So A Man Walks Into an AD, . . .

[onkyo]

Originally Posted by STEELINOX

didn'tya "BCC" yerself to make sure the thing went out.
I oughtsta bang your head into your monitor like Moe from the "Stooges"

I never do that ... even on important emails. I always just assume it went through if I see the confirmation screen.

Maybe a good idea though.

[mdtddd2007]

I think if you are seriously you have to present yourself to the store. He'll never email you over the net. His Rolex AD is at stake. Beside he has a SS Daytona and I don't think he give up a big discount. Others would want and he can get a little better and quicker sale. But the other 2 would not....good luck...let us know.

[WJGESQ]

Unless there was a huge discount for buying three at time, one would be my limit. Buy one. Enjoy it. When sufficient time passes, then move on.

[nylawbiz]

Originally Posted by WJGESQ

Unless there was a huge discount for buying three at time, one would be my limit. Buy one. Enjoy it. When sufficient time passes, then move on.

WJE what would you consider a "Huge Discount"?

[alant]

I'm following this thread with great interest... It's like a soap. What will happen next?! We are all on a cliffhanger here!

[nylawbiz]

Well, I spoke to the AD yesterday on the telephone: he called me to ask if I was still interested in the Daytona. I told him yes, and that I had e-mailed him (see above). He said he never received my e-mail. I told him well, I am playing with the idea of buying all three watches that he showed me. He sounded surprised, and said oh yeah?? I said, well, if he makes an offer I can't refuse . . .

I asked him to e-mail me, so I can reply with my e-mail, just in case I wasn't getting his e-mail address right (I'm pretty sure I did). He said he would e-mail, and then reply to my e-mail when he gets my reply e-mail.

A couple of hours pass, and no e-mail from the AD. In the interim, I decided to resend the prior e-mail. Still no e-mail from him, or a receipt that he received my e-mail. So I call him back, and asked if he got the e-mail yet. He said, and that he was going to e-mail me so I can reply, but he hadn't yet (this is like 4 hours later). I said, ok, and left it at that. (What's the big deal about sending an e-mail to me?)

Still no e-mail from him. I can't figure out what is going on. Is he playing some sort of game? I don't think so, I'd be surprised. He comes across as a class act (and also very knowledgeable about Rolexes, he mentioned that in past years he goes to Basel - I guess not this year though). Anyway, still nothing from him.

I don't want to keep calling him and give the appearance of someone hard up for the watches (which honestly, I am not). So here it stands. It's 8:15 AM in New York and I will see if he decides to contact me today. It's all a bit strange. What can I say?

[alant]

Maybe Rolex don't allow email offers or contacts.... I wouldn't be surprised.

[londonbagpuss]

Thats true, maybe he is unwilling to commit to anything in writing, this like a drama - in a good way, let us know the outcome.

[dramsey]

I can understand a dealer not wanting to quote discounted prices via e-mail, but he did say he would. If he didn't want to, he should have simply told you.

I suspect you won't get anywhere until you show up in person. Granted, the service/communications stuff has not been impressive so far, but you may get a pretty good deal if you persevere.

[greekbum]

Originally Posted by nylawbiz

Well, I spoke to the AD yesterday on the telephone: he called me to ask if I was still interested in the Daytona. I told him yes, and that I had e-mailed him (see above). He said he never received my e-mail. I told him well, I am playing with the idea of buying all three watches that he showed me. He sounded surprised, and said oh yeah?? I said, well, if he makes an offer I can't refuse . . .

I asked him to e-mail me, so I can reply with my e-mail, just in case I wasn't getting his e-mail address right (I'm pretty sure I did). He said he would e-mail, and then reply to my e-mail when he gets my reply e-mail.

A couple of hours pass, and no e-mail from the AD. In the interim, I decided to resend the prior e-mail. Still no e-mail from him, or a receipt that he received my e-mail. So I call him back, and asked if he got the e-mail yet. He said, and that he was going to e-mail me so I can reply, but he hadn't yet (this is like 4 hours later). I said, ok, and left it at that. (What's the big deal about sending an e-mail to me?)

Still no e-mail from him. I can't figure out what is going on. Is he playing some sort of game? I don't think so, I'd be surprised. He comes across as a class act (and also very knowledgeable about Rolexes, he mentioned that in past years he goes to Basel - I guess not this year though). Anyway, still nothing from him.

I don't want to keep calling him and give the appearance of someone hard up for the watches (which honestly, I am not). So here it stands. It's 8:15 AM in New York and I will see if he decides to contact me today. It's all a bit strange. What can I say?

Hes not playing games hes there to sell watches.You havn't expressed a serious interest to do business yet. As a seller the email offers and the hints etc tells me the buyer is a tire kicker,NOT serious or wants me to hold his hand through the process. I would never give him the best price through an email.These are the people you make as much as you can from.IMHO Walk in there with cash and make your offer or let it rest and when your ready go in there and get 5% and be happy.Dont mean to sound harsh but big discounts in anything are for people who have what it takes to get them.The rest pay up.Thats the bottom line.
P.S.The best price comes when both parties want to and can make a decision now (ie money and watches on the table)Its a skill called negotiating you either have it or you dont?

[Emilee]

Hum - three watches!! That is nuts!! What does your wife think about all of this???

This may not be applicable on this site, but sometimes if you have too much of a good thing you don't value it as much. . . but then again, i don't think that is the case with you or anyone here :P

My recommendation: you should get another one for your very attractive niece instead ;)

Good luck with your negotiation, make sure to get a good deal, in this economy you should have a lot of leverage!

[vh_bu98]

Why are you insisting on an e-mail? Most ADs won't even discuss pricing over the phone. I understand that it's convenient, but that's not how you get a deal.

If you are really serious, just goto the AD and talk to him in person. If you don't like the offer, just walk away.

[nylawbiz]

Originally Posted by greekbum

Hes not playing games hes there to sell watches.You havn't expressed a serious interest to do business yet. As a seller the email offers and the hints etc tells me the buyer is a tire kicker,NOT serious or wants me to hold his hand through the process. I would never give him the best price through an email.These are the people you make as much as you can from.IMHO Walk in there with cash and make your offer or let it rest and when your ready go in there and get 5% and be happy.Dont mean to sound harsh but big discounts in anything are for people who have what it takes to get them.The rest pay up.Thats the bottom line.
P.S.The best price comes when both parties want to and can make a decision now (ie money and watches on the table)Its a skill called negotiating you either have it or you dont?

I have bought three watches from hm in the past 12 months. He knows I'm no a tire kicker.

[nylawbiz]

Well, I have heard back. this is what he wrote:

Hi Brian, I'm sorry I did not get back to you yesterday. I am not in the store today but I will be back in tomorrow, I will sit down and figure out what type of deal I can assemble for you. Have a good day. Regards, xxx

So there! LOL

We'll see what he comes back with.

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by nylawbiz

Well, I have heard back. this is what he wrote:

Hi Brian, I'm sorry I did not get back to you yesterday. I am not in the store today but I will be back in tomorrow, I will sit down and figure out what type of deal I can assemble for you. Have a good day. Regards, xxx

So there! LOL

We'll see what he comes back with.

Now this IS intriguing !
An AD, that is in fact running the very numbers, the ones we have been speculating on, with an answer forthcoming...
Any takers as to what the deal is and maybe we should have a prize for whoever gets the discount right; say a "link" or "springbar" ???

[Esquire]

Originally Posted by nylawbiz

Well, I spoke to the AD yesterday on the telephone: he called me to ask if I was still interested in the Daytona. I told him yes, and that I had e-mailed him (see above). He said he never received my e-mail. I told him well, I am playing with the idea of buying all three watches that he showed me. He sounded surprised, and said oh yeah?? I said, well, if he makes an offer I can't refuse . . .

I asked him to e-mail me, so I can reply with my e-mail, just in case I wasn't getting his e-mail address right (I'm pretty sure I did). He said he would e-mail, and then reply to my e-mail when he gets my reply e-mail.

A couple of hours pass, and no e-mail from the AD. In the interim, I decided to resend the prior e-mail. Still no e-mail from him, or a receipt that he received my e-mail. So I call him back, and asked if he got the e-mail yet. He said, and that he was going to e-mail me so I can reply, but he hadn't yet (this is like 4 hours later). I said, ok, and left it at that. (What's the big deal about sending an e-mail to me?)

Still no e-mail from him. I can't figure out what is going on. Is he playing some sort of game? I don't think so, I'd be surprised. He comes across as a class act (and also very knowledgeable about Rolexes, he mentioned that in past years he goes to Basel - I guess not this year though). Anyway, still nothing from him.

I don't want to keep calling him and give the appearance of someone hard up for the watches (which honestly, I am not). So here it stands. It's 8:15 AM in New York and I will see if he decides to contact me today. It's all a bit strange. What can I say?

Sorry man, but you are negotiating very poorly and he has the upper hand.

I would be shocked if he came back with an offer of 10% off for all of them. You're too eager in your behavior with him, so he is going to low-ball you.

I would tell him that he has given you good discounts in the past (20% off on the GMT-IIc) and you expect at least those discounts for this package deal. The DSSD is a very touchy piece--people either love it or hate it. It sells for a substantial discount in the for sale threads (nearly 30% off), and you're paying tax on top of it. I would not accept anything short of 25% off the DSSD. As for the Milgauss, it's the same deal. Sure, the green crystal is slightly more desirable, but taking a good hit. 25% off again.

As for the Daytona, that is a tough one to call. ADs have them sitting in windows, so slight discounts for continuing customers should be a given. Being that this is a package deal, and he is somewhat motivated to sell (Rolexes look pretty in the window, but aren't making him money for the time being), I would expect at least 15% off the Daytona due to this package deal.

I would say 20-25% off overall is a good position for you. I don't understand why you are against shipping out of state to avoid 8.25% in sales tax. Sure, you are technically obligated to cover it later under use tax, but that's only if you "use" the product within 6 months of sale.

So, if you aren't going to ship out of state to avoid the taxes, I say 25% is your hard number. Anything substantially less, I would walk. 20% would still be hard to take, considering you are removing risk for this guy in the sale of the DSSD and Milgauss.

BTW, what kind of attorney are you? Transactional?

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by Esquire

Sorry man, but you are negotiating very poorly and he has the upper hand.


BTW, what kind of attorney are you? Transactional?

Maybe ya better just "take 'it' outside" mister !

[londonbagpuss]

If its a bet on the percentage he will obtain, I think 20% on all 3 as a bulk deal. Or 25% on dssd, 15% on Mil and 10% on Daytona.

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by londonbagpuss

If its a bet on the percentage he will obtain, I think 20% on all 3 as a bulk deal. Or 25% on dssd, 15% on Mil and 10% on Daytona.

he getsa blanket 25 percent on the lot - any takers for a SUB "springbar" ???

[greekbum]

Originally Posted by STEELINOX

he getsa blanket 25 percent on the lot - any takers for a SUB "springbar" ???

I say 5%-7% with the email thing.

[nylawbiz]

Well, we all have our own style of negotiating I guess.

As for the Sales/Use Tax issue, I just don't want to be caught up in an audit situaiton with NYS Sales Tax. They can be brutal when they want to be. It wouldn't surprise me that jewelers that report a lot of exempt sales are scrutinized. And since this would be a larger transaction, it is more likely to be looked at closely.

I've been an attorney for 25 years, and I do a lot of negotiating on behalf of my clients (I do litigation and transactional stuff). My style is initially start off low key. If I come on like I am going to negotiate hard from the get go, the AD may get his hackles up, and maybe even get turned off to the point where he (even subconsciously) scuttles the deal, because he got pissed at me. If on the other hand, he thinks he has a hook firmly set in this fish, he may buy into making the deal earlier on, and less likely to allow it to go south when we get into the nitty gritty.

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong letting the AD know I am seriously interested. He already knows that I do buy Rolexes. Besides the three I purchased from him, he has serviced two other Rolexes which I bought from another AD.

When it comes down to it, it will be a questions of how low he is willing to go, and how high I am willing to go. Since, if I can't make this deal, it's no loss to me, but a lost opportunity for him to move three watches, I have the upper hand. Like it has been suggested before, when it comes down to it, if we are close on price, fanning out the cash on his counter is the best negotiating ploy. Again, I have no problem walking if the deal isn't good enough.

I appreciate your input, and caring to post. All my best, Brian

[Esquire]

Originally Posted by nylawbiz

Well, we all have our own style of negotiating I guess.

As for the Sales/Use Tax issue, I just don't want to be caught up in an audit situaiton with NYS Sales Tax. They can be brutal when they want to be. It wouldn't surprise me that jewelers that report a lot of exempt sales are scrutinized. And since this would be a larger transaction, it is more likely to be looked at closely.

I've been an attorney for 25 years, and I do a lot of negotiating on behalf of my clients (I do litigation and transactional stuff). My style is initially start off low key. If I come on like I am going to negotiate hard from the get go, the AD may get his hackles up, and maybe even get turned off to the point where he (even subconsciously) scuttles the deal, because he got pissed at me. If on the other hand, he thinks he has a hook firmly set in this fish, he may buy into making the deal earlier on, and less likely to allow it to go south when we get into the nitty gritty.

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong letting the AD know I am seriously interested. He already knows that I do buy Rolexes. Besides the three I purchased from him, he has serviced two other Rolexes which I bought from another AD.

When it comes down to it, it will be a questions of how low he is willing to go, and how high I am willing to go. Since, if I can't make this deal, it's no loss to me, but a lost opportunity for him to move three watches, I have the upper hand. Like it has been suggested before, when it comes down to it, if we are close on price, fanning out the cash on his counter is the best negotiating ploy. Again, I have no problem walking if the deal isn't good enough.

I appreciate your input, and caring to post. All my best, Brian

I understand the style, and agree with it, but it seemed like you were calling the AD a lot and kept asking whether he got your emails. I would think at that point one would just move to a negotiation over the phone, but I can understand taking it to email.

I hope you did not read my post as an insult, and if you did, I apologize. I was just trying to determine your style, and it has obviously worked for you, being in business for over 25 years.

I hope you get the 25%, that would be killer!

[jsandrew]

first post guys have been a lurker for a year, love rolex but cannot get my head around multiple watch ownership especially all sport.
one for dress one for sport perhaps.
sub or seadweller for casual, and platinum day date or prince for dress.
but i agree the brand is addictive.

[Omega_Precision]

Customer's always have the upper hand. Brian can walk away unharmed and the dealer will be stuck with 3 watches that could have been moved in one transaction.

I will push for that 25%. There is no shame in asking for this discount. He got 20% before and this time he's buying all 3, so there better be an equivalent discount or it wouldn't make sense for him to buy 3 more watches for less discount.

Simple as that and if the AD recalls his past transactions, I believe they will give him a good discount. I don't think they are going to gamble away on a 20k transaction in today's economy. If I was the AD, I would be happy that inventory is moving along.

[dra44]

Brian,
Just as a bit of ammo, I live in NNJ right on the NY border, and was at my AD today looking for some Panerai info, as he is also an OP AD. As I walked past the Rolex counter, I noticed that he had a Deep Sea in stock. Through the course of our conversation, he told me that he had the DSSD in stock for about 3 weeks, and that he also has a SS Daytona that he's had for about 2 weeks. I'm not sure if you know Bergen County, but it's a pretty affluent area. I think you're doing the right thing by letting him make the first move, but don't be afraid to take a shot at him. I think you'll be surprised at what they'll be willing to take if you decide to purchase all 3 at once.

[nylawbiz]

Originally Posted by dra44

Brian,
Just as a bit of ammo, I live in NNJ right on the NY border, and was at my AD today looking for some Panerai info, as he is also an OP AD. As I walked past the Rolex counter, I noticed that he had a Deep Sea in stock. Through the course of our conversation, he told me that he had the DSSD in stock for about 3 weeks, and that he also has a SS Daytona that he's had for about 2 weeks. I'm not sure if you know Bergen County, but it's a pretty affluent area. I think you're doing the right thing by letting him make the first move, but don't be afraid to take a shot at him. I think you'll be surprised at what they'll be willing to take if you decide to purchase all 3 at once.

Yes I know the area well. Interesting intelligence :) Are you in the market for any of them?

[dra44]

I'm actually off of the Rolex bandwagon at the moment. My next purchase is going to be a Panerai PAM 321 which I should have by the fall if all goes well. That was the info I was looking for when I was at the AD today. I found out I should have my watch and the 321 will be limited to 1500 pieces.

[Esquire]

Originally Posted by Omega_Precision

Customer's always have the upper hand. Brian can walk away unharmed and the dealer will be stuck with 3 watches that could have been moved in one transaction.

I will push for that 25%. There is no shame in asking for this discount. He got 20% before and this time he's buying all 3, so there better be an equivalent discount or it wouldn't make sense for him to buy 3 more watches for less discount.

Simple as that and if the AD recalls his past transactions, I believe they will give him a good discount. I don't think they are going to gamble away on a 20k transaction in today's economy. If I was the AD, I would be happy that inventory is moving along.

The only problem is that the AD mentioned that was a smoking deal that he got on the GMT-IIc. That would lead me to believe he is going to lead with a low-ball of about 10%.

[alant]

Any news?

[nylawbiz]

Originally Posted by alant

Any news?

Not a peep yet. It's still early here. Jewelers dont open around here until 10 or 11. I'm pretty sure I'll get a missive today.

I'll keep the board posted :)