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Old 17 May 2020, 03:53 PM   #1
newenglandpatriot
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Can an Ad discount off the MSRP?

I have read somewhere that an Ad makes about 40% on a Rolex. I dont know if that is true or not. But are the allowed to discount/negotiate the price? I have heard again, I dont know if its true or not that they have to send a copy of the sales receipt to Rolex and sometimes the will charge you MSRP and refund you the difference of the discount via check or credit card. New here and just trying to learn the inner workings of Rolex. Thanks for your help and reading this. Stay safe.
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Old 17 May 2020, 04:07 PM   #2
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Yes definitely but not the hot models

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Old 17 May 2020, 04:08 PM   #3
ragsk
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Yes they can discount.
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Old 17 May 2020, 04:09 PM   #4
SudiYunus
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Hot items, nah. I was offered 7% off on DJ, in late Feb
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Old 17 May 2020, 04:15 PM   #5
Benzsiam
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Yes, ADs can give you a discount on the models that are not popular. The receipt should be exactly whatever they sell to you. Before you go to buy from ADs, you can search on the internet for the asking price from greys. If the asking price is higher than msrp, that models must be popular and hard to get from ADs, but if the asking price is lower than msrp, those models aren't in demand.

You can ask for some discount on the models that aren't popular, if you cannot get it, just go grey for a better price.
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Old 17 May 2020, 04:28 PM   #6
danwang0520
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Yes but the rate differs from model to model, and country to country
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Old 17 May 2020, 04:29 PM   #7
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10-15% off on a 228238 should be reasonable.
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Old 17 May 2020, 04:38 PM   #8
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The ADs can give you a discount on any model. They already have this built into their profit margin if they ever need to use it. Now, will they give you a discount is the real question. Before the pandemic, it was pretty hard to get a discount on any SS model.

I have no idea what it's going to be like once places start to open again. My guess is they won't need to offer any discounts because people will be super happy to be able to buy even at MSRP again if offered. Of course all of that's with the caveat that there are even buyers that want watches at this point.
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Old 17 May 2020, 04:45 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by newenglandpatriot View Post
I have read somewhere that an Ad makes about 40% on a Rolex. I dont know if that is true or not. But are the allowed to discount/negotiate the price? I have heard again, I dont know if its true or not that they have to send a copy of the sales receipt to Rolex and sometimes the will charge you MSRP and refund you the difference of the discount via check or credit card. New here and just trying to learn the inner workings of Rolex. Thanks for your help and reading this. Stay safe.
What watch are you after, if it’s a gold datejust or a diamond encrusted model, there’s a chance. If it’s a steel datejust, extremely unlikely. If it’s a steel sports model, don’t even ask in my opinion
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Old 17 May 2020, 04:54 PM   #10
newenglandpatriot
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Just a general question. Trying to get insight of Rolex operations. Knowlege is key in life.
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Old 17 May 2020, 05:45 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by newenglandpatriot View Post
Just a general question. Trying to get insight of Rolex operations. Knowlege is key in life.

You have a higher chance of obtaining information from a CIA operative involved in highly classified espionage operations than getting “insight” into Rolex.

Understanding AD dynamics is one thing but Rolex inner workings ? Never.


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Old 17 May 2020, 05:48 PM   #12
Ihatecheese
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Typically shops use discounting as a tool to help purchasers consider the less popular items. Works same way at Rolex presumably..!
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Old 17 May 2020, 05:50 PM   #13
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You have a higher chance of obtaining information from a CIA operative involved in highly classified espionage operations than getting “insight” into Rolex.

Understanding AD dynamics is one thing but Rolex inner workings ? Never.


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lol what
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Old 17 May 2020, 06:04 PM   #14
cdmorenot
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lol what

The OP wants insight as to how Rolex operates.

Please do enlighten him/her.


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Old 17 May 2020, 07:31 PM   #15
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Yes they can. No they won't.
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Old 17 May 2020, 07:38 PM   #16
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Everything in life is negotiable.

Make sure you have plenty on leverage. And bring lots of cash to the AD.
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Old 17 May 2020, 07:41 PM   #17
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Doesn't hurt to ask politely
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Old 17 May 2020, 07:50 PM   #18
Harry-57
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They can discount and they do. You're unlikely to get a discount on any hot model from any manufacturer, because they don't need to discount it. It never hurts to ask.
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Old 17 May 2020, 08:44 PM   #19
watchmaker
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Quote:
Originally Posted by newenglandpatriot View Post
I have read somewhere that an Ad makes about 40% on a Rolex. I dont know if that is true or not. But are the allowed to discount/negotiate the price? I have heard again, I dont know if its true or not that they have to send a copy of the sales receipt to Rolex and sometimes the will charge you MSRP and refund you the difference of the discount via check or credit card. New here and just trying to learn the inner workings of Rolex. Thanks for your help and reading this. Stay safe.
Sure they can discount. Just like they can charge above mrsp if they want as well. Both scenarios are going to upset Rolex SA though.

Also, the AD making around 40% on a Rolex has to pay rent, electricity, maintenance, staff’s wages, taxes and everything else out of that ‘profit’. So it’s not as simple as them having 40% on every sale they can negotiate with.
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Old 17 May 2020, 09:20 PM   #20
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Ask.
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Old 17 May 2020, 09:27 PM   #21
Marcjvr
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The answer is in the S

Manufacturer SUGGESTED Retail Price
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Old 17 May 2020, 10:03 PM   #22
1William
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If you want to know the cost of a Rolex watch to an AD, it is 62% of msrp. No more or less. Within that margin they could let you purchase the watch. Will they, highly doubtful unless you are an established customer who has spend a significant amount of money with them. Price is always a consideration but finding the right model that works for you is the most important piece of the picture. Once you decide then it begins the quest to get the best deal available. The best deal may be thousands over retail as you will not be able to buy from an AD and you have to go Grey Market. So be it or not. Good luck.
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Old 17 May 2020, 10:20 PM   #23
SpeakWithMichael
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I was given 350€ discount on a SS Sub Date in May of 2019. It can happen. But it was quite the exception.
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Old 17 May 2020, 10:36 PM   #24
GreatScott
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That is what the "S" stands for after all.

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Old 17 May 2020, 10:42 PM   #25
enjoythemusic
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Yes they can.

Another 'workaround' is to be friends with a few European dealers so when you visit Europe they have it waiting for you. VAT back is ~15% 'discount', plus whatever advantages there are to currency exchange rates. Years ago enjoyed currency arbitrage and AD discounts so was getting timepieces in Europe with discount of ~35% off US MSRP in total :)

Of course supporting your local AD(s) is wonderful too, provided they offer excellent service and timepiece availability that merits you paying MSRP (plus State tax if applicable). This should be the norm, in my case imho, considering every Rolex purchased from said local AD cost ~107% MSRP.

Considering my consumption level, have recently been expanding the choice of 'local' ADs to support them. Many ADs carry only a handful of brands, so need to support other ADs that carry brands the other ones don't. IMHO your best bet may be to expand your choice of ADs and see who supports your desires the best, offers excellent customer service, and availability.
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Old 17 May 2020, 10:44 PM   #26
173rdabn
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Yes, but why would they?
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Old 17 May 2020, 10:52 PM   #27
Jpccarguy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cdmorenot View Post
You have a higher chance of obtaining information from a CIA operative involved in highly classified espionage operations than getting “insight” into Rolex.

Understanding AD dynamics is one thing but Rolex inner workings ? Never.
So true!

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Old 17 May 2020, 11:25 PM   #28
sangamo
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Yes but not on newer models. Also helps if you build a rapport with them or frequently buy watches from them!
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Old 18 May 2020, 12:01 AM   #29
Abmatt2002
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As far as I know in the U.K. they are not allowed to discount. (Or just won’t ��)
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Old 18 May 2020, 12:52 AM   #30
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It’s definitely possible and doesn’t hurt to ask
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