I was looking for a thread to post the following and this seemed the most relevant to what I was going to write.
I'm not afraid of ADs but I didn't have a good experience with the only Rolex AD in my city last week. I have a few gens now but no longer a gen Rolex. I had a Daytona about a decade ago which I now regret selling, but that's another story.
I'm new to reps and decided to purchase a rep sub date. While sitting in my office, I decided to go to the AD, which is a couple of doors down, and see what they have in stock. I have the money for some models but would prefer not to spend it on a watch, particularly at this time. However, after lusting after my rep, I decided that maybe I would buy something, partly out of guilt and partly because I'm craving a Rolex.
I found the salesperson, a young man in his early 20s with cheap suit, shirt, and tie to be quite condescending and subtly rude. He had a quality piece on his wrist, but whether or not he owned it is a different matter. There wasn't anything in store that I liked (and was willing to pay for) so I asked what stock they had in their 4 other stores nationwide. I was wearing a gen Seamaster (Daniel Craig Casino Royale model) and he asked me what other pieces I had. I have never purchased from this store and he started going on about the level of service I could get if I became an established customer. Now, I understand this is routine for waiting list priority but I don't see what it has to do with current stock that hasn't sold yet and is sitting in cabinets.
I felt like I had to prove I was worthy of being in the store and it was an uncomfortable experience that I have rarely experienced around the world (although, I wasn't a fan of an AD in NYC either). I have a good job and was dressed well at the time so I was further confused.
Anyway, this one sales rep at an AD has done a disservice to the Rolex brand and instead of the mild guilt I felt before entering the store and genuine openness to buying something, I am glad my money is going to a rep TD who has been much friendlier. I'm also tempted to look at AD stock overseas or find something on the grey market.
I really felt like saying "Sorry, but you need to lose the condescending attitude. Afterall, you just work in a shop" but didn't want to be rude as well.