I am SOOOO tired of the whining about AD's who dont discount....

[Welshwatchman]

I agree with the OP, sort of.

You should not whine about a dealer refusing to offer a discount. You should just smile and walk out of the door if they can't or won't supply you the goods at the price you require.

Pick up the phone and get the watch from another source, save yourself the $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the watch and be aware that you forgo the usual dealer benefits, instead replacing them with the reputation of the non AD seller.

No need to whine about price. The watches are readily available and a little time and effort will pay dividends.

If the AD gives you bad service or affronts your intelligence with waffle, ignorance and/or arrogant attitudes then whine and rant away.

The OP can't stop you, it's not his forums.

To paraphrase another member "If you can't afford to pay the extra 20% you should not be buying a Rolex ....... from an AD".

Buy it elsewhere for the price that's right for you.

Finally, don't listen to those whining about you whining.

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

YOU are a perfect example of the point I was trying to make with my initial post. Why keep telling us about you NOT buying your first Rolex becuse y ou cant get the discount you want? Please DO get back to us when you do become a Rolex owner, or the Omega forum if you buy an Omega (CostCo??).

I find your post unnecessarily rude and condescending. It seems that now you're just looking to argue, and not so subtly put down someone else. Everyone's opinion is welcome here, regardless of the poster's watch of choice.
If you don't like rant posts, don't read them. The title usually gives it away. If you don't like a poster who you find annoying, block them. Simple.

[Puffy]

Rolex will eventually be selling via rolex.com

[HL65]

Anyone who doesn't want to pay full MSRP is a whiner who can't afford a Rolex in the first place!! Why would one want to save thousands by buying right here on TRF for example when you can pay an extra 20% plus to get the experience of buying from an experienced Rolex salesperson! Has everyone gone mad! Whiners!!! Just kidding---Happy Thanksgiving all!! This post is soooooo overdone--I think I want to whine about it a little! Perhaps we can follow it up with a M3186 GMT vs. 3185 discussion or better yet what an AD pays for a watch???? Nahhhhhhhhhhh Enjoy your Turkey Day instead!!!

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by Tachymeter

Best head down to Newport beach shortly to wash your little brown nose.

The second wonderfuly constructive comment in this thread from this member...thanks again

[EE33]

I HAD to buy my 1st Rolex and my brother's from an AD and yes I got a discount and at price I was happy with, done deal.

My next purchase will however be definately from one of the trusted sellers here at TRF.

[buz-lh]

I read every post on this thread and then had to go back and read the original because I became confused as to whether this was about AD's, the OP, semantics, or the lack of discouts given by AD's. After rereading the original post, I understand the OP is saying quit whining about not getting the discount you wanted from an AD. There are many sources for buying a watch and I've used quite a few of them. However, I truly enjoy the AD experience. I've not always bought from an AD because of various factors but I will pay a few dollars more for the ability to have someone in my corner if something goes wrong. An AD does have the right to price his products as he sees fit within the parameters set by the product's manufacturer. That said, just because his pricing doesn't fit your desires there is no need to rant and rave on a forum about it. I have come to the conclusion that I agree with the OP's original post and what I think was his intent. NO WHINING!

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by yemenmocha

Forgot to add that YOU PEOPLE who ask for discounts and complain about discounts... guess what, those AD employees don't exactly like you very much if you know what I mean. So don't just be upset at their refusal to give you a reasonable market price, also note that they probably don't like you, just as much as a waiter may not like you for presenting a buy one get one free coupon when you order.

Really??!! I waited tables while in college, and I could have cared less about who presented a coupon. It was not about coupons, or discounts...............it was about good service from me to hopefully get a decent tip.

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

BTW, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

+1

Thanks for everyone who offered constructive thoughts to this thread.

Originally Posted by WTB007

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone has a great extended weekend.

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Anyone who doesn't want to pay full MSRP is a whiner who can't afford a Rolex in the first place!! Why would one want to save thousands by buying right here on TRF for example when you can pay an extra 20% plus to get the experience of buying from an experienced Rolex salesperson! Has everyone gone mad! Whiners!!! Just kidding---Happy Thanksgiving all!! This post is soooooo overdone--I think I want to whine about it a little! Perhaps we can follow it up with a M3186 GMT vs. 3185 discussion or better yet what an AD pays for a watch???? Nahhhhhhhhhhh Enjoy your Turkey Day instead!!!

Same here to everyone...spirited thread...enjoyed it all.

[ingoodtime]

Guess I am caught somewhere in the middle here. Yes, an AD is in business to make a profit but how much profit is necessary will vary with every store or corporate policy.

I have a relative that is very comfortable financially. He does not pay full msrp on anything that I know of. He is a negotiator but will also compromise when necessary. He may buy and or trade in several Rolexes a year. Is his cost break because of being a reliable repeat customer or becayse he knows how to negotiate?

I don't think there is anything wrong with looking for a discount and don't believe you should not buy it if you can not afford to pay full price. That type of attitude would probably come from a pompous self righteouses elitest. (Not saying anyone here said that) These are just my thoughts. I would always look for a deal that I considered to be fair to be both parties. When I bought my GMTIIC after many visits, I called the salesperson and stated what I was willing to pay and I would be there within x amount of time to complete the transaction. They called me back within an hour to say yes, the boss agreed. That negotiation made a sale that otherwise probably would not have happened at least, not then. So, both parties were winners. I'll go back there when I can afford to buy another watch...when and if i can. These large price increases every year or so may eventually price me out of the Rolex market and dissuede me from buying any more. My salary does not go up 8 percent annually so something has to give.

Thank god for the elitests that can pay full price to keep the AD in business as my purchases will fall off!

[smallcandle]

I do find it mildly amusing and ironic that the OP has now started another thread on behalf of a new forum member looking for an AD in Chicago that willingly gives discounts. I understand the 'distinction', but I find it ironic nonetheless...

[HL65]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

Same here to everyone...spirited thread...enjoyed it all.

Happy Thanksgiving Coop!!!

[EE33]

Originally Posted by buz-lh

That said, just because his pricing doesn't fit your desires there is no need to rant and rave on a forum about it. I have come to the conclusion that I agree with the OP's original post and what I think was his intent. NO WHINING!

Hi Buz, just wondering...if you lived here in Perth with 2 Ad's and a piece you wanted was listed at $33k(10% discount max) and at the same time you could obtain the same piece for $20k from a trusted seller here at TRF (Shipped & insured), what would you do?

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

I agree with the OP, sort of.

You should not whine about a dealer refusing to offer a discount. You should just smile and walk out of the door if they can't or won't supply you the goods at the price you require.

Pick up the phone and get the watch from another source, save yourself the $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the watch and be aware that you forgo the usual dealer benefits, instead replacing them with the reputation of the non AD seller.

No need to whine about price. The watches are readily available and a little time and effort will pay dividends.

If the AD gives you bad service or affronts your intelligence with waffle, ignorance and/or arrogant attitudes then whine and rant away.

The OP can't stop you, it's not his forums.

To paraphrase another member "If you can't afford to pay the extra 20% you should not be buying a Rolex ....... from an AD".

Buy it elsewhere for the price that's right for you.

Finally, don't listen to those whining about you whining.

Best and easiest to read response to this interesting thread.

[rsg]

Whining about whiners........classic.

[train-time]

.

[rfknauss]

I have found that if I get my checkbook out in front of the AD and say "OK, give me your best price on this Rolex, and if I like the price, I will write the check right now", they usually give me a nice discount.

[rpryan55]

Discounted pricing may not "in the long run" be in our best interest. What if, due to discounting, one day, there were no Rolex Brick and Mortar ADs, no Car Dealerships, no Clothing Stores, no Malls.........no place to look at the watches (and other stuff we buy), no one knowledgeable around to help you with your purchase, no one to help you with your "after purchase" issues, no "stuff" to look at, try on, before you buy, and so forth. Do you really want to go there.....where price and price alone dictates everything.

Well, not me. When I pay for anything, I factor in the entire experience, before, during and after the purchase, to arrive at what I feel the "value" of that transaction was. I shop at Nordstrom, Costco, Pelican Products, to name a few, I do so primarily, for the service. I GLADLY pay more than I could elsewhere, on occasion, because (in my personal experience) not only do I get "more" but these retailers minimize any risk inherent in my purchases, due to their excellent customer service, and to tell you the truth, I like to be able to see, touch, and experience in person, what I am thinking about buying, and I like to have knowledgeable staff available to personally help me decide on what might be the best fit, if I am unsure.


Well, I don't shop at Costco (because I refuse to pay their "membership" fee and because they rarely have anything I'd buy), but at Nordstrom I will only buy if the manager discounts the item. Same with Neiman Marcus. I've been quite successful at negotiating in those stores - why more people don't is beyond me.


Again, one day, if everyone bought the same way, there would be few brick and mortar establishments left, and those left would have little to no knowledgeable staff, as due to selling with so little margin, they could only afford staff to simply take your payment. No pre sales help, probably no ability to even drive a vehicle before buying (that would not be available with such short margins), or the ability to try on a watch (maintaining an inventory costs money, not cost effective with short margins), and certainly no after sales service either. Not the world I wish to be in, for sure.

Your assumption here is just wrong. I have gotten discounts from b & m retailers as deep as 33% on Rolex. I even got 20% off of my BNIB SS Daytona from a brick and mortar. And all of the retailers I've dealt with are still in business - so they have found a way to offer discounts that equal or better gray market or internet and survive. And I have never, ever, ever paid MSRP for any car I drive (who in God's name would?) and have gotten deep discounts on the one's I bought. The Porsche, Mercedes and BMW dealers I purchase from are still up and running, thank you.

The bottom line is this: I EXPECT a discount. Everywhere, on everything. And a bigger one in these economic times. And those retailers that look at me with a hopeful stare but offer me no discount are wasting my time. Period. And not because I can get it cheaper on the internet, but because I can get it cheaper from the next, smarter brick and mortar retailer.

Reasonable minds can differ, I suppose, but again, I cannot understand the mentality that takes pride in paying more than you have to for things.......

[Imran]

Internet based sellers, including the excellent trf sellers, are all getting their rolex stock from some b&m storefront ad somewhere. Even after adding their margin they can consistently sell at prices that are lower than the best prices most can get at their Rolex ad. Wonder if the ad make a small profit still when selling to the Internet dealers or if the motivation is to keep moving inventory. Probably every Rolex sold on the net or through grey dealers has still made some money for an ad downstream.

[cid]

Not necessarily on point, but I've been to some ADs who refuse to even pull a Rolex out of the display case to show me. Made up some nonsense excuse that the manager recently changed their "customer handling" policy. Once they saw my sub LV slide out from under my sleeve, they were more than happy to let me handle the watch. Odd?

I digress.

This has been an interesting thread.

[mike]

Originally Posted by renfield33

do people really handle rolexes with gloves at ADs? I don't think i've seen that before. kind of makes me laugh.

Some do. It's called a Swiss presentation. Kinda classy actually.

[oo7]

"Rolex will eventually be selling via rolex.com"

When pigs fly (on their own).

Rolex is a manufacturer first. Let the AD's deal with the headaches. They have the perfect business going... Why mess with it?

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by cid

I'm not against taxes because I agree with you that they're necessary to fund numerous public programs and departments. However, I have to respectfully disagree that buying out of state and shipping is cheating or fraudulent. Let's face it, legislatures have known this goes on all the time for a long, long time. If they considered it cheating they'd simply pass a law that addressed the issue.

How many of us have made internet purchases and not paid tax on the items? I surmise that nearly every one of the members of this forum who reside in the states have made a purchase on Amazon, Ebay, or some other internet retail giant and not paid tax on the purchase. How is this any different from purchasing out of state? Again, if federal and state governments felt this was cheating, they would have put a stop to it long ago.

I have never purchased over the internet, never. I had no problem when I was audited. It was very clever how the state caught my buddy, he had no defense. States are going to start catching more and more sales tax cheats, I have found that it's going to be very easy for them and very lucrative. Also very expensive with fines and interest for those caught.

[WTB007]

Originally Posted by 2005rivers

I have skimmed most the posts, I will say I do sometimes tire of hearing AD's Bad mouthed for their prices. AD's DO have their place in the watch market.

Not offering a discount or only small discounts is a business strategy. This is done so that their target market will buy/continue to buy their product because it helps maintain the company's image. This also helps maintain aftermarket value.

On the flip side, they could just do what some companies do and price a sub at $14k and offer 50% discounts all the time - how does that make you feel?

In my watch collecting I plan to buy both used and some new from AD, but we will see how the years treats me.

I understand. I appreciate a company that looks out for its customers.

What turns me off is Rolex raised prices a month ago. 2 months ago the watch would have cost $1000 less. I don't want to be the guy who pays more than everyone because I purchased at the wrong time or because I purchased from the wrong AD.

I know there are motivated AD out there, sales managers who want to keep moving inventory and selling and making money. I am looking for the AD that wants to sell, sell, sell, and keep moving forward. This may be the first watch of many I buy, or it may be a one time sale. It all depends on how the watch makes me feel and how the buying experience makes me feel. I am a loyal customer, when I find a store I like with sales people I like, that becomes my store. Price becomes less important later.

Right now, I am looking for the same discounts that other people have received. I will report back how it goes.

[Earl]

MSRP we all know what that is..... just how many things do we pay actual MSRP on anyway? Granted Rolex is a luxury / tool watch but, a much higher end then say JLC or such. We are in a recession and the last thing I'm going to do is pay MSRP on anything hence go gray ! just my 2 cents :-)

[WTB007]

Originally Posted by cid

Not necessarily on point, but I've been to some ADs who refuse to even pull a Rolex out of the display case to show me. Made up some nonsense excuse that the manager recently changed their "customer handling" policy. Once they saw my sub LV slide out from under my sleeve, they were more than happy to let me handle the watch. Odd?

I digress.

This has been an interesting thread.

I have only visited one Roled AD, and my experience was the sales person wanted me to try everything on. She was very happy to do it. She was trying to get me to form an emotional attachment to the watch and make it harder for me to say no. It was working. If she would have offered a dicount, my first post here might have been look at my new Rolex.

[Casey VP-26]

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone...... C'mon folks we all know when you pay without a discount , you are getting a better watch, they only give discounts on seconds.

[esm]

had a quick read through the pages.... and who doesnt want a Rolex and receives abit of discount? i would if i can everytime.

BUT - i have been buying all my watches from an AD and i enjoy the "personalised experience" from them. i only buy through a couple of ADs that i know/frequent, unless im travelling overseas and i find a watch i like and at a decent price.

i have thought about the online sellers, but i still can not bring myself to do that yet.

i still enjoy the fact that i can call or drop by to "fix" anything issues watch related.

my experience & 2 pence

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by Casey VP-26

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone...... C'mon folks we all know when you pay without a discount , you are getting a better watch, they only give discounts on seconds.

And the ones at full MSRP are more accurate...

[Mr. K]

I prefer to buy from an AD, but have also bought a few that were used.

If it is a keeper, I like to be the first and only owner. Bought new from an AD. More expensive than an internet price? Sure. but worth it to me.

As for a discount at an AD, sure who would not want one? But if this is a watch that I will keep for many years (I hope 30-40 years) then I will not walk if I do not get an "internet" type discount.