Payment at front

[Moondoggy]

No it is not normal it is called desperation.

[RolexSimon]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

I have paid large deposits or full price upfront at corporate boutiques (Omega, AP), but would think hard and long doing this at an AD.

Especially in Paraguay!!

[joli160]

Any AD can go broke in 2 or 3 years.
In my country that means that you lost your money should that happn.
Banks and tax have preference over other creditors.

[Harry-57]

Having bought and traded things at my AD for 30 years, I would be open to the possibility of paying up front. We have just left a large deposit with them for an item (not a watch). I have also paid deposits for Rolex watches, although not my last two from them.

If I walked into an unknown AD and was presented with such a proposition I would walk straight out again. Correction: I doubt I would walk into a strange AD for the first time and ask for a SS Daytona. Unrealistic.

[alphadweller]

I would never do it, too risky. If the AD goes bust, chances are your friend loses his money.

[Crazycollector]

Big NO! Only time paid up front was to secure watch that was already in store and due to Covid pandemic shop closed but had to click and collect at entrance. Did this on three occasions over pandemic when shops closed with a well known dealer.

[travisb]

I've never made a deposit for a watch I wanted.
Even when I have offered, I was told it's not necessary.

[novae500]

The manager at one of the local ADs tried that on me and several others asking for $5,000 deposit for BLRO 2/2019. Luckily I didn’t send the money and went on here and inquired about it. Find out from several local members that the store was going out of business and Rolex pulled out with the store as well. Without this forum I would have been out $5k.


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[johnwigan]

Paying up front is not a deposit and is risky. Tells me the AD is short of cash and not sure if he is still going to be around in the future. A deposit is say, 20% from a new customer, to weed out timewasters. But even for that I would want a definite, reasonably short timescale. Say three months to deliver, not years. And I need to be certain I can get my money back with no penalty.

[BroncoOne]

Originally Posted by padi56

Speaking for myself would not pay upfront for anything, especially the most over hyped watch in Rolex history the modern Daytona. And if anyone pays for anything before holding it, or having any product in there hands. Then they either have more money than sense or be sixpence short of a shilling IMHO.

Try buying a refrigerator today. Or a car. It’s the only way to get one, unfortunately. But not normal for a Rolex in my experience.

[BroncoOne]

Originally Posted by johnwigan

Paying up front is not a deposit and is risky. Tells me the AD is short of cash and not sure if he is still going to be around in the future. A deposit is say, 20% from a new customer, to weed out timewasters. But even for that I would want a definite, reasonably short timescale. Say three months to deliver, not years. And I need to be certain I can get my money back with no penalty.

It’s the way to get the pikers who come in looking for a Daytona by the dozens and who won’t ever buy anything else to get lost and not come back.it’s got nothing to do with the AD’s cash position.

But no, it’s not normal, at least for actual customers

[77T]

If asked, as the OP’s friend was, then a counteroffer would be opening an account at the AD with $100K. Then place the order(s).

The buyer can be deemed bona fide and the seller has no use of the money.

Just an idea.


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