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ADs, not the sharpest knives
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Author:  dhalem [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  ADs, not the sharpest knives
So I want to move a bracelet from one watch to another. Same lug width, different end links. I've been calling AD's in my area to see if one of them can get me the correct end links. This is what I've gotten:

1st Call:
Me: Hi, I'd like you to order some end links for me, the ones from a XXX bracelet.
AD: Ok, to order extra links, I need the model # and serial # of your watch?
Me: Not extra links, end links.
AD: Ok, I still need the #'s
Me: Model number XXXX, Serial # XXXX, but make sure it is for bracelet XXX, which isn't the one that came with it.
AD: Ok, I will call Breitling and call you back.
(This was a week ago, no call back)

2nd Call:
Me: Hi, I'd like you to order some end links for me, the ones from a XXX bracelet
AD: For that, we'd have to send your watch to Breitling, it would take 4-8 weeks?
Me: To change a bracelet?
AD: Yes.
Me: I just want the end links.
AD: That's the only way we can do it.

Are my expectations wrong here? I get better customer service from Chuck E. Cheese. Certainly my Toyota dealer does a better job when I call them wanting parts. Does anyone know an AD that has a brain and can handle this for me?
Author:  Roffensian [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
The problem in North America (and this is part of the reason for heavy discounts) is that it's a retail job, not a specific role requiring specialist knowledge. The manager of one of the stores here just left to run a chain jewellery store.

If you pay people as regular sales associates then you won't often get the expertise.
Author:  dhalem [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
Roffensian wrote:
The problem in North America (and this is part of the reason for heavy discounts) is that it's a retail job, not a specific role requiring specialist knowledge. The manager of one of the stores here just left to run a chain jewellery store.

If you pay people as regular sales associates then you won't often get the expertise.


But the whole story on why you should buy from an AD and not a grey dealer is predicated on the wonderful service that the AD's provide. If the AD's are this incompetent, I don't think it reflects well on the brand.
Author:  mktbubble74 [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
'AD' refers to a legal entity/commercial establishment licensed to sell a particular piece of merch.

It does not exend to the sales representatives employed therein, although it would be more than fair to expect said representatives to have more than a passing familiarity with the product they're pushing.

If I have a question about a timepiece, I'll always ask the sales rep first. If am not satisfied with the response, I would escalate to management (if you can find them). Luckily, the Breitling AD to whom I give all of my business has knowledgeable personnel on staff. I attribute this to the overall socioeconomic strata of the clientele they service (Northern New Jersey)-you can't sound stupid when people are asking you for particulars on Panerai, JLC, Rolex, AP, etc....

I would scrupulously avoid chain stores that have an AD concession such as Bailey Banks and Biddle or Tourneau. Also, don't purchase a high-end timepiece in a mall. No particular reason, just MHO.
Author:  Juan127 [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
That's nothing. I went into a Tourneau the other day to inquire about a PRO II for my SA and this is how it went.

me- Hi , who can I speak to about buying a bracelet for my Breitling

Guy- Ok, you'll need to talk to the guy in the back with the White shirt on

me- Hi, That guy over there told me to talk to you about buying a bracelet for my breitling

guy - Ok for which model

me - Super Avenger

guy - (blank look on his face with like 5 seconds of dead air)

me - I was thinking about the Stainless steel Pro II bracelet I wanted to know if you have one in stock or if I can order one.

Guy - Hold on let me look that up for you

Me - ok

Guy- (Pretending to look into the book in front of him that has nothing to do with bracelets) .Yea ill have to order that for you its gonna be around 1500.00 usd (totally just threw out a price)

Me - Uhhhhhhhh okay (in my mind i know its 500usd but im not about to get into a fight with the guy)

Guy - (stupid blank look on his face)

Me - Are you sure?

Guy - (dead air not saying a word)

Me- So anyways do you guy do polishing and cleaning on watches here

Guy - Yes but the guy that does that is not here today so you cant get it done.

Me - ok whatever

So i walk away and go look at some Tourneau's in the case and I start talking to this lady about watches and I asked her how could I go about cleaning my watch and she is like yea just drop if off with our Watch cleaner. So i ask ok who is that and she pointed at THE GUY IN THE WHITE that blew me off earlier. Now i'm not some punk kid walking in i had on my SA and i was with my gf, im not gonna brag but shes not exactly ugly... I'm looking for a purchase and he should look for a sale. But whatever i guess for every 10 good salesman you'll run into one bad one. I was so pissed off after that i just wanted to go back and speak to the store manager about the whole incident.

Sorry to rant but your thread made me reminisce over what had happened to me.
Author:  David82 [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
Incredible. Makes you appreciate a good AD even more.
Author:  Driver8 [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
Yes it's been said before, but often the "Saturday lads" some AD's employ sometimes just don't have an interest in watches : it's nothing more than a job to them. Granted they should know something about the product they are selling, but I think it's safe to say that most of us guys know more about the watches than even many experienced sales people. The owner of my AD has often joked about offering me a job himself! :lol:

A sales person not knowing much is a bit irritating, but what really bugs me is when you are given blatantly incorrect information. I think the onus is on the AD establishment itself to ensure that it's staff all have a basic level of knowledge about the product. I mean, I certainly wouldn't employ a project manager who knows nothing about project management, or a VB programmer who doesn't know any VB code!! The same should be true for AD's.

Fortunately my AD is staffed by real "watch-people", so that's why I've generally stuck with them for over a decade.
Author:  David82 [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
Driver8 wrote:
The owner of my AD has often joked about offering me a job himself! :lol:


I get that too! :D Actually, it could be a bit of a dream job really. :)
Author:  dhalem [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
David82 wrote:
Driver8 wrote:
The owner of my AD has often joked about offering me a job himself! :lol:


I get that too! :D Actually, it could be a bit of a dream job really. :)


I take it as a given that I know more about the products I buy than the person selling them to me, I'm that kind of nerd. But I do expect some basic competence and knowledge.
Author:  FEAR [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
my ad is awesome, i walked in the other day, he handed me a new leather counter pad, and " the book" the $200 one, for no reason, gives me awesome deals and hooks up my friends. dude was the number 2 salesman inthe us for breitling last years
Author:  rebel_1 [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
FEAR wrote:
my ad is awesome, i walked in the other day, he handed me a new leather counter pad, and " the book" the $200 one, for no reason, gives me awesome deals and hooks up my friends. dude was the number 2 salesman inthe us for breitling last years



Who is your AD?

R/
Author:  jnelson3097 [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
The only thing I don't like about my AD is that he's a Phillies fan
Author:  Jerome [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
I guess that is what happens when the AD designation is given to the establishment/company and unfortunately has nothing or very little to do with the level of competency of the people they have representing the product.

Thankfully I found a dealer that is very much into watches as you and I.
Author:  watchdawg [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
I went to an AD in Denver recently and when the saleswomen asked if she could help me I asked to see a Breitling Seawolf. Her answer," I don't know anything about those (Breitling) you probably know more about them than me, I think this is one". With that I thanked her and left, this was in a large upscale mall location.
Author:  alex** [ Wed Jul 08, 2009 12:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: ADs, not the sharpest knives
i havent had the issue as my ad is spot on but when just popping in to ones closer to home to do research before a purchase i have found some usless ones.

have been told out and out lies too, was looking to buy my cosmo and was told by the ad i went into to decide on dial colour that the cosmo was being discontinued so i should buy while i could. LIAR

thats one of the reasons i rate andrew so highly not only does he know his brands well but so does each member of the team, even the sat ones and you know what if they dont know they ask, not eveyone can know all they need but i have much more time for someone who goes and asks and gives ciorrect info rather than makes up rubbish.
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