New to Rolex- my AD experience

[1bad750]

There is no
Shortage. Those that blv there is isnt in reality. Proven by we can all get just about any reference here within 24 hrs.

[biscotti]

I'm rather surprised at how you were treated at your AD. Perhaps they may make amends by offering a SS Daytona.

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by Cvg

So I’ve joined up, done my homework and bought a SS sub. I’m not seeking to build a collection although after lurking around here it’s awfully tempting. The jewelry store where I have bought six figures worth of diamonds for my wife is a an AD. They laughed at me. I mean they actually laughed when I attempted to buy a SS sub. So, I found an online dealer, paid $9500 shipped for a brand new piece with stickers and tags and warranty card from dealer with my name. Sales tax was avoided so I’d say it’s a wash vs buying local. I stopped in to show my AD and he was visibly upset. Three days later he called me to offer a new GMT Master II, black I believe. Too late. So I’m sharing because while I’m new to all this, and I recognize that the model I wanted isn’t too terribly rare , I had no problems buying. My AD , who really is great with diamonds for my wife , may be pissed. Oh well. I really just wanted a proper watch after years of wearing nothing or cheap. I love my Submariner and likely will be my only watch. I do enjoy these forums posts.

If he laughed--rub it in.

[fiebru1119]

He laughed AND called you a rookie?! yikes...

Like many of us on the forums, who can afford a $10k for a watch, are thoughtful and informed consumers. For him to call you a "rookie" and steer you to another brand, will take some serious restraint to deflect the insult.

[RBradleigh]

The part that irks me is someone calls you up after spending 9k to ask if you'd like to spend an additional 9k. All I can say to this is god bless you all if you can "afford" to lay out this kind of cash in this type of succession for what is an incredibly non essential item.

[MTBer]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

...evil thought here. Tell him thanks for the Ln offer but it's too redundant to your Sub but if he wants to keep your relationship going source out an SSBlro for you.

Agreed. And when they say it’s not possible, I’d ask if it’s because they have rookie status with Rolex

I was at Rolex by Tapper’s a few months ago and asked about the current wait time on a BLRO just to see what they’d say. They couldn’t even offer a guess, but the salesperson was respectful and honest, and even seemed exasperated with Rolex over their inability (unwillingness?) to keep up with demand. Given the concentration of wealth in the area I’m sure they’re used to having to turn down many “VVIP” clients, so they’re at least practiced at handling the situation correctly.

[MTBer]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

...evil thought here. Tell him thanks for the Ln offer but it's too redundant to your Sub but if he wants to keep your relationship going source out an SSBlro for you.

Agreed. And when they say it’s not possible, I’d ask if it’s because they have rookie status with Rolex

I was at Rolex by Tapper’s a few months ago and asked about the current wait time on a BLRO just to see what they’d say. They couldn’t even offer a guess, but the salesperson was respectful and honest, and even seemed exasperated with Rolex over their inability (unwillingness?) to keep up with demand. Given the concentration of wealth in the area I’m sure they’re used to having to turn down many “VVIP” clients, so they’re at least practiced at handling the situation correctly.

[LesserBlackDog]

I get that as a practical matter, it’s going to be hard and maybe even unrealistic to get certain SS models from an AD in anything resembling a timely fashion. They get the inventory that Rolex decides to send them and for popular models they’ve undoubtedly got waiting lists and you may be nowhere near the top even after spending six figures in jewelry with them.

But laughing at you or calling you a rookie is never ok behavior. They can explain the situation professionally to you and see if you are still interested even knowing the practical limitations - there’s no excuse to talk down to you or treat your inquiry like a joke.

[Maverick_1908]

This is crazy.

A couple of months ago I was in Miami and went to an AD to ask about the blnr just to try my luck. The guy just told me that they’ve been out of any steel sports rolex for a while. I’m sure he could have been lying to me while having a few hulks batmans and daytonas for their vips but at least he was not a jerk.

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by LesserBlackDog

But laughing at you or calling you a rookie is never ok behavior. They can explain the situation professionally to you and see if you are still interested even knowing the practical limitations - there’s no excuse to talk down to you or treat your inquiry like a joke.

Especially given the guy has purchased six figures in product from them. I’ve received far better treatment from ADs here in Tulsa walking in off the street or cold calling about whether they have a Sub in stock. Granted ADs in Tulsa don’t exactly have people beating down their doors to buy Rolexes, but the OP appears to be in Cincinnati where I can’t imagine the situation is THAT much different.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by calh22a

If I’ve purchased 6 figures worth of diamonds from a jeweler and they laugh at me when I try to buy a sub, I’d stop going there. They obviously didn’t value your prior business and history. I’d take my money elsewhere from now on.

Agreed.

[Jcy90]

Originally Posted by Cvg

So I’ve joined up, done my homework and bought a SS sub. I’m not seeking to build a collection although after lurking around here it’s awfully tempting. The jewelry store where I have bought six figures worth of diamonds for my wife is a an AD. They laughed at me. I mean they actually laughed when I attempted to buy a SS sub. So, I found an online dealer, paid $9500 shipped for a brand new piece with stickers and tags and warranty card from dealer with my name. Sales tax was avoided so I’d say it’s a wash vs buying local. I stopped in to show my AD and he was visibly upset. Three days later he called me to offer a new GMT Master II, black I believe. Too late. So I’m sharing because while I’m new to all this, and I recognize that the model I wanted isn’t too terribly rare , I had no problems buying. My AD , who really is great with diamonds for my wife , may be pissed. Oh well. I really just wanted a proper watch after years of wearing nothing or cheap. I love my Submariner and likely will be my only watch. I do enjoy these forums posts.

Some AD’s are a big joke. Sounds like hes one of them.

[darkside7]

Love it...

[Rocket_Man]

That jewelry store should realize that it is much easier to buy a high quality diamond on-line than it is to buy a Rolex on-line. I had my wife's engagement and wedding rings custom made on-line and even sourced an ideal cut, D-color stone on-line. Personally I'd never buy a diamond locally, especially from a chain store since their stones generally suck and they are graded by laboratorys that inflate the grades. Your Jeweler is easily replaceable. More so than a Rolex AD.

If you wanted to make your point with them, send them a link to this thread.

[jimcameron]

Jewelry stores have a pretty decent profit margin on diamonds. Average of $10K a year for 10 years. They acted like jerks. Buy(or borrow) a GMT somewhere else and go show that to the wiseass that laughed. Tell them your looking for a SS Daytona, if they come up with one, flip it and let them know.

[Gotgolf52]

They DO NOT DESERVE your business. I would never let any salesman laughed at me while earning my business.

[Galibier]

Seriously? I visited my local AD earlier this year where I had never even set foot in before asking for a Sub and they were amazing. I had it on my wrist within a month.

If I had spent six figures and they laughed at me, I'd never shop there again.

[calatravato]

Wow that really makes me angry on your behalf. That doesn’t even happen in New York. I’ve been pretty shameless asking to be put on lists, and they decline, but politely. No laughing involved. And I will tell you my spend there has been well under $100k.

To think that’s how they act with 6 figures and 10 years of business between you. That’s bad manners and bad business.

Power move showing up with the sub, though.

Enjoy in great health, and congrats!

[WatchLurv]

I would have bought the GMT steel and put it in a safe. No problem doing that.

[joli160]

Huge congrats on a fine watch, enjoy it

[SpeedyTuomas]

Sounds unprofessional of them and they have forgotten their place. I would take my business elsewhere. Yes, the stock situation it's ridiculous.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Cvg

I stopped in to show my AD and he was visibly upset.

ABPW... Always Be Pretty Woman-ing.

[1William]

Interesting situation and it appears you learned why a lot of us here on TRF really like the Trusted Sellers. I understand how you must feel but I would tell you leave the emotions out of it and turn this situation to your advantage. I would get an appointment with the store manager and go in and explain what happened. I would see what they have to say and beyond an apology ask what they are going to do to make this right. Be clear and describe what it is you want. A BLRO, Hulk, Daytona-C or BLNR, you get the idea. I would leave it open ended and tell them your expectations for service and time on the watches. If you should get any response that is not what you would expect from a professional business and manager then explain why you will not be doing business with them in the future. I would also tell them that you will leave reviews on social media consistent with your experiences both on the day you inquired and in dealing with the manager. No emotion, just matter of fact. Then walk, 50/50 you get what you want and need to make it right. Lose the emotion, this is business and watches. Congratulations on your Submariner, an all time classic and personal favorite.

[AEC]

Your AD made a mistake. Maybe it goes to their heads every once in a while, and it seems that may be what happened this time.

I'm glad you found your Submariner and are enjoying it.

Welcome to TRF!

[Bo-Dacious]

Unfortunate situation.

I'm glad you were able to find the watch. Wear it in good health!

[dhknola]

Not reading the whole thread but to OP, AWESOME!!!!
F*CK these AD's is my honest opinion. In NOLA, Adler's pulled all their sport Rolex months ago. I have additional reasons I detest that particular AD, but I love that your AD salesperson 'was visibly upset' when you showed off your new Sub...
If you walk in to a shop to buy a 10k widget and they laugh at you, I like that you got the last laugh and got your widget from a watch seller (not a potmekin retail village like Rolex AD's are now) and now have what you want, not a dog and pony wait list show.

[melrob1]

Originally Posted by calh22a

If I’ve purchased 6 figures worth of diamonds from a jeweler and they laugh at me when I try to buy a sub, I’d stop going there. They obviously didn’t value your prior business and history. I’d take my money elsewhere from now on.

Exactly! Especially for a Sub! No more money for them and I’d let them know why

[ALF61]

Originally Posted by Cvg

So I’ve joined up, done my homework and bought a SS sub. I’m not seeking to build a collection although after lurking around here it’s awfully tempting. The jewelry store where I have bought six figures worth of diamonds for my wife is a an AD. They laughed at me. I mean they actually laughed when I attempted to buy a SS sub. So, I found an online dealer, paid $9500 shipped for a brand new piece with stickers and tags and warranty card from dealer with my name. Sales tax was avoided so I’d say it’s a wash vs buying local. I stopped in to show my AD and he was visibly upset. Three days later he called me to offer a new GMT Master II, black I believe. Too late. So I’m sharing because while I’m new to all this, and I recognize that the model I wanted isn’t too terribly rare , I had no problems buying. My AD , who really is great with diamonds for my wife , may be pissed. Oh well. I really just wanted a proper watch after years of wearing nothing or cheap. I love my Submariner and likely will be my only watch. I do enjoy these forums posts.

You have to look a bit harder. As a tourist my son visited an AD in DC a couple of months back. Never bought anything from them before, told him they could have a sub for him in three months with a small deposit.

[mas12]

Welcome to the forum on congrats on your new Sub!

I love what you did - spending that much and getting that reaction is the antithesis of good customer service, especially if you're a VIP.

They lost your watch business and will be lucky if you go back for any more jewelry. Goes to show - regardless of the current Rolex situation - we as consumers still have the power.

[EDL7]

Profits on jewelry are really really high..I've sold that stuff for years..
Chances are..if they are laughing at you right to your face..they were laughing even harder behind closed doors..after you bought a ton of diamonds..and weren't in the shop anymore..
But you got em back where it hurts..lol...right in the gut..hahaha!