ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
19 December 2010, 06:43 PM | #61 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NOVA
Watch: GMT IIc
Posts: 1,174
|
I'll be paying close attention to his thread!
Thank you!
__________________
Breitling SuperOcean 42, 50th Anniversary Navitimer
Coach Morgan W116 (by Movado) Longines Legend Diver (no date) Rolex GMT Master IIc, Explorer II |
19 December 2010, 10:23 PM | #62 | |
TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Ken
Location: SW Florida
Watch: One on my wrist.
Posts: 63,474
|
Quote:
__________________
SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT |
|
20 December 2010, 12:46 AM | #63 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Dan
Location: Essex, UK
Watch: West Ham! COYI!!
Posts: 7,941
|
Great thread Chris!!
__________________
Onwards & Upwards Rodders...... Onwards & Upwards. Life is not about how fast you can run or how high you can climb........... It's about how well you can bounce!! TRF HALL OF FAME JANUARY 2010 |
20 December 2010, 02:49 AM | #64 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: Sam
Location: UK
Watch: AP ☠️
Posts: 6,151
|
Yep Chris is a legend !
Helped me secure my Sub-C Just a shame my watch purchases have come to a temporary halt due to wedding and forthcoming house purchase. But can't see it being too long before he hears from me again ! Many thanks again pal, have a great Xmas. Sam |
20 December 2010, 02:58 AM | #65 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: South Carolina
Watch: Panerai 914
Posts: 6,540
|
Quote:
|
|
20 December 2010, 03:22 AM | #66 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Right, time for round two of questions! Please keep them coming
Quote:
As for commission, again, we don't do that. We have a couple of incentives from individual brands (Raymond Weil and one of our diamond brands), but no real commission. There are group bonus incentives, and if you've pulled off a particularly good sale, there's often a bottle of something to say thankyou from the management |
|
20 December 2010, 03:29 AM | #67 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
You might be surprised to hear this, but there is no formal training or training material available for a new sales assistant from Rolex. I picked up everything ad hoc - first stage was familiarisation with models, basic features etc., and I ended up learning the vast majority of stuff from TRF. I'm in a position to pass that information on now, so I'll often fetch some watches to explain the finer details to my fellow sales associates. I've also been looking after a couple of young trainees when I've been working with them. We're only a small company, so we don't have, at present, a formal training structure, but we are changing that. Our sales assistants, as a general rule, can cover all the points that 90% of customers want to hear - for the 10% who need the ultra high detail, myself or the MDs can step in to help out. What we do encourage sales staff to do is not to try and blag their way round a question they don't know the answer to - the last thing anyone wants is to spread misinformation As for new staff, it does vary. For full time members of staff, we tend to look for people who have prior experience in jewellery and watches specifically, or more generally in retail. For part timers, we're a little bit more flexible - we tend to get younger people to fill those roles, so we're looking for a capacity to learn. We tend to have pretty relaxed and friendly staff, and have a very low turnover of personnel, so we try to look for people who would fit in well within the company. |
|
20 December 2010, 03:31 AM | #68 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
All Rolex displays have to be destroyed once they become obsolete. We have to take off any references to Rolex and damage them. It's a shame, but I think it is to stop grey dealers using material intended for ADs
|
20 December 2010, 03:34 AM | #69 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: Mike
Location: Nashville, TN
Watch: 116520
Posts: 126
|
Hello Chris - great thread!
Do you have any thoughts about your status as an Omega AD. Specifically, with Omega opening all of the boutique locations do you thing they will pull your AD status. Also, how do your other brands, including Omega sell against Rolex in your shop? Thanks again! Mike .
__________________
STOC: Rolex SS WD Daytona, Rolex SS Submariner Date, Rolex SS Submariner, Ω De Ville Hour Vision, Ω Speedy Pro Sa, Ω De Ville Co-Axial SSec, Ω PO 45.5mm 600M Co-Axial,Ω SMP 300M Diver Chrono, Ω SMP 200M Quartz, Panerai Radiomir Black Seal, Breitling Navitimer, Sinn 356 Flieger Sa, TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 5, Citizen Blue Angels Skyhawk. |
20 December 2010, 03:35 AM | #70 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
As the price for the watch is inclusive of the watch head and bracelet, we have to sell them at that price regardless. What we probably would do (as I haven't come across the situation myself) is throw in a nice strap as part of the price agreed. We wouldn't have any real use for spare bracelets, and Rolex wouldn't be keen on us selling them separately, apart from special orders. We do carry a nice range of hand-made straps ourselves, so if we can find something to suit, we'll include it in the price for the customer. We don't stock NATO straps at present, but I think it could well be a nice extension to the business - it could be something we include with a diver's watch, for example. Hope this answers your question |
|
20 December 2010, 03:38 AM | #71 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Europe
Watch: Sub-C 116610LN
Posts: 2,649
|
Fantastic thread! Thank you for answering all those questions, Chris.
Here's another one: you explained how the Sub-C and new Explorer is doing, but what about the DJ II? It seems to be less popular on this forum than most Rolex models, and even on the sales corner they move slowly. Apparently it suffers a lot of depreciation when going 2nd hand, so I'm wondering how sales are going about it? Do you sell more of the WG/SS model than of the TT? Do you have to discount it more than 10% to move them? Which particular DJ II dial choice is the top seller? I'd say the black sticks WG/SS, but maybe I'm completely off :) Thanks again for taking the time answering the questions. |
20 December 2010, 03:39 AM | #72 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Doug
Location: Detroit Area
Watch: out for yelow snow
Posts: 1,067
|
I'm sorry to hear this, and Thanks for answering my questions!
|
20 December 2010, 03:39 AM | #73 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
As for ladies' models, the very very best seller has to be the two-tone 26mm Datejust, usually on Jubilee. It's a classic design, and has a versatility that women find attractive. The options of diamonds and mother of pearl options means that it's a great watch to personalise. The other popular model would be the steel and WG 26mm Datejust as well, again on Jubilee. |
|
20 December 2010, 03:41 AM | #74 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
I will be honest with you here, I don't know as I haven't been told, so I can't confirm or deny the rumours. Sorry on that one |
|
20 December 2010, 03:48 AM | #75 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
Omega do sell very well indeed - in terms of numbers of watches sold, they're comparable to Rolex, although the turnover figures will be lower (simply due to price points). Our biggest seller in the range is the Black Bond-style SMP 300m full-size quartz - it's at an attractive price point, and has a great feel on the wrist, especially compared to other brands around the £1300 mark. The Planet Ocean is another bestseller. Omega also consistently outsell our other brands, they're certainly an asset to the store |
|
20 December 2010, 03:51 AM | #76 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
|
|
20 December 2010, 03:51 AM | #77 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: Al
Location: Way Up North
Watch: your P's & Q's
Posts: 10,473
|
Great thread Chris, and thank you for taking the time to field all the questions.
There used to be a set of reference cards or booklets entitled Rolex Talking Points,outlining the features of the various models for AD staff. Are they still being used? And the burning question....... the Rolex wall clock. Are they supplied by Rolex or do they have to be purchased by the AD? I was at my AD the other day and noticed their clock was gone. I was told it had fallen off the wall and that it was A: really heavy, and B: really expensive. cheers, Al
__________________
Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution! |
20 December 2010, 03:51 AM | #78 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: Sam
Location: UK
Watch: AP ☠️
Posts: 6,151
|
|
20 December 2010, 04:00 AM | #79 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Europe
Watch: Sub-C 116610LN
Posts: 2,649
|
Thanks for the answer
I have a few more for you if you don't mind. As for age groups, what would you say the most buyers come from? Is Rolex purchased mostly by people over 30? Or the majority of buyers are over 40? As for women coming to the store and trying on Rolex watches, do you see a difference in their ages than compared to women who come in to try on Omega or other brands? Can one say Rolex ladies' models mostly just attract women over 35-40? I'm asking this because even though I love Rolex watches, my wife (who's 29) says Rolex ladies' models look boring and "maybe I'll like them when I'm over 40". I don't agree with her about such an agish comment, but I have to agree about Rolex lacking dynamic and fashionable models. I suppose introducing the colourful Daytona leather straps and exotic dial colour choices are because Rolex noticed that issue. If Rolex watches tend to attract people over 30, do you see a change in that trend since the revamping of Rolex models, so let's say since 2005? Do the supercase and ceramic bezel help to widen the Rolex customer base? |
20 December 2010, 04:02 AM | #80 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Real Name: davinci
Location: suffolk, uk
Watch: Rolex & Breitling
Posts: 340
|
They used to sell Tudor in the Uk late 70s early 80s so why did they stop? I remember seeing them in a shop window in Kingston alongside Rolex.
|
20 December 2010, 04:05 AM | #81 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
The talking points booklet is still knocking around, but it's hideously outdated now, and not particularly useful, apart from getting a very, very basic overview of the models. I've recommended that my work associates come to me or the bosses instead of referring to it - I've actually been working on my own model guide for staff to use that goes into a bit more detail than the official Rolex publication. Still a work in progress though! Not sure about the wall clock though - I think an AD probably would have to purchase it. We don't have one at our shop as the layout doesn't really lend itself that well to having a clock on the wall. It's a question I'll put to my boss though, see if he knows anything more about it |
|
20 December 2010, 04:11 AM | #82 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
With regards to demographics, for gents, it's quite a mixed bag. Certainly we do get a lot of guys in their 30s and 40s buying, but we do get quite a lot of younger guys in as well. There seems to be a universal appeal on the gents line, no matter what age, there's a Rolex for everyone. For women, the range is slightly more conservative, and does appeal for a slightly older demographic, mainly 30s/40s upwards. Saying that, though, some younger women are looking at the full size gents watches as well, although the big watch trend hasn't completely taken off where I work. The new models Rolex have brought out for ladies does seem to be aiming at a younger demographic, especially the 31mm and 36mm ladies' models. The new sports models have definitely widened Rolex's appeal - the ceramic GMT and Sub have been getting a lot of attention from younger guys. The perception that Rolex is a bit old fashioned is definitely changing: the Milgauss, Datejust II, GMT IIc and Sub-C are leading the way for the younger demographic |
|
20 December 2010, 04:22 AM | #83 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: England
Posts: 53
|
Chris, this is a great thread...thanks.
One quick question, I've always wondered....on average, how many Rolex would an AD sell in a month? I know this depends on the size of the shop and catchment area. My local AD is in a fairly small market town and I can't imagine they sell many watches per month. Thanks |
20 December 2010, 04:24 AM | #84 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
|
|
20 December 2010, 04:27 AM | #85 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: England
Posts: 53
|
Thanks Chris, I would imagine my little AD will be less than that!
|
20 December 2010, 04:47 AM | #86 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Europe
Watch: Sub-C 116610LN
Posts: 2,649
|
Thanks But since you asked for more, here's a last one for today from me: as a salesperson, if you could make a new Rolex dial choice or a new watch model, what would you request Rolex to create? Or, in other words: is there a particular watch model that customers would like to see? Do you get such comments from potential buyers, e.g. "I would buy the GMT IIC if it had a Pepsi/Coke ceramic bezel" , or "I'd buy the Sub if it had a blue dial variant", or "I'd buy the Day-Date if it had a cheaper version", or "I'd buy the Sub if it had a Rolex rubber strap option", or "I'd buy the Daytona if it had a date feature".
|
20 December 2010, 04:51 AM | #87 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
Quote:
|
|
20 December 2010, 05:06 AM | #88 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: Gary
Location: UK
Watch: WG Daytona
Posts: 4,395
|
What is the official UK waiting list for a Daytona S/S?
Thanks. |
20 December 2010, 05:10 AM | #89 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: Mark
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: 16610 & 116710LN
Posts: 559
|
Chris
What is the supply like for the new SS SubC? Not that I am looking to buy one right now but say I came in to you AD on Monday and told you I wanted to purchase one how long would I expect to have to wait for one to be available? M |
20 December 2010, 05:22 AM | #90 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,149
|
It depends on individual stores. The big chains operate a national waiting list policy, whilst independents will be based on the supply to one store. To give you an idea, we have about 30 to 40 names on the list, mainly biased towards white dials. As for time in terms of years, it's a bit convoluted, but could be anywhere between 4 to 8 years - however, that's based on everyone taking one when it's their turn, and this isn't always the case. For example, no one wants the most recent black-dial Daytona we've received, it's proving hard to sell
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.