Author Topic: Watch Shop in Malaysia (Read 64314 times)

Angryrodent · « **Reply #75 on:** April 02, 2012, 11:15:09 PM »

there is a shop at ummh some ampang mall the resturant cozy corner is also there sells new and pre owned... not there that often but they seem ok.. have seen glashutte, iwc and rolex (rolex both new and pre owned) was another one there but it seems to be gone or atleast relocated... is it ampang park maybe? well just google it hehe

IWCking · « **Reply #76 on:** April 03, 2012, 10:33:14 PM »

my personal experience is try to be focus. build up your relation and connection with one of them. That will help especially when u r hunting for a very sought after model. Your usual contact will always call you when the stock comes and he/she may even keeping that in locker and try to hold it for you for a while. also, some of the better one may even give you some tips, those hard working one do attend courses organised by the watch makers. so i do heed their advice from time to time. sticking with one usual contact also means that you will become their customer, they will treat you better and give you better discount

scooticus · « **Reply #77 on:** April 18, 2012, 11:21:00 PM »

Retail experience differs from place to place or person to person so to speak. In my humble opinion and this is purely based from experience, i have found that the overall experience and service provided while shopping tends to be better while you're overseas as what I have experienced travelling to various countries around europe or asia.

I call it the Ex-Patriot effect as
1. You're not a local citizen when shopping - Therefore assumptions are made that you are in the shop with a purpose.
2. You carry a " I'm not shy attitude " - Therefore we would be able to ask and try without feeling " Shy " should we decide not to buy. ( Obviously, most of us fall into the trap of once try, fall in love and buy ).
3. What you wear will no longer be an issue - You are a guest in their country. Therefore your appearance won't be judged
4. All watch prices are displayed clearly - You won't have to guess how much it's worth. You just have to worry about gst, tax refunds or discounts.
5. What you ask will not be irrelevant - Again, you are assumed to have an agenda in mind as you're halfway around the world and in their shop. Whatever you ask will determine what you will buy.
6. Thick Catalogs with prices are meant to be taken - Carry all you want. Because you will be back with something in mind.
7. " Asians " are now the big spenders worldwide - As Asia Economy booms, travelling Asians are presumed to be rich.
8. " Asians " are perceived to buy based on PriceTag. More expensive = Better. Hence Asians = Big Money

These are some of my humble observations and what we face back home is almost the opposite of the items above.

I call this the Orang Tempatan effect.
1. You're a local citizen when shopping. Therefore assumptions are made that you window shop every week. This week, it's just Look See Watches.
2. You will be reserved to ask. 2/10 sales will be in dreamland, 2/10 sales will be playing with his/her phone , 2/10 will try not look at you, 2/10 more will look at each other deciding who's the unlucky one that will serve you, 1/10 don't care as he's met his sales quota leaving the closest unlucky sales rep to sigh and serve you half heartily with a mouth built like cockles.
3. Since you're local what you wear is a huge statement of your income - your shirt, pants, watch, shoes will be scanned and so will your family members to ensure that you're of a certain caliber to pay for a 20K watch.
4. Most prices of watches are hidden from your view... hence if you have to ask then you will not be able to afford it.
5. What you ask will be irrelevant - You are assumed to be shopping for the same thing in the next building across the road. Hence don't waste time & effort as you will not buy.
6. Thick Catalogs with prices are for staff only - Ask for it and be treated with a criminal look.
7. " Ang Mo / Foreigners " are still the big spenders - They're here in Malaysia hence they must be rich
8. " Ang Mo / Foreigners " speaks better english or languages we cannot understand. Better language = more educated = more money.

I mean no disrespect to anyone may it be local nor foreign forum members. All that was written above is purely based on my experiences and does not reflect the opinion of others. It is tough to be Genuine when watch hunting only to be written off by local AD's with a biased mindset that locals cannot afford to have a hobby. ( Watch collecting - That is ).

My 2 cents worth. What do you think ? input appreciated.

Cheers
Scooticus

Angryrodent · « **Reply #78 on:** April 19, 2012, 07:06:18 AM »

haha so true... loads of sellers have gotten dissapointed with me cause im only looking around.. they all think im a tourist

but nowdays i have atleast the cards of the sellers i like and will make sure i use them when i buy a watch so they get their share

bwee · « **Reply #79 on:** April 19, 2012, 08:57:29 AM »

bro scooticus... so true and so sad. this is the mindset of the people working in the local retailing scene.

Watchnewby · « **Reply #80 on:** April 23, 2012, 10:08:18 AM »

What bro scooticus commented earlier is true in Malaysia, IMO.
There may be one or two AD with good staff who will attend all customer whether local or foreign, but majority of the AD is what bro scooticus had mentioned earlier.

TheGr8One · « **Reply #81 on:** May 16, 2012, 12:34:17 PM »

Newbie sharing my thoughts here: -

1. Don't kid ourselves, any watch above RM1K is a want, not a need. One can even argue that any watches nowadays is a want, not a need as there are so many other way to tell time.
2. "Want" watches as a hobby is by itself, an elitist hobby, we are not talking about collecting matchboxes here. Collecting, flipping watches call for someone with the financial means to do so.
3. By indulging in an elitist hobby, we are expressing our personality, or for certain group of individuals, marking them a notch above (different?) the matchbox collectors (or any other non-elitist hobby).
4. An elitist hobby calls for segregation from the general population, they feel good that not everyone can indulge in their hobby.
5. One of the easiest way to segregate the non-elitist is to alienate them, control their access. This can be accomplish in a few way; like erecting intimidating setting in the AD / Boutique shops to filter out the non-elitist. One would wonder why the entrance to Cartier have such heavy door eh?

The entire setting is meant to drive away the proletariat, preserving it as a hang out joint for the bourgeois class.
6. Perhaps, when the SA is acting all nonchalant and aloof, they are doing their job of filtering out the proletariat?

Bear in mind that an individual SA can only serve so many ppl at once, and can only maintain a professional sales facade for so long, if everybody on the street is to monopolize the SA time, it does dilute their time for WIS (which I still don't know what WIS meant, but I generally know how it's to be used).

So.... I expect a certain level of arrogance from the SA, I won't be surprised if they are trained this way. However, lack of product knowledge is no excuse, nor is those SA having a personality flaw that outright look down and drive away watch browsers.

I am open to constructive criticism over my views. Criticism build character and help us grow

Plankton-IkanBilis · « **Reply #82 on:** May 16, 2012, 01:23:57 PM »

TheGr8One said...

"1. Don't kid ourselves, any watch above RM1K is a want, not a need. One can even argue that any watches nowadays is a want, not a need as there are so many other way to tell time."

...so very true.

As for the eletist part, I try not to entertain such thoughts in my head...as far as I am concerned, I love to read about watches and admiring how beautiful some pieces are. When it comes to the watches I buy...it is a form of forced "savings" for me, granted that the ones I buy may lose 15% of what I paid...well that is another topic all together.

David_cheong · « **Reply #83 on:** May 16, 2012, 01:26:47 PM »

scooticus & TheGr8One

Good read. How true. Great mind.

Thanks for sharing

dc

Gigi · « **Reply #84 on:** May 16, 2012, 05:29:41 PM »

Go in the watch shop and act like a boss. Dont feel threathern by them and act confident. It much more fun if u go in with a friend or two.

dpkong · « **Reply #85 on:** May 16, 2012, 05:30:39 PM »

i do somewhat concur with the views presented by TheGr8One on the sales tactic and making the entrance lavishly intimidating. i mean some of the people walking into watch shops have no idea of the price tags. i have personally seen a father with his family in tow walking into my favourite grey AD asking if the shop could replace a watch battery.. My friend politely said he didn't. The man then glanced around at the watches, saw the price tags and immediately scooted off.

i do understand that SA would only like to entertain potential buyers or those they presume are in a position to make such a purchase. how they evaluate the customer leaves much to be desired in most watch shops here.

Gigi · « **Reply #86 on:** May 16, 2012, 05:34:00 PM »

Quote from: dpkong on May 16, 2012, 05:30:39 PM

i do somewhat concur with the views presented by TheGr8One on the sales tactic and making the entrance lavishly intimidating. i mean some of the people walking into watch shops have no idea of the price tags. i have personally seen a father with his family in tow walking into my favourite grey AD asking if the shop could replace a watch battery.. My friend politely said he didn't. The man then glanced around at the watches, saw the price tags and immediately scooted off.

i do understand that SA would only like to entertain potential buyers or those they presume are in a position to make such a purchase. how they evaluate the customer leaves much to be desired in most watch shops here.

Try wearing t-shirts and slippers into the High end watch shop and see how it goes..... I am sure they will ignore u until u show the $$$$ then out of blue they will call you "sir" or "madam"

gloomis · « **Reply #87 on:** May 16, 2012, 07:27:26 PM »

Quote from: Gigi on May 16, 2012, 05:34:00 PM

Try wearing t-shirts and slippers into the High end watch shop and see how it goes..... I am sure they will ignore u until u show the $$$$ then out of blue they will call you "sir" or "madam"

this is only happen in kl. I went to sg, bangkok, manila and i dont get such treatment even wearing shorts and flipping in with slipper. their service is so humble and polite

Everdying · « **Reply #88 on:** May 16, 2012, 08:00:51 PM »

Quote from: Gigi on May 16, 2012, 05:34:00 PM

Try wearing t-shirts and slippers into the High end watch shop and see how it goes..... I am sure they will ignore u until u show the $$$$ then out of blue they will call you "sir" or "madam"

like you say, go in with confidence.
go in all slouching etc, which one of them going to take u seriously.

same with meetings etc, u can wear fancy suit etc etc, but u dont appear confident? there goes ur deal

David_cheong · « **Reply #89 on:** May 16, 2012, 08:09:49 PM »

dpkong

Your favorite shop just like the one at summit?

dc

dpkong · « **Reply #90 on:** May 16, 2012, 08:56:05 PM »

Quote from: David_cheong on May 16, 2012, 08:09:49 PM

dpkong

Your favorite shop just like the one at summit?

dc

more or less. but the one here displays a lot more watches. maybe your friend in Summit hides his stock?? also, the one here doesn't have a physical door but no one would try a smash and grab since it's not easy to get out of the building.

Primus · « **Reply #91 on:** November 11, 2012, 01:25:27 AM »

hi guys,

sorry to bring up old threads just thought i ask my question in this thread as it relates to watch shops

may i enquire is for eg patek philippe website say one of their authorized dealer is cortina watch sdn bhd and list their farenheit 88 address but then strictly states any shops notnlisted is not authorized. isit still safe to say that all cortina watches shop (e.g. starhill) is still an authorized dealer? why would only one branch be listed?

thanks in advance

ps: if anyone knows a very good sales person from a patek Authorized retailer with high knowledge on PP pls pm me details looking to get a pp by dec thx. got a few questions hoping to find ad that knows their stuff

Ledzep · « **Reply #92 on:** November 15, 2012, 02:53:27 PM »

This is a serious attitude problem for those who serve in high end boutique. They'll scan you from top to bottom and put on a rather difficult smile. If you walk away after few questions they will show face and don't even bother to say thank you. Who the hell they are to look down on others while they are just ordinary promoters earning few bucks an hour. Being employed in a luxury boutique doesn't place them among the elite, not even close at all.

Ledzep · « **Reply #93 on:** November 15, 2012, 03:08:57 PM »

I was once hunting for an IWC in Pavillon, wasnt too well groomed that day with a polo t and long pant. As usual being scanned from top to bottom and when asked for a particular model she said " No stock". Asked when would it arrive she said " No idea". Although not very pleased i asked for the best price once the stocks arrive and she said" If really the stocks come and you really wanna buy then only we'll give you the price" I was like WTF!

Watchnewby · « **Reply #94 on:** November 22, 2012, 01:07:52 PM »

Quote from: Ledzep on November 15, 2012, 03:08:57 PM

I was once hunting for an IWC in Pavillon, wasnt too well groomed that day with a polo t and long pant. As usual being scanned from top to bottom and when asked for a particular model she said " No stock". Asked when would it arrive she said " No idea". Although not very pleased i asked for the best price once the stocks arrive and she said" If really the stocks come and you really wanna buy then only we'll give you the price" I was like WTF!

It is just like saying " U want to buy, Buy. Don't want to buy, U can go Off!"
This type of attitude by a SA is not professional at all, IMHO.
If you are in Bangkok or Singapore or Manila, you will not get such treatment.

AdrianChan · « **Reply #95 on:** November 24, 2012, 12:40:43 AM »

Guys, I know the feeling. I always advise my staff that every customer is a potential customer. But there are cases where a few customers who walks in for a thousand times and requested to take out all the watches I have and ask best price for every single watch. On this particular matter I would suggest them to see our webPage and call me up when you decided which to buy. Although in this business ,closing sales rate is thin but I'm sure people will buy it when time is right. As mentioned in earlier post, do not judge a customer by it's appearance! A lot of my regulars wears like my grandpa chillin at the nearby kopitiam early in the morning but comes with driver =.=''. There's this case where a Malay man who just came right after Friday prayers with his solat attire looking for watches in my shop, was later greeted by my father like one of the regulars, I was later told he is a Tun or Tan Sri. Anyway, this thread is a good reference to help me train my staff. Thanks!

dennis.T · « **Reply #96 on:** November 24, 2012, 06:11:01 AM »

Quote from: Watchnewby on November 22, 2012, 01:07:52 PM

It is just like saying " U want to buy, Buy. Don't want to buy, U can go Off!"
This type of attitude by a SA is not professional at all, IMHO.
If you are in Bangkok or Singapore or Manila, you will not get such treatment.

Not really man.. My first visit to Singapore iwc boutique few year back is not so pleasant.. I ask the SA to show me the big pilot...I tot the SA ll bring out the watch and show me but.... The SA bring me to the display window at the shop front and say... "Nah.. This is BP..."

Maybe I am in wrong attire.. Polo shirt with jeans + safety boots

Zen8 · « **Reply #97 on:** November 24, 2012, 06:34:05 AM »

My worse experience was about 7 years ago, I went into Rolex boutique in KLCC, it was owned by W***** that time. I asked to see Daytona, the supervisor mentioned it at a very loud and unfriendly voice "It is RM40k!!". I said "Ok, but can i see the watch". The lady repeated impatiently "It is RM40k!!". I was so pissed off and walked out immediately.

Heard subsequently, the boutique changed hand. Serve them right!!

dpkong · « **Reply #98 on:** November 24, 2012, 05:57:46 PM »

Quote from: Zen8 on November 24, 2012, 06:34:05 AM

My worse experience was about 7 years ago, I went into Rolex boutique in KLCC, it was owned by W***** that time. I asked to see Daytona, the supervisor mentioned it at a very loud and unfriendly voice "It is RM40k!!". I said "Ok, but can i see the watch". The lady repeated impatiently "It is RM40k!!". I was so pissed off and walked out immediately.

Heard subsequently, the boutique changed hand. Serve them right!!

You should have answered her in a very Ah Beng tone.. "Ah.. ony 40k arrrr?? Aiyo.. got more espantsif one o not arrr??"

Primus · « **Reply #99 on:** November 28, 2012, 02:33:47 PM »

Had a very bad experience when hunting for a Rolex i'm very interested in getting. I've already done all my research and is just hunting for this elusive watch. So rather than walking into all the authorised dealer, i prefer to call them and ask them if they have stock or if they can order it for me.

The worst experience is when calling this particular AD , H**** T**** in Pavillion. When i call in, i ask poltiely if they have this particular model i'm looking for the first thing the guy did was exclaim very loudly in the most ah beng accent "This watch ah! You sure? It cost around RM100k to RM120k you know!"

I know for a fact before discount this watch retail for 96k. So i know he simply just threw a number out there. I kept asking him, look, i'm just asking you if you have it in stock not asking you for price, and he kept exclaiming "Around 120k La!"

At this point im very angry and just ask him do you have it or not? if not its fine. THen he only went and researched properly in his system and told me ohh its 96k and don't have but can order if i want etc.

The thing that pisses me off is:

1) When people come to your high end shop to buy high end watch, please conduct yourself in an appropriate manner. If you want to be gangster or sound like a fish monger maybe consider another line of profession. I blame the owner of the shop the most. If you want to hire staff, please conduct proper training. This guy is an animal, so why did you hire him in your place of business of high end products? It reflects on you and your business, the people you hire. Makes me doubt the quality of watches this particular AD sells and doubts his customer service.

2) I'm calling in asking for stock, i'm not even asking you to show me the watch nor put it on my watch to test and walk away. I'm just asking you if you got stock i never even ask for price. Why do you have to be afriad that i can't afford it? If someone walks in a shop and ask to test an expensive watch ic an understand sometimes the SA are abit hesistant and prefer to do a filter. I can understand that. But for god sake, someone calling in to check if you got stock why do you have to be so sarcastic and put in a fake number straight away! So what does this mean? That when someone calls in to check for stock for expensive watch it means you won't sell to them at all? So does this means this AD in paviliion only deal with watches that is below a certain price range and everythign else dont buy from him because he don't trust anyone above that limit? Can you see the kind of standard this shop has set for themselves!

3) I don't claim to be master to be very successful in business. But i do know a thing or two about customer service. I understand about people wasting your time. I really do. But i also know to treat everyone with a bit of respect and proper conduct. You can always respectfully check if the customer can afford the watch before trying and you must always treat everyone that comes to your shop to enquire with a minimal conduct or respect. I've called Singapore and other AD in Malaysia. Singapore is awlays the best, they speak proper english, they pick up the phone with a good afternoon and always get your number and call you back. Even if they know the watch is very expensive they will not show it but find a proper and respectful way of inserting the price in the conversation. The Malaysian ADs are also not too bad, although in person sometimes they do exclaim "Its very expensive!" when i walk in the shop in person, fine, i'm not a short tempered person and i can understand. But the way this guy treated me over the phone, and i've only listed down a short transcript, was full of contempt.

The training or ther quality of this shop is absolutely horrible and i will never purchase anything from these guys even if they have the only watch in malaysia. I would also encourage the rest of you to seriously consider before going in this kinda of shop where they don't even respect you as a customer. Absolutely not acceptable.

idiot....

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Author Topic: Watch Shop in Malaysia (Read 64314 times)