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ILoveFerrari · 25 March 2023, 05:45 AM

and we have not even talked about Hermes yet

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malba2366 · 25 March 2023, 06:14 AM

Demand has cooled, and these morons are still trying playing the same games...Richemont tolerated it as long as everything got sold, but things have changed enough now they want it to stop.

stockae92 · 25 March 2023, 06:36 AM

I was "on the list" for a black dial Overseas dual time. Maybe I need to go back and check.

The thing is that who isn't doing the VIP customer thing? All popular models from all brands are allowed the same way. Money is money, its hard to not leverage when you have the chance. Sad for enthusiasts, good for business.

ILoveFerrari · 25 March 2023, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malba2366

Demand has cooled, and these morons are still trying playing the same games...Richemont tolerated it as long as everything got sold, but things have changed enough now they want it to stop.

good point

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ILoveFerrari · 25 March 2023, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockae92

I was "on the list" for a black dial Overseas dual time. Maybe I need to go back and check.

The thing is that who isn't doing the VIP customer thing? All popular models from all brands are allowed the same way. Money is money, its hard to not leverage when you have the chance. Sad for enthusiasts, good for business.

the dumb thing is why use bribery. Just use the bribery money to buy more things first from the store. 3 code 11.59? sure, if one is going to bribe anyway.

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LJubel328 · 25 March 2023, 08:17 AM

This is why I like the boutique model. If employees are playing favorites, mistreating customers, or more or less extorting potential clientele, management have the ability to come in and rectify the situation.

When brands such as PP and Rolex go the authorized dealer route, ADs and their SAs care very little about the long-term brand image. They simply care about their next paycheck or making their bonus. At least that has been my takeaway from many ADs.

To VC in particular, I have always been treated with respect and found the NYC staff to be exceptional. I’ve spoken with Steven multiple times and he’s invited me to one event (I’ve never purchased from VC).

Also, most overseas are selling below MSRP now on the secondary. Maybe those customers that paid “xxx” to get an overseas now see their under the water and complained

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ILoveFerrari · 25 March 2023, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJubel328

This is why I like the boutique model. If employees are playing favorites, mistreating customers, or more or less extorting potential clientele, management have the ability to come in and rectify the situation.

When brands such as PP and Rolex go the authorized dealer route, ADs and their SAs care very little about the long-term brand image. They simply care about their next paycheck or making their bonus. At least that has been my takeaway from many ADs.

To VC in particular, I have always been treated with respect and found the NYC staff to be exceptional. I’ve spoken with Steven multiple times and he’s invited me to one event (I’ve never purchased from VC).

Also, most overseas are selling below MSRP now on the secondary. Maybe those customers that paid “xxx” to get an overseas now see their under the water and complained

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I agree with you. I hated PP AD...wait, are you sure vco is selling under MSRP? even my wife's vco quartz movement remains at MSRP last time I check couple weeks ago online.

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LJubel328 · 25 March 2023, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovegt

wait, are you sure vco is selling under MSRP? even my wife's vco quartz movement remains at MSRP...

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I should say more like MSRP + tax. I’ve seen a number right around there. Im also watching the higher complication overseas more so. European watch co had a 6000v sit for weeks at $99k, below retail. Also, Phillips auctioned a 4300v for 100 chf which is retail as well.

I was nearing buying one and thought to reach out to the boutique to mention I was about to. Wouldn’t have hurt to say, “hey, I’m able to buy this reference right now for roughly retail. If you want the business then sell me one.”

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ILoveFerrari · 25 March 2023, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJubel328

I should say more like MSRP + tax. I’ve seen a number right around there. Im also watching the higher complication overseas more so. European watch co had a 6000v sit for weeks at $99k, below retail. Also, Phillips auctioned a 4300v for 100 chf which is retail as well.

I was nearing buying one and thought to reach out to the boutique to mention I was about to. Wouldn’t have hurt to say, “hey, I’m able to buy this reference right now for roughly retail. If you want the business then sell me one.”

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oh...

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PBJ1925 · 25 March 2023, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phiberoptiks

What happened to Brad? Is he still there?

He's no longer there, I inquired about him when I stopped by the past month.

EEpro · 25 March 2023, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJubel328

Wouldn’t have hurt to say, “hey, I’m able to buy this reference right now for roughly retail. If you want the business then sell me one.”

It would actually. If you say that to them they're going to tell you to go ahead and do that and maybe write you off. This isn't Rolex, meaning they don't have 10-12 a week rolling in hiding in back. They get single digits of each model per year and they get about 1 month warning from RNA when their units are coming stateside. That's when you "get the call" if you're up.

Also that's just not a very likeable thing to say in my opinion.

LJubel328 · 26 March 2023, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EEpro

It would actually. If you say that to them they're going to tell you to go ahead and do that and maybe write you off. This isn't Rolex, meaning they don't have 10-12 a week rolling in hiding in back. They get single digits of each model per year and they get about 1 month warning from RNA when their units are coming stateside. That's when you "get the call" if you're up.

Also that's just not a very likeable thing to say in my opinion.

Why should it hurt one’s chances expressing to a retailer the truth? Obviously, in a polite manner—simply stating the facts that you’re on the fence of buying a particular model on the secondary but would like to give the SA your business. People have been walking on egg shells the last few years. You’re the customer and you’re the one spending the money—many seem to have forgotten that. With that, I’ll leave it there.

Back to the topic on hand, VC service has always been exceptional with me when I’ve visited. So much so that I would like to give the business to the SA I’ve spoken with in the past (even with my interest list being obtainable on the secondary market at a reasonable price)—that is top-notch service.

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EEpro · 26 March 2023, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJubel328

Why should it hurt one’s chances expressing to a retailer the truth? Obviously, in a polite manner—simply stating the facts that you’re on the fence of buying a particular model on the secondary but would like to give the SA your business. People have been walking on egg shells the last few years. You’re the customer and you’re the one spending the money—many seem to have forgotten that. With that, I’ll leave it there.

Back to the topic on hand, VC service has always been exceptional with me when I’ve visited. So much so that I would like to give the business to the SA I’ve spoken with in the past (even with my interest list being obtainable on the secondary market at a reasonable price)—that is top-notch service.

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Don't need a lecture about egg shells and who is the customer.

I suppose how it comes off depends on your delivery. My point is, they can't make it happen for you on any timeline because they don't have the merchandise.

This is different than Rolex where it's a popularity and / or spending contest.

I told my Vacheron SA in home town that the watch I want is available at another boutique (it was at south coast plaza in this case) and she said "you should just buy that because I can't guarantee you anything"... it was not rude or anything but it also isn't helpful since they can't do anything about it.

If it comes off the wrong way then it could hurt I guess. Upside Zero. Downside maybe.

mrs_LA · 26 March 2023, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJubel328

This is why I like the boutique model. If employees are playing favorites, mistreating customers, or more or less extorting potential clientele, management have the ability to come in and rectify the situation.

When brands such as PP and Rolex go the authorized dealer route, ADs and their SAs care very little about the long-term brand image. They simply care about their next paycheck or making their bonus. At least that has been my takeaway from many ADs.

Yep! And that might make sense that PP and Rolex are both cutting down their AD stores to get a better grasp of their reputation.

Honestly, nobody is shocked anymore that this is the norm.

malba2366 · 26 March 2023, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockae92

I was "on the list" for a black dial Overseas dual time. Maybe I need to go back and check.

The thing is that who isn't doing the VIP customer thing? All popular models from all brands are allowed the same way. Money is money, its hard to not leverage when you have the chance. Sad for enthusiasts, good for business.

Allocating watches to repeat customers is one thing, but boutique employees straight up asking for bribes to get a watch is another.

dchang81 · 26 March 2023, 01:51 AM

when I'm selling something and someone tells me they can get it for cheaper elsewhere, I tell them great they should buy it there then that's a fantastic price. not sure that gets me all excited to sell it to you more

CPZorro · 26 March 2023, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaZCaL

Try the Vangerai straps and call it a day. Quality isn’t bad and they have all different color rubber straps.

Do you have a link? I can’t seem to find Vangerai straps on google.

EEpro · 26 March 2023, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPZorro

Do you have a link? I can’t seem to find Vangerai straps on google.

https://www.vagenari.com

RaZCaL · 26 March 2023, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPZorro

Do you have a link? I can’t seem to find Vangerai straps on google.

Sorry, I totally butchered the spelling. It’s Vagenari.

https://www.vagenari.com/

mickyd329 · 26 March 2023, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovegt

either she is now working in Tiffany downstairs or she is in Asia. I heard it's the boutique director that fled.

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Same individual. She is now the boutique director at Tiffany's downstairs.

ILoveFerrari · 26 March 2023, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickyd329

Same individual. She is now the boutique director at Tiffany's downstairs.

so she did not flee? no way! the previous AP boutique director now is the Tiffany boutique director downstairs? I thought the director fled and it is the other staff that now work at Tiffany. Are you sure?

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Bearxj86 · 27 March 2023, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovegt

so she did not flee? no way! the previous AP boutique director now is the Tiffany boutique director downstairs? I thought the director fled and it is the other staff that now work at Tiffany. Are you sure?

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I just looked on Linkedin. It is true she is now the Tiffany Boutique director...d

phiberoptiks · 27 March 2023, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearxj86

I just looked on Linkedin. It is true she is now the Tiffany Boutique director...d

I think vc and ap person are not the same.

Bearxj86 · 27 March 2023, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phiberoptiks

I think vc and ap person are not the same.

Agree. The AP person starts with an S and shes now at Tiffany. The VC person I think starts with E and I do not know where he is..

mickyd329 · 27 March 2023, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovegt

so she did not flee? no way! the previous AP boutique director now is the Tiffany boutique director downstairs? I thought the director fled and it is the other staff that now work at Tiffany. Are you sure?

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Yes, that's what I've been told. I heard she left the country and now is back.

ILoveFerrari · 27 March 2023, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearxj86

I just looked on Linkedin. It is true she is now the Tiffany Boutique director...d

Disgusting. Any lawyer here? was there any law broken in this situation of taking bribe?

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malba2366 · 28 March 2023, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovegt

Disgusting. Any lawyer here? was there any law broken in this situation of taking bribe?

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It is illegal in most states for an employee to accept such payments without the knowledge of their employer, but this exact scenario is somewhat of a grey area. It is doubtful, anyone would try prosecute this. There was probably no written agreement so it would be one persons' word vs another. Also salesperson could just say there was no quid pro quo and their understanding was that it was a gratuity from a grateful customer.

The most likely scenario is that Richemont learned about the bribes, they approached the individuals involved and told them to resign immediately and any investigations would be dropped.

At many of these stores this culture is pervasive throughout the store, with bribes being shared with management who ultimately allocates the goods, and in some cases employees paying bribes to managers just to get the sales job. It is going on at Hermes, Rolex ADs, Luxury car dealers, hot restaurants etc.

Bearxj86 · 28 March 2023, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malba2366

It is illegal in most states for an employee to accept such payments without the knowledge of their employer, but this exact scenario is somewhat of a grey area. It is doubtful, anyone would try prosecute this. There was probably no written agreement so it would be one persons' word vs another. Also salesperson could just say there was no quid pro quo and their understanding was that it was a gratuity from a grateful customer.

The most likely scenario is that Richemont learned about the bribes, they approached the individuals involved and told them to resign immediately and any investigations would be dropped.

At many of these stores this culture is pervasive throughout the store, with bribes being shared with management who ultimately allocates the goods, and in some cases employees paying bribes to managers just to get the sales job. It is going on at Hermes, Rolex ADs, Luxury car dealers, hot restaurants etc.

Don't forget that pimps also get a cut from the girls.

rand8086 · 28 March 2023, 02:45 PM

I suspect the same is happening at the Rolex boutique in SCP. They had me write down my info on paper for a Sub I was interested in a few years back. Never received a call. On my last visit, asked if they could look up my name on the list to see where I was at, just out of curiosity, and the salesperson uncomfortably said I would need to buy some other pieces like women's watches first and that they no longer honor the wait list.

ILoveFerrari · 28 March 2023, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearxj86

Don't forget that pimps also get a cut from the girls.

too good

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25 March 2023, 06:36 AM	#33
stockae92 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 4,881	I was "on the list" for a black dial Overseas dual time. Maybe I need to go back and check. The thing is that who isn't doing the VIP customer thing? All popular models from all brands are allowed the same way. Money is money, its hard to not leverage when you have the chance. Sad for enthusiasts, good for business. __________________ 135 ├┼┼╕ 246 R

25 March 2023, 05:45 AM	#31
ILoveFerrari "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: California Posts: 340	and we have not even talked about Hermes yet Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

25 March 2023, 06:14 AM	#32
malba2366 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: NY Posts: 313	Demand has cooled, and these morons are still trying playing the same games...Richemont tolerated it as long as everything got sold, but things have changed enough now they want it to stop.

25 March 2023, 08:17 AM	#36
LJubel328 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: U.S. Posts: 811	This is why I like the boutique model. If employees are playing favorites, mistreating customers, or more or less extorting potential clientele, management have the ability to come in and rectify the situation. When brands such as PP and Rolex go the authorized dealer route, ADs and their SAs care very little about the long-term brand image. They simply care about their next paycheck or making their bonus. At least that has been my takeaway from many ADs. To VC in particular, I have always been treated with respect and found the NYC staff to be exceptional. I’ve spoken with Steven multiple times and he’s invited me to one event (I’ve never purchased from VC). Also, most overseas are selling below MSRP now on the secondary. Maybe those customers that paid “xxx” to get an overseas now see their under the water and complained Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

26 March 2023, 01:51 AM	#46
dchang81 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Cleveland Posts: 2,042	when I'm selling something and someone tells me they can get it for cheaper elsewhere, I tell them great they should buy it there then that's a fantastic price. not sure that gets me all excited to sell it to you more

28 March 2023, 02:45 PM	#59
rand8086 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: los ángeles, ca Posts: 41	I suspect the same is happening at the Rolex boutique in SCP. They had me write down my info on paper for a Sub I was interested in a few years back. Never received a call. On my last visit, asked if they could look up my name on the list to see where I was at, just out of curiosity, and the salesperson uncomfortably said I would need to buy some other pieces like women's watches first and that they no longer honor the wait list.

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