each day walking in (or calling) and asking for a 15202.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

When she talks about "enhancing our clients’ experience" she's probably not referring to the nth person each day walking in (or calling) and asking for a 15202.

So the same as Rolex then.

[Benzsiam]

Just sweet talk.

All the top selling brands, they are doing so good as the way it is, nothing is going to change.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I must say though… although this is PR garbage, I think AP boutique staffs are much better trained and cordial than any Rolex/PP SAs, especially if one does not have purchase history. The less talk about Rolex SA the better (unless you have purchase history). Patek boutique in London were quite snobbish as well compared to AP house in London.

I think the base pay at AP is better too. Hence the better touch on the "no" speech.