Buying from AD for first time - Advice

[TuckerHorology]

Hi was wondering if anyone has any advice for purchasing a new watch from an AD in regards to having them take you seriously for a discount. I'm trying to decide if I want to bring a bag of cash or if I should just use my debit card. I am trying to convince them to offer an 8.75% discount so that I don't have to drive to Oregon to avoid sales tax. I feel like the cash would let them know how serious I am about purchasing the watch but I also feel like it may be a bit ridiculous? Thanks

p.s. I have not purchased a watch from this AD but I do have a good relationship with one person there from going in and talking about watches.

[ejvette]

Nothing says I'm serious about buying like a bag of cash! I think the simple truth just say I'm here to buy today and this is what I need for that to happen

[Blue_Lume]

My advice is:

1 - use a credit card for purchases so you get the miles ($0 balance, not revolving debt) NOT a debit card.

2 - compare prices from trusted sellers BEFORE you go in. if you don't get the price you're looking to pay, cut and run and buy from the trusted seller.

3 - if you really feel you have a good relationship with the guy because you've spoken with him about watches vs. buying watches from him - wow! can you be my client too?

4 - go back to trusted seller thing - i've bought 18 Rolex, not one from a retail AD. no need to throw money into the wind. you still get your name on the card and the warrantee at a bigger discount.

[meganfox17]

Instead of carrying bundles of cash, another option is using Internet Banking facilities with instant online money transfer into Seller's bank account

If you are vigilant , then digital cashless transactions are safer
You'll still get your discount...

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[JR16]

I think it's location-dependent and model-dependent. Around me it's hard to get more than 5-10% off a SS sports model with a relationship. And you prob shouldn't expect any discounts on low inventory watches like BLNR, hulk, Daytona (not that there will be one there). If it is a reputable AD they prob don't care about cash... at most may give you 2% off for that. I like security of using my CC. If you have a friend in another state you can ask them to ship to your friend and save on tax


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[Runnin' Rebel]

I always pay cash as it causes an emotional response in the dealer. I have a set price in mind, you do the same. Then plan on shipping out of state to save the 8+% they charge in tax. I bet you do that you got get a total 20% on SS. More on PM. If you can't come to terms you have to walk, talk the money slowly wrap it up and start walking. You never know what will happen.

Good Luck. It's happened to me here a few different times

[travisb]

Just ask. Let them know you are ready to buy. If they don't budge I'd kindly tell them that you had originally planned to go out of state to get the deal you want but would like to be able to give them the business.

[henry333]

It just depends on the model and the AD. Some can't and some will.
From my experience AD in the states don't really care for cash or credit.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by meganfox17

Instead of carrying bundles of cash, another option is using Internet Banking facilities with instant online money transfer into Seller's bank account

If you are vigilant , then digital cashless transactions are safer
You'll still get your discount...

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

In Canada we call that email money transfer. The cost compared to wire or ACH transfers is next to nothing and its instant

To the OP, there's really no fine art to getting a discount. Just be yourself, but don't barge in and start hammering away on price right off the bat.

[BMess]

I would suggest making a check out to the AD for the exact you want to pay (MSPR - 8.75%) and handing it to them. If they want to give you the discount, they'll accept the check and give you the watch. If not, they'll give you the check back, you'll void out the check and buy elsewhere. It's less sketchy than walking in with a "bag of cash."

[TuckerHorology]

A lot of good advice in this thread, thank you. I am buying a SS Datejust so I have some hopes that they will be more inclined to offer a discount in comparison to some of the currently more popular watches such as the BLNR, Hulk, Daytona, etc. mentioned above. Having the watch mailed out of state, to my sister's house for example in order to avoid sales tax is kind of a pain and I'll be so anxious to wear it the day I buy it but it seems like it will be necessary to avoid an 8.75% sales tax, which could add a lot on to the discount. The suggested retail of the watch is 7,850 I am hoping to negotiate 7,000.

[Chiboy]

Rather than walking around with $7,000 of cash, I'd decide on your price and say you can give them a $500 cash deposit right now and come back with the rest of the cash in an hour if they make the deal. If they do, hit the bank and get the cash. I wouldn't really want to be withdrawing and depositing $7,000 of cash from a bank unless I were a drug dealer. Nah, not even then.

I'd also decide if saving $700 (less two way shipping) in sales tax was worth giving up instant gratification or not. If I'm going to own a $7000 watch for ten years, I wouldn't pay an extra $700 to get it two days sooner, but you have to make your own choice. Obviously, if you walk out of the store with the watch, the AD had to pay the tax on your behalf.

[watchwatcher]

There are ways to let the dealer know you're serious without using a bag of cash. Just be honest, have a number in mind, and be ready to walk if things are not going your way.

[AK797]

If you are going for the cash is king play, might as well take double that in and say I'll buy one next week too for the wife if you treat me right now.

[Jcy90]

Unless u getting a discount it's not worth it. Buy trusted.

[dmhines]

When I was shopping for my Milgauss my local AD said thy would not discount Stainless Sports. They said they had no reason to.

[Fleetlord]

HARD CASH gets deals DONE.

Shows them you mean business and you're not fooling around.

[Chewbacca]

i have nothing against people who swear by cash --- but, cash...? for the sake of a best deal? in 2017? no thanks.

i'd use debit or credit and transfer the balance after. whether its cash or not, you're the buyer, you always have control.

if you need to show a food truck wad to make a deal, your AD needs to grow up.

my ¢2

[jazznpool]

Originally Posted by TuckerHorology

A lot of good advice in this thread, thank you. I am buying a SS Datejust so I have some hopes that they will be more inclined to offer a discount in comparison to some of the currently more popular watches such as the BLNR, Hulk, Daytona, etc. mentioned above. Having the watch mailed out of state, to my sister's house for example in order to avoid sales tax is kind of a pain and I'll be so anxious to wear it the day I buy it but it seems like it will be necessary to avoid an 8.75% sales tax, which could add a lot on to the discount. The suggested retail of the watch is 7,850 I am hoping to negotiate 7,000.

They're in the watch for around $4,800.00. The number you have in mind is beyond reasonable. I'd think possibly only the stingy West Coast chain AD might decline it. The key is to actually make a cash offer. Offering 6850.00 cash is still very modest, sensible and leaving them a sizable profit on a watch that is not a particularly hot item--and it gives you leeway to go up 150.00 and still be happy. As previously mentioned you have to be prepared to politely walk out. You're deal might even get approved on your way to the door! Let us know how you do. Good luck.

[Ravager135]

The couple of times I have purchased from an AD I came in knowing exactly what I wanted. Once you have a salesperson's attention, tell them you are interested in whatever model and tell them the price you have in mind. First of all it tells them you are interested in a particular model and you have some understanding of what the MSRP is. The majority of their customers come in "wanting a Rolex" and are given a tour. If you know what you want and what it costs, it lets them know immediately you're educated on the topic. I'll often straight up quote the exact MSRP before they can even read it off the tag. I'll say something about knowing that margins are tight on Rolex and I'll shoot a figure I have in mind. They will either accept and we can make a deal or I'll walk out and thank them for their time.

[Mr. Vegas]

If you could pay 6K for it, BNIB with you name on the warranty card, would you? Because that's the kind of deal you would probably get around here by a trusted seller. Maybe even a better discount. I did both, purchased my first rolex, from an AD. Then i realized the amount I would save and started to buy the rest here. I never looked back after buying from trusted sellers. None have disappointed. It's your money, though, I wish you good luck.

[faz]

I have bought 4 Rolex watches from local ADs over the last 15 years, and have always got between 10-12% off. Never carried cash with me, actually paid with credit card too. Easier to get discounts on two tone or diamond bezel/dial watches though, than the base SS models.

[Rocket_Man]

There is no formula to getting a discount at an AD. It depends on the watch, the local market, the AD. Probably not get a discount at a Boutique. If you offer to pay cash you should be able to get the 3% off that the AD would owe the credit card company. An AD might agree to ship it out of state to avoid sales tax. That total may be 10% right there.

You probably will get a better deal overall if you shop a Trusted Seller. Just do your research on the TS before you buy.