Patek Philippe Boutique Service in Bangkok

Maltie · 2019-12-01T05:15:44Z

Explore a collector's frustrating experience at Patek Philippe boutiques in Bangkok and the community's debate on luxury retail customer service and judging by appearance.

Maltie

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

39 replies11869 views6 photos

Maltie shares a frustrating experience with Patek Philippe boutiques in Bangkok, highlighting instances of perceived arrogance and judgment from sales associates based on casual attire. This post sparks a broader discussion within the community about customer service in luxury retail and the 'never judge a book by its cover' adage.

We just spent a few nights in Bangkok, indulging in exquisite food, enjoying Gaggan’s new G-spot and visiting James Suckling’s wines of Italy event. We took the opportunity to visit two Patek Philippe boutiques and we were “welcomed” at both with pure arrogance. Casually strolling through Bangkok I was wearing my summer shorts and t shirt and wearing a Grand Seiko. When walking in they scanned us from top to toe and at the first question about a watch model and price we got a blunt answer “that watch sir is more then 3 million baht” looking at me like that is out of my league. The lady working at the Cortina boutique in Erawan even gave me a much higher price then Bangkok retail, just to get rid of us. When I replied her that seemed too much, she walked off. I guess the staff doesn’t know the saying “Never judge a book by its cover”

But the food and wines were brilliant.

PS : Gaggan was my number one food experience ever

Key Points from the Discussion

Not all luxury boutique experiences are negative; some contributors have encountered helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly sales associates even when dressed casually or not wearing a high-end watch.
Sales associates are often trained to quickly assess potential customers, distinguishing serious buyers from 'time-wasters,' which can lead to unconscious judgments based on appearance.
Similar condescending experiences have occurred in other luxury retail settings, such as a staff member in a Dubai VIP mall floor making a rude gesture towards a casually dressed visitor.
Luxury retail staff should assume that anyone entering a boutique has the means to purchase, as most people are too intimidated to enter by accident, and judging by appearance can lead to missed sales opportunities.
Customers who experience poor service in luxury boutiques should report the incidents to the brand's regional office, as brands often take such feedback seriously and may intervene.
Having personal connections within the brand, such as a photo with a key figure like Thierry Stern, can significantly alter the reception and service received in a boutique.

The Discussion

GLau

Dec 1, 2019

Bet you they would not behave like that if you wore the same outfit and spoke Thai !!

brauner

Dec 1, 2019

There is always an alternative

Reuven Malter

Dec 1, 2019

Sry for you but as long as the food is ok ;-) I went to a shop and said i might buy tomorrow and then the sales person took the watch from me and said "ok but then we dont have to talk today" lol

Costa (aka Connie)

Dec 1, 2019

There are people that look like the above that that could buy every piece in the store with daily pocket money. What rock have they been living under?

Jurry

Dec 1, 2019

I had the same experience in both Dubai and Geneva No Patek for me

1WatchMan

Dec 1, 2019

I can understand that some tourists may enter the store only looking for a free coffee or a bottle of water, but you never know, so they should accept it and never misjudge.

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