The Breitling Watch Source Forums

They aren't the sharpest knives because they are all TOOLS!!!

Well, I finally talked to one AD in my area who seemed to really know what he was talking about and followed up and called me back, so they're not all complete idiots. But they're batting .200, which is pretty bad in my book.

I agree that the mendoza line is pretty bad.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

I think it's relatively safe to say that any reasonably intelligent person who researches the item(s) that they want to buy will generally be more knowledgeable about it than the salesperson. This is true for most things, not just watches. If your typical store has 8 brands and each brand has 20 models, that's like... over 50 things they have to remember!

But seriously, so many salespeople are just that - salespeople. They're not enthusiasts, they'll be selling washing machines next month and next year you'll buy your Toyota from them. If they're good, you'll buy your Aston Martin from them, if not, your cell phone.

Although I have to confess that my last cell phone purchase (Palm Pre) the salesgirl did know it fairly well. Of course, when I asked specific questions (why doesn't the phone make a noise when I set an alarm?) it took 4 of them 15 minutes to figure it out. More the fault of the phone (which is new in the market) than the salespeople.

But I digress.

I also disagree with an earlier poster who says to stay out of malls. Hey, that's where the people go, there are a lot of stores there, and as long as you can find someone who is knowledgeable and friendly and will make you a deal, I don't see a problem with shopping there. And quite often because there is so much "just looking" traffic, they're not quite as high pressure.

My closest AD is a local chain jewelry store and only the manager really knows the product, so I deal directly with him. But if I just want to browse, anyone will do.

But yes, to address the OP, it is very frustrating when you encounter the typical attitude these days (at least in the States) of employees who don't know, don't care, and don't make the extra effort.

Michael

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Breitling, Omega, Rolex... what can I say, I like Swiss watches.

This one of the reasons the Apple Stores work so well. The people there do know what they're talking about. If you had asked them a similar question about an iPhone, I bet they would have known the answer right away.

In Abu Dhabi the Brietling AD, which actually should be classified as a boutique, is located in a mall and they are very knowledgeable about their product. That has been my experience in all of the watch boutiques and ADs that I have visited in the UAE. Prior to coming here I also visited 2 ADs in Boston, one was great and one was doing me a favor to even speak to me.