My AD experience...

[JJGreen]

You probably clicked expecting a rant. Quite the opposite.

On this forum and others I often read posts about less than great AD experiences, and I'm sure many of the comments are justified.

I had the opposite today. Left empty-handed, like so many of you/us, but I had a great time. I visited with an AD because I had some free time. I have never purchased a watch (or anything) from this person. We chatted watches for an hour and I tried on a handful. He was knowledgeable, friendly, talkative, and the whole experience was awesome. I also appreciate that he gave his honest opinion about everything we looked at, he liked around half, disliked the rest, including disagreeing with me about a few. I don't really ever remember someone being so candid, but at the same time professional. Like two friends talking watches. It's what the hobby should be about, people that enjoy selling, buying just trying on pieces and discussing, etc.

Side note, I found something totally unexpected that I really like a lot (not Rolex)...

[turfmanjon]

That’s what it’s all about. There are some good AD’s out there with people to match. Of course a few duds along the way too. Always fun to just talk watches with enthusiasts, whereas family members want nothing to do with it!


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[ArtNouveau]

I like to look at watches and have found the majority of SA’s like talking and showing them. But I have realistic expectations, they can smell entitlement and I think that’s where most bad experiences start.

[TheVision]

I mean they are sales people. It's part of their job to make every customer special. Ya could be talking to the same guy for 2 years and not get anything at all other than his smile and "hey bud...nice weather!". They have like 100 people walking in the door every hour asking for a Rolex.

My cuz is on a AD waitlist for 7 months now and his rep is super nice but keeps saying the same story "man, its a long wait bro..too many people and our store only gets like 10 sub a month but hey, hang in there buddy! I gotchu!".

I went in a out of city AD, got myself on a waitlist and picked up my sub date yesterday (7 weeks wait). And I never stopped in to plead them nor send my rep any "special" thank yas either. I tried to hook up my cuz with my rep but she was pretty adamant and openly told me that they screen EVERY single customer in person and will allocate based on the impression they get.

So yeah, a smile doesnt mean anything :).

[JJGreen]

Originally Posted by TheVision

I mean they are sales people. It's part of their job to make every customer special. Ya could be talking to the same guy for 2 years and not get anything at all other than his smile and "hey bud...nice weather!". They have like 100 people walking in the door every hour asking for a Rolex.

I went in a out of city AD, got myself on a waitlist and picked up my sub date yesterday (7 weeks wait). And I never stopped in to plead them nor send my rep any "special" thank yas either. I tried to hook up my cuz with my rep but she was pretty adamant and openly told me that they screen EVERY single customer in person and will allocate based on the impression they get.

So yeah, a smile doesnt mean anything :).

I guess I should have also mentioned that I really don't want anything. I'm not on a list, haven't asked to be on a list, haven't asked for a watch. I'm not stopping in because I want to get something...just because I generally like looking at watches and I believe he genuinely likes speaking with someone that doesn't have a motive.

[brandrea]

Sounds like a great visit JJ.

I’m assuming from your post you were at a multi brand AD. Lots of other great watch brands out there for sure

[Number3]

Sounds like how it should be. C’mon then JJ - what did you come across that you really liked?

[PenDelicate]

Excellent post.

I've only ever had good experiences with the 2 ADs near me.

[Njkdog]

I’m glad you had a good experience. I’m pretty sure 95% of people have a good experience. And 99% have at least a Disney experience. It’s just the 1% who loves to write about it. That is a typical phenomenon that is known in statistics. Typically only the extremely disgruntled bother writing reviews.
Also, in this modern Rolex hating age, a lot of people do you just make up stories

[amh]

Originally Posted by Njkdog

I’m glad you had a good experience. I’m pretty sure 95% of people have a good experience. And 99% have at least a Disney experience. It’s just the 1% who loves to write about it. That is a typical phenomenon that is known in statistics. Typically only the extremely disgruntled bother writing reviews.
Also, in this modern Rolex hating age, a lot of people do you just make up stories

Someone should post a poll. I'll bet only 1% have a 'Disney' experience

Most: "No Rolex for you!!"

[JJGreen]

Originally Posted by amh

Someone should post a poll. I'll bet only 1% have a 'Disney' experience

Most: "No Rolex for you!!"

I don't think ANYWHERE near 99% have a good experience. Not even close. Everywhere I travel I visit watch retailers and it's rare that I have a great experience. (I think) I look young. I don't wear expensive clothes. My watch is often hidden under a sweatshirt. I might agree most experiences are fine, but not great, not these days.

And PS - Disney??? I understand the reference, but I can't stand Disney. (AND NO, IT'S NOT POLITICAL) My wife just booked a trip for March and I'm refusing to go. I'm staying home. Much like watches I guess, whatever floats your boat.

[JJGreen]

Originally Posted by Number3

Sounds like how it should be. C’mon then JJ - what did you come across that you really liked?

You like that teaser, eh?

So, end of the year is usually when I start looking for something to add. I don't have any blue dials and I think that's a great color, especially for a casual watch. There are a handful that I'm interested in, but the new Panerai Radiomir really caught my eye. 40mm sleek case, very comfortable too. I was very impressed.

[TunaTuna]

Sounds about right, glad you had a good experience. I have only experienced the same at any AD, even out of town. Nice people are treated nicely

[RTG]

You found your AD and sales rep. Good things to come for sure...

[Sauzo]

The AD has always been nice to me when I’ve gone in but I still haven’t gotten a call. I’d rather them be rude but at least sell me the watches I want than be nice and more or less blow off my request.

[Jackie Daytona]

I’ve always had the same at my local AD. It has a bad reputation from other locals on here, but they’ve always been great to me.

[worldofoyster]

consider yourself lucky