Does frequent contact with ADs amount to anything?

[DoubleDeac]

First off, a little intro. I have been a lurker here for quite some time. I joined back when I was a college student dreaming about buying a Rolex one day. Circa 2015, I walked into an AD, tried on a 116610, offered one with $1,000 down and interest free financing over 12 months, and decided against it as I had just started my medical training and thought it was precocious of me to walk in with a Rolex. Told myself that after I finish I'd reward myself with one.

What a mistake that was. Recently, I made a few attempts to procure this watch from ADs near me and, of course, got the whole story about limited availability, etc. However, they were happy to put me on a waiting list - one of which really emphasized that their waiting list meant something (who actually knows...)

Anyway, I've noticed many members talking about how frequently they speak with their sales person, etc. I was wondering if this actually amounted to anything? If so, are you asking about the watch you want every time you do?

I'm of the mindset that I'm not going to buy anything I don't want, and so I feel awkward contacting them to talk about a watch they don't have to sell me. What are your thoughts/suggestions?

[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.

[CedCraig]

Hard to tell. People have a wide variety of experiences. For entertainment, you can read some of the threads on what outlandish (to me) things people do to ingratiate themselves to sales assistants, like tequila tastings, gifting fine whiskey, stopping by with cookies or chocolates, etc etc.

I got an Air-King last year with no prior purchase history, although that‘s not a popular model. I stopped by the AD now and then when I was in the area to chat watches with the SA and see what all they had.

Now that prices are coming down the spread between retail and grey might be low enough for you to just buy the model you want right away.

[Jack T]

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.

You’re the exception, based on years of trading. For most everyone else, No

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by DoubleDeac

I'm of the mindset that I'm not going to buy anything I don't want, and so I feel awkward contacting them to talk about a watch they don't have to sell me.

It isnt med school,you wont offend anyone that can hold it against you .
Need a different mindset ,be assertive .

[Cigars&Watches]

I would certainly go back semi frequently and show your face when convenient for you. I think this will show them you are a serious buyer and a watch enthusiast for popping in as opposed to the dozens who just message..: Talk watches and other mutual interests.. bringing in friends/referrals who are also into watches is helpful I think.. check out if there are any new exhibition models and other lines.. ask questions but don’t repeatedly ask for the piece and pester them.. good luck

[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.

[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.

[codecow]

It depends obviously.

Let’s say I worked as a SA at an AD and a guy comes in regularly and asks about the same watch. If I burn through my client list and it’s still sitting there and the manager of the store is like ok we’ll sell it to someone on the list, do I care what the order is? No. In fact, I’ll try to hook up someone who is coming into the store asking about it repeatedly if for no other reason so that they go away.

The trouble is, depending on where you live and exactly what you’re trying to get, the existing client list who might be interested could be LONG. So you need to bubble up through all of that.

[DG123]

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

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I bought my first Rolex from my preferred AD SA in 2016 and have bought more than a watch a year from her since. Over those years I regularly stopped in to visit and view pre-owned watches and make requests and pick up new watches. I also bought wedding rings from her. It was a friendly and pleasant business relationship and I knew that I was lucky. Just yesterday I sent her a text letting her know I’d be stopping by, I didn’t hear back and dropped in anyway. I was told that after twenty-five years she had moved on, understandably no other details were given. I was helped by another young lady who pulled out her laptop, asked my name and said let’s check to see who I’d been assigned to. This surprised me. She found me in the system, correctly identified my last Rolex purchase as well as the watch I was waiting for. All this time I thought my relationship was with an individual but I found that (at least) my most recent request was part of their collective database. I had indeed already been randomly assigned to an SA I’d never met but the young lady helping me, who I had met before, said she could help me going forward and she assigned me to herself. So at least in my case it appears that there has been benefit in regular contact although the true test will be whether I receive my final request made to my previous SA friend.

[Socal Runner]

I believe there is a balance, but as somebody mentioned above, they aren’t going to chase you. However I wouldn’t be annoying either. Once every few months, send a text or stop on to say hi. Certainly won’t hurt! Relationship with the right sales rep is key.

[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.

[RogerOP]

Originally Posted by DG123

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

I remember the thread of these stories about SA relationships and people were bringing donuts, Starbucks, etc randomly to their SAs.

Crazy.

[996marty]

Originally Posted by RogerOP

I remember the thread of these stories about SA relationships and people were bringing donuts, Starbucks, etc randomly to their SAs.

Crazy.

I’d second this ☝️ crazy indeed.

[Mr Ben]

If you just want one to celebrate an event and the model you want has a bearable premium, just go grey and call it the cost of celebrating and a one off purchase.

Your income will rocket in due course and you’ll forget about the upfront cost and your time saved is much better off invested in your own career and saving lives than sucking up to AD’s.

[Harry-57]

There is no set answer to this. It will depend on you and the AD.

My own experience FWIW is that keeping in contact is helpful, providing I have a reason to do so. If I'm just passing I keep walking. But things I want to enquire about (new introductions not necessarily from Rolex, servicing, repairs, appraisals, insurance, bracelet swaps), or other things my wife or I might want to buy (available watches, luggage, accessories, jewelry, pens, winders, reduced items) give me a reason to be there and, and to be seen spending money, even in small amounts, tends to facilitate hanging around, talking and reminding - not that my AD really needs reminding, although they will give me updates.

Above all, I am patient. Or at least I am when it comes to wait lists - as long as I know I'm on one.

[Moondoggy]

No need to oil up anymore.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by DoubleDeac

Does frequent contact with ADs amount to anything?

Maybe a restraining order?

In all seriousness, unless you’re a personal friend of the owner or a high rolling whale, you’ll just be one of a hundred people on their books, so IMO dropping by maybe once every couple of months when you happen to be in town keeps your face and name fresh in their minds. More than that and you end up looking desperate and risk being a nuisance.

[giskard]

My local AD has helped me twice resizing my Pepsi (bring on glidelock already), that I did not buy from their store.

It’s been interesting to chat with them while waiting. The service and staff have been good enough, that I reckon, I’ll pop in regularly enough that they can put a name to a face.

I don’t want anything other than an unobtainiam Daytona, but I’m happy to pop in from time to time, if for no other reason to look at some nice pieces and see if the mood is changing with availability.

[Pinchy]

Getting what you want is about trust, time and money. If you aren't buying stuff, then all you have is time and trust, and that's only going to happen if you have some face time often enough.

[RogerOP]

Originally Posted by Mr Ben

If you just want one to celebrate an event and the model you want has a bearable premium, just go grey and call it the cost of celebrating and a one off purchase.

Your income will rocket in due course and you’ll forget about the upfront cost and your time saved is much better off invested in your own career and saving lives than sucking up to AD’s.

This is what I’m doing at the end of the year if I don’t hear from my AD. It’ll be my exit watch for Rolex as I can’t stand the whole of this gamesmanship and opaqueness from ADs.

[yankeeromeo]

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.

Amazing relationship. Lucky you. Enjoy it

[JRell]

Just like sales, the more attempts at contact, the more connections and the better likelihood of closing the deal.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by DG123

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

^^^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.

[1William]

Is it about the relationship or about the watch? All good with showing your face and talking with your SA from time to time but in the end you never know if this works or to what extent until you get a watch. With prices having adjusted you can be close on the price of the Submariner you want from a Trusted Seller and have the watch tomorrow by lunch. Save your time and effort with the SA and change up your selection to the next watch on your wrist and enjoy your new watch.

[messikens]

Dropping in every few months for a quick check-in or to try on some pieces doesn't hurt if you're playing the long game. It may not help you, but certainly doesn't hurt.

Now the question is, can that sway the invisible scales of the waiting list so it outweighs paying a bit more to get it tomorrow...? That's your call

For me personally, after a while it's a bit weird to drop in if you're not planning to buy something else... I mean how many times are you going to try on the unobtainable GMT or Daytona? Or is someone seriously going to pretend they just could wait to try on the AirKing

[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

[amh]

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.

This is the truth.

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

[Calatrava r]

I would say no. I would drop by once in a while and perhaps look to buy something else you can use to become a "customer." Actions speak louder than words in this limited product availability climate.