Local AD - Are you freakin' nuts?! 20% to look? Fuggittaboutit!!!

[kaiserphoenix]

I would have issues with this had it been another waatch. But for the BLNR and to get it at retail from an AD? I would pay 20% or even 100% if delivery is guaranteed.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by TxHarleyGuy

UPDATE:

Just got off the phone with Rolex USA and they too were equally taken aback at the local AD's 'non refundable' deposit policy just to get the watch into their store for me to see. They said that it was in no way reflective of Rolex USA and they were disappointed that their AD was requiring such of me. They went so far as to ask which AD it was and stated that they would be contacting them at the close of our phone call.

Fast forward 20 mins or so:

I receive a call from a 'manager' at the local AD here in Austin, Texas. He did make mention that he was contacted by Rolex USA and that they suggested he call me regarding a watch I was interested in purchasing but wanted to see first. He told me that he would have the watch made available to me by 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning and that I could come in to see it at whatever time was convenient to me. No mention of a non refundable deposit or percentages therein.

I asked the manager why no deposit as was required of me yesterday? He went on to tell me that he apologized for my being told such. Interesting.

that can work too.

enjoy your new watch!

[TxHarleyGuy]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

The AD in Austin wasn't being unreasonable. Look at it this way, the AD in Houston agreed to put you on the list for one WHEN he got one in. Now, had you asked him to buy one and have it overnighted so you could look at it next day, that probably would have required a deposit from him too.

The situation could have been resolved if you had told the salesman you that having not yet seen the watch in person you are not 100% committed to buying it, and to please call you when he happens to get one in so you have a chance to come down and look at it.

I completely disagree. No one was telling the AD to purchase anything. It was the AD who told me that they had the watch 'in their system'. Meaning, at one of their other stores. All that was required was to simply ship it to another store within their own system. They didn't have to buy anything. Moreover, the boutique in Houston wasn't requiring a non refundable 25% deposit for my being on their list for me to 'see' the watch.

[mjclark32]

Edit- op addressed it in above post.

OP, glad it worked out for you

[jlucero23]

sounds like total BS to me. if that is the norm, then good luck to the people who shell out the money. that is not customary in 99% of the rest of the retail world. i guess rolex thinks they are special.

[masyv6]

Some ADs are good, some are not. I think it's obvious which AD you walked into that day

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by TxHarleyGuy

I completely disagree. No one was telling the AD to purchase anything. It was the AD who told me that they had the watch 'in their system'. Meaning, at one of their other stores. All that was required was to simply ship it to another store within their own system. They didn't have to buy anything. Moreover, the boutique in Houston wasn't requiring a non refundable 25% deposit for my being on their list for me to 'see' the watch.

I see what you are saying now, and it does make sense in that light. I didn't catch the part about them already having the watch and that it was simply at one of their other stores. Didn't quite understand what you meant by "in the system" and thought that may have been referring to what might be available from Rolex USA.

[Layner]

The AD in San Antonio (right next door to Austin) currently has 2 on display

[Flywheel]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

The AD in Austin wasn't being unreasonable. Look at it this way, the AD in Houston agreed to put you on the list for one WHEN he got one in. Now, had you asked him to buy one and have it overnighted so you could look at it next day, that probably would have required a deposit from him too.

The situation could have been resolved if you had told the salesman to please call you when he happens to get one in so you have a chance to come down and look at it. Maybe he was being a little aggressive in trying to lock in a sale but you did tell him you were serious about buying the watch. He offered to get it to you tomorrow, but he wanted a some assurance you were serious.

Wow, I sure am glad some folks on this forum aren't negotiating on behalf of my company. Some here are way too easy. That Texas AD should be selling aluminum siding.

[FrankNYC]

20% non-refundable BUT applicable to store credit would have been more reasonable. Non refundable is just crazy.

[beer]

for a more "custom" watch i.e. a datejust 36mm with a dial that not many people go for i can understand this rule

but for a BLNR it makes no sense, especially seeing as how he contradicted himself by saying it will sell...if thats the case (which i'm sure it is) then you don't need a deposit then do you mate?

[TxHarleyGuy]

Originally Posted by Layner

The AD in San Antonio (right next door to Austin) currently has 2 on display

Moretti's?

[Nairn1980]

Let's hope you buy it after all that lol

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

I would have issues with this had it been another waatch. But for the BLNR and to get it at retail from an AD? I would pay 20% or even 100% if delivery is guaranteed.

They're not that rare in the US.

[mui.richard]

Originally Posted by TxHarleyGuy

UPDATE:

Just got off the phone with Rolex USA and they too were equally taken aback at the local AD's 'non refundable' deposit policy just to get the watch into their store for me to see. They said that it was in no way reflective of Rolex USA and they were disappointed that their AD was requiring such of me. They went so far as to ask which AD it was and stated that they would be contacting them at the close of our phone call.

Fast forward 20 mins or so:

I receive a call from a 'manager' at the local AD here in Austin, Texas. He did make mention that he was contacted by Rolex USA and that they suggested he call me regarding a watch I was interested in purchasing but wanted to see first. He told me that he would have the watch made available to me by 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning and that I could come in to see it at whatever time was convenient to me. No mention of a non refundable deposit or percentages therein.

I asked the manager why no deposit as was required of me yesterday? He went on to tell me that he apologized for my being told such. Interesting.

That sounds about right.

If any AD here in Hong Kong asks for a non refundable deposit just to see a certain model, I'd tell them to shove it.



a watch is meant to be worn

[texex91]

Well sounds like old Ben Bridge.

I'm going to call and make a stink, call Rolex, have Rolex call store and demand they show me a Daytona C tomorrow at 10am...let's see if it works

Personally, I think a lot of effort to get them in trouble basically (for a watch that is readily available), but hey I hope you buy it and now feel better.

[TxHarleyGuy]

Originally Posted by texex91

Well sounds like old Ben Bridge.

I'm going to call and make a stink, call Rolex, have Rolex call store and demand they show me a Daytona C tomorrow at 10am...let's see if it works

Personally, I think a lot of effort to get them in trouble basically (for a watch that is readily available), but hey I hope you buy it and now feel better.

Not sure where you're coming from on that last sentence? The goal wasn't to get anyone in trouble as you suggested I did. Your post almost comes across as being a bit condescending; i.e. feel better? Regardless, I felt (and still feel) that the initial approach of the AD was absolutely ridiculous.

[TxHarleyGuy]

Originally Posted by mui.richard

That sounds about right.

If any AD here in Hong Kong asks for a non refundable deposit just to see a certain model, I'd tell them to shove it.



a watch is meant to be worn

Here here....

[texex91]

Originally Posted by TxHarleyGuy

Not sure where you're coming from on that last sentence? The goal wasn't to get anyone in trouble as you suggested I did. Your post almost comes across as being a bit condescending; i.e. feel better? Regardless, I felt (and still feel) that the initial approach of the AD was absolutely ridiculous.

Well let me clarify, I think calling Rolex because an AD had certain criteria to bring a watch in was a little excessive. Personally, if you were this concerned, maybe you should have asked for the manager of the store and resolved directly. That's what I'm saying. If you don't like the AD just move on to another one--there are plenty (you will come to find like with any business, there are good ones and bad ones).

Good luck either way.

[Rolex addict]

You should have called around to see who had one in stock. At that point, it's simply a matter of pulling out the credit card and having it shipped to you. FYI, my AD has one in the showcase right now.

[superstarmar]

Come to Florida, Mayors jewelers will source one for you
without a deposit if they have it in inventory through out
their store network. If they have to order from Rolex then I
Believe they require a deposit... Mayors is the largest
Rolex AD in the Southeastern US if I'm not mistaken ...

[bmrisko]

Who knew BLNRs were so hard to find in the US. They were all over the place in Tokyo when I was there a couple months ago. FWIW, I have never had an AD ask for a deposit, especially non-refundable, just to transfer in a watch from their warehouse or another location.

[Layner]

LM at La Cantera

[al503]

If the customer was looking for a slow moving, harder to sell model, I could definitely understand the need for a deposit. Since its a model that won't sit on the floor very long, there doesn't seem to be much of a risk to the AD to require a non refundable deposit.

If I was the AD, I'd order a couple of them anyway. It seems to be in demand and people are willing to pay retail. Why wouldn't you want a couple for stock?

[Ferdelious]

I've had my AD order watches "in their system" with no problems and never even the mention of a deposit, they are actually happy to do it. Sounds like this one is a dud. Move on to the next or make a trip to Tampa, the store is about a mile from the airport. They will take great care of you.

[dchang81]

interesting that you aren't getting the responses you were looking for. i thought more people would put up a stink. i'm not quite sure the need to see it in person is, it looks like any standard gmt with half the bezel blue like any other rolex ceramic blue bezel, but i suppose it is 9k to see exactly what you want. i didn't realize these were still in that much demand.

[TxHarleyGuy]

Originally Posted by dchang81

interesting that you aren't getting the responses you were looking for. i thought more people would put up a stink. i'm not quite sure the need to see it in person is, it looks like any standard gmt with half the bezel blue like any other rolex ceramic blue bezel, but i suppose it is 9k to see exactly what you want. i didn't realize these were still in that much demand.

I wasn't in search of any responses specifically. Was merely conveying what my experience was relating to this particular circumstance and local AD. And to that end, what I myself thought of their 'policy'. And as I said above, folks on here are far better than I. For I would NEVER move forward with such a 20% non refundable deposit requirement simply for one to 'see' the watch in question. Ridiculous (to me).

[JRR]

TxHarleyGuy, I sent you another PM sir. I have your solution:)

[DPE]

I would not pay a deposit just to see a watch. I expect an AD to hold a full range of standard type stock for his customers to view. It is not a new or existing customer responsabity to fund the stock of an AD. It is their resonsability to hold stock for us to view and buy. If you dont have it in stock you cannot sell it.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by maximus1

Sounds like he was trying to lock in his sales commission.

X2


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