Tried to "step up" into a SD, but dealer shafting me

[morgman]

Well, I just think Pepsi maybe isn't my thing. I'm not really liking the Cyclops, and it's almost too "blingy" & busy for me. I just look in the mirror and it's not really "me".

So I called my AD and asked how much it would be to step up into a SD. (I am within their 15 day "not pleased for any reason" return policy).

I was expecting that something like a Rolex wouldn't be covered under such a policy, but it's not in their fine print. However, I at least expected an awesome trade-in allowance and a good mark-off of the SD, since I've only had the watch 1.5 weeks!

They said it would be (gulp) 40% to 50% off of my watch, and did not mention any discount on the SD.

sigh. really makes me feel like dicking with them.

What happened to customer service and repeat business?

[JJ Irani]

You may be much better off selling the GMT privately. Then you can find another AD who will discount on the SD.

Good luck with your search.

JJ

[C.J.]

That's horrible! A week and a half old and they want to knock off that much? I guess they care very little about customer satisfaction.

[morgman]

Originally Posted by C.J.

That's horrible! A week and a half old and they want to knock off that much? I guess they care very little about customer satisfaction.

I think there thing is "in a week or so, they'll be able to mark the SD up another $500 or something".

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by morgman

I think there thing is "in a week or so, they'll be able to mark the SD up another $500 or something".

Probably, but they should still give much more for the GMT. In the same weeks time, they'll be selling the GMT for a higher price too.

[morgman]

Originally Posted by C.J.

Probably, but they should still give much more for the GMT. In the same weeks time, they'll be selling the GMT for a higher price too.

sigh. bummed today

[JJ Irani]

Hey Justin,

I thought in the USA they had this 30-day return policy provided the watch was still in pristine condition with all stickers, etc. intact?

JJ

[morgman]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hey Justin,

I thought in the USA they had this 30-day return policy provided the watch was still in pristine condition with all stickers, etc. intact?

JJ

I don't think they do. I think the black #'s on the sticker have worn off already though.

Still, that trade-in allowance is abysmal.

Part of it is that the dealer fills out the warranty papers and sends them in.

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by morgman

I don't think they do. I think the black #'s on the sticker have worn off already though.

Still, that trade-in allowance is abysmal.

Part of it is that the dealer fills out the warranty papers and sends them in.

Maybe you should call Rolex HQ. I had taken a watch back a few years ago after a little less than a week and they let me ad the difference to the one I wanted. I had never purchased from the AD before that either. It appeared to have been standard procedure.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by morgman

I don't think they do. I think the black #'s on the sticker have worn off already though.

Still, that trade-in allowance is abysmal.

Part of it is that the dealer fills out the warranty papers and sends them in.

Well, sorry to hear that. I suggest you just keep it for now. Hey, the GMT is a great watch and very practical too. What's with the sudden change of heart?

[morgman]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Well, sorry to hear that. I suggest you just keep it for now. Hey, the GMT is a great watch and very practical too. What's with the sudden change of heart?

I should have gotten the SD in the 1st place, but kind of let my wife talk me into the GMT. "the SD is too similar to the no-date sub you already have".

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by morgman

I should have gotten the SD in the 1st place, but kind of let my wife talk me into the GMT. "the SD is too similar to the no-date sub you already have".

Well, in all fairness to her, she did make a lot of sense. Why would you want two almost similar looking watches. Just hang onto the GMT-II, you tosser. It's a great watch!!

[frank bullit]

Originally Posted by C.J.

That's horrible! A week and a half old and they want to knock off that much? I guess they care very little about customer satisfaction.

I understand your anguish, but I'm afraid we all get clobbered this way with almost anything we buy. As soon as we walk out of the shop or drive it off of the forecourt, instantly it's 'used'. Consequently harder to re-sell and all that that entails. (more discount, etc)
Stick with your original purchase, it's a classic that's why you were attracted
in the first place I expect.
Don't give them any more of your dosh!


Quality is always in fashion.

FB.

[djemmtee]

if you go to sacramento i know for a fact you can get atleast 10% off the sd! just like jj said, sell the gmt off on your own then go buy a sd. i think thats your best situation.

[astcell]

I went to trade my car in to a dealer and I was offered $2,000 and I know I can get $9,000. They figure when you WANT to sell, your emotions are involved, and they can mek a lot of money out of you. Maybe next time you can tell a little white lie. Say that the watch has issues or the like.

My AD told me I have 10 days no questions asked to return it, and 30 days total for a trade-up. In fact when I went back recently they asked if I was still happy. I just know they want my watch back to re-sell again! :>

50% does seem a bit steep. BTW a local shop had a blue TT Submariner, list at $7100, used for $6900. So yea, they make out just fine.

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by frank bullit

I understand your anguish, but I'm afraid we all get clobbered this way with almost anything we buy. As soon as we walk out of the shop or drive it off of the forecourt, instantly it's 'used'. Consequently harder to re-sell and all that that entails. (more discount, etc)
Stick with your original purchase, it's a classic that's why you were attracted
in the first place I expect.
Don't give them any more of your dosh!


Quality is always in fashion.

FB.

One should expect to loose a fair bit on a traded used item. But, several AD's offer a certain time period to return a watch in exchange for another, so long as it is still in perfect Like-New condition.

[AJC]

I don't think there is as much depreciation involved more greed on the dealers part.

Do as others have said and sell privately and then buy from an AD that discounts.

Aaron

[TNRonin]

If it is within the period of time you can return it, I would do that. Then buy the SD elsewhere. They obviously have no loyalty to you, why should you be loyal to them. This is a simple business decision. I would make sure the watch falls under their conditions first. Say have a buddy go in an look at the watches and ask that question. Once you get a positive or negative make you move. Simple as that. You are not being underhanded. You offer/asked about the trade-in, any dealer worth their salt would do the trade/difference to keep and get a return customer. Don't do anything illegal, but this is business, they should realize that. Good luck.

[Bill Spider]

Sorry to hear of your experience with the AD. I would get in touch with one of the reputable grey market dealers and do a trade. You will have to add some cash but it will save you the trouble of selling the GMT and you will get a discount on the SD. Good Luck!

[morgman]

Thanks guys. I'm starting to feel a little bit better

I did finally read fine print about "unworn" in the return policy on a different side of the page, so I guess that shoots that 15 day thing down. I still think they were rather trying to jack me with the trade-in value, esp since I purchased it from their store not long ago.

The watch actually does have a slight defect; the crown stud is slightly misaligned compared to the crown guards. I talked to a watch guru the other weekend and he said he had a GMT like this before and it was never a problem, nor did Rolex say anything when he sent it in for his overhaul.

Maybe I should just make peace with the watch and try to bond with it for a while.

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by morgman

Thanks guys. I'm starting to feel a little bit better

I did finally read fine print about "unworn" in the return policy on a different side of the page, so I guess that shoots that 15 day thing down. I still think they were rather trying to jack me with the trade-in value, esp since I purchased it from their store not long ago.

The watch actually does have a slight defect; the crown stud is slightly misaligned compared to the crown guards. I talked to a watch guru the other weekend and he said he had a GMT like this before and it was never a problem, nor did Rolex say anything when he sent it in for his overhaul.

Maybe I should just make peace with the watch and try to bond with it for a while.

It really is a great watch. Maybe you can get different bezels. A different color and look make show the watch in a whole new light to you

[colemanitis]

I second the bezel change idea. You can tone down the flashiness of the watch by switching to a black or red/black insert. Maybe it'll speak to you more once you do this?

[mike]

Man that's a bummer!

My AD has the 30 day return policy,provided the sticker is intact. I agree with others--sounds like the AD is being a bit greedy.

I like the idea of getting a black insert--it does give the watch a totally different look.

For what it's worth the cyclops can be taken off--by someone who knows what their doing,it's just glued on.

It'll look like this


That's a 16750, but you get the idea.

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by mike

Man that's a bummer!

My AD has the 30 day return policy,provided the sticker is intact. I agree with others--sounds like the AD is being a bit greedy.

I like the idea of getting a black insert--it does give the watch a totally different look.

For what it's worth the cyclops can be taken off--by someone who knows what their doing,it's just glued on.

It'll look like this


That's a 16750, but you get the idea.

That looks pretty good, bro

[ohsixx]

I would keep it. Something made you buy it to start with. Maybe you will return to your original thoughts over time.

BTW, I like the pepsi watch and it is on my list for future purchases.

[Gedanken]

That return price is nucking futs, man - some serious ripping off going on there.

I reckon your wife's right, though - the ND Sub definitely goes better with the GMT than the SD.

[TNRonin]

Get the black insert, that is a good looking watch like that.

[Rockrolex]

I agree about changing the bezel insert. If you think the Pepsi is too bling (and I agree with you there), try the black. It is very understated. But please don't remove the cyclops. That is just plain ugly.

[amanda]

Don't take a hit to the pocket of that amount of money. As suggested here get a black bezel, that will totally change the look of the watch... I think the removal of the cyclops is really neat too... great idea!

The GMT is more versatile than most Rolexs. I love it! Go the black, that will give you the SD vibe with minimal $ spent.

Mike - your GMT is magnificent!

[djemmtee]

changing the insert does make you feel like you got a new watch, i know i loved mine even more when i changed it from black to red black.