Michael H.
Yelp
This retailer has been bookmarked on my Yelp list for quite a while, and I finally had the opportunity to visit the store today, and spend some time with an exceptional employee named Michael in the A. Lange & Söhne section of the store.
On a personal note, and as a bit of backstory, horology (study of time and timepieces) is a bit of a hobby of mine. I collect a variety of watches ranging from low end Swatches to luxury pieces such as Vacheron Constantin and Rolex. However, I have never spent the money that it would cost to procure my true dream piece: The Lange 1 model from the German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne. I am someone that thinks that Rolexes are simply a dime a dozen nowadays. True, they are exceptionally made timepieces, but the brand is so overly saturated and mass produced that it simply bores me. Lange is a small batch watchmaker. Making only a couple thousand watches a year, if that. Some models are one of a kind and the company only produces one of that particular model, period. Each timepiece is meticulously and individually hand made using only precious metals and jewels. Bellusso is the only authorized retailer of the brand in Las Vegas.
On the 3 steps of acquiring something in the buying process, I'm on level 2. Level 3 is handing the money over.
I walked into the store, directly to the Lange shop within the store and was immediately greeted warmly by an associate (possibly security personnel) who immediately offered me a bottle of water. He then introduced me to Michael who would be my associate that I would be working with.
Michael was a consummate professional, but lacked the stuffy pretentiousness that many high end retail associates have. He immediately offered me a seat and opened the case of the Lange 1 models that I was interested in. He, without hesitation, was willing to allow me privilege of trying on the $50k platinum model. I knew that I would more than likely be interested in the white gold or platinum model, the significant cost difference made the white gold model the obvious choice and I fully admitted that the platinum was out of my range. Michael did not show and judgement whatsoever, and immediately removed the white gold model from the case instead. The white gold model comes in at about $35k and was much more in my range.
First we exchanged knowledge about the watch itself and it's fine craftsmanship, then we talked about financing options, including zero percent for a year plus. He also advised me of some other ways to save some money in my purchase and then we talked about the retailer as a whole. He established rapport, earned my trust, and engaged warmly even though I made it clear early on that I would not be completing a purchase at that time (Level 2 of 3, remember? )
After about 20 minutes of chatting and trying on both Lange 1 models, I asked for his business card and I provided my contact info to him. He once again offered me a bottle of water and also offered to show me the A. Lange & Söhne printed catalogue. I declined as I already had one at home, as part of my personal research in my timepiece purchase (Level 1).
I walked out of the store with a genuine smile on my face and the absolute certainty that this would be the establishment that I will be doing business with when I am officially ready to purchase my coveted Lange 1.
Thank you to Michael and the staff at Bellusso for a wonderful experience on all levels.