Snobbish watch salesperson

[Everdying]

I agree that how one carries himself is important in business situations and interviews, but that does not give the salesperson a right to judge a person from the way he/she carries herself. You are a customer going there to spend money, and not earn their money.

also doesnt give customer the right to do as they please thinking their money is king.
a salesperson may work on commission, but that doesnt give a potential customer the right to treat them like beggars.

[Shinka]

I agree that how one carries himself is important in business situations and interviews, but that does not give the salesperson a right to judge a person from the way he/she carries herself. You are a customer going there to spend money, and not earn their money.

also doesnt give customer the right to do as they please thinking their money is king.
a salesperson may work on commission, but that doesnt give a potential customer the right to treat them like beggars.

Who said treating salesperson like beggars? Mate you are overreacting here. I'm guessing you are not familiar with the term "customers come first?" or "customer service (especially in luxury goods)?" =)

In that case, I suggest you take a lesson in retailing.

[Everdying]

When I walked in, he was not around and I took quite a liking to an Omega model. So i enquired for the best price from the salesgirl (who is completely ignorant - she thought the planet ocean was called seamaster professional.) Nevertheless, she called the manager on her hp and asked him to get into the shop as a prospective customer is interested.

a planet ocean IS a seamaster professional.

[hidden830726]

 Jae-jae 

Yup. Dont ever look down on ppl.

[Ek lex]

When I walked in, he was not around and I took quite a liking to an Omega model. So i enquired for the best price from the salesgirl (who is completely ignorant - she thought the planet ocean was called seamaster professional.) Nevertheless, she called the manager on her hp and asked him to get into the shop as a prospective customer is interested.

a planet ocean IS a seamaster professional.

Well, the naming of the Seamaster range is always a big confusion, as the model name doesn't show on the dial of the watch but only at the case back, and its a norm for everyone to look at the dial when they first encounter the watch, and they will read it as Seamaster or Seamaster Professional (normally divers design will carry the "Professional" wording, including both Planet Ocean and Diver 300m models, while non-diver model like Aquaterra will carry only Seamaster, but having said that, there are exceptionals, let's not drill too deep into it.)

Seamaster range is basically composed of 3 main models i.e. Planet Ocean, Aquaterra and Diver 300m, of course there are some rare minorities like the Bull head, Ploprof.. They are all quite distinctive in the design for a different requirement and market.

So lets use the correct model names in the future! 

[JeepWH]

Nice and informative thread.

Personally I have also met such salesperson too, and i was just looking at Seiko and Orient. 

My dream is to one day own a watch shop, and I will make sure that my sales people are knowledgeable, watch buffs, polite and helpful. 

[toypoodle]

i personally have many encounters as such.

My personal 2 cents, never be quick to judge a customer. some people who dress like ahpeks have stacks of cash ready to use. always treat every customer with respect irregardless of how they dress/ carry themselves.

you'll never know how willing a customer is until they whip out that stack of cash/ american express black card.

Sorry for my ignorance, what is the criteria to own an "American Express Black Card"? Never seen any ordinary American Express been used in daily transaction, not to mention the Black Card. How's that compare to MasterCard or Visa?

[Shinka]

When I walked in, he was not around and I took quite a liking to an Omega model. So i enquired for the best price from the salesgirl (who is completely ignorant - she thought the planet ocean was called seamaster professional.) Nevertheless, she called the manager on her hp and asked him to get into the shop as a prospective customer is interested.

a planet ocean IS a seamaster professional.

Well, the naming of the Seamaster range is always a big confusion, as the model name doesn't show on the dial of the watch but only at the case back, and its a norm for everyone to look at the dial when they first encounter the watch, and they will read it as Seamaster or Seamaster Professional (normally divers design will carry the "Professional" wording, including both Planet Ocean and Diver 300m models, while non-diver model like Aquaterra will carry only Seamaster, but having said that, there are exceptionals, let's not drill too deep into it.)

Seamaster range is basically composed of 3 main models i.e. Planet Ocean, Aquaterra and Diver 300m, of course there are some rare minorities like the Bull head, Ploprof.. They are all quite distinctive in the design for a different requirement and market.

So lets use the correct model names in the future! 

My point exactly. Thanks for pointing that out. =)

[chenht]

I went to Bell & Ross boutique laser week. The lady boutique manager Danker greeted me and I told her straight that I wasn't buying anything and I was only browsing. She was extremely polite and friendly, and showed me some very interesting B & R watches.

I was really impressed by her attitude and her customer service. She even gave me a very well printed catalogue when I left. How I wish we have more people like her around in service industry.

[CKL1213]

i personally have many encounters as such.

My personal 2 cents, never be quick to judge a customer. some people who dress like ahpeks have stacks of cash ready to use. always treat every customer with respect irregardless of how they dress/ carry themselves.

you'll never know how willing a customer is until they whip out that stack of cash/ american express black card.

Sorry for my ignorance, what is the criteria to own an "American Express Black Card"? Never seen any ordinary American Express been used in daily transaction, not to mention the Black Card. How's that compare to MasterCard or Visa?

Master or Visa = Toyota, Honda, Nissan *they are everywhere

Amex Black Card = Zonda, Koenigsegg  *rare species

[Timeless]

Dear friedrice,

Earlier in my journey of collecting watches I did encounter sh*tloads of these situation. Especially with those really high end ones.
Similarly I brought this issue up in mwf, some of the sifus here provided good advice. A short recap of what has worked for me.

1) Be up front abt it when entering a boutique/AD, if they approach. Just let them know you're a browser or seriously interested. This will set the tone.
2) Be polite, they are humans too. (well if they are jackasses, then I usually just leave)
3) If they keep looking at your wrist, I'll usually take my watch off and pass it to them for a closer look. (most will be embarassed abt it that you've noticed them sizing you up and somehow their service gets better)

With that said, the service in kl has not improved and for my last three purchases, it was done out of town.

Totally agree the 3rd point, Im gonna try it on my next visitation at ADs

[toypoodle]

Thank you CKL1213. What is the criteria to own these "Zonda, Koenigsegg  *rare species"

[swleong]

Thank you CKL1213. What is the criteria to own these "Zonda, Koenigsegg  *rare species"

I think it would be the same criteria how one owns Zonda and Koenisegg.....

[Mav]

A funny experience:
Was with my superior who was browsing thought LUMINOX at a shop in SG. he managed to narrow down his options to 2 models. Model A=1000sgd ; Model B=1500sgd.
The salesperson, who probably was a fresh school-leaver had this tried this 'sales technique':

SALESMAN : I THINK U SHUD TAKE A la..
SUPERIOR  : WHY?
SALESMAN : LOOKS NICE ALSO ma..AND SUMMORE A IS HALF MONTH SALARY ONLY, B ALMOST A MONTH SALARY wo..

to be fair my superior was pretty cool with this, but I was in quite a fit of laughter.
well, my boss' salary is in excess of rm20k.

[Friedrice]

i personally have many encounters as such.

My personal 2 cents, never be quick to judge a customer. some people who dress like ahpeks have stacks of cash ready to use. always treat every customer with respect irregardless of how they dress/ carry themselves.

you'll never know how willing a customer is until they whip out that stack of cash/ american express black card.

Sorry for my ignorance, what is the criteria to own an "American Express Black Card"? Never seen any ordinary American Express been used in daily transaction, not to mention the Black Card. How's that compare to MasterCard or Visa?

Master or Visa = Toyota, Honda, Nissan *they are everywhere

Amex Black Card = Zonda, Koenigsegg  *rare species

Black card is so yesterday. Every wealthy person that I know off now pays only in cash..

Saw a friend of mine (who operates an online casino) bought a house in bandar Utama for 700k in cash! Seller was desperate because of gambling debts. Kinda ironic, isn't it?

With the GST imposed even on bank loans and credit card interests, I have now officially paid everything off and have cancelled all my cards. Better do so quick before next month..

And oh, redeem all your points before you cancel a card.

[Friedrice]

A funny experience:
Was with my superior who was browsing thought LUMINOX at a shop in SG. he managed to narrow down his options to 2 models. Model A=1000sgd ; Model B=1500sgd.
The salesperson, who probably was a fresh school-leaver had this tried this 'sales technique':

SALESMAN : I THINK U SHUD TAKE A la..
SUPERIOR  : WHY?
SALESMAN : LOOKS NICE ALSO ma..AND SUMMORE A IS HALF MONTH SALARY ONLY, B ALMOST A MONTH SALARY wo..

to be fair my superior was pretty cool with this, but I was in quite a fit of laughter.
well, my boss' salary is in excess of rm20k.

If I want a beater watch, a Tissot is a better option than Luminox.

Also, man, those Singapore retail staff sure are overpaid. SGD1000 is like RM2670 and that's half month's pay? Once they add commission on it, it would be like RM8k easily! I wonder how much would they pay a chartered accountant there....

[nicholaslee]

Honestly I think the Luminox will be tougher than a Tissot in terms of taking a beating. But I prefer Tissot too based on looks.

[mike]

A funny experience:
Was with my superior who was browsing thought LUMINOX at a shop in SG. he managed to narrow down his options to 2 models. Model A=1000sgd ; Model B=1500sgd.
The salesperson, who probably was a fresh school-leaver had this tried this 'sales technique':

SALESMAN : I THINK U SHUD TAKE A la..
SUPERIOR  : WHY?
SALESMAN : LOOKS NICE ALSO ma..AND SUMMORE A IS HALF MONTH SALARY ONLY, B ALMOST A MONTH SALARY wo..

to be fair my superior was pretty cool with this, but I was in quite a fit of laughter.
well, my boss' salary is in excess of rm20k.

If I want a beater watch, a Tissot is a better option than Luminox.

Also, man, those Singapore retail staff sure are overpaid. SGD1000 is like RM2670 and that's half month's pay? Once they add commission on it, it would be like RM8k easily! I wonder how much would they pay a chartered accountant there....

Compare apple to apple. Having paid SGD2000 there you can barely survive.

[niteowl]

From my experience, no matter which AD you go, observe from the moment you walk in, they will try to suss out how much potential you are in them making a sale off you and I believe the best method they employ is to see what watch you are wearing as like they say, a watch tells more than time. It tells of a person's taste, standing, etc... Of course, this is often superficial and inaccurate way of assessing but working with nothing (unless they already know you), this is as I suspect usually how they roll.

Second, usually the junior staffs are more friendly though their product knowledge may not be up to par compared to the 'old birds' which sometimes don't even acknowledge your presence.

[Gigi]

nowdays i couldn't even bother to enter AD unless i actually wanna buy stuff. If wanna see see play watches better ask someone you know who owned those watch to let you handle.

Discount wise better off wait for those "sales" where they put the watches like in pasar malam enviroment. Some may think it is not the enviroment they want when buying luxury watches but who cares. As long i got myself good deal so why not

Oh yeah, better off make your own research before doing your purchase cos some sales guy will try to con you with random facts. I last time get into pointless arguement with salesman when telling him tag heuer 1887 is seiko movement. He was like WTF/Dafuq/Nowai man telling me seiko doesnt do this kind of thing. i even showed him my seiko magic lever to him that the tag 1887 have it as well. Silly but true. In the end i back off cos this nonsense is not going to bring me anywhere.

[dennis.T]

Why get irritated by some one mistake or ignorance? Just walk off if poor service Dnt let it ruin your day

[JeepWH]

i personally have many encounters as such.

My personal 2 cents, never be quick to judge a customer. some people who dress like ahpeks have stacks of cash ready to use. always treat every customer with respect irregardless of how they dress/ carry themselves.

you'll never know how willing a customer is until they whip out that stack of cash/ american express black card.

Sorry for my ignorance, what is the criteria to own an "American Express Black Card"? Never seen any ordinary American Express been used in daily transaction, not to mention the Black Card. How's that compare to MasterCard or Visa?

Master or Visa = Toyota, Honda, Nissan *they are everywhere

Amex Black Card = Zonda, Koenigsegg  *rare species

Black card is so yesterday. Every wealthy person that I know off now pays only in cash..

Saw a friend of mine (who operates an online casino) bought a house in bandar Utama for 700k in cash! Seller was desperate because of gambling debts. Kinda ironic, isn't it?

With the GST imposed even on bank loans and credit card interests, I have now officially paid everything off and have cancelled all my cards. Better do so quick before next month..

And oh, redeem all your points before you cancel a card.

Yup. Now even service charge for MEPS, IBG, or Bank Fees for transactions over RM 100 also must kena GST la.

The funny thing is, IBG fees 10 sen, how to charge 6% gst?? Are they gonna charge 0.006 sen??

[dualcarb]

Totally agree with this statement...I have come to a point where I don't want to let the action of others determine my mood anymore. I will just smile, be the one with the better upbringing and walk off after saying thank you. What a person is really worth is no longer calculated in dollars and cents. You will know what I mean when you see classless people shop for luxury goods.


Patrick

Why get irritated by some one mistake or ignorance? Just walk off if poor service Dnt let it ruin your day

[Yikkie]

Totally agree with this statement...I have come to a point where I don't want to let the action of others determine my mood anymore. I will just smile, be the one with the better upbringing and walk off after saying thank you. What a person is really worth is no longer calculated in dollars and cents. You will know what I mean when you see classless people shop for luxury goods.


Patrick

Why get irritated by some one mistake or ignorance? Just walk off if poor service Dnt let it ruin your day

Well said bro!  Can't agree more.   

[Enkidu]

Why get irritated by some one mistake or ignorance? Just walk off if poor service Dnt let it ruin your day

I wonder as well. Since the members here appear to know / claim to be knowlegable enough about the watches they hope to buy (and are able to properly pronounce Jaeger LeCoultre- like Jerome Lambert  ) why should the saleperson's apparent ignorance trouble you? It surely does not reduce the value of the watch you are hoping to buy, does it?