Advantages of buying at an AD versus trusted seller?

[Old Expat Beast]

I have never bought from an AD. Just saying.

[GradyPhilpott]

If you really know what you're doing, buy from anyone you trust.

For some people that leaves but one option: an AD.

Spend some time on TRF getting to know the ropes and who's who, then you can go out on a limb and buy from someone you've never seen and might never see.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by benlee

I still feel more comfortable going to an AD for peace of mind. Nothing is more secure than getting the watch the instant you hand over the money.

Then buy from a trusted seller face-to-face. For some reason the perception seems to be "Trusted Seller" equates to "$ sent to some far away seller w/ the hope a watch is dropped in the mail." Yes that happens a lot, but there's also a lot of good deals to be had via face-to-face interaction.

Heck, I purchased my POC 9300 from a trusted SoCal seller I found on TRF. He literally drove to my home (which was EXTREMELY helpful seeing as I take care of 2 sons under the age of 4 during my 'off days'...good luck "shopping" at an AD w/ two toddlers going crazy!!!), I inspected the watch (BNIB, perfect shape WITH open papers) and I wrote him a personal check. I would say the seller took significantly more risk by accepting my personal check & giving me the watch (and spent more time driving in LA traffic to come to me) than I did. It's situations like this that shows there's always two sides to the story. Something to think about...

[Silverfever]

Originally Posted by moby33

Then buy from a trusted seller face-to-face. For some reason the perception seems to be "Trusted Seller" equates to "$ sent to some far away seller w/ the hope a watch is dropped in the mail." Yes that happens a lot, but there's also a lot of good deals to be had via face-to-face interaction.

Heck, I purchased my POC 9300 from a trusted SoCal seller I found on TRF. He literally drove to my home (which was EXTREMELY helpful seeing as I take care of 2 sons under the age of 4 during my 'off days'...good luck "shopping" at an AD w/ two toddlers going crazy!!!), I inspected the watch (BNIB, perfect shape WITH open papers) and I wrote him a personal check. I would say the seller took significantly more risk by accepting my personal check & giving me the watch (and spent more time driving in LA traffic to come to me) than I did. It's situations like this that shows there's always two sides to the story. to think about...

Benlee is located in Singapore and Jakarta. I dare say any potential savings to be had in dealing with a grey dealer on a face to face transaction in the USA will be swallowed up by the airfare. Not to mention the time and effort of a 17 hr trans pacific flight.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by SMD

I personally pretty much hate the AD experience (at most of the ones in NY) and view it as very similar to buying a car -- I need a shower after I leave and if I am not ready to pull the trigger on the spot they lose interest in you.

Ha, ha...unfortunately, so true, too often. I read about people gushing about "the buying experience" and scratch my head...I, like you, can't stand the majority of sales people I interact with. Some buyers enjoy that stuff (great for them), but for me, I want to throw up over 99% of the cheesy sales lines & the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) purchase pressure lines the ADs sales force push upon me (and my wife) the minute we walk through the door.

And trust me, it's not just one store, in one area. I've visited many ADs in multiple states & countries and for me, the majority of the times it's a cheesy experience that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I've had a few enjoyable interactions, but they are much more rare.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by Silverfever

Benlee is located in Singapore and Jakarta. I dare say any potential savings to be had in dealing with a grey dealer on a face to face transaction in the USA will be swallowed up by the airfare. Not to mention the time and effort of a 17 hr trans pacific flight.

I never said it's for everyone...obviously what works for one buyer (in one location), is not necessarily the best route for another (in a different location).

I'm lucky in that SoCal seems to be full of great grey market sellers...they either come to you, or it's a relatively short drive (assuming you can beat terrible SoCal traffic) to inspect the watch & do a deal (at a significant savings).

[anthonybkny]

Originally Posted by Urosfan

There is no right or wrong answers if you can get a good deal with a trusted seller then by all means save a few bucks, I'm lucky that my AD gives me a good price, before I bought my watches from him I checked the forums here, but I found at the time the best price here was equal to my AD. So for me my choice was easy. Cheers

i noticed that you're in my area, could you point me to your AD so that i can make my first purchase

[Goodwill63]

TRF trusted sellers all the way. Perpetualman88, Bodybump, Sohail and others have all been exceptionally professional, well priced and provide great customer service. I would not buy from an AD again.

[anthonybkny]

when going the TRF trusted seller route, can you pay with plastic? im not comfortable with bank wires.

[aaron123]

Totally agree with what others have said about trusted sellers. The money saved and smooth transactions keep me coming back to TRF time and time again when I am ready to make a purchase.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Silverfever

100% agreed. Where else are you going to find a BNIB Sub C with Date OTD all inclusive price of CAD$7450 = USD$7100?

I have bought 3 rolex from my local AD, but I'd buy from a trusted seller here if the deal were right.

You're right about the savings in a Canada for the time but when the Cdn dollar starts to decline ... "Watch out", I'm sure Rolex will adjust their prices to reflect the currency changes.

[Silverfever]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I have bought 3 rolex from my local AD, but I'd buy from a trusted seller here if the deal were right.

You're right about the savings in a Canada for the time but when the Cdn dollar starts to decline ... "Watch out", I'm sure Rolex will adjust their prices to reflect the currency changes.

You are right. Time to back up the truck before the price gets adjusted.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by anthonybkny

when going the TRF trusted seller route, can you pay with plastic? im not comfortable with bank wires.

Depends, but some will via PayPal but you will be paying the fee associated with that. About 3% I believe.

[Gaijin]

I have gone both routes. ADs both here and in Japan. Trusted sellers here on TRF. The best discounts I have found yet...

Brick and mortar grey dealers in Japan selling brand new Rolex with open warranties. Cheapest Rolex I have found. Of course you have to fly over here to get that deal. Might mitigate the savings. TRF seller for me if I was back home with Rolex transforming Mom and Pop ADs into no discounts allowed "boutiques."

[Jsan20]

For the average guy picking up a few watches over time buy where you can save the most money.

[andpassport]

Over the long term, you will realize more value if purchased from an authorized dealer relative to a "trusted seller". You will be the ist owner of a watch with unblemished provenance. Also, how do u really know what the used watch went through (trauma).

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by anthonybkny

when going the TRF trusted seller route, can you pay with plastic? im not comfortable with bank wires.

You have to ask, some do, some don't. It's the only way I would pay. PayPal is a drag to deal with. The bank/credit card is easy... And well insured.

[Nidal]

Originally Posted by anthonybkny

when going the TRF trusted seller route, can you pay with plastic? im not comfortable with bank wires.

Short answer is no, I don't know any trusted seller who accepts credit card

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by Nidal

Short answer is no, I don't know any trusted seller who accepts credit card

I was able to use one with a very reputable seller here. It's not advertised. Have to ask.

[adsusanto]

I think the best way to put it....If you want total brand new go with AD....but if you go pre-owned/second go with trusted sellers from this forum. IMHO, dont think price/value is much difference (for totally brand new) between trusted sellers and AD. The only I see quite a savings from trusted sellers is when you go pre-owned. SO for peace of mind and brand new just go AD.

[iazrollie]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I was able to use one with a very reputable seller here. It's not advertised. Have to ask.

You can also pay paypal with a CC.

[iazrollie]

Originally Posted by adsusanto

I think the best way to put it....If you want total brand new go with AD....but if you go pre-owned/second go with trusted sellers from this forum. IMHO, dont think price/value is much difference (for totally brand new) between trusted sellers and AD. The only I see quite a savings from trusted sellers is when you go pre-owned. SO for peace of mind and brand new just go AD.

Trusted seller sell new watches in addition to pre-owned.

[Silverfever]

Originally Posted by adsusanto

I think the best way to put it....If you want total brand new go with AD....but if you go pre-owned/second go with trusted sellers from this forum. IMHO, dont think price/value is much difference (for totally brand new) between trusted sellers and AD. The only I see quite a savings from trusted sellers is when you go pre-owned. SO for peace of mind and brand new just go AD.

I agree. If the prices of BNIB are around 5% difference between the grey market and AD, I would rather just use my CC and purchase from an AD. IMHO better than wire transferring cash or paying the 3-4% up charge for using Paypal.

[jphj012]

For first time Rolex buyers, I think it would be the best to purchase it at the AD. Also, anything over $5,000, I prefer purchasing a Rolex at a AD as well.

[AMCK87]

I've always been open to both options. Up until recently, due to my good relationships with my ADs (out of state), I've never found the Trusted TRF sellers to be cheaper so it was a non-issue. When I was looking for my new AP ROC, it turned out that a well respected TRF seller was offering me a better deal, so after exchanging a few messages and getting comfortable with him, I wired him the money for the watch. It came to me perfectly new and sealed, stamped/dated on date of purchase from an AD. Couldn't have been any smoother.

In short, both options are great. Just get a good deal with a person you trust!