Proper etiquette when following up on waitlist?

[makebread]

Hi all,

I understand there's no rule of thumb for this one, but I'm curious to hear different approaches.

Enquired about an Explorer 1 just over two weeks ago. My AD (who I bought from before, a few years ago), said the wait "wouldn't be long at all". I went in and signed a document to be put on the waitlist.

I'm not intending on following up just yet (maybe another week or so), but what's the best way to do so without getting on their nerves?

Email?
Phone call?
In-person?
Not at all and let them do their thing?

I'm really itching for this watch so I want to show them that I'm not one of those just-put-me-on-the-list-and-I'll-turn-it-down-later type of people.

[Watch_a_holic]

Same here, I'm on the waiting list for a 41mm datejust blue dial with a Jubilee bracelet, the've told me it is a 2 months wait. Been now 2 weeks and followed up with a phone call the've just replied with the "we still didn't receive shipment" TBO don't bother bout it it'll show up soon eventually maybe a month or 2.

[Pantheon]

I would just leave the AD alone. Remember they get tons of requests everyday for the same watches. If anything just stop by occasionally to say hello would be the best thing imo.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by makebread

Hi all,

I understand there's no rule of thumb for this one, but I'm curious to hear different approaches.

Enquired about an Explorer 1 just over two weeks ago. My AD (who I bought from before, a few years ago), said the wait "wouldn't be long at all". I went in and signed a document to be put on the waitlist.

I'm not intending on following up just yet (maybe another week or so), but what's the best way to do so without getting on their nerves?

Email?
Phone call?
In-person?
Not at all and let them do their thing?

I'm really itching for this watch so I want to show them that I'm not one of those just-put-me-on-the-list-and-I'll-turn-it-down-later type of people.

Guys they are just a retail shop that sells watches nothing more,and just like your local supermarket and the thousands of other retail establishments.They are in business just to sell there products to anyone who enters there place of business.And do not need any sort of etiquette just common sense and politeness like you would do the same in any retail store.

[adawil2002]

I stop by my local AD every 3-4 months and occasionally send an e-mail to my asking what's in store.

Just be cool & patient.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by padi56

Guys they are just a retail shop that sells watches nothing more,and just like your local supermarket and the thousands of other retail establishments.They are in business just to sell there products to anyone who enters there place of business.And do not need any sort of etiquette just common sense and politeness like you would do the same in any retail store.

11/10 Peter.

[Sandpit]

I would pop by in person periodically. I don’t care how many calls they get daily. Showing your face means more and they can see you’ve made the effort.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by padi56

Guys they are just a retail shop that sells watches nothing more,and just like your local supermarket and the thousands of other retail establishments.They are in business just to sell there products to anyone who enters there place of business.And do not need any sort of etiquette just common sense and politeness like you would do the same in any retail store.

This

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I would pop by in person periodically. I don’t care how many calls they get daily. Showing your face means more and they can see you’ve made the effort.

And this

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by padi56

Guys they are just a retail shop that sells watches nothing more,and just like your local supermarket and the thousands of other retail establishments.They are in business just to sell there products to anyone who enters there place of business.And do not need any sort of etiquette just common sense and politeness like you would do the same in any retail store.

Agreed

Many people are really desperate. Sadly fascinating to watch

[Fat_ninja]

I don’t think there is a proper edicate. Treat people like how you would like to be treated... don’t let people play mind games with you... there are other watches available to buy

[kevc]

Whatsapp

[m j b]

As noted, they're just a retail store looking to sell stuff. The best way to be remembered (and possibly slide up the list a little bit) is to stop by periodically and buy something.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by padi56

Guys they are just a retail shop that sells watches nothing more,and just like your local supermarket and the thousands of other retail establishments.They are in business just to sell there products to anyone who enters there place of business.And do not need any sort of etiquette just common sense and politeness like you would do the same in any retail store.

Agree!

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by padi56

Guys they are just a retail shop that sells watches nothing more,and just like your local supermarket and the thousands of other retail establishments.They are in business just to sell there products to anyone who enters there place of business.And do not need any sort of etiquette just common sense and politeness like you would do the same in any retail store.

Agreed, people act as if they're getting ready to meet the queen or something. Tread likely and walk on eggshells, etc..

[KBM]

Originally Posted by padi56

Guys they are just a retail shop that sells watches nothing more,and just like your local supermarket and the thousands of other retail establishments.They are in business just to sell there products to anyone who enters there place of business.And do not need any sort of etiquette just common sense and politeness like you would do the same in any retail store.

I agree with Peter, just be polite and friendly.

[ap1]

Text them daily....

Really just check in periodically to stay fresh on their minds. Small talk first before asking about that Daytona

[JasTPE]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I would pop by in person periodically. I don’t care how many calls they get daily. Showing your face means more and they can see you’ve made the effort.

Originally Posted by adawil2002

I stop by my local AD every 3-4 months and occasionally send an e-mail to my asking what's in store.

Just be cool & patient.

Originally Posted by padi56

Guys they are just a retail shop that sells watches nothing more,and just like your local supermarket and the thousands of other retail establishments.They are in business just to sell there products to anyone who enters there place of business.And do not need any sort of etiquette just common sense and politeness like you would do the same in any retail store.

All of these above, I think if it's a Datejust, it'll come through.

Be nice and genuine about it, like how you want to be treated.

JasTPE

[ms9]

Originally Posted by padi56

Guys they are just a retail shop that sells watches nothing more,and just like your local supermarket and the thousands of other retail establishments.They are in business just to sell there products to anyone who enters there place of business.And do not need any sort of etiquette just common sense and politeness like you would do the same in any retail store.

I disagree. A Rolex AD is nothing like a local supermarket. The supermarket has milk sitting in the fridge ready to be picked up and bought. The AD has all the goodies in the back.

Politeness yes.

[Number3]

Originally Posted by ms9

I disagree. A Rolex AD is nothing like a local supermarket. The supermarket has milk sitting in the fridge ready to be picked up and bought. The AD has all the goodies in the back.

Politeness yes.

Agreed. I don’t think a supermarket could be much farther from reality as a current analogy.....

[1Zach1]

I tend to wander into ADs on a regular basis because I enjoy looking at watches. No idea if that helps or doesn't matter, but I don't do anything special to push my case for the watch I want.

[DonRickles]

I bow and a follow up curtsy to the men and women when entering any Rolex Dealership.



But, It can be somewhat intimidating, walking into a retail shop for many, I’d wager.

[DonRickles]

Originally Posted by Number3

Agreed. I don’t think a supermarket could be much farther from reality as a current analogy.....

What about “Whole Paycheck” I mean “Whole Foods” their pricing methods are equivalent....

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by makebread

Hi all,

I understand there's no rule of thumb for this one, but I'm curious to hear different approaches.

Enquired about an Explorer 1 just over two weeks ago. My AD (who I bought from before, a few years ago), said the wait "wouldn't be long at all". I went in and signed a document to be put on the waitlist.

I'm not intending on following up just yet (maybe another week or so), but what's the best way to do so without getting on their nerves?

Email?
Phone call?
In-person?
Not at all and let them do their thing?

I'm really itching for this watch so I want to show them that I'm not one of those just-put-me-on-the-list-and-I'll-turn-it-down-later type of people.

Only with a brand like Rolex could we have posts about etiquette when trying to spend money

On a serious note, pop in every few months, maybe buy some bits here and there, and try not to over think it

[makebread]

Appreciate the input so far. The ridicule, not so much.

I don't agree with the sentiment that it's just like any other shop. As someone rightly pointed out, the most popular Rolex models, such as the Explorer, are rarely sitting in windows ready to be picked up. We've heard the stories about preferential treatment to VIPs and returning big-spenders. Of fake waitlists. Of things being "in the safe". So I do think you have to approach this game with a little finesse.

The reason I asked in the first place, and used the phrase "get on their nerves", is because I'm leaving the country in roughly 3 months. If I was here for the long haul, I could wait 6, 7, 8 months no problem. But considering this AD said it was realistic to get this piece in, I'm really hoping it comes through before I leave.

So I need to do a bit of badgering to remind him "hey, I'm still here!"

[Azul]

If it has already been two weeks, pop in again soon. Even if it is a "just happened to be in the area" visit. Don't ask for anything, just show your face and be friendly.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by makebread

So I need to do a bit of badgering to remind him "hey, I'm still here!"

And when you are one of several dozen people doing the same thing, what then?

Sorry if you feel you are being "ridiculed"

[1Zach1]

Originally Posted by makebread

Appreciate the input so far. The ridicule, not so much.

I don't agree with the sentiment that it's just like any other shop. As someone rightly pointed out, the most popular Rolex models, such as the Explorer, are rarely sitting in windows ready to be picked up. We've heard the stories about preferential treatment to VIPs and returning big-spenders. Of fake waitlists. Of things being "in the safe". So I do think you have to approach this game with a little finesse.

The reason I asked in the first place, and used the phrase "get on their nerves", is because I'm leaving the country in roughly 3 months. If I was here for the long haul, I could wait 6, 7, 8 months no problem. But considering this AD said it was realistic to get this piece in, I'm really hoping it comes through before I leave.

So I need to do a bit of badgering to remind him "hey, I'm still here!"

Your options are:

-Spend a thousands at the AD and hope they are simply lying to you about availability. Big drawback here is that you've just ridiculously overpaid for a watch you can buy at a grey for not much markup, and you might still be waiting if the AD isn't lying to you about the wait

-Go on the wait list. Stop in and say hey once in a while. The list could be fake, but so what? You're waiting one way or another. Be nice, maybe stop in once a month, strike up a convo with one of the sales people and make sure they know you're serious about paying on the spot.

-Go grey. You'll pay a bit of a markup, but you'll have the watch you want, right now.

[Rado63]

Your goal is to get an explorer I. That's a watch they are going to get, but question is how often. The best way to answer your question is for you to ask the AD a question. What day of the week does your shipment arrive? Shall I call text or email you that day each week? would you rather just email or text me? Introduce yourself to all the SA's so they your name and what watch you want. Also mention to the manager that you will be out of the area soon.

[cerendigit]

I'm guessing you are looking for a way to get your watch sooner?

The best way to go there and buy things they have on display.

[SDR581]

Bought 7 watches from my AD since 2017. My SA says I'm a good customer. I'm waiting for a BLRO and told him I'm wont even ask how long. He thanked me for that. Just going to wait to get the call.