I am SOOOO tired of the whining about AD's who dont discount....

[Newportkrieger]

double post... sorry

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by beerformeplz

To the OP, do you pay MSRP for your autos also?

That depends on which of my cars you are inquiring about. Sometimes yes , sometimes no. No matter what the case, I don't begrudge the retailer (owner) for not wanting to sell at a discount. Its HIS choice to set HIS price and MY choice to set MY price. If they are the same, we transact business. That is the basis of a free market and capitalism. Two things I DO care very much about and see attacked constantly today by government and a population that has come to expect things it has not earned or deserves.

I DO NOT WHINE OR BITCH about it like I was owed a discount I did not get.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by SCD

That said, the OP ought to simply take his own medicine. Threads don't force anyone to read them.

!

What do you mean?

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by WTB007

I asked for a discount and was told that Rolex never gives a discount. I walked out. Maybe someone else will pay full MSRP but I expect 33% off.

Just wondering.. do you own a Rolex? I see you were tying to figure out what you need to know about buying an Omega Seamaster in your first posts in the forum.

Did you get a Seamaster? I have a SM professional 2254.50 and love the watch. Its my beater watch and keeps excellent time and I must say.. the best Lume I have ever seen.

[Grissom]

Originally Posted by yemenmocha

Forgot to add that YOU PEOPLE who ask for discounts and complain about discounts... guess what, those AD employees don't exactly like you very much if you know what I mean. So don't just be upset at their refusal to give you a reasonable market price, also note that they probably don't like you, just as much as a waiter may not like you for presenting a buy one get one free coupon when you order.

Why does this have to become "personal"......Nicely asking for a better price, or presenting a coupon sent out by the institution, should not automatically create animosity. And in point of fact, many, like myself, often tip based on the "non discounted" bill, so the server does not suffer, due to the discount. This is not, and should not, be viewed as a personal affront to anyone, when better pricing is politely inquired about. Making it personal demeans us all here! I think the issue here pertains to those who EXPECT a discount and become torqued when they don't get it.

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

It amazes me that so many TRF members do not understand that there is a "cost" to maintaining a brick and mortar store front where they all can go in and "window shop/try on , and yet not buy watches.

I doubt ANY TRF member works for free and resents when their customers/employers demand discounts and pay cuts, yet they feel that a Rolex AD exists purely for their personal service and pleasure.. FOR FREE!

Grow up people and quit whining if you cant afford the watch. If you like to shop then shop.. we don't need to hear about retailers who don't bow down to you and give you a watch at cost after establishing and maintaining a storefront( often in an expensive yet convenient mall), employees ( and all the expenses associated), the carrying cost of a big inventory(for all you looky loo's to fondle) and then, heaven forbid, the retailer who wants to make a profit!

I am always interested in hearing about bad service or uninformed/unprofessional sales staff at an AD selling at full retail. We all expect and deserve a professional experience if MSRP at a Rolex AD. Rolex expects this of its AD's as well!

Please, don't think you are making news by telling us Rolex AD's are looking to get full MSRP for their inventory. Don't expect a AD with all the overhead to match the price of one of the TRF sellers here who are "Internet" based sales operations with the low overhead to match.... it just makes you look so uneducated/unsophisticated in the world of commerce.

Just my personal opinion.

I agree, and specifically, I believe it is the "expects" part of this whole issue that any of us who have ever been in business would have an issue with. Asking nicely for better pricing (in my experience) is always met politely, even of the answer is no. I think we all respect those who look to maximize their return on a purchase. And even expressing disappointment in not getting what we want is not inappropriate. Becoming angry, somehow believing that we "deserve" better pricing simply because "we do" is annoying.....and ridiculous! Comparing brick and mortar ADs to low overhead grey dealers, or to the internet, without factoring in the additional hard costs related, or services provided, is very short sighted. The fact that some or even all of the ADs might not be to your liking is irrelevant. They took the financial risk to open that business, and to maintain that business, and they deserve to be able to maximize their profits. You deserve the choice NOT TO PATRONIZE them, but simply based on their desire to be profitable, I do not believe any of us has the right to complain that they will not offer us a discount. Once again, we have no right to a discount, and obviously, as they still seem to be in business, selling well, one would imagine that ENOUGH people do see the value, in dealing with them. Sometimes, even, folks who can afford to, like to dispense with the hassle of haggling, and prefer to simply pay the price, and get the service that comes along with paying the price.

Originally Posted by oboshoe

I let AD's worry about their bottom line while I worry about mine.

I'm not concerned with their costs. Why should I be? Its not like I am a stockholder in the store.

I've never heard an AD ask "Are you sure can afford this? What about that mortgage payment?"


Its in my best interest to get a discount therefore I will always pursue one and favor those that discount.

Discounted pricing may not "in the long run" be in our best interest. What if, due to discounting, one day, there were no Rolex Brick and Mortar ADs, no Car Dealerships, no Clothing Stores, no Malls.........no place to look at the watches (and other stuff we buy), no one knowledgeable around to help you with your purchase, no one to help you with your "after purchase" issues, no "stuff" to look at, try on, before you buy, and so forth. Do you really want to go there.....where price and price alone dictates everything.

Well, not me. When I pay for anything, I factor in the entire experience, before, during and after the purchase, to arrive at what I feel the "value" of that transaction was. I shop at Nordstrom, Costco, Pelican Products, to name a few, I do so primarily, for the service. I GLADLY pay more than I could elsewhere, on occasion, because (in my personal experience) not only do I get "more" but these retailers minimize any risk inherent in my purchases, due to their excellent customer service, and to tell you the truth, I like to be able to see, touch, and experience in person, what I am thinking about buying, and I like to have knowledgeable staff available to personally help me decide on what might be the best fit, if I am unsure.

Originally Posted by rpryan55

Ridiculous. I would walk away from an AD if he didn't give me the same price I can get on the internet - and that is usually well below 20%. Brick and mortar retailers have to change their business models to compete with the price of the internet. I know of a few who have done it.

I never, ever, ever buy luxury items (cars, watches, clothing, jewelry, etc.) at MSRP. I ALWAYS walk out if I do not receive a severe discount - and I always buy at a severe discount.

Why anyone would proudly trumpet the fact that they pay MSRP is beyond me. I'm sorry, but I just don't know anyone smart who does that........

Just my $0.02.

Again, one day, if everyone bought the same way, there would be few brick and mortar establishments left, and those left would have little to no knowledgeable staff, as due to selling with so little margin, they could only afford staff to simply take your payment. No pre sales help, probably no ability to even drive a vehicle before buying (that would not be available with such short margins), or the ability to try on a watch (maintaining an inventory costs money, not cost effective with short margins), and certainly no after sales service either. Not the world I wish to be in, for sure.

Originally Posted by beerformeplz

To the OP, do you pay MSRP for your autos also?

Knowing the OP just a little, emotional or not, passionate or not, I am certain he would weigh all the pros and cons, and make what he felt was an appropriate assessment of value, and if that were there, then I imagine he would gladly pay MSRP, but I really should not speak for him......for me, I would, and have, and have been pleased that I did, for the service I have most always received in return, was well worth the extra money I paid, up front, versus acquiring the item from a discounter!

And finally, I think Jason said it best: "I value many things over the 'almighty' dollar."

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

I believe that you are both incorrect. In the original post it should have been pretentiousness.

Definition of PRETENSION
1: an allegation of doubtful value : pretext
2: a claim or an effort to establish a claim
3: a claim or right to attention or honor because of merit
4: an aspiration or intention that may or may not reach fulfillment <has serious literary pretensions>
5: vanity, pretentiousness

Definition of PRETENTIOUS
1: characterized by pretension: as a : making usually unjustified or excessive claims (as of value or standing) <the pretentious fraud who assumes a love of culture that is alien to him — Richard Watts> b : expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature <pretentious language> <pretentious houses>
2: making demands on one's skill, ability, or means : ambitious <the pretentious daring of the Green Mountain Boys in crossing the lake — American Guide Series: Vermont>
— pre·ten·tious·ly adverb
— pre·ten·tious·ness noun

I stand corrected good Sir!

[TRW]

Originally Posted by Grissom

Why does this have to become "personal"......Nicely asking for a better price, or presenting a coupon sent out by the institution, should not automatically create animosity. And in point of fact, many, like myself, often tip based on the "non discounted" bill, so the server does not suffer, due to the discount. This is not, and should not, be viewed as a personal affront to anyone, when better pricing is politely inquired about. Making it personal demeans us all here! I think the issue here pertains to those who EXPECT a discount and become torqued when they don't get it.



I agree, and specifically, I believe it is the "expects" part of this whole issue that any of us who have ever been in business would have an issue with. Asking nicely for better pricing (in my experience) is always met politely, even of the answer is no. I think we all respect those who look to maximize their return on a purchase. And even expressing disappointment in not getting what we want is not inappropriate. Becoming angry, somehow believing that we "deserve" better pricing simply because "we do" is annoying.....and ridiculous! Comparing brick and mortar ADs to low overhead grey dealers, or to the internet, without factoring in the additional hard costs related, or services provided, is very short sighted. The fact that some or even all of the ADs might not be to your liking is irrelevant. They took the financial risk to open that business, and to maintain that business, and they deserve to be able to maximize their profits. You deserve the choice NOT TO PATRONIZE them, but simply based on their desire to be profitable, I do not believe any of us has the right to complain that they will not offer us a discount. Once again, we have no right to a discount, and obviously, as they still seem to be in business, selling well, one would imagine that ENOUGH people do see the value, in dealing with them. Sometimes, even, folks who can afford to, like to dispense with the hassle of haggling, and prefer to simply pay the price, and get the service that comes along with paying the price.



Discounted pricing may not "in the long run" be in our best interest. What if, due to discounting, one day, there were no Rolex Brick and Mortar ADs, no Car Dealerships, no Clothing Stores, no Malls.........no place to look at the watches (and other stuff we buy), no one knowledgeable around to help you with your purchase, no one to help you with your "after purchase" issues, no "stuff" to look at, try on, before you buy, and so forth. Do you really want to go there.....where price and price alone dictates everything.

Well, not me. When I pay for anything, I factor in the entire experience, before, during and after the purchase, to arrive at what I feel the "value" of that transaction was. I shop at Nordstrom, Costco, Pelican Products, to name a few, I do so primarily, for the service. I GLADLY pay more than I could elsewhere, on occasion, because (in my personal experience) not only do I get "more" but these retailers minimize any risk inherent in my purchases, due to their excellent customer service, and to tell you the truth, I like to be able to see, touch, and experience in person, what I am thinking about buying, and I like to have knowledgeable staff available to personally help me decide on what might be the best fit, if I am unsure.



Again, one day, if everyone bought the same way, there would be few brick and mortar establishments left, and those left would have little to no knowledgeable staff, as due to selling with so little margin, they could only afford staff to simply take your payment. No pre sales help, probably no ability to even drive a vehicle before buying (that would not be available with such short margins), or the ability to try on a watch (maintaining an inventory costs money, not cost effective with short margins), and certainly no after sales service either. Not the world I wish to be in, for sure.



Knowing the OP just a little, emotional or not, passionate or not, I am certain he would weigh all the pros and cons, and make what he felt was an appropriate assessment of value, and if that were there, then I imagine he would gladly pay MSRP, but I really should not speak for him......for me, I would, and have, and have been pleased that I did, for the service I have most always received in return, was well worth the extra money I paid, up front, versus acquiring the item from a discounter!

And finally, I think Jason said it best: "I value many things over the 'almighty' dollar."

Nicely Done.

[tulsaokusa]

I value Grissom's comment. Thank you.

But because I received only one accolade, I am going to march over to my AD and demand a 33% discount.

[WTB007]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

Just wondering.. do you own a Rolex? I see you were tying to figure out what you need to know about buying an Omega Seamaster in your first posts in the forum.

Did you get a Seamaster? I have a SM professional 2254.50 and love the watch. Its my beater watch and keeps excellent time and I must say.. the best Lume I have ever seen.

I don't own a Rolex or Omega yet. I walked into a jewelry store that sold Rolex and tried on a couple different submariners. The steel one was high $7000's and the two tone half gold was high $12,000+. The salesperson mentioned they increased in price by 10% a month ago. I don't think I will buy a $12,000+ watch ($14,000+ with tax), and that makes buying the $7000 watch much harder. I think people will look at the $7000 watch and think "here is a guy who purchased the cheapest Rolex just to own a Rolex". I like gold better than steel on a Rolex, but do not want to pay 5 figures for half gold.

On the other hand, I walked into an Omega store and tried on a seamaster that was $3700 that I liked a lot. It was an automatic. I know quartz goes for half the price but the woman talked me out of quartz. I was offered a couple hundred off on the automatic, but not a big discount so I left.

I did a lot of research and expected between 25% and 33% off. I would prefer 33% off.

I never complain to the sales people. I listen to what they say and thank them for their time. The stores are empty, so I am not taking time the sales people can use to talk to other customers. I like the sales people, they are very nice, but it comes down to price.

[tulsaokusa]

Or why not 43% discount.. that way the AD can lose money on the deal?

[WTB007]

Originally Posted by Grissom

When I pay for anything, I factor in the entire experience, before, during and after the purchase, to arrive at what I feel the "value" of that transaction was. I shop at Nordstrom, Costco, Pelican Products, to name a few, I do so primarily, for the service. I GLADLY pay more than I could elsewhere, on occasion, because (in my personal experience) not only do I get "more" but these retailers minimize any risk inherent in my purchases, due to their excellent customer service, and to tell you the truth, I like to be able to see, touch, and experience in person, what I am thinking about buying, and I like to have knowledgeable staff available to personally help me decide on what might be the best fit, if I am unsure.

I agree with this 100%. Nordstrom is a good example. If Nordstrom sold Omega or Rolex, I would pay full price. At Nordstrom, I am not paying for an item, I am paying for the service. No other store has matched the customer service I get at Nordstrom. I can tell you many stories of sales associates at Nordstrom bending over backwards to make me happy. I'm not just talking about the free tailoring they offer, or shipping out of stock items for free. I am talking about sales associates who will spend an hour bringing clothing to my dressing room for me to try. What I value most is they do not push me to buy. If I try something on and ask an opinion, they will not try to sell, they will say if they like the color or fit or style on me, and offer other suggestions if they do not like it. That is worth more to me than a discount. Nordstrom is the only store I've been in where a sales associate told me a color looked bad on me and suggested a different item. She backed it up with good reasons (how a shirt brings out color in my face or makes it look pale based on my skin tone and hair color), and I get compliments on what I ended up buying that day. The sales people at Nordstrom know what they are talking about.

Since a jewelry store is a one shot deal, I will buy based on price. It's not like Nordstrom where I am shopping there every other week. Maybe if I was trading in many watches a year and had a great jewelry store, I would pay closer to full price, but I am looking for my first high end watch. I trully wish Nordstrom carried Omega. I would buy without thinking twice.

[xjeeunitx]

You'd be surprised to see how much the ADs get these watches for. Just recently, I've bought an Omega 46% off the MSRP so...

At the end of the day, I know I got more change in my pocket because of the fact that I shopped around. You should do the same for yourself.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by WTB007

I agree with this 100%. Nordstrom is a good example. If Nordstrom sold Omega or Rolex, I would pay full price. At Nordstrom, I am not paying for an item, I am paying for the service. No other store has matched the customer service I get at Nordstrom. I can tell you many stories of sales associates at Nordstrom bending over backwards to make me happy. I'm not just talking about the free tailoring they offer, or shipping out of stock items for free. I am talking about sales associates who will spend an hour bringing clothing to my dressing room for me to try. What I value most is they do not push me to buy. If I try something on and ask an opinion, they will not try to sell, they will say if they like the color or fit or style on me, and offer other suggestions if they do not like it. That is worth more to me than a discount. Nordstrom is the only store I've been in where a sales associate told me a color looked bad on me and suggested a different item. She backed it up with good reasons (how a shirt brings out color in my face or makes it look pale based on my skin tone and hair color), and I get compliments on what I ended up buying that day. The sales people at Nordstrom know what they are talking about.

Since a jewelry store is a one shot deal, I will buy based on price. It's not like Nordstrom where I am shopping there every other week. Maybe if I was trading in many watches a year and had a great jewelry store, I would pay closer to full price, but I am looking for my first high end watch. I trully wish Nordstrom carried Omega. I would buy without thinking twice.

So 25% will keep you from becoming a rolex owner? I think you will be watchless for some time unless you buy from the internet where you will find your price and the level of service comensurate with your price. AS for your analogy of a Rolex AD selling watches and a Nordstroms selling clothes... im not sure its quite an apples to apples comparison. Good luck.

[WTB007]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

So 25% will keep you from becoming a rolex owner? I think you will be watchless for some time unless you buy from the internet where you will find your price and the level of service comensurate with your price. AS for your analogy of a Rolex AD selling watches and a Nordstroms selling clothes... im not sure its quite apples to apples. Good luck.

I agree with you. 25% could keep me from owning a rolex. If Nordstrom was selling Rolex, it would not matter, because I would pay full price. It is not apples to apples, because a jewelry store may only get a chance to sell to me once every couple of years. What can a jewelry store do to gain my repeat business and what do I get out of it as a customer? It is not the same as Nordstrom, where this week I may need dress shirts, and next week I need dress shoes, and the week after that I want a cashmere sweater, and next month my Acqua Di Gio is empty and needs to be replaced, and I earn Nordstrom notes to use in making more purchases. I am always in Nordstrom. I know the sales people and I love shopping at Nordstrom. A jewelry store may be one sale and done for many years. What can a Rolex AD do in one sale that is worth 25%, or $2000?

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by WTB007

I agree with you. 25% could keep me from owning a rolex. If Nordstrom was selling Rolex, it would not matter, because I would pay full price. It is not apples to apples, because a jewelry store may only get a chance to sell to me once every couple of years. What can a jewelry store do to gain my repeat business and what do I get out of it as a customer? It is not the same as Nordstrom, where this week I may need dress shirts, and next week I need dress shoes, and the week after that I want a cashmere sweater, and next month my Acqua Di Gio is empty and needs to be replaced, and I earn Nordstrom notes to use in making more purchases. I am always in Nordstrom. I know the sales people and I love shopping at Nordstrom. A jewelry store may be one sale and done for many years. What can a Rolex AD do in one sale that is worth 25%, or $2000?

What a Rolex AD does that Nordstrom does not and most likely never will is have Rolex watches to offer for sale. I think the best watch brand Nordstrom offers is Swiss Army.

I guess you have made a choice. YOU are a perfect example of the point I was trying to make with my initial post. Why keep telling us about you NOT buying your first Rolex becuse y ou cant get the discount you want? Please DO get back to us when you do become a Rolex owner, or the Omega forum if you buy an Omega (CostCo??).

[WTB007]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

What a Rolex AD does that Nordstrom does not and most likely never will is have Rolex watches to offer for sale. I think the best watch brand Nordstrom offers is Swiss Army.

I guess you have made a choice. YOU are a perfect example of the point I was trying to make with my initial post. Why keep telling us about you NOT buying your first Rolex becuse y ou cant get the discount you want? Please DO get back to us when you do become a Rolex owner, or the Omega forum if you buy an Omega (CostCo??).

I am not going to buy from a jewelry store unless I get a discount. It is simple as that. If they want to sell, then they need to offer a competitive price. There are many places to spend money on luxury goods.

You are right that if I can not get a good deal from an AD, then Costco will be an option for an Omega.

Sometimes I buy with emotion, and sometimes I buy with logic. Right now I am buying with logic. If I get 33% off, and in a couple years want to sell to upgrade, I will have more trade in value than if I get no discount. I see other peole get a discount, and that alone makes it impossible for me to buy at full price unless there is a good reason.

[tulsaokusa]

Originally Posted by WTB007

I agree with this 100%. Nordstrom is a good example. If Nordstrom sold Omega or Rolex, I would pay full price.

Since a jewelry store is a one shot deal, I will buy based on price. It's not like Nordstrom where I am shopping there every other week. Maybe if I was trading in many watches a year and had a great jewelry store, I would pay closer to full price, but I am looking for my first high end watch. I trully wish Nordstrom carried Omega. I would buy without thinking twice.

Solution is two-fold:

a) Chicago has its 'Nordstroms' of ADs - go find it.

b) viewing a Rolex as a 'one-shot deal' could use some refinement in your thinking - the Rolex will outlast you more than likely - thus an AD is selling a product where the LACK of service is part of the selling point.

...unless you need a salesperson to tell you that the bluesy Sub matches your eyes.

Note: I am part of the (extended) Nordstrom family.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by WTB007

I am not going to buy from a jewelry store unless I get a discount. It is simple as that. If they want to sell, then they need to offer a competitive price. There are many places to spend money on luxury goods.

You are right that if I can not get a good deal from an AD, then Costco will be an option for an Omega.

Sometimes I buy with emotion, and sometimes I buy with logic. Right now I am buying with logic. If I get 33% off, and in a couple years want to sell to upgrade, I will have more trade in value than if I get no discount. I see other peole get a discount, and that alone makes it impossible for me to buy at full price unless there is a good reason.

[WTB007]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

YOU are a perfect example of the point I was trying to make with my initial post. Why keep telling us about you NOT buying your first Rolex becuse y ou cant get the discount you want?

I did not start this thread and am not complaining about discounts. I know some jewelry stores offer discounts, and I am doing my homework to find them. Why would a customer pay $2000 more at one jewelry store than at another jewelry store? If the discounts are out there, why not take them?

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

What a Rolex AD does that Nordstrom does not and most likely never will is have Rolex watches to offer for sale. I think the best watch brand Nordstrom offers is Swiss Army.

I guess you have made a choice. YOU are a perfect example of the point I was trying to make with my initial post. Why keep telling us about you NOT buying your first Rolex becuse y ou cant get the discount you want? Please DO get back to us when you do become a Rolex owner, or the Omega forum if you buy an Omega (CostCo??).

Hey Steve. I'm starting to feel like you're picking on this guy just because he does not own a Rolex. I'm pretty sure most of us work quite hard for our money. I'm also sure that we would want to use our hard earned money and try to get the most out of it. This guy never created any threads whining about ADs or what not. You come off very cocky and please do not feel any greater about yourself just because you own one and he does not.

All members are welcome on this forum whether they own a Rolex or not. This is a internet community where we share all information to help each other. Another great asset about this forum is that members have the freedom to express and vent about anything. Whether you're a pledge member, member, or just a visitor, it does not matter. If you do not like threads about opinion/experiences about ADs, then simply don't read it.

At the end of your statement, you mentioned buying an Omega from Costco. I remember not too long ago, they were selling DateJusts and AirKings as well.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by WTB007

I did not start this thread and am not complaining about discounts. I know some jewelry stores offer discounts, and I am doing my homework to find them. Why would a customer pay $2000 more at one jewelry store than at another jewelry store? If the discounts are out there, why not take them?

Cool.. I will start the post YOU should have started with...look in the forum.

[xjeeunitx]

BTW, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

BTW, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

+1

Thanks for everyone who offered constructive thoughts to this thread.

[WTB007]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

BTW, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone has a great extended weekend.

[tulsaokusa]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

+1

Thanks for everyone who offered constructive thoughts to this thread.

Hey... threads like these help put the 'F' in TRF!

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Grissom

Why does this have to become "personal"......Nicely asking for a better price, or presenting a coupon sent out by the institution, should not automatically create animosity. And in point of fact, many, like myself, often tip based on the "non discounted" bill, so the server does not suffer, due to the discount. This is not, and should not, be viewed as a personal affront to anyone, when better pricing is politely inquired about. Making it personal demeans us all here! I think the issue here pertains to those who EXPECT a discount and become torqued when they don't get it.



I agree, and specifically, I believe it is the "expects" part of this whole issue that any of us who have ever been in business would have an issue with. Asking nicely for better pricing (in my experience) is always met politely, even of the answer is no. I think we all respect those who look to maximize their return on a purchase. And even expressing disappointment in not getting what we want is not inappropriate. Becoming angry, somehow believing that we "deserve" better pricing simply because "we do" is annoying.....and ridiculous! Comparing brick and mortar ADs to low overhead grey dealers, or to the internet, without factoring in the additional hard costs related, or services provided, is very short sighted. The fact that some or even all of the ADs might not be to your liking is irrelevant. They took the financial risk to open that business, and to maintain that business, and they deserve to be able to maximize their profits. You deserve the choice NOT TO PATRONIZE them, but simply based on their desire to be profitable, I do not believe any of us has the right to complain that they will not offer us a discount. Once again, we have no right to a discount, and obviously, as they still seem to be in business, selling well, one would imagine that ENOUGH people do see the value, in dealing with them. Sometimes, even, folks who can afford to, like to dispense with the hassle of haggling, and prefer to simply pay the price, and get the service that comes along with paying the price.



Discounted pricing may not "in the long run" be in our best interest. What if, due to discounting, one day, there were no Rolex Brick and Mortar ADs, no Car Dealerships, no Clothing Stores, no Malls.........no place to look at the watches (and other stuff we buy), no one knowledgeable around to help you with your purchase, no one to help you with your "after purchase" issues, no "stuff" to look at, try on, before you buy, and so forth. Do you really want to go there.....where price and price alone dictates everything.

Well, not me. When I pay for anything, I factor in the entire experience, before, during and after the purchase, to arrive at what I feel the "value" of that transaction was. I shop at Nordstrom, Costco, Pelican Products, to name a few, I do so primarily, for the service. I GLADLY pay more than I could elsewhere, on occasion, because (in my personal experience) not only do I get "more" but these retailers minimize any risk inherent in my purchases, due to their excellent customer service, and to tell you the truth, I like to be able to see, touch, and experience in person, what I am thinking about buying, and I like to have knowledgeable staff available to personally help me decide on what might be the best fit, if I am unsure.



Again, one day, if everyone bought the same way, there would be few brick and mortar establishments left, and those left would have little to no knowledgeable staff, as due to selling with so little margin, they could only afford staff to simply take your payment. No pre sales help, probably no ability to even drive a vehicle before buying (that would not be available with such short margins), or the ability to try on a watch (maintaining an inventory costs money, not cost effective with short margins), and certainly no after sales service either. Not the world I wish to be in, for sure.



Knowing the OP just a little, emotional or not, passionate or not, I am certain he would weigh all the pros and cons, and make what he felt was an appropriate assessment of value, and if that were there, then I imagine he would gladly pay MSRP, but I really should not speak for him......for me, I would, and have, and have been pleased that I did, for the service I have most always received in return, was well worth the extra money I paid, up front, versus acquiring the item from a discounter!

And finally, I think Jason said it best: "I value many things over the 'almighty' dollar."

Well Done Sir. Excellent points Grissom.

[Singslinger]

I agree with Grissom. It shouldn't always be about the money.

[2005rivers]

I have skimmed most the posts, I will say I do sometimes tire of hearing AD's Bad mouthed for their prices. AD's DO have their place in the watch market.

Not offering a discount or only small discounts is a business strategy. This is done so that their target market will buy/continue to buy their product because it helps maintain the company's image. This also helps maintain aftermarket value.

On the flip side, they could just do what some companies do and price a sub at $14k and offer 50% discounts all the time - how does that make you feel?

In my watch collecting I plan to buy both used and some new from AD, but we will see how the years treats me.

[The GMT Master]

There have been some interesting posts in this thread, but here's some food for thought. If people keep avoiding ADs, or force them into giving massive discounts, Rolex might just turn around and say "we're only going to sell through boutiques." You can guarantee that no-one will get any discount then, and the supply of BNIB watches for grey dealers will begin to dry up. That's the situation with Omega in the US now, and if it's successful, I don't see why other watch brands won't follow suit.

Just a cautionary word

[Tachymeter]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

I stand corrected good Sir!

Best head down to Newport beach shortly to wash your little brown nose.