Independents

I recently saw an Hour Glass full page glossy ad in some magazine or another, maybe even Revolution, showing the Kari 27 in all it's magnificent unobtainable glory.

If only 12 pieces were made, and all have been snapped up, why is Hour Glass advertising it? I know they act as Kari's local agent, as well as a couple of other independents, but they have never been advertised before, at least not that I've seen any.

Maybe some were sold to Hour Glass eh?

And in anticipation of questions such as why didn't I ask them directly and instead chose to post here, it's because due to long experience of dealing with sales folk in this part of the world, what they say and their level of knowledge cannot be depended upon to be reliable nor in-depth.

Dear j.w. fool,

We do not endorse nor do we slander individual dealers here with unsubstantiated claims.

I am sure that if you talked to the correct specialist person that deals with the high-end inventory and at the correct branch of this chain of watch shops, you will find the answers you seek.

As with most things in life, the problem is not with the answer but with question applied in the right place

Regards,

MTF

PS: Regarding advertising in print magazines, contracts are taken in advance and advert drafts made months before so maybe sales overtake advert placements. That is the slowness of print media.

This message has been edited by MTF on 2008-07-24 04:45:07

...that in this part of the world, getting to apply the question as you so eloquently put it, is not as easy as it might be in other parts of the world. The cultural biases that exist here presupposes that all enquiries to be treated with derision unless one is a noted and recorded big-spender with the retailer in question, not necessarily the HG.

I cannot for the life of me deduce how my post could have been construed as being slanderous in any way, other than having made a general comment about the level of service the general populace is subjected to.

jediwatchfool,

Your posting had potential to be libel (in print) rather than slander (by mouth).

It is OK to post polite general observations of your service experience in your region......but the moment you typed the name of a specific dealer, moderators have to ......well.....moderate.

Unfortunately, the sort of comments you made will not receive any response from that dealer......unless they go on to legal proceedings, which I doubt they will.....er....hope for your sake they don't.

Let's consider the case closed.

 

Regards, MTF

I think it is honorable and good that the people at the retail level continue to advertise inspite of this watch being "sold out".

My perception is that (1) the AHCI guys have very little exposure. Not much editorials (except mine) space is spent on them, without these adverts, no one will even recall them. and (2) in the future, another piece from Kari will emerge, and at least his good name will ring a bell, and folk will have seen a picture of his previous work.

I see the Antiqua being advertised in Singapore for Vianney, and it is not available off the shelf.

Likewise, it is good for Vianney.

It costs to advertise. I think that it reflects the level of commitment theHourGlass has put into their support for the AHCI...or else they (hourglass) will rather advertise the slower moving pieces or rbands.

Let's support the retailers who support the AHCI.

 

VERY well said Doctor BC. Couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts

....when they pressure forums like these to enforce their good name on their behalf, and when they do not have adequate training for simple courtesy and civility among their staff?

Most times, the common folk step into one of these stores and are treated like crap, after being sized up. They seem to be full of their own self importance as being staff of such a glamorous establishment.

For the record, I went into one such store enquiring about the Kari 27 and no one, no one, could tell me anything, in fact, only when the manager came out did I find someone who knew who Kari is and what the 27 actually refers to. But of course, no names. Were they helpful? No.

which store you went to.
There's one store in particular that specialise in Independent watches.
The manager there is extremely knowledgeable and very very helpful.
I have personally seen young man who is still in the national service (army) who has yet have any income,
walk into the store and ask many many questions about the watches , and treated with equal respect
Maybe you were there at the wrong timing
Lovesss*CL

If a particular retailer touts themselves and one of the finest if not the finest , in the region, then every store should be the same. Consistency is the key. If I have to go to the one particular store to get a particular service type, then I'd rather not spend the money on air and taxi fares and just work with what I know.

And in reply to the notion of timing... as a customer, it's not my problem what kind of timing suits the retailer. They should be looking after me, no matter when I come into the store. If only one person in a particular chain knows anything about independent watches, then every other staff in chain should know to contact this person when an enquiry comes in.

that it is human nature to have the tendency to overgeneralize ONE instance of rudeness and/or other instances of retail snafus as representative of the ENTIRE chain but again, am emphasizing that there is NOTHING wrong with this reaction. I am guilty of that reaction myself in some instances. If there were SEVERAL instances of said acts then I don't think that place guilty of said acts merits EVEN a visit from me DESPITE what they are offering.

I follow this rule of buying things which is, to NOT use price/availability alone as the determining factor to purchase but to include the ensuing experience that goes along with it and afterwards. If they offer a nice item, in this case, the AWESOME but unfortunately unavailable Kari 27, but offer crap service, then SURELY I will NOT get said item, NO MATTER how much I desired it.

Having said that, it helps a LOT to know that there will always be "less informed/less trained personnel" manning the retail floors in ALL industries and the power IS with the consumer. If one wants something and has no choice BUT to buy it from THAT retailer/point of sale for whatever reason, then one has no choice but to put up with these things.

Of course, the option to walk away from it (watch and/or retailer) is always open...

My own two cents...

Is it right for the said retailer to advertised something no longer available?  I am with Bernard here.  It takes Money to advertise and in this case, if the product is no longer available, then it does not make financial 'sense' to do that right? There is another aspect which is awareness.  In this case, this is creating awareness of the brand and I see nothing wrong with it.  Unless they sell u and they cannot deliver, then its another thing altogether.

As to product knowledge, not being treated well, etc etc, I am sure many, if not all, would have faced them sometime before.  Lets get on in life.  Just dont spend the money there if you dont feel well.  For one that walk away, there are many who experiences differs and contribute to the growing reputation of the outlet.

I applaud any effort to promote the independents.

Good day