Weird AD behavior

[Bavariandoc]

In search for my first Rolex GMT II BLNR, I emailed numerous dealers in 2 hr drive radius.

I got reply from very friendly AD in different state which is about 1.5 hr drive telling me the best approach would be to come to store, leave refundable deposit and he’ll aim to get BLNR in next month, with no guarantees. Fair enough

I called him following day to let him know I’ll be coming in to store on store on Saturday as its 1.5 hr drive. This change entire behavior of AD — all of a sudden he needs to speak to management to see availability and if he can sell it to me vs someone local. I spoke to him today and according to him: they no longer need deposit bc they dont want to hold up my money not knowing when watch will arrive, and managment preference would be to sell to someone local. ?!?!

It makes sense they prefer someone local for returned business customer however this seems a bit excessive of not willing to sell someone watch bc of where someone lives.

Is it better to simply go to AD store without disclosing the place of living?

I would appreciate your thoughts/advice and if anyone is aware of AD with BLNR in stock anywhere in NY/NJ/CT/PA/MA area, pls shoot me a pm with details.

Cheers!

[Bavariandoc]

any thoughts? =)

[Jimbogigolo]

I was told by distant ADs that Rolex is enforcing this rule, not AD management.

[m j b]

Hmmm. Funny that no one replied. Yet. I'll be first. :)

Yes, it seems that you need to drop in without telling them that you aren't local. I understand the deposit thing, and wouldn't let that discourage you. You can, if pressed, tell them that you're not local, yet, but are thinking of moving, or have relatives there, or are looking for a new relationship with a dealer and intend to buy more watches in the future... whatever lies or half-truths that make you comfortable and that you can remember.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by m j b

Hmmm. Funny that no one replied. Yet. I'll be first. :)

Yes, it seems that you need to drop in without telling them that you aren't local. I understand the deposit thing, and wouldn't let that discourage you. You can, if pressed, tell them that you're not local, yet, but are thinking of moving, or have relatives there, or are looking for a new relationship with a dealer and intend to buy more watches in the future... whatever lies or half-truths that make you comfortable and that you can remember.

They have no problem lying to You,So it’s fair Game.

[Wcdhtwn]

My AD doesn't take deposits for the same reason. But that your AD said they would, then said they wouldn't is a bit strange. My guess, the sales guy at the AD was confused on the model you want, when he realized it's the BLNR and not the LN (or something completely different) he had to change his story. It seems crazy but lots of AD sales people don't know the model numbers or what BLNR, LN, LV, etc mean.

[fishingbear]

Save the hassle and establish a relationship with some ADs locally in your area.
Either that or there are watches available from trusted sellers at a minimal premium which if you add up all the effort, driving, taxes etc. you would come out about the same and have the watch tomorrow morning.

[Flier]

It is a cure for cancer so local customers have the right........

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by fishingbear

save the hassle and establish a relationship with some ads locally in your area.
Either that or there are watches available from trusted sellers at a minimal premium which if you add up all the effort, driving, taxes etc. You would come out about the same and have the watch tomorrow morning.

+1

[michaelodonnell123]

Try https://www.leeperla.com/
Ask for Rick, tel him Michael and Natalia sent you. He is a great guy to work with.

[Bavariandoc]

Originally Posted by fishingbear

Save the hassle and establish a relationship with some ADs locally in your area.
Either that or there are watches available from trusted sellers at a minimal premium which if you add up all the effort, driving, taxes etc. you would come out about the same and have the watch tomorrow morning.

I plan on visiting few ADs on Saturday morning and speak to them in person. I am new here in all this but sense ADs are experts in promising things with no guarantees, especially on hard to find watches :)

[flyingtiger85]

1.5 hour drive makes me think you are in there area. doesn't seem to far. does Rolex really expect all potential buyers to live within 1.5 hours of an AD? Its just the AD dragging there feet.

[markseattle]

An hour and 1/2 have drive makes you local in my book. I would make the drive and visit them.

Mark

[Bavariandoc]

Originally Posted by markseattle

An hour and 1/2 have drive makes you local in my book. I would make the drive and visit them.

Mark

I really do not mind driving out to them and was supposed to initially to leave deposit

given their tone changed unexpectedly and not asking for deposit now, I am unsure if it would make any difference even if I show up in person

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Bavariandoc

Is it better to simply go to AD store without disclosing the place of living?

clearly too much info doesnt help. So yes, be vague. Talking too much and you might just talk yourself off the list.

[hsfrank]

It is my impression although I may be incorrect, the Rolex dealers cannot sell out of state nor out of their territory. This certainly makes sense from a marketing point of you since one dealer would not want to infringe upon or be infringed upon by another dealer showing the same product. Initially before he knew you were not local he told you you would have to leave a deposit and he would see if he could get it . Once he found out you were not local then I’m sure he did not want to have anything in writing to show that he was selling out of state or out of the local area. A point of sale purchase is certainly permitted regardless of where your residence is located.

[Bavariandoc]

Originally Posted by hsfrank

It is my impression although I may be incorrect, the Rolex dealers cannot sell out of state nor out of their territory. This certainly makes sense from a marketing point of you since one dealer would not want to infringe upon or be infringed upon by another dealer showing the same product. Initially before he knew you were not local he told you you would have to leave a deposit and he would see if he could get it . Once he found out you were not local then I’m sure he did not want to have anything in writing to show that he was selling out of state or out of the local area. A point of sale purchase is certainly permitted regardless of where your residence is located.

Very valid point and makes perfect sense! Seems as ADs are okay with taking deposit and purchases in store but once they are aware of customer living in area of other ADs, they are not willing to take that business.

Hence many ADs I called mentioned to come in to the store after letting me know of not having in stock. It's most likely policy they must follow

[AK797]

Locals only is a common policy to weed out travelling flippers, and it also helps build up repeat business so a smart policy for ADs to use while their watches are very popular.

[T01]

Run while you still can.

[flyingtiger85]

Originally Posted by Bavariandoc

I really do not mind driving out to them and was supposed to initially to leave deposit

given their tone changed unexpectedly and not asking for deposit now, I am unsure if it would make any difference even if I show up in person

Just go in there and ask about buying and making a deposit and make no reference to the call you had about it. act like a local

[Bavariandoc]

Originally Posted by flyingtiger85

Just go in there and ask about buying and making a deposit and make no reference to the call you had about it. act like a local

They already have my name, phone #, email and know watch I am interested in. Pretending to be new customer might not fly as manager will probably recognize my name

we left on terms 'they will call me when they get one in'. I think we all know what that means :)

[zjd168]

1.5 hour of driving should be considered local. Many people live in a place without any AD within hours of driving

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by zjd168

1.5 hour of driving should be considered local. Many people live in a place without any AD within hours of driving

im sure it is depending on where you live. Montana has 2 AD's. The east coast has hundreds. Its probably more a case of service area and not milage.

[bmrisko]

My preferred local AD is 2 hrs away...no issues buying from them over the years. Sounds like a bunch of BS to me. Not everyone has an AD right in their town.

[zjd168]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

im sure it is depending on where you live. Montana has 2 AD's. The east coast has hundreds. Its probably more a case of service area and not milage.

True. But I still think ADs mostly just use this B$ as an excuse to say I don't want to sell it to you. Try to buy a DJ or PM and see where this "local area policy" goes:-)

[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

clearly too much info doesnt help. So yes, be vague. Talking too much and you might just talk yourself off the list.

+1

[hambone1983]

when I lived in the NYC area 1.5 hours was my daily commute. You don't get very far in that amount of time in New York

[mementomori1983]

A refundable deposit is not very compelling for ADs in this current environment, given that they can sell SS sport models as soon as they can get their hands on it.

[Bavariandoc]

Originally Posted by mementomori1983

A refundable deposit is not very compelling for ADs in this current environment, given that they can sell SS sport models as soon as they can get their hands on it.

You are absolutely right. SS sport model is leverage for ADs to get you to buy something else or retain you as loyal customer for years coming. They aren't interested much in 1 time sale for hard to find watch

[Dyim]

I would drive there and try to leave a deposit.