Protocol whilst on an AD's register of interest

**Speedy2254** · 27th July 2020, 15:15

I'm lucky enough to have been accepted by an AD & am now in the interminable waiting stage.
During this time is it considered ( by the AD) acceptable to keep in discreet contact with the the store, maybe phone or pop in once a month or so to remind them that I'm still here?
I'm sure they would prefer it if the pesky customers just stayed quiet until they deigned to summon us to fetch our trinkets but I don't think keeping in touch is a bad thing.
I don't want to become "that customer" who is seen as a nuisance, just to let them know, every so often, that I'm still here.
Those more adept than me at the game, what strategies did you adopt?

**Kingstepper** · 27th July 2020, 15:21

Buy them occasional gifts so they don't forget you. If your contact is a lady, perfume is usually appreciated.

**boring_sandwich** · 27th July 2020, 15:28

Originally Posted by Kingstepper

Buy them occasional gifts so they don't forget you. If your contact is a lady, perfume is usually appreciated.

Is this for real, I really cannot imagine anyone doing it!

**verv** · 27th July 2020, 15:33

Originally Posted by boring_sandwich

Is this for real, I really cannot imagine anyone doing it!

Yep, Ive found that the occasional Joe Malone gift basket with a personalised note goes a long way also.

**oldoakknives** · 27th July 2020, 23:24

Originally Posted by verv

Yep, Ive found that the occasional Joe Malone gift basket with a personalised note goes a long way also.

I'm only waiting for a BLRO not a Daytona, will this be ok?

**verv** · 28th July 2020, 13:11

NO!!!!!

Come on Oak, man.
Lavender is going to make the AD's sleepy. You want to keep them alert with their senses tingling like prairie wolves ready to contact you as soon as the BLRO lands.

**seabiscuit** · 27th July 2020, 15:35

Originally Posted by boring_sandwich

Is this for real, I really cannot imagine anyone doing it!

I think he was being facetious.

**jwg663** · 27th July 2020, 15:38

I've always found slaughtering a llama in the shop doorway means that the staff always have me at the forefront of their thoughts.

I did try hiring one of those loudspeaker vans, parking it outside their premises, and blasting Simple Minds 'Don't You Forget About Me' at them for nine hours a day, every day, until my watch came in, but the llama method works better (and is less time-consuming), I think.

**verv** · 27th July 2020, 15:44

Originally Posted by jwg663

I've always found slaughtering a llama in the shop doorway means that the staff always have me at the forefront of their thoughts.

I did try hiring one of those loudspeaker vans, parking it outside their premises, and blasting Simple Minds 'Don't You Forget About Me' at them for nine hours a day, every day, until my watch came in, but the llama method works better (and is less time-consuming), I think.

Yes, this method also works very well, but takes some forethought.
You can procure your llama here - https://llamasanctuary.com
But need to prove that you can accommodate it so would need to purchase an acre of land, but that expense can be offset against the profit made from immediately selling your AD purchased Rolex to the grey market.
Once you set up an ongoing relationship you'll need a consistent supply of llamas so its best to keep the field and the sanctuary happy in able to continue on a rolling basis.

Probably best to start with a gift basket and then move on to llama as it requires more planning and overall investment.

**jwg663** · 27th July 2020, 15:49

Originally Posted by verv

Yes, this method also works very well, but takes some forethought.
You can procure your llama here - https://llamasanctuary.com
But need to prove that you can accommodate it so would need to purchase an acre of land, but that expense can be offset against the profit made from immediately selling your AD purchased Rolex to the grey market.
Once you set up an ongoing relationship you'll need a consistent supply of llamas so its best to keep the field and the sanctuary happy in able to continue on a rolling basis.

I've got a mate with a grey market llama business. PM for details/pics etc..

**Christian** · 27th July 2020, 15:54

Originally Posted by jwg663

I've always found slaughtering a llama in the shop doorway means that the staff always have me at the forefront of their thoughts.

Trouble is, this method is so popular now that I had to go on a waiting list for a llama. Anyone know what the protocol is to remind the llama shop that I'm still waiting for my llama?

**MrGrumpy** · 27th July 2020, 16:03

Originally Posted by Christian

Trouble is, this method is so popular now that I had to go on a waiting list for a llama. Anyone know what the protocol is to remind the llama shop that I'm still waiting for my llama?

Perhaps you are in the wrong market - Alpacas seem much more fashionable now. There's an Alpaca farm just down the road from me - do you want me to see if I can nick one after dark??

This is certainly the maddest thread I've ever read anywhere.....I hope the OP was joking, but part of me fears he wasn't.......

**Alansmithee** · 27th July 2020, 15:32

Originally Posted by Kingstepper

Buy them occasional gifts so they don't forget you. If your contact is a lady, perfume is usually appreciated.

Before c-19 - I was regularly popping in for a quick cuddle with my AD bernard. The last time we were spooning he promised I was further up the list.

**learningtofly** · 27th July 2020, 15:39

Originally Posted by Alansmithee

Before c-19 - I was regularly popping in for a quick cuddle with my AD bernard. The last time we were spooning he promised I was further up the list.

Are you sure that was the list?

**Speedy2254** · 27th July 2020, 15:57

Originally Posted by Kingstepper

Buy them occasional gifts so they don't forget you. If your contact is a lady, perfume is usually appreciated.

He's a bloke & he got posh biccies at Christmas.

**Kingstepper** · 27th July 2020, 15:59

Originally Posted by Speedy2254

He's a bloke & he got posh biccies at Christmas.

I'd up your game TBH.

**learningtofly** · 27th July 2020, 16:09

Originally Posted by Kingstepper

I'd up your game TBH.

A reach-around usually works IME.

**Speedy2254** · 27th July 2020, 16:13

Originally Posted by learningtofly

A reach-around usually works IME.

I'd let him trombone me for a James Cameron. Oh, I see, you mean that I ought to...

**Devonian** · 27th July 2020, 15:24

What have you been accepted for? Have you got any prior purchase history with them? Have they indicated a wait time?

Those questions aside, there’s two ways of playing this. Either keep in contact or don’t. Obviously none of us here are going to know for sure how your AD will react, but I’d be of the opinion ‘out of sight, out of mind’. I’m almost 100% sure that some of my watches (including the hardest one to get) were only delivered out of my persistence. The AD’s wife even made a comment at a Rolex event that implied that was the case.

**Speedy2254** · 27th July 2020, 16:01

Originally Posted by Devonian

What have you been accepted for? Have you got any prior purchase history with them? Have they indicated a wait time?

Those questions aside, there’s two ways of playing this. Either keep in contact or don’t. Obviously none of us here are going to know for sure how your AD will react, but I’d be of the opinion ‘out of sight, out of mind’. I’m almost 100% sure that some of my watches (including the hardest one to get) were only delivered out of my persistence. The AD’s wife even made a comment at a Rolex event that implied that was the case.

WoS have me down for a James Cameron. I have purchase history and a good rapport with the "consultant" and the manager. I have purchase history in the store. I'm told that I will be getting the next one they receive but no timescale has been given other than "this year"...

**Seamaster73** · 27th July 2020, 15:33

Originally Posted by Speedy2254

I'm lucky enough to have been accepted by an AD

Who the hell's the customer these days?

**Wallasey Runner** · 27th July 2020, 15:34

I was promised entry to the waiting list several years ago for a Daytona. Gave them all my details, home phone number, mobile, e-mail address etc and was assured that I would added to the list.

Basically the minute you walk out of the store those details are placed in the circular file (to quote Bryan Adams). I rang a few times and even called in when passing and just receive the same crap each time about these things being dealt with by Head Office and we cannot confirm today Sir how you are progressing on the waiting list.

They clearly have to have some BS prepared so that they can turn people around and get them out of the door again. I even offered to put down a deposit which spooked them a little for a minute or two.

I'm guessing a fair few waiting for the call will be waiting rather a long time I'm afraid...

**Alansmithee** · 27th July 2020, 15:50

Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner

I was promised entry to the waiting list several years ago for a Daytona. Gave them all my details, home phone number, mobile, e-mail address etc and was assured that I would added to the list.

Basically the minute you walk out of the store those details are placed in the circular file (to quote Bryan Adams). I rang a few times and even called in when passing and just receive the same crap each time about these things being dealt with by Head Office and we cannot confirm today Sir how you are progressing on the waiting list.

They clearly have to have some BS prepared so that they can turn people around and get them out of the door again. I even offered to put down a deposit which spooked them a little for a minute or two.

I'm guessing a fair few waiting for the call will be waiting rather a long time I'm afraid...

It would be interesting for someone to Subject Access Request an AD to find out 1) What they do with the data and 2) Who they share it with... because what if the response is "we just use it for regular mail shots and there is no database".

**uktotty** · 27th July 2020, 17:28

Originally Posted by Alansmithee

It would be interesting for someone to Subject Access Request an AD to find out 1) What they do with the data and 2) Who they share it with... because what if the response is "we just use it for regular mail shots and there is no database".

Now THIS is a great idea, and they have to comply, Would love to see that.

**paskinner** · 30th July 2020, 12:36

Worth remembering that the Datejust is their best seller; far more profitable than the ‘sports’ watches because of the sheer numbers. They sell, and sell. And with good reason. I believe the ladies Datejust is the best seller of all.
Rolex will make sure they are available and in the shop window. The typical customers isn’t interested in ‘lists’.
We choose to put ourselves in that position.

**prexelor** · 30th July 2020, 14:46

It is reading experiences like NGs, I hope the situation improves. It should not happen.

I sometimes think if the staff realise how they are behaving or they have been that way for so long it's normal.

I put my name on the list at WOS knowing that it was a complete waste of time as I was just killing time waiting for my wife.

The lady serving almost had a smirk as if to say there is no way you will get a watch. This is despite genuine interest and being a previous customer.

One AD said if a watch was available, I would have to pop in every month or so wearing it. FO mate. I have a life and really busy browsing TZ. I don't have time for your morning and afternoon wrist check registration.

**Lusty** · 30th July 2020, 15:41