New Rolex AD mandate?

[vzmax]

I just got a friend of mine 20% off a DateJust II with no tax since it was shipped out of state. I'm a past customer.

[C. Davidson]

Originally Posted by chillviper

I was wandering through the mall and stopped by a Mayor's that I usually browse their Rolex selection. Late last year, and prior, they had always quoted me at least a 20-25% discount, even on SS models. They said that just recently, Rolex has warned them that if they discount, they will have their authorization pulled.

Has anyone else heard of this new strong-arming from Rolex or is perhaps just at specific chains? They indicated it was nationwide and fairly recent.

It always seems to me (from articles I've read from WatchTime, Watch Journal, 24/00, Revolution, etc...) that Rolex is highly concerned with value retention. If their watches can be found easily for big discounts, the public perception would be that Rolex SRP prices are overvalued, and thus Rolexes are overvalued. If discounts are difficult to obtain on Rolexes, their public percieved value is increased, hence more justification for a luxury purchase. Then, the Rolex SRP is a good value and not just an inflated number.

Having AD's get their accounts pulled has been in the news the last decade. It wouldn't surprise me that Rolex would end one account (who couldn't sell it without giving steep discounts), in favor of opening another account that agreed more with Rolex on their pricing values. What jeweler wouldn't want Rolex if they came knocking at the door? Hello, Mr. Million dollar account!

But what do I know? Im just a watch dork.

[handyhsl]

ADs do give discount, even for the most popular models like GMTIIC / Sub.
It all depends on the AD, the economy, and your nego skills.
As for Rolex audit, the ADs can get away because they can write higher amount in the receipt and say "our customers pay cash".. so the payment can't be traced.

[tomallen]

Originally Posted by buyrolexnow

Don't be surprised when your AD is no longer an AD! It is coming! And its because of all the rediculous discounting. I'll wait to say "I told you so!" Don't want to jinx it.

I don't see how Rolex can tell if an AD is giving discounts. The Rolex representative would need full access to the sales receipts, yearly profit margins, operating costs, and a degree in accounting.

[crazyfingers]

I was offered an 18% discount right away on a white dial Explorer II at an AD in my city last year even though I've never bought from them before.