About 2 months ago, I came into Ben Bridge to check out the different models of Rolex watches that might be available for purchase. I had done some prior research (on-line) as to the style and availability of particular Rolex models that appealed to me. (This was going to be my first purchase of a high-end luxury watch.)
On my first visit to the store, a salesperson by the name of Josh introduced himself and offered to help me try on some of the display Rolex watches that interested me. It was a great experience right from the start - trying on a number of the sought after "sports models" that I had seen pictures of on-line. (I had already learned that many of the Rolex models I really liked were hard to get from any authorized dealer. You put your name on a list and could have a pretty substantial wait to purchase the watch of your choice.)
That first visit was fun and educational for me. Josh gave great information and suggestions as to which Rolex models might fit my needs and personal lifestyle. I didn't fell any pressure - only helpful and friendly advice. I gave my information to Josh regarding the Rolex models that were my top choices and figured I would be in for a a substantial wait before I would have an opportunity to purchase any of the sought-after Rolex sports models.
Over the next few months, I visited the store about every 2 weeks - checking in with Josh and trying on a few more watches. I was always treated with courtesy and patience (for my many questions) - I felt like a welcomed customer even though I had no prior buying experience with the store. On a few of my visits Josh was off for that day, and I was helped by another salesperson. I received the same level of professional courtesy and service I had received when Josh was helping me. I also got to talk with the store manager (Brenda) on one occasion and after that she remembered my name on subsequent visits to the store.
On a recent visit (about 10 days ago), I saw a watch (Rolex) in the case that caught my eye. It was a Rolex Datejust 41 with a fluted bezel and a beautiful blue dial. I tried it on and thought this was a model that could be both a sports and a dress watch at the same time. Josh asked me if I would be interested in buying this particular model if one came into the store in the near future and I said I absolutely would - not really thinking that the future opportunity to get this watch would be all that near. Josh said he would try his best to make this happen and I might hear from him in just a few days (possibly the following Monday).
Monday came and you know, to my pleasant surprise and pleasure, I got the call from Josh that the exact watch we had been discussing the prior week was available for me to buy if I was interested. I said I absolutely was and came down to the store that afternoon and purchased my first Rolex watch from any authorized dealer. This was a watch that I thought would not be available to me except after a very long waiting period (particularly since I didn't have any prior purchasing history with the store).
I won't go on about how great the watch is - it's a good, luxury watch and one I wanted. More important to me was my experience for those months leading up to actually buying the watch. I always felt good coming into the store - everyone was friendly, professional and ready with just the right amount of information. I felt like I was a welcomed customer and I hadn't even made a purchase yet. In particular, I always felt that Josh would be doing his best to look out for my interests.
I'm glad I have a great watch to enjoy, But a watch, even an expensive one, is still just a watch. I will enjoy this watch even more because of how I came to get it. Ben Bridge and the staff there treated me like a high-valued customer, even before I became one. In business today that's often not the case.
Thanks Josh. Let's do this again.
Frank B. read more