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Ever feel discriminated?
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Author:  hornillas1 [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Ever feel discriminated?
As the holiday season continues at full speed I found myself in a Breitling AD. I have been eyeing a Chronomat for some time now and found myself waiting at the Breitling counter being passed over by sales reps as they focused on other customers who did not know what a Breitling even was. I knew what exact model I wanted and willing to purchase today, but found myself feeling discriminated as I was not encountered the 30 minutes I was in front of the display.

Has anyone else had an experience like this where an AD left you feeling discriminated and not being given the time of day? Granted I was just dressed in jeans and a polo, but I guess that doesn't register to a sales associate as a "potential customer".
Author:  errol0_7 [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 6:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
I have always been treated well, I have even been to watches of switzerland in shades and a hoody (after I had my eyes lazered) looking like I was going to raid the place. After a breif explanation to the doorman I was again treated like a king.

Change your AD most want to look after you.
Author:  FEAR [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
i woulds left and gone to somebody who appreciated my business.
Author:  mr.clean [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 6:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
I was just over seas in the Philippines and went into a Breitling store and was completely ignored. I walked right up to the Chronomat section, where the salesman just happened to be standing, and was looking for quite some time before I had to initiate conversation. I asked if they had the B01 and he barely lifted his head and said "we don't have any here but the store in Makati has a couple". That's all he said and went back to acting like I was not even there! I turned around and walked out. I've been to my local AD and they were awesome. Depends on the store I guess.
Author:  Omega21 [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 7:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
So that's tough to weigh in on because I wasn't there. I have been to dealers and been ignored but I also know from some jewelry store sales people that in some stores they are told to ignore the customer till the customer asks for them because they dont want the customer to feel "pressured". Who knows, these folks could have been under that philosophy, or simply busy or simply assumed another person was handling you or maybe they just figured you didn't look like a paying customer or one who buys the reall high end stuff - no telling. You would hope that by now people have learned that millionairs can come in dressed in strret cloths. I feel for you, but that's when you exercise your option to choose another dealer. Consequently I might consider going back and asking for the manager and explaining what happened and asking to see if he can accomodate you - either with a substantial discount or freebies. Your story is easily verifyable on the security cameras. Just my 2 cents - but it is frustrating!
Author:  dhalem [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
Sigh.

I wasn't there, so I can't judge them, but this kind of thing is why I try to spend as little time as possible in ADs. It's unfortunate that watches fall into the jewelry category, so they are sold and jewelry stores. And from what I understand, jewelry stores make a much higher margin on diamonds and gold than they do on watches.

At least around here(SF Bay Area), people are used to not judging a book by the cover. This is the land of billionaires wearing Crocs. I bought a BMW 540 wearing flip-flops, shorts and a t-shirt...Which is my usual work uniform.
Author:  Spartan [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
dhalem wrote:
Sigh.

I wasn't there, so I can't judge them, but this kind of thing is why I try to spend as little time as possible in ADs. It's unfortunate that watches fall into the jewelry category, so they are sold and jewelry stores. And from what I understand, jewelry stores make a much higher margin on diamonds and gold than they do on watches.

At least around here(SF Bay Area), people are used to not judging a book by the cover. This is the land of billionaires wearing Crocs. I bought a BMW 540 wearing flip-flops, shorts and a t-shirt...Which is my usual work uniform.


Which watch were you sporting? :lingsrock:
Author:  dhalem [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
Don't remember, it was many years and a couple cars ago.
Author:  MarkJnk [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
Watches and shoes...

I always believe that the watch and shoes tell the story of a man. Wear jeans, t-shirt, flip flops and a Rolex Sub or Chronomat Evo and you'll get respect. Wear a plastic Casio and be shown the door. Same deal with shoes, add a nice pair of italian leather shoes to a jean's and polo outfit and people will notice.

I always love seeing how a salesman greets me by looking at my watch, not looking me in the eyes. They are so transparent.

I was at a Rolex AD not long ago and was ingnored like this story... it makes my blood boil, especially when I'm looking to drop some money.
Author:  triggerhappy [ Sun Dec 20, 2009 3:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
Only been to the local AD 4 times. First was a year ago, was looking at a Navi in the outside display. Just as I went inside, I met a sales rep. and asked him the price. I was wearing running pants, zip hood, and a cap... Still, he opened the casing, showed me a couple of models, let me try them on, etc. Very satisfied with the service, so that AD was a clear choice when I was ready to buy a year later. Dressed much nicer when ordering, collecting, and getting my warranty card fixed, got the same good service as the first time.

Live in the "rich" suburb of the capitol here, maybe the sales reps have learned that people in general have a lot of money, not only the best dressers. Even "kids" like me. That's a leasson all AD's need to learn, at least in a recession where they can't afford to loose customers.

I usually dress nice when I'm out. Too young for going shopping in a suit tho, but still classy. But somtimes I might swing by the mall wearing only sweat pants and a t-shirt. A store that judges me by that, and gives me less service, won't get any money out of me. It's that simple. Their loss. I'll find what I want somewhere else.
Author:  the_whizzler [ Sun Dec 20, 2009 4:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
triggerhappy wrote:
I usually dress nice when I'm out. Too young for going shopping in a suit tho, but still classy. But somtimes I might swing by the mall wearing only sweat pants and a t-shirt. A store that judges me by that, and gives me less service, won't get any money out of me. It's that simple. Their loss. I'll find what I want somewhere else.


:yeahthat I get this a lot, yes I'm 21, yes I can appreciate the sales reps probably get a lot of "kids" just wanting to waste their time. However, what if i'm one of those few who buys?

And i'm not into purposely wearing a nice watch if I know i'm going to an AD, i'll wear whatever I happen to be wearing. I want good, genuine customer service, not to be sucked up to because the rep thinks i'm a rich kid who'll boost his sales. I want the guy/girl to be passionate about watches like I am, not just scraping from 9 to 5. They'll find out whats in my collection when we start talking. Coffee is good also :wink:

I think this is where loyalty to an AD comes in, to avoid a situation like this. You build a relationship, get to know the staff. Before you know it, you're having a beer with the owner discussing what the next pieces he has coming in are.
Author:  bzb [ Sun Dec 20, 2009 4:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
im always dressed casual but never encounted problems
Author:  Roffensian [ Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
In North America especially watch sales reps are just that - sales reps. Low salary with commission and largely low knowledge - on the watches, customer service, etc. I'm stereotyping of course, but the money isn't there to hire and retain good staff - especially in the chains.

I'm now 'known' when I walk into a watch store so I don't have the issue, and to be honest I have never felt ignored, although to be fair I usually go in to places during the work week so am dressed at least 'business casual'.

At the end of the day, I say vote with your feet!
Author:  deeznutts [ Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
I was not ignored by my AD and have not been ignored by any other AD for that matter BUT I have been ignored at a car dealership and at a Harley dealership. On both occassions there were no other customers around and I could see the sales reps looking at me. They could clearly see I was looking at the cars/bikes I waqs dressed down...as I like to do to so they don't think I have money...anyway.... At the car dealership I finally approached a sales rep and he basically blew me off. I basically told him to go pound sand and because of his arrogance he just lost a sale...lets just say my words got his attention and now he wanted my business.....I of course left. I think some sales people don't know what they are talking about with the product they are trying to sell, therefore they feel uncomfotable talking about it with someone whom might know more about their product. IMHO go somewhere else!!!! Good luck!
Author:  RJRJRJ [ Sun Dec 20, 2009 4:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ever feel discriminated?
I prefer when they come over and say hello, and let me know that if I need any help to give them a shout.. Its the best way for me. I hate it when the salesperson is on my ass no matter which display case I go to, constantly saying "you wanna try that on?" every time they see me pause for more than 5 seconds on a watch. Its just as annoying though when they completely ignore you.
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