Rolex AD Problem

[up2nogood]

Very poor form from the dealer. As for dealers charging their own prices, you gotta see the prices in Sydney......

[77T]

Originally Posted by mfserge

I agree but that's ok,via have no intentions of buying one now. Rolex can bleep my bleep.

Isn't that tantamount to throwing out the baby with the bath water?

If my local Porsche dealer was rubbish I'd still get a Porsche - just from another source.

[toolr]

Originally Posted by mfserge

A few weeks ago my Rolex AD offered me a nice discount on my choice of the SubC, Exp2 42mm, or DSSD. I purchased 2 Rolex from her and referred 4 other sales for her so she was taking good care of me on the price. I couldn't decide which one I wanted.

Fast forward to today....when I heard about the price increase... I called her up and said I'll take the SubC before tomorrow's price increase. Her response was what increase???? A few minutes later a FedEx packaged arrived at her store with the new Rolex prices.

She called me back and said we can still offer you the same discount, however, we're going to have to charge you tomorrow's increased price since we have to replace the watch at a higher cost.

Does she think I am an idiot???? This is a situation of the pure greed in this industry. I lost my mind on her and I am ready to report her to Rolex USA but I may reconsider....

What would you do???

So, you may report her to Rolex USA for charging the new price minus a discount vs old price minus discount? Good luck with that one. I understand your disappointment but I think the only options you have is to buy at the new price or make a statement by not buying from her at all. Just my 2 cents.

[theironchef106]

This is completely ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!! I called my AD in town and spoke to the salesperson and they did not know of the price increase and had a 116610LV in stock at the old MSRP. So i told her i would be there in a few hours to look at it. When i went there she said they received the new pricelist and showed it to me and said they will be changing their prices only next week. She even was surprised as to ask me how i knew the prices had gone up before they got the package!!!!! LOL

[Stonedcl]

Early bird always gets the worm.. Well in this case the sub-c..
Sorry for your loss but if you are getting 20% and if there shipping to you and you are also saving taxes then jump on it.. You are not getting that kind of discount even on a slightly used one.. This is going to make you miss out on a great deal even at the new msrp..

[zeuloa]

It might have served you better to get on the phone and call other ADs to buy the watch and send this AD to you know where!

[tictocChuck]

I'm with you Bro, terrible that your AD couldn't honor the original deal, could have easily done it. I'm glad I have all the watches I need now....I didn't think Rolex would pull another price increase so soon. Ugh!

[itchy243mhz]

Originally Posted by mfserge

In due time. All I will say right now is that they are in Maryland.

I'm now very curious as to where in Maryland this AD is located.

[Mr. Greene]

I own a couple Rolex's but to be perfectley honest I will never buy another one new. they keep increasing the price to ridiculous cost. If I didn't already have a Sub and was looking for something as a daily wearer I would go with the Omega. It's a shame I really love the brand but they are pricing themselves out of the market. thank god for the Tudor Heritage line, that has made my next purchase easier. Now I just need to find a place in Canada

[train-time]

It's pretty much standard practice for jewelers and watch dealers (in particular) to sell current stock based on cost of replacement for a particular model.

[DG123]

You should have bought the watch a few weeks ago. 20% off was a great deal.

Originally Posted by mfserge

A few weeks ago my Rolex AD offered me a nice discount on my choice of the SubC, Exp2 42mm, or DSSD. I purchased 2 Rolex from her and referred 4 other sales for her so she was taking good care of me on the price. I couldn't decide which one I wanted.

Fast forward to today....when I heard about the price increase... I called her up and said I'll take the SubC before tomorrow's price increase. Her response was what increase???? A few minutes later a FedEx packaged arrived at her store with the new Rolex prices.

She called me back and said we can still offer you the same discount, however, we're going to have to charge you tomorrow's increased price since we have to replace the watch at a higher cost.

Does she think I am an idiot???? This is a situation of the pure greed in this industry. I lost my mind on her and I am ready to report her to Rolex USA but I may reconsider....

What would you do???

[mike111]

i would find another place to take your business

[Megalobyte]

Originally Posted by Mr. Greene

I own a couple Rolex's but to be perfectley honest I will never buy another one new. they keep increasing the price to ridiculous cost. If I didn't already have a Sub and was looking for something as a daily wearer I would go with the Omega. It's a shame I really love the brand but they are pricing themselves out of the market. thank god for the Tudor Heritage line, that has made my next purchase easier. Now I just need to find a place in Canada

But it looks like Omega is taking Rolex's lead and trying to distinguish themselves by also increasing prices, which to the casual buyer might equate to being more upscale.

People keep saying Rolex is pricing themselves out of THE market, I don't think so, not THE market, but rather an individual person's market, as we all understand value differently.

Here's what I feel Rolex is doing. And of course it's just my opinion.

They are increasingly aiming at the well to do non WIS market. The average Rolex buyer IMO is not particularly aware of the technical aspects of the movement, or the watch in general. I think the typical Rolex buyer, unfortunately, is buying the name, and the perceived status/prestige that comes with it. At best, they might be somewhat aware of a Rolex's longevity/durability (heirloom), and resale value, even the very wealthy aren't generally dumb about money. :)

So, since these non enthusiast buyers probably wouldn't know a Patek movement from a Rolex mvt. I wonder if Rolex feels like it can slowly start to compete price-wise with the likes of Patek, AP, VC, etc. even while offering up a product that really doesn't, in terms of movement, finish work etc.. Think of the profits/margins if Rolex can sell an 8k watch for $25k, even if they sell fewer to keep demand intact. And again, to the typical non WIS Rolex buyer, the Veblen theory might very well apply here, they pay more for, and thus think more of, a $25k Rolex than an 8k Rolex, not caring a whole lot what's inside to justify the price, the status and brand recognition is what they're mostly looking for, and they get it, even moreso as the prices rise higher and higher, so they're happy.

I think Rolex no longer wants to be a second tier tool watch brand offering good value. And hey, if they can keep their watches mostly the same but sell them for as much as a Patek, why wouldn't they? They seem to want to move away from a value oriented tool watch brand and be viewed as a top tier brand, but without the expensive finish work a true top tier brand has, and again, if they can pull it off, why not? I suspect they can, because their target customer isn't a watch enthusiast, and is more interested in status and brand recognition, which a Rolex still does better than anyone, even the big 3.

The truth is, a person who walks in a room with a Rolex would be more likely to get noticed than one who walks in wearing a Lange Doulbe Split. And it might be an offensive notion, but I do think the average, non enthusiast is more interested in expensive watches because they're expensive, and in their mind confers a level of status/prestige and achievement upon them. I think Rolex is aware of this and is tired of being thought of as entry level value oriented high end. I think they want to end up priced like the big boys, whether they ever feel the need to change the watches to justify the prices remains to be seen.

[mfserge]

Rolex is already priced with the big boys, look at the price of the all new SkyScraper. Upper $40's. I agree with your points about the WIS market not being their target customer and that most customers don't have a clue about movements, finishing, service, etc but I don't ever see a Sub at $25k aside from precious metals, there will eventually be a tipping point where the 'typical rolex buyer' just says NAH, that's too expensive. Are we nearing that now? Only time will tell, at the rate we're going a Sub will have an MSRP of $10,000 in 2014. Hard to believe but if the past is an indicator of the future, we are on pace for that to become reality.

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

But it looks like Omega is taking Rolex's lead and trying to distinguish themselves by also increasing prices, which to the casual buyer might equate to being more upscale.

People keep saying Rolex is pricing themselves out of THE market, I don't think so, not THE market, but rather an individual person's market, as we all understand value differently.

Here's what I feel Rolex is doing. And of course it's just my opinion.

They are increasingly aiming at the well to do non WIS market. The average Rolex buyer IMO is not particularly aware of the technical aspects of the movement, or the watch in general. I think the typical Rolex buyer, unfortunately, is buying the name, and the perceived status/prestige that comes with it. At best, they might be somewhat aware of a Rolex's longevity/durability (heirloom), and resale value, even the very wealthy aren't generally dumb about money. :)

So, since these non enthusiast buyers probably wouldn't know a Patek movement from a Rolex mvt. I wonder if Rolex feels like it can slowly start to compete price-wise with the likes of Patek, AP, VC, etc. even while offering up a product that really doesn't, in terms of movement, finish work etc.. Think of the profits/margins if Rolex can sell an 8k watch for $25k, even if they sell fewer to keep demand intact. And again, to the typical non WIS Rolex buyer, the Veblen theory might very well apply here, they pay more for, and thus think more of, a $25k Rolex than an 8k Rolex, not caring a whole lot what's inside to justify the price, the status and brand recognition is what they're mostly looking for, and they get it, even moreso as the prices rise higher and higher, so they're happy.

I think Rolex no longer wants to be a second tier tool watch brand offering good value. And hey, if they can keep their watches mostly the same but sell them for as much as a Patek, why wouldn't they? They seem to want to move away from a value oriented tool watch brand and be viewed as a top tier brand, but without the expensive finish work a true top tier brand has, and again, if they can pull it off, why not? I suspect they can, because their target customer isn't a watch enthusiast, and is more interested in status and brand recognition, which a Rolex still does better than anyone, even the big 3.

The truth is, a person who walks in a room with a Rolex would be more likely to get noticed than one who walks in wearing a Lange Doulbe Split. And it might be an offensive notion, but I do think the average, non enthusiast is more interested in expensive watches because they're expensive, and in their mind confers a level of status/prestige and achievement upon them. I think Rolex is aware of this and is tired of being thought of as entry level value oriented high end. I think they want to end up priced like the big boys, whether they ever feel the need to change the watches to justify the prices remains to be seen.

[Megalobyte]

Originally Posted by mfserge

Rolex is already priced with the big boys, look at the price of the all new SkyScraper. Upper $40's. I agree with your points about the WIS market not being their target customer and that most customers don't have a clue about movements, finishing, service, etc but I don't ever see a Sub at $25k aside from precious metals, there will eventually be a tipping point where the 'typical rolex buyer' just says NAH, that's too expensive. Are we nearing that now? Only time will tell, at the rate we're going a Sub will have an MSRP of $10,000 in 2014. Hard to believe but if the past is an indicator of the future, we are on pace for that to become reality.

Fair points, but I'd say Rolex is not yet pricing themselves anywhere near the Big Boys.

The Sky Dweller is Rolex's top, most advanced watch, so you'd have to compare it to lets say PP's upper range precious metal watches, and then the Sky Dweller becomes relatively cheap. Similarly, compare the 2 closest sport watches between PP and Rolex, the Sub C and the Nautilus. If I'm not mistaken the Nautilus is over 3 times the Sub C.

[S``]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

Fair points, but I'd say Rolex is not yet pricing themselves anywhere near the Big Boys.

The Sky Dweller is Rolex's top, most advanced watch, so you'd have to compare it to lets say PP's upper range precious metal watches, and then the Sky Dweller becomes relatively cheap. Similarly, compare the 2 closest sport watches between PP and Rolex, the Sub C and the Nautilus. If I'm not mistaken the Nautilus is over 3 times the Sub C.

not mistaken sir... you're in fact right

I still don't get what the huballooo is all about...

because by the time the sub is @ 10k... who knows how much the RO or the Nautilius would cost... scary to even think

[kdvu]

Originally Posted by Sean.c

Omg I'm in this is exact predicament but i won't be able to get my watch until august as it's in a different country because that's where my money is! He made me an offer a few weeks ago but I hope he doesn't charge me the increase!! He Facebook messaged me today but didn't mention anything zbout price change so I won't mention it to him just in case ! Really worried this price increase is sickening

.

I don't think they will charge you more once the ordered is placed.

I ordered my Yatch Master SS last year before the price increased within a week, when the watch arrived they called me to pick up my watch , and also informed me about priced increase sinced I did not paid in full . I only put down 10 % for deposit.
I called BS and spoke with their manager about business practiced, that is unethical and fraudulence on their part, once you signed an agreement for them to ordered your watch that price cannot change.
And sinced I purchased 8 watches from their store , the manager was more than happy to sell the watch at an original priced.

[kdvu]

Originally Posted by mfserge

No, they have it in stock, right in their display case. I just gave them another chance to make ammends and they reconfirmed that the discount will be taken off of TOMORROW's price. I am calling Rolex in NYC.

you just need to talk to the store manager, tell him/her that you're a regular customer and tomorrow price will not effect today selling price.
They will sell it to you if you purchase before price increase. I;ve had sales rep. informed me about price increase on the next day, but if I purchase it today, price will not effect me at all.

Good Luck

[mfserge]

Originally Posted by kdvu

you just need to talk to the store manager, tell him/her that you're a regular customer and tomorrow price will not effect today selling price.
They will sell it to you if you purchase before price increase. I;ve had sales rep. informed me about price increase on the next day, but if I purchase it today, price will not effect me at all.

Good Luck

The sales rep asked the store OWNER and the store OWNER was the genius who crafted this price for me.

[kdvu]

Originally Posted by mfserge

The sales rep asked the store OWNER and the store OWNER was the genius who crafted this price for me.

Sorry to hear that , but that is just a load of CRAP.

I would tell the OWNER that it's hard enough to create one Good or Loyal Customer in Business.
One bad or pissed off customer will EXPOSED to a thousands People especially nowaday with so call INTERNET and FACE BOOK and see how its will effect his business.
I wouldn't worry too much over a new watch from that AD. I just purchased 2 new Rolex from DAVID SW on our trusted site with a great price , just give DAVID a call , you'll never know of what you will find.

Good Luck with your new decision.

[john333]

Originally Posted by Edward Arthur

It's pretty much standard practice for jewelers and watch dealers (in particular) to sell current stock based on cost of replacement for a particular model.

It may be standard practice, but it is poor form. The dealer didn't pay the increased cost on that piece...so they are just trying to ping the customer for some extra money. The argument that they are charging for replacement cost is just silly...do they not still make the same margin on the replacement watch??

I'll sum up what it is in one word...GREED. . That said...consumers out there allow it to happen otherwise dealers would not do it.

[DJ Hawaii]

In the end it doesn't really matter, the AD probably already sold the watch to someone else later that day. i don't know exact numbers, but TRF probably only represents about 10% if that of all Rolex owners/buyers. The other 90% of potential buyers are oblivious to price increases and will buy at face value. Sad, but probably true.

[rossi46]

Step #1: name the AD

Step #2: buy from a trusted forum seller

[z32turbo]

IMHO the only way to get the AD upset is to buy elsewhere and let them know that you and your future referrals are shopping where your business is more appreciated. Fact is one AD is only better then another based on the service they provide.

Good luck!!!!!