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Developing a relationship at one AD?
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Author:  Double_J [ Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Developing a relationship at one AD?
Sorry, very random thoughts for me today. Christmas week is always ridiculously slow at work.

I've been using the same jewelry store/salesperson for going on 8 years now. Granted, I haven't really spent a mint there, but I have purchased a fair amount throughout the years, etc. (two 'expensive' watches and multiple pieces of 'not low-end' jewelry) and they're always my first thought when starting to shop. Shop personnel (and the salesperson I deal with in particular) are always very pleasant to deal with (as befits a shop in this range) but I never get the 'insider' discounts that I read about elsewhere on this board (e.g., I get the 'standard' % off list depending on brand, etc.). I will note that I've always been treated well and given a fair price at this shop, although I know that I could have done a bit better on every purchase with a little bit of legwork on my part.

My question - if not price, what's the benefit of developing a relationship with one dealer? If I don't really care about exclusivity in selection (i.e., I usually can't afford to run out and buy the newest/scarcest model anyway), has the internet made relationship-based buying and selling obsolete and pushed price as the lowest common denominator (at least for mid-ticket items anyway)?

Am I not leveraging the relationship right? Is there a correct way/time to push for a little quid pro quo? Maybe its best to wait for a really big purchase (e.g., engagement ring)?
Author:  Driver8 [ Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Developing a relationship at one AD?
Personally I think a lot depends on a) the country you are in, b) the individual AD, and c) the individual salesperson. For example I've been predominantly using the same AD for over 13 years now, and like you, the staff know me and the manager who I deal with knows me by name, etc, etc. However, discounting from him is still nigh on non-existent and the only "perks" I've ever had are invites to various AD events, which while being nice enough aren't exactly on a par with other amazing perks I've heard about on here. Admittedly this is the UK I'm talking about here, but it's in stark contrast to some of the guys Stateside who seem to get given copies of the $130-or-so dollar "Breitling : The Book" after buying just 1 or 2 watches from an AD. The only benefit I've found in cultivating a relationship with my AD is a warm welcome and cup of coffee and a biscuit when I drop buy, plus an annual invite to the odd AD event (where you get a free glass of champagne if you're lucky).

But to be honest, I'd have been more than happy with that if I hadn't heard all the tales of how amazing it can be with US ADs. :?
Author:  Roffensian [ Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Developing a relationship at one AD?
I have relationships with a few different ADs, different brands, different stores, etc. I also have some relationships beyond the AD level which definitely helps - if you walk into a store and the staff know that I have a relationship with some people in the corporate ownership structure of the distributor / AD then you get some pretty good service!

That said, I do have one individual that I have the best relationship with, and she definitely looks after me. She recognises that I have a fair amount of knowledge on what her margins are, what products and services offer the most profit, etc and she allows me to leverage that to my advantage. That said, I still make sure that she makes money and that way I don't feel guilty recommending her to other people on here and elsewhere (and I refuse to take a kickback on those).

I get some pretty good prices, and I do get a few perks, but she also does some pretty good business because of me so I think it's a wash.
Author:  RJRJRJ [ Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Developing a relationship at one AD?
I think you should push for a larger discount next time. Let them know that they have served you well for so long, but at the end of the day, better deals can be found elsewhere but you would rather continue the relationship that you have both put so much effort into.
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