"We found it to be the most fair way for sports models"

[Syed117]

Was visiting family out of state this past weekend and we ended up passing by a fairly large Rolex AD and I thought I would stop by and see what the situation was. I already knew what to expect, but I like to stop by random ADs just to see what they have to say.

Case had a few DJs, some gold sports models, but nothing in steel.

Met one of the owners. He was a very nice guy. Chatted with him for 5-10 minutes. Told me they are selling more watches now than they ever have. Something I've been told by many randoms ADs at this point.

Then of course I had to ask what getting a steel sports model is currently like.

Let me preface this by saying that he had completely straight face on when he said this and he was being sincere.

Me: So what's the wait like here for steel sports models?
Him: (verbally lists every single steel sports model. Literally every single one)
Me: So all sports models? Even subs and explorers?
Him: Yes. Right now when a new client walks through the door. We quote them 10 years for any steel sports model.
Me: Wow. 10 years?
Him: Yes, for these hard to get models we want people to have a relationship with us.
Me: Ok, I guess that is understandable with all the flippers out there.
Him: But, we have a solution. Now we ask new clients to spend 30k or more and they can receive any steel sports model within 6 months.
Me: Really?
Him: We found it to be the most fair way for steel sports models
Me: Yes, that does seem like the most fair way.........

[dxbtousa]

How can they make that guarantee to multiple people?

Some dealers claim to not even receive 1 SS sport model in those aforementioned 6 months?

[zjd168]

one DD, then you can get daytona, Blro etc, I think it is too good to be true. The cost to become a professional flippers (grey, or trusted seller... whatever it is) is low.

[mulgogy]

nice story to tell a walk in.. Then in the off chance of getting a splurge 30k sale, figure out the rest within "6mos.."

[brandrea]

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[mrricks]

Will they put that offer in writing.

[drtii]

10 year wait or $30k? Get out of here, bro. Build a relationship with this clown AD at your own risk.

People need to remember that AD's lose brand status, or go out of business as well. I've seen a few cases on this forum alone that long-term AD relationships were for nothing after they lost status.

In the end this deal only benefits the AD. There's no consumer benefit whatsoever. Buying grey would actually save you money in this instance.

[zengineer]

So, spend $30k on something with $10,000 in margin for them and get on a list.

That's so much classier that just asking for an envelope with $10,000 cash in unmarked bills.

If that constitutes building a relationship, so does hiring a hooker.

[jeffnnj]

So you’re going to spend $30k on something worth $15k to save $10k on what you really want. Makes sense.


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[MinMay]

I guess that’s fair.

Start spending and stop whining from those folks who want to flip and have no desire for Rolex. Even Rolex hater wants to obtain a Rolex so they can make a quick buck to fund their Omega lol

[AK797]

These guys are like wannabe authors who have just bought a publishing house, can just tell any story they like now.

[In-Cog-Neeto]

They have to have their fun

I think if I had multiple people coming to me EVERY SINGLE DAY asking for the same watches, and knew I couldn’t help them, I’d liven up my day by making stuff up also

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

They have to have their fun

I think if I had multiple people coming to me EVERY SINGLE DAY asking for the same watches, and knew I couldn’t help them, I’d liven up my day by making stuff up also

Right. Especially with the tire kickers....

[pepsiretail]

It’s all just so tawdry, not befitting of Rolex. Or is it?

[dtwer]

10 year.., that's actually brilliant.

It's a very diplomatic way of getting rid of tire kickers and flippers.

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

This AD just did what Rolex calls "stories of perpetual excellence"...

[Overwound]

Want a Rolex? It's 10 years or $30,000. Whichever comes first...lol! I'd take my money and go spend it elsewhere.

[Syed117]

I gave him some credit for being honest about what they are doing with the situation as it is.

Other than that it was a nice conversation. He was more than happy to take out a bunch of watches for me to try without my asking to see anything specific.

Oh well, I have my AD here that I like.

[jrs146]

It’s just business. It used to bother me. Now I could care less. Pay to play. Or buy gray. No big deal.

[xspect]

Originally Posted by drtii

People need to remember that AD's lose brand status, or go out of business as well. I've seen a few cases on this forum alone that long-term AD relationships were for nothing after they lost status.

This is what happened to me. I still have a great relationship with my AD. But I don't want a "great deal" on a Tag or a Tissot.

[ashbaug2]

Selling more watches than ever? Probably because of this $30k pay-to-play system, which is most likely feeding the gray market with more PM pieces. It's really nothing new, so many ADs do this openly, I'm surprised it's not Rolex policy now.

[wisguy]

And then we wonder why the grays are making a killing...

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Originally Posted by wisguy

And then we wonder why the grays are making a killing...

But are they?

From the few resellers I’ve spoken to they all say the same thing, and this has been across different countries

‘Margins on used watches are much lower today than they ever were’

I guess when Joe Blow knows how much his hot model Rolex is selling for them he also wants top dollar when he sells it to a dealer

[Easy E]

Yeah, that does seem fair......whatever. Two years ago you couldn’t swing a dead cat by its tail without hitting an AD in the face that would offer you a discount on a sub. Now, a “relationship” means $30,000. This has become ridiculous.

[SuperLeggera]

I'm calling BS... I just made a post about being a new customer and getting a Sub Date and Batman within the span of two months. I think it is more about getting with the right AD.

[antbkny]

Sounds like he was toying with you

[Piefacerecords]

The fairest way from the customer’s perspective is to have the wait list serviced in order without games.

The fairest way from the dealer’s perspective is to sell the watch at market price.

We all know what “building a relationship” really means. At least these guys tell you what you need to do, instead of having to take them out to dinner hope you get a watch at the end of the evening if you play it real smooth.

There’s nothing more unfair to an AD than a customer walking out the store with more money than when they walked in. That’s basically stealing as far as the AD is concerned.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by wisguy

And then we wonder why the grays are making a killing...

How so? They are paying higher than ever for their inventory. The big scores are if they get a Daytona or GMT for MSRP and then flip for double.

[904VT]

Well what if everyone wanted a white dial Daytona C. I feel like you spend $30k and end up with a Milgauss from the back a few months later in the more likely scenario. Love the Milgauss though, just not needing to spend $30k for the "right" to purchase.

[Monty22]

Originally Posted by jrs146

It’s just business. It used to bother me. Now I could care less. Pay to play. Or buy gray. No big deal.

+1. How business is and should be done when basic supply and demand issues are at hand. As a VIP at a few stores and restaurants that I frequent as well as my airline, a clear bogey and great service work well for me. I expect to have special privileges and I would expect that those with more “status” are ahead of me


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