Discount or No Discount from AD

[Friedl41]

Question: A good friend of mine wants to get his first Rolex - a GMT Master II LN

I told him that he should a) go to an AD and b) ask for a discount ... he was told that there are no discounts.

I got a discount on mine ... at an AD in Madrid and none of my European friends, who bought at Ads paid full price.

Are the dicount price times over ,,, or is this a New York thing?

[dchernikoff]

I was offered a discount from an AD in California just last weekend. I suspect it's just the salesperson trying to maximize their commission. Nothing wrong with that. And nothing wrong with the buyer finding a different AD that does discount!

-Dan

[Friedl41]

Originally Posted by dchernikoff

I was offered a discount from an AD in California just last weekend. I suspect it's just the salesperson trying to maximize their commission. Nothing wrong with that. And nothing wrong with the buyer finding a different AD that does discount!

-Dan

thanks dan, I agree ... also I find it strange ,,, nothing at all ,,, there should be a little bit off ... 5 or 10 %

[Urosfan]

He should shop around

[Friedl41]

Originally Posted by Urosfan

He should shop around

I said that too, he was a bit discouraged ... he had asked at Wempe on 5th

[guy369]

20% Discount to anyone given at my AD in Toronto.

[locutus49]

It varies, but many in the US will give a discount if you are nice and ask in the right way.

[Watch-Ed]

Most ADs, if not all ADs have been to offer discounts unless it is a rare or limited watch.

[Sal_UKSheffield]

I got 5%off my sub c date paid £5400 rrp is £5700 first time purchase from an AD aswel

independent dealer

Big franchise ADs wudnt even allow me to compare 3 watches side by side (until i had a word with the manager) never mind give a discount

[anothernewphone]

No discounts.

[Tan]

Maybe if the customer creates some urgency and says they are willing to pull the trigger immediately pending the right price.

[c.capt]

Discounts can still be had readily. If a particular AD says no, go somewhere else. Especially in a place like NYC. It's not like there's only one AD to choose from...

[Tyke]

I couldn't get any discount last year when I bought my Hulk. I'd had to go on a waiting list to get it, and I suppose they don't see the need to discount when certain models are in such demand.

However, I did get a hefty discount on a ring I got for my wife at the same time, so I can't complain too much!

[MattSoCal]

Originally Posted by dchernikoff

I was offered a discount from an AD in California just last weekend. I suspect it's just the salesperson trying to maximize their commission. Nothing wrong with that. And nothing wrong with the buyer finding a different AD that does discount!

-Dan

I'm new around here, so I hope I'm not violating any rules by asking this. Do you mind if I ask where in California and which dealer? I'll be purchasing my first Rolex mid May this year. The current plan is to take the drive out to Vegas and go to the Rolex boutique in Wynn. The savings on sales tax would pay for a nice weekend in Vegas at least, but if I get equivalent out the door pricing in the San Diego area, that might be an option too.

[Brandon(phila)]

Some Do and Some won't budge. I think it depends on the market and demand of the watch.

I was in an AD once and actually said if I put $10,000 cash on your counter would you let me walk out of here with that watch....he said sorry no discounts.

Basically it was $300 off of retail and 6% PA tax = $618 Total. I politely said ok no problem I understand and left (never to go back)

Another AD....Worked with me He said an number I said a number and told him I would get back to him.
I called an hour later and said my number again....he came down a bit more and met me half way. Went back the next day and picked up the watch.

These both occurred on 2 different watches and 2 different AD's near me, and I don't remember specifics of the % off but it was decent.

Now I just call DavidSW (or many of the other very reputable dealers on this site)

[Afghanvet]

What he said...

[Afghanvet]

Originally Posted by Urosfan

He should shop around

What he said...

[Mr DateJust]

Originally Posted by Sal_UKSheffield

I got 5%off my sub c date paid £5400 rrp is £5700 first time purchase from an AD aswel

independent dealer

Big franchise ADs wudnt even allow me to compare 3 watches side by side (until i had a word with the manager) never mind give a discount

Yip I have had this happen too. The UK chain ADs are pretty awful. Never had a good experience in one when it comes to customer service. I always go independent.

To answer the OP an AD in NYC probably has less incentive to discount as they can sell watches no problem. Might be better going to an independent outside the city. Also cash is king. If you have the physical cash on you I have found deals easier to do.

[Duey]

My AD is right here on TRF his name is DavidSW and I get great discounts everytime on NIB watches

[RHIII]

Guys - while this subject comes up quite often my opinion on the matter is quite frank - discounts from ADs are requests not requirements - and the rights to do so, or to not are reserved to that AD.

I personally have received discounts on every purchase I make from my AD. Whether that purchase be watches or jewelry. I don't even have to ask - as I do a substantial amount of business with the every year. (watch discounts up to 20% - and my AD is small - so this is substantial) but again...I don't ask. Don't have to.

As many have said - definitely shop around as discounts can be had - the amount - that depends. My perspective is that discounts - come with rapport - not with a retail visit. Now, while this is my personal opinion I would not walk into a store - look around - pick something out and ask for a discount. Stores have overhead costs, employee costs etc.

I say (although some don't - but most will discount) if you're planning on buying a watch just assume its full price from the AD - that way anything other than that is a plus. OR -- go to the grey market and get an upfront discount.

Besides - a DISCOUNT - in my opinion is like 50% - and we all know...thats not happening. So 10-20% is really a friendly gesture. Not reall a game changer in my opinion.

Bottom line is - you just have to approach it the right way. if you respect the folks at the AD and treat them right - they will treat you right (in most cases) and you may even make some new friends that will help you with future acquisitions. Just don't go into an AD and plan on throwing cash around thinking that'll grease the skids...or make people jump...it just makes you look stupid.

Purely my personal opinion. To each their own.

[Mugszy27]

My local AD discounts some models but does not discount the more popular models. Generally, the more expensive a Rolex the more they can discount.

I was at an AD in Cleveland and the saleslady was ready to discount a SS / WG bezel DateJust 2.

I think it is a matter of timing and the old adage of "cash talks, BS walks" (but not always).

[henryouyang]

Originally Posted by guy369

20% Discount to anyone given at my AD in Toronto.

Can I know which AD in Toronto can offer 20% in the GMT TT?

[metooxx]

Had the same experience in New York when the new at the time boutique opened. Bought it somewhere else...

[henryouyang]

I bought my hulk two weeks ago, the local AD offer me 10% off. A discount or not depends on how you talk to the AD.

[Fleetlord]

If it's a chain of AD's FORGET IT. They will encourage you to hit the bricks if you persist in buying with a discount. They are not interested in your money unless they can get full retail.....don't argue it or complain about it.....just forget about it and move on...

Best option for AD is a small, independent dealer in a more rural setting...

Or...buy from a TRF dealer here....

[RolexPrincee]

Try to go to a place that doesn't pay high rent/isn't in a wealthier area.

Went to Yorkdale mall, got no discount. Went to an AD in Vaughan area, got 10% off + no tax for my Sub No-Date.

It really depends what AD you're going to.

[davidro]

AD and discount are not words that are synonymous. The standard AD discount is 5%
Recommend to go non AD.
Keep looking and bide your time. On a watch like that I wouldn't settle for anything less than a 20% discount.
Only the uniformed or impulse buyers pay retail.

[Ruud Van Driver]

I paid over retail for my SS Daytona (black dial) here in Singapore, which is normal. I paid S$350 (£170 US$255) above, and in hindsight, I got a good deal. The minimum I've seen since is S$1,000 (£487 US$718) above retail; down at the AD at Marina Bay, they were asking S$3,000 (£1,461 US$ 2,154). The white face can be had for retail.

I've now established a very good relationship with my AD and can get over 10% discount on a SubC date, which they don't usually discount.

I was offered 5% at an independent AD on a YM, which doesn't sound very much. However, the supervisor there is a personal friend whom I've known for twenty years. We've spent thousands at her previous store so she knows I'm good value. Makes me think that really was the absolute best she could do.

[scarlet knight]

No discount, I'll look at the watch. Give me a discount and I'll buy it.

[Tush17]

EDIT : PM'd