Help me make my first Rolex purchase

[TonyD]

Looking for advice (as always). The watch in question is a WG Daytona that I've been seeking advice on this week. I now have tons of logistical questions. Sorry for the list.....

I plan to negotiate a "cash" sale. For the sake of pricing is a check the same as cash? Assume I would pay by check and pick up the watch later. There's no fees involved with a check right? Or am I supposed to walk into a store with almost $20k in bills?

Is it ok to negotiate with a checkbook or is it better to flash greenbacks?

What is the fee on a typical Visa card? I believe it is about 3% yes?

Will an AD offer up add-ons like a car dealership when the price is close? Examples might be an extended warranty, throw in a watch winder, or pay for the first routine service? (rust proof undercoating? ) I just want to know if any of those are on the table.

I think I know the answer to this last question but I will ask it anyways.... the AD in question is about an hour away. I'd rather not drive out there for final negotiations if we don't make a deal and I waste 3+ hours on a Saturday. Is it bad form to call and speak to the salesperson on the phone? I know cash talks and BS walks....

Any other advice? I'm ready for the usual "price increase is coming" etc. This guy does not seem to be pushy at all so I am not worried. Just want to know as much as I can.

Thanks as always.
Tony

[etp095]

try to find a mom and pop ad,they will be able to give you a better deal.since you are buying from the owner and they won't have to give a commision to salesperson.cash will net you the best price from a mom and pop ad,not such a issue with a chain store.cc fees range from about 2-4% depending on the cc you use.some ad's will give you an extended warranty as part of earning your business.cash is always king,you could always drop a deposit and then return with the rest later.good luck.

[sleedawg]

Typical Visa/MasterCard fees are 2% if swiped in person and 3% over the phone. Checks are same as cash. The only question is... what is the store's policy for checks. Do they have instant check cashing processing at the AD? Will they take your word that the check is good and give you a watch on trust and having your address? (some do) If not, you may have to wait for it to clear and then pick it up or they might mail it to you. You could walk in w. cash and pay in cash. I've done that before. Lucky (or unlucky for me, depending on how you see it) my AD has a right bank next door.

Most Rolex dealers aren't like used car dealers. No undercoating. I've heard a few will throw in a servicing, or free polishing, or a watch winder if they're trying to sweeting up the deal. But those are usually not as important as getting more cash off.

Lastly, you'll have to work with your sales person. Some ADs don't like discussing discounting on the phone. Some do. If your sales person knows you're serious, they'll probably be willing to discuss since you're over an hour away.

[crimscrem]

for a white gold daytona a check will not be equal to cold cash since checks $10,000 and greater must be specifically reported. My AD did not care that I used a credit card and would not discount further if I paid in cash.

Any AD will view you as a big time purchaser since you want a WG Daytona. Call around and see which one gives you the best deal.

[TonyD]

I'm in no hurry, I have an anniversary coming up in mid March, so I can wait for a check to clear. I guess there's no harm in a few calls.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

A good deal depends on:

• Your negotian skills.
  
• Size of the AD outlet. If he has many watches and more than one model in stock of the model you are lookin for, there are better chances of a discount.
  
• Payment method: IMHO, cash is the best!

Best of luck!

[etp095]

my ad wouldn't discuss price over the phone,he's also 3 hours away so I took a chance.I ended up buying a ss GMT II and ss sub for 18.25% off list.