Loving the honest behind the scenes look into the business side of things. I think your transparency and honesty (among other things) are two large parts of why you have been a cornerstone of the watch industry for so long, and well deserving of your success.
I think No. 5 may be the most important because it reinforces your own business practices and how you choose to deal with your customers. And how you deal with your customers makes your store different from most, if not all, of the others.
Similar to why I choose business with you .. your customer service is impeccable. I'd rather have that reliability than no rapport whatsoever with any AliEx brand, no matter the price
You ARE a people person. I've probably had dozens of contacts with you over the years (not my You Tube handle). Every one was fast and thoughtful. I can think of no one, in any industry, that has shown me the level of professionalism, along with a positive personality, that I have received from you, Marc. The fact that you are the owner only makes the experience more impressive. People person, indeed. We can all learn lessons from you.
Very cool. Thanks for the insight. I teach my kids, “try nice first” because you can always go to “not nice” quickly, but it’s always harder to go the other way. Thanks! I think it’s time for a horological history lesson soon…
Mark, I've been running a mom and pop music store for 26 years now. You are 100% spot on. Building a relationship with your vendors and their management team is extremely important and becoming rarer every day. Good content as always.
A local store near me sells all kinds of brands - Tag, Omega, Hublot, Zenith, GS, GO, Norqain, IWC - and they even have a section for Citizen, Seiko, and even Squale. Pretty cool to me.
The fact that you carry inventory and manage it properly is like a 'hidden' bit of value- add for customers. I swear there are online retailers that advertise watches for sale and they've bought maybe two units that sell through in a day and then it's: "call us for availability" in the smallest font imaginable.
Marc is a solid dude. I've bought a few things from LIW and his customer service is exceptional. Very fair and very reasonable. Thank you very much for the insight on your business. I can relate to a lot of your business strategies, as I run a business myself. 😉👍🏼
I can listen to you talk all day. Always interesting, informative and entertaining. Love your honest and relax vibe, one of the reason I am a fan and loyal customer. Thank you!
Great vid Marc. I used to manage a small music instrument store, and it was the same thing with some major brand names. They’d send their rep to basically scout the store (seeing if you’re worthy enough to carry their brand). They were just like the watch industry too. Set rules on how and where their products were to be placed, advertised, ect. Even nitpicking location based any rival brands you may carry. You run a great business.
Even as a moderate collector watch boxes really do add up and take up precious storage space. I totally support smaller packaging solutions. Small and minimal can still be elegant.
IMHO, Marc, number 5 is as important as all other 4 on your list. I figure THAT’S why you are liked in the industry 👏🏼😊 Thanks for sharing this interesting information.
It’s been a while since I purchased a watch, but you did me a solid once on getting a squale to Australia and I appreciated that so much I made sure to buy my next purchase from you.
Sounds like Zeppelin... I can only guess their service for sellers is roughly equal to their customer care. They've been nothing but unpleasant for me. It's too bad it so impossible to get a replacement screw for the back cover of the LZ-129. I could wear it again if I could get 1.
Marc, I’d be interested how your transitioned from Engineering (in study and practice) into business owner with a clear understanding of business management. Perhaps a video on that would be fun, I know I’d appreciate it. Drive and passion (and education) are clearly skill sets and attributes you possess but I find your transition inspiring too. Best, M
Any chance we might see you expand your Seiko line maybe start carrying some higher end models? Capt Willard 62 mas types or even the one with the 8l movements.
I've hung around shops that sells multiple brands before this, so yeah, I can see the logic. Saw no.1 happened a couple of times, no.2, around the same frequency, heard the owner griping about no.3 and no.5 and heard them swear not to carry products because of no.4.
The transparency with which you run your business is certainly something to aspire to. There is room for kindness, humility, and humanity in business. Thanks for sharing!!
To be a "people person" AND a gearhead is an interesting (and rare) combination, Marc. That must be part of the reason for your success... that, and your 5 O'clock shadow. :))
Marc, I really enjoy the wide variety of "behind the scenes" vids you produce (including this one) -- they're both interesting and educational. I finally had to break down and buy an Islander Pilot (#232, just arrived today) and instantly fell in love with it. I guess I was feeling nostalgic -- I grew up in LI (Bethpage), worked in Farmingdale in college days, was offered a work-study program @ Grumman and spent time in the Air Force; 232 just tied it all together for me! Thanks.
Funny you should mention “boot hill” because I live in bisbee Az, which a scant 15 minute drive from tombstone, and yet bisbee, with our population of just under 5,000 draws some 65% of the tourism business for Cochise county. I’ve had several customers at my bar mention that they made a mistake staying in tombstone and driving to bisbee when they realized it should have been the other way around. Long story short, as someone who has two islanders in his collection and islander bracelets on two seikos, keep up the good work!
I appreciate the transparency on the processes you use. It is fascinating to see. The people matter, so it isn't a surprise to see you value the thing that makes you different.
Your "Number 5" reason (friendliness / relationships) often trumped all else, when I was working, managing vendors. I had neither the time nor inclination to deal with companies that were a pain in my backside. If I ever started to feel a sense of dread when having to talk with a vendor, it was time for me to find a different one.
Sounds like you are running a fine business and making the decisions you need to make. I find in my business I am much happier when I work with friendly low drama people. Cheers
My question is how do you decide what watches to make? You own a brand, do you come up with the ideas out of the blue or do you see a popular watch model from another brand and use that for inspiration? Do you take suggestions, for instance a 38mm blue aventurine Brookville(had to sneak that in😉)? I do remember the "Help me build this watch" series, so that's one answer. LIW has a wide variety from SKX homages to totally unique designs so I'm sure the answer is not always the same but I'd be very curious to hear how you come up with designs, refine them and ultimately do they meet, out or under perform your expectations? Is there one that you KNOW is going to be absolute fire and it isn't? Or is? An idea for a video maybe.
😂 Um Marc, we need to have a chat about your brand. Well, Marc, I don’t see the problem. There’s plenty of margin on Islander Watches. That’s my point Marc. It all goes to you and none of the Money is kept by Long Island watch.😂😂
Marc every watch I've bought from you has been absolutely a great experience with quality watches. I wish I could buy more. It's always a pleasure buying from LIW.
As always another great video from Marc. Love my Islander watch Thank you Marc. I emailed a question on a Saturday afternoon. Marc personally responded that evening. On a SATURDAY!! If that is not great customer service then I don't know what is. There will be more Islander in my future.
I'd love to know what the people behind the brands are like, but I'm sure making that knowledge public would burn bridges. It's good to hear Squale is pretty chill.
Somehow you manage to come across as a true gentleman while explaining how you kick business associates out 😂 pure class! (Any new Northport variants any time soon? I have an itch that needs scratching…) cheers!
I've always wondered why you carry Citizen but not a great selection of Citizen. When I was going to buy my Tsuyosa, I went to your site only to find you don't have it?
I’m not going to lie, I was expecting some specific names and I couldn’t be more pleased you didn’t give any. What a great video. I never would have thought to ask that question. Thanks for making these!
Great video. Interesting insights. I know you could never say but I wonder if the quality issue was with zeppelin. I’ve owned two of their watches, both quartz and each time there was an issue with the secondhand. I have to agree I love marathon, and the people behind them.
All good points that I figured you would say. A big one you only mentioned briefly is cannibalize sales, you don't need to sell less Islanders on a smaller margin other brand.
thanks very much Mark, for the very valuable lessons and insights, into how businesses are actually run. Several years worth of business school in a 9 Minute video
Running (owning) a company, the sells engineering and equipment for pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Some products we distribute, some we design and produce inhouse. So not watch related - but I use the exact same parameters that you do! Most important is the personal connection and trust, with your suppliers/partners. If you become friends, there is no end to what you can achieve together - and have fun while doing so. You stand by them when the going gets tough - they will also be at your side, when business/life is hard.
Interesting video. I've hate to see certain brands go, but understand there are reasons why. I do love getting great deals on them when you have the brand clearances though.
In an era when listed companies, following their CSR agenda, want to make us believe they only care about diversity, inclusion, sustainability and wokism, it is very refreshing to hear a business manager using common sense language to describe how their business are run. Thank you Marc.
I would like to see that boot-hill graphic :D but yeah, you're absolutely right, if my supplier can't trust that I'll pay within 30 days after doing many years of business with them ... I'd tell them to kick rocks too.
Loving the honest behind the scenes look into the business side of things. I think your transparency and honesty (among other things) are two large parts of why you have been a cornerstone of the watch industry for so long, and well deserving of your success.
Thanks Anthony
Very useful information for any store selling anything, not just watches. Not paying attention to those points is why a lot of businesses go under.
I think No. 5 may be the most important because it reinforces your own business practices and how you choose to deal with your customers. And how you deal with your customers makes your store different from most, if not all, of the others.
Your online Store is the only one that I will use. I have purchased in the past and I can't wait till Rangemaster ll comes out.👍👍👍
Good choice!
Love that SRIRACHA bottle!!!
Me too 🥵
Similar to why I choose business with you .. your customer service is impeccable. I'd rather have that reliability than no rapport whatsoever with any AliEx brand, no matter the price
I agree some of the Ali watches look good but I’d rather buy an islander.
Thank you
@islandwatch Marc, what Islander watch has a sapphire bezel? Thanks again.
You ARE a people person. I've probably had dozens of contacts with you over the years (not my You Tube handle). Every one was fast and thoughtful. I can think of no one, in any industry, that has shown me the level of professionalism, along with a positive personality, that I have received from you, Marc. The fact that you are the owner only makes the experience more impressive. People person, indeed. We can all learn lessons from you.
Thank you, kindly.
Very cool. Thanks for the insight. I teach my kids, “try nice first” because you can always go to “not nice” quickly, but it’s always harder to go the other way. Thanks! I think it’s time for a horological history lesson soon…
So true!
Mark, I've been running a mom and pop music store for 26 years now. You are 100% spot on. Building a relationship with your vendors and their management team is extremely important and becoming rarer every day. Good content as always.
Well said!
A local store near me sells all kinds of brands - Tag, Omega, Hublot, Zenith, GS, GO, Norqain, IWC - and they even have a section for Citizen, Seiko, and even Squale. Pretty cool to me.
I really enjoy these business related videos, just as much as your watch intros, and Watch and Learn! Thanks!
Glad to hear it!
The fact that you carry inventory and manage it properly is like a 'hidden' bit of value- add for customers. I swear there are online retailers that advertise watches for sale and they've bought maybe two units that sell through in a day and then it's: "call us for availability" in the smallest font imaginable.
Yeah, it's a big burden but worth it
Marc is a solid dude. I've bought a few things from LIW and his customer service is exceptional. Very fair and very reasonable. Thank you very much for the insight on your business. I can relate to a lot of your business strategies, as I run a business myself. 😉👍🏼
Great to hear!
I can listen to you talk all day. Always interesting, informative and entertaining. Love your honest and relax vibe, one of the reason I am a fan and loyal customer. Thank you!
Great vid Marc. I used to manage a small music instrument store, and it was the same thing with some major brand names. They’d send their rep to basically scout the store (seeing if you’re worthy enough to carry their brand). They were just like the watch industry too. Set rules on how and where their products were to be placed, advertised, ect. Even nitpicking location based any rival brands you may carry. You run a great business.
Thanks so much.
Fascinating insight into the world not just of watches, but business in general.
Thank you 😊
Even as a moderate collector watch boxes really do add up and take up precious storage space. I totally support smaller packaging solutions. Small and minimal can still be elegant.
Very true
I’m hearing ya, mate. The thought of dumping my boxes has crossed my mind several times. I haven’t done it yet so I guess I’m collecting boxes too.
I like my little islander boxes
IMHO, Marc, number 5 is as important as all other 4 on your list.
I figure THAT’S why you are liked in the industry 👏🏼😊
Thanks for sharing this interesting information.
It’s been a while since I purchased a watch, but you did me a solid once on getting a squale to Australia and I appreciated that so much I made sure to buy my next purchase from you.
Is that Sriracha?
Looks like Costco size bottle of sriracha😅
Yeah but not real
Sounds like Zeppelin... I can only guess their service for sellers is roughly equal to their customer care. They've been nothing but unpleasant for me. It's too bad it so impossible to get a replacement screw for the back cover of the LZ-129. I could wear it again if I could get 1.
Marc, I’d be interested how your transitioned from Engineering (in study and practice) into business owner with a clear understanding of business management. Perhaps a video on that would be fun, I know I’d appreciate it. Drive and passion (and education) are clearly skill sets and attributes you possess but I find your transition inspiring too. Best, M
Any chance we might see you expand your Seiko line maybe start carrying some higher end models? Capt Willard 62 mas types or even the one with the 8l movements.
I have bought a couple of items from your store Mark i live in Britain but i know you give the personal touch and that means an awful lot (:
Marc, can you please share with us an up-to-date Boot Hill graphic, with all tombstones labeled please?
Marathon? Nice?
Wait. They're Canadian. Of course they're nice.
I've hung around shops that sells multiple brands before this, so yeah, I can see the logic.
Saw no.1 happened a couple of times, no.2, around the same frequency, heard the owner griping about no.3 and no.5 and heard them swear not to carry products because of no.4.
So glad I subscribed to this guy. A notable anomaly in NY's shark tank.
My two orders with LIW have been quick and flawless.
The transparency with which you run your business is certainly something to aspire to. There is room for kindness, humility, and humanity in business. Thanks for sharing!!
He is committed to customer service, had a bad bracket he replaced it and the problem was fixed
Come on Marc. Just say it. Number 4 is Invicta.
#2 - FISH Inventory Method: First In Still Here.
Amazing content producer and top watch store...
It's a business, if they don't sell they go away.
Great BTS from the business aspect. I’m always intrigued about overall sales/inventory logistics…
Thanks for sharing this perspective. This is why you're one of the best in a business full of terrific people.
Space is always important and inventory value = risk if it doesn't move...
True
Nothing to see here, marketing 101 😂
Blink twice if Zodiac had qc issues
😉😉
Ok, so when are you gonna carry what are, in my opinion, the best solar watches out there, Casio G-Shock?
Margins. No margin
Marc what does 67007 mean
Even charities have to keep an eye on the bottom line: no margin, no mission.
Truth
I agree with you 💯% Marc. This is why I shop at your store. Customer service above and beyond all the rest!
Right on
Is that...a sriracha sauce bottle in the background next to the clock? I can't believe I just noticed it lol
Yup
That is brutally honest. Totally agrree.
Thank you
To be a "people person" AND a gearhead is an interesting (and rare) combination, Marc. That must be part of the reason for your success... that, and your 5 O'clock shadow. :))
Marc, I really enjoy the wide variety of "behind the scenes" vids you produce (including this one) -- they're both interesting and educational. I finally had to break down and buy an Islander Pilot (#232, just arrived today) and instantly fell in love with it. I guess I was feeling nostalgic -- I grew up in LI (Bethpage), worked in Farmingdale in college days, was offered a work-study program @ Grumman and spent time in the Air Force; 232 just tied it all together for me! Thanks.
I’ve bought two watches from Long Island Watches over the years … great experience. Thank you.
Funny you should mention “boot hill” because I live in bisbee Az, which a scant 15 minute drive from tombstone, and yet bisbee, with our population of just under 5,000 draws some 65% of the tourism business for Cochise county. I’ve had several customers at my bar mention that they made a mistake staying in tombstone and driving to bisbee when they realized it should have been the other way around. Long story short, as someone who has two islanders in his collection and islander bracelets on two seikos, keep up the good work!
Nice you have the flexibility to walk away from brands whose reps / mgmt are trash. Some don't have that luxury...
Thank you.
Good to know Martin at Marathon is a good guy. I love my Marathon TSAR (which I of course bought from Mark / LIW). Will eventually add a GSAR as well!
I appreciate the transparency on the processes you use. It is fascinating to see. The people matter, so it isn't a surprise to see you value the thing that makes you different.
Thanks so much.
🥳
Your "Number 5" reason (friendliness / relationships) often trumped all else, when I was working, managing vendors. I had neither the time nor inclination to deal with companies that were a pain in my backside. If I ever started to feel a sense of dread when having to talk with a vendor, it was time for me to find a different one.
You should open up a physical Long Island Watch store. As a Long Islander, I'd love to visit!
Finally got to meet Marc & Ryan at Worn & Wound Windup Fair in San Francisco. It was great.
It all makes sense! Thanks Marc!
Thank you!
I was going to stop by and say hi but your table was really busy on Saturday - glad San Fran was good to you this weekend.
Great video.. a quick tip- switch to different ppt format ❤
Is that a giant sriracha bottle!?
Sure is. Though it's a prop
Your honesty and insightful commentary are greatly appreciated. Others in the watch industry would do well to follow your example. God bless.
Congratulations on 200K, Marc. :)
Would love to see your metrics on Brand Quality.
Thanks for such a transparent explanation of the business side, this was really interesting.
Great info, love the videos. Thanks Marc
Sounds like you are running a fine business and making the decisions you need to make. I find in my business I am much happier when I work with friendly low drama people. Cheers
That's a very good point.
Fascinating!!!! Thanks for sharing.
My question is how do you decide what watches to make? You own a brand, do you come up with the ideas out of the blue or do you see a popular watch model from another brand and use that for inspiration? Do you take suggestions, for instance a 38mm blue aventurine Brookville(had to sneak that in😉)? I do remember the "Help me build this watch" series, so that's one answer. LIW has a wide variety from SKX homages to totally unique designs so I'm sure the answer is not always the same but I'd be very curious to hear how you come up with designs, refine them and ultimately do they meet, out or under perform your expectations? Is there one that you KNOW is going to be absolute fire and it isn't? Or is? An idea for a video maybe.
It's such a mix of everything. Clearly some models get their inspiration from other watches. Some get their inspiration from everyday life.
😂 Um Marc, we need to have a chat about your brand. Well, Marc, I don’t see the problem. There’s plenty of margin on Islander Watches. That’s my point Marc. It all goes to you and none of the Money is kept by Long Island watch.😂😂
😂
Marc every watch I've bought from you has been absolutely a great experience with quality watches. I wish I could buy more. It's always a pleasure buying from LIW.
Thank you kindly
As always another great video from Marc. Love my Islander watch Thank you Marc. I emailed a question on a Saturday afternoon. Marc personally responded that evening. On a SATURDAY!! If that is not great customer service then I don't know what is. There will be more Islander in my future.
It's a curse. 😂
I appreciate the transparency. Great insights as well.
Interesting insight! Thanks for sharing Marc!!
I'd love to know what the people behind the brands are like, but I'm sure making that knowledge public would burn bridges. It's good to hear Squale is pretty chill.
Better than chill!
Just bought a gulf zodiac from island a few weeks ago, if it has any issues I'm just swapping in the ETA
Good plan
Somehow you manage to come across as a true gentleman while explaining how you kick business associates out 😂 pure class! (Any new Northport variants any time soon? I have an itch that needs scratching…) cheers!
Hold tight, coming soon!
I've always wondered why you carry Citizen but not a great selection of Citizen. When I was going to buy my Tsuyosa, I went to your site only to find you don't have it?
Not allowed to carry it (yet)
I’m not going to lie, I was expecting some specific names and I couldn’t be more pleased you didn’t give any. What a great video. I never would have thought to ask that question. Thanks for making these!
Glad you enjoyed!
I hope you plan on filming alittle bit of that wind up expo,have fun ,enjoy your content and perspective on things
Gonna try!
Great video. Interesting insights. I know you could never say but I wonder if the quality issue was with zeppelin. I’ve owned two of their watches, both quartz and each time there was an issue with the secondhand. I have to agree I love marathon, and the people behind them.
Nothing wrong with zeppelin from a QA standpoint. Sales were the issue.
Is there a brand or brands you’ve been trying to get or one that you would like to get but haven’t yet? Thanks Marc. Have a great day!
I, for the longest time, wanted a Swatch Group brand or brands. But now, not so much. I'm happy with the stable, and always looking for micros.
All good points that I figured you would say. A big one you only mentioned briefly is cannibalize sales, you don't need to sell less Islanders on a smaller margin other brand.
Yes, very valid point
thanks very much Mark, for the very valuable lessons and insights, into how businesses are actually run. Several years worth of business school in a 9 Minute video
My pleasure!
Running (owning) a company, the sells engineering and equipment for pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Some products we distribute, some we design and produce inhouse. So not watch related - but I use the exact same parameters that you do! Most important is the personal connection and trust, with your suppliers/partners. If you become friends, there is no end to what you can achieve together - and have fun while doing so. You stand by them when the going gets tough - they will also be at your side, when business/life is hard.
Thank you for checking it out and commenting
Interesting
Fascinating insights thank you
This video and the comments to this video, is one of the most effective commercials I have ever seen. I'm going to the site right now to shop!
Wow, thank you!
Wow what a great episode! This is great info for anyone who is thinking about a business! Excellent excellent excellent!
Thanks!
Interesting video. I've hate to see certain brands go, but understand there are reasons why. I do love getting great deals on them when you have the brand clearances though.
Everyone loves a great deal!
People person+technical/engineering+biz sense=success.....I am 1/3rd the way there...
Haha, you'll get all the way
@@islandwatch Hopefully:)
Marc id pay a little more to buy from you because of u and ur service!!
That's very kind of you.
In an era when listed companies, following their CSR agenda, want to make us believe they only care about diversity, inclusion, sustainability and wokism, it is very refreshing to hear a business manager using common sense language to describe how their business are run. Thank you Marc.
I would like to see that boot-hill graphic :D but yeah, you're absolutely right, if my supplier can't trust that I'll pay within 30 days after doing many years of business with them ... I'd tell them to kick rocks too.
I looked and looked but couldn't find it.
@@islandwatch awwww man! :D Have a wonderful weekend!
I just returned an item and service was great! Thank you Mark
Great to hear!
Always big pleasure to watch and listen to you. Thank you.
Thanks for listening
Business is all about relationships!
True!
You gotta like Mark, well I do anyway ❤❤❤
Thank you
Super interesting glimpse into the store, thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it