Should I Pay MSRP?

[puffnmo]

Here in L.A. I cannot find a Rolex dealer who will give me any kind of meaningful discount. I have read about many board members getting 10 - 20% off, especially JJ on his latest purchase.
At Tourneau I get the same old line - "Rolex does not allow their dealers to discount their watches."
Geary's on my last visit offered to absorb the 8% sales tax. Doesn't seem that good an offer. Obviously the tired old line that Tourneau puts out is hrse-sheit.
What should I do - I'm getting pretty po'd. Anybody in L.A. know a better AD than those I have visited? Maybe I'm going about it wrong. I'm thinking of going in with cash, making a reasonable offer and if they don't take it, walk out.
Please give me some pointers on this.
Also I'm going up to Vegas on Thursday. Perhaps they are more flexible there... Larry

[Blue Bull]

Less 25% on the Blue TT Sub and less 28% on the Dweller...
However,our list prices are higher,compared to the States.My Dweller worked out at $4290,at the current exchange rate.JJ,got his for $4100.

You shouldnt pay list.I am sure there are some US members here that can point you in the direction of less 10-15%,from an AD,in the States.It seems that less than 15% would be very difficult to find in the States.Good luck !!

[puffnmo]

Thanks Blue Bull. The watch I'm looking to buy is the GMT red&black bezel.
The price here has been $5025. plus tax, no discount. No way am I going to act like a newbie and go along with that!

[John Ireland]

If it is a gray market, off course don't pay list, it isn't a new watch, and it has no factory guarantee. If it is an AD...it is a new watch and it does have a factory guarantee (which is part of the price)...so look around the store...figure the rent or property taxes, business insurance, maintanence, salaries, fringe benefits, unemployment taxes, janitorial service, phone bills, electric bills, advertising, the amount paid for all the merchandise you see in the story, and I'll bet I've just scratched the surface of his costs.

Oh yes...let's not forget the poor sob's right to make a profit...after all that is the basis of business growth. On the other hand if you're being offered 25% off on a gray market watch, how much do you think that person paid for it?

Now what if your employer or client suddenly said to you, "I'm cutting your salary (or fee) by 25%...I think I can get the job done for less money"? It might even be true...maybe you are over paid. But how do you feel right now about putting those discount shoes on your own feet?

I've never complained about paying retail because I never complain about charging it.

John

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by John Ireland

If it is a gray market, off course don't pay list, it isn't a new watch, and it has no factory guarantee. If it is an AD...it is a new watch and it does have a factory guarantee (which is part of the price)...so look around the store...figure the rent or property taxes, business insurance, maintanence, salaries, fringe benefits, unemployment taxes, janitorial service, phone bills, electric bills, advertising, the amount paid for all the merchandise you see in the story, and I'll bet I've just scratched the surface of his costs.

Oh yes...let's not forget the poor sob's right to make a profit...after all that is the basis of business growth. On the other hand if you're being offered 25% off on a gray market watch, how much do you think that person paid for it?

Now what if your employer or client suddenly said to you, "I'm cutting your salary (or fee) by 25%...I think I can get the job done for less money"? It might even be true...maybe you are over paid. But how do you feel right now about putting those discount shoes on your own feet?

I've never complained about paying retail because I never complain about charging it.

John

Good points,John.Thats why I rarely get the best deals from the flashy dealers,in the expensive centres,in the big cities.I get the best deals from the little shops,in the little towns.The ones with a small Rolex banner.Still,ADs for Rolex.All it takes is a bit of searching and the best deal,is there to be found ...

[puffnmo]

Originally Posted by John Ireland

If it is a gray market, off course don't pay list, it isn't a new watch, and it has no factory guarantee. If it is an AD...it is a new watch and it does have a factory guarantee (which is part of the price)...so look around the store...figure the rent or property taxes, business insurance, maintanence, salaries, fringe benefits, unemployment taxes, janitorial service, phone bills, electric bills, advertising, the amount paid for all the merchandise you see in the story, and I'll bet I've just scratched the surface of his costs.

Oh yes...let's not forget the poor sob's right to make a profit...after all that is the basis of business growth. On the other hand if you're being offered 25% off on a gray market watch, how much do you think that person paid for it?

Now what if your employer or client suddenly said to you, "I'm cutting your salary (or fee) by 25%...I think I can get the job done for less money"? It might even be true...maybe you are over paid. But how do you feel right now about putting those discount shoes on your own feet?

I've never complained about paying retail because I never complain about charging it.

John

John - I certainly agree with your thinking, when it comes to a smaller dealership. However, Tourneau is an enormous high- end chain, doing huge volume. I know the people at my local Tourneau, have bought 5 or 6 watches from them (Rolex and Panerai) and am considered a good customer.
However, the thought just popped into my mind recently - Wouldn't it be nice if one of these dealers I have bought from over the years did something nice for me in return? Just for a change?

[Timascus]

I'm south of you and go to the Tourneau in South Coast Plaza. I have never been happy with their service. The salespeople rarely know enough about watches I want to see or are considering, worse, many of them are snobs.

Remember jewelry in general has tremendous mark up. That $10000 diamond ring is really worth what? Think about it.

Maybe some expect to be abused when they go into a jewelry store. I expect customer service. Not ass kissing, not being looked down on, just courteous service.

Shop around at ADs with your plan, be firm. If they don't want your business go elsewhere. If you can't go to Hong Kong for a short vacation have you tried Monterary Park? Plenty of jewelry stores off of Valley Blvd, I'd wager they will wheel and deal, especially if you pay cash. You might also want to look in the diamond district in downtown.


Last week I was shopping for a new winter coat (now that spring is coming around). Locally they will not discount. I called the same stores in Boston, Colorado, Nevada and Texas. I got superior service out of town. Guess from which store I will be buying? The one with the best service, and price.

Good luck and let us know.

[puffnmo]

Originally Posted by Timascus

I'm south of you and go to the Tourneau in South Coast Plaza. I have never been happy with their service. The salespeople rarely know enough about watches I want to see or are considering, worse, many of them are snobs.

Remember jewelry in general has tremendous mark up. That $10000 diamond ring is really worth what? Think about it.

Maybe some expect to be abused when they go into a jewelry store. I expect customer service. Not ass kissing, not being looked down on, just courteous service.

Shop around at ADs with your plan, be firm. If they don't want your business go elsewhere. If you can't go to Hong Kong for a short vacation have you tried Monterary Park? Plenty of jewelry stores off of Valley Blvd, I'd wager they will wheel and deal, especially if you pay cash. You might also want to look in the diamond district in downtown.


Last week I was shopping for a new winter coat (now that spring is coming around). Locally they will not discount. I called the same stores in Boston, Colorado, Nevada and Texas. I got superior service out of town. Guess from which store I will be buying? The one with the best service, and price.

Good luck and let us know.

Hey Timascus - I like your thinking, and agree 100%. It's not completely about the money itself of course, I'm not a miser and usually don't mind just paying for something in a retail store. But there's a principle involved here, and you have summed it up perfectly. Cheers, Larry.

[amanda]

Also I'm sure alot of the people that are getting these discounts, have built very good rapport with their AD and get the discount based on previous dealings. JJ is certainly one of those people.. .so maybe you need to go to NZ and get JJ to introduce you to Mansors for your discount?

Or go to Hong Kong where Rolexs are a dime a dozen... discounts to be had with little ease.

Good luck!

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by amanda

Also I'm sure alot of the people that are getting these discounts, have built very good rapport with their AD and get the discount based on previous dealings. JJ is certainly one of those people.. .so maybe you need to go to NZ and get JJ to introduce you to Mansors for your discount?

Or go to Hong Kong where Rolexs are a dime a dozen... discounts to be had with little ease.

Good luck!

Very valid points.I have two ADs,close to each other.I also buy all other jewellry,Mont Blancs et al,from them.I do business with the owners,not the sales persons.Our family relationships go back a few decades.I dont have to quible for the best pricing.When I bought the Dweller,he gave me the best price immediately.This is comparable to any business relationship.Its important to have that good relationship...

[JJ Irani]

Advantages of coming to Auckland:

1. Great deals to be had!!

2. You get to see a beautiful country!!

3. You get to meet JJ.

4. You get to meet JJ.

5. You get to meet JJ.

6. You get to meet....have I already said that?

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Advantages of coming to Auckland:

1. Great deals to be had!!

2. You get to see a beautiful country!!

3. You get to meet JJ.

4. You get to meet JJ.

5. You get to meet JJ.

6. You get to meet....have I already said that?

Who is JJ ?? Someone you know ... ?

[Obsession]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Advantages of coming to Auckland:

1. Great deals to be had!!

2. You get to see a beautiful country!!

3. You get to meet JJ.

4. You get to meet JJ.

5. You get to meet JJ.

6. You get to meet....have I already said that?

Btw one of them that should pay MSRP is me and instead of paying it I prefer to pay the difference to my air ticket and visa and meet JJ and buy my Rolex from the AD that he buys, we can buy together, ofcourse only if that is possible for him to help me at that point.

[puffnmo]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Advantages of coming to Auckland:

1. Great deals to be had!!

2. You get to see a beautiful country!!

3. You get to meet JJ.

4. You get to meet JJ.

5. You get to meet JJ.

6. You get to meet....have I already said that?

Hey JJ - Reasons #3,4,5 and 6 are the best! I can get a good deal on a Rollie too????? WOW! Larry.

[advocatia]

The forum should host some sort of contest, perhaps watch photography.

First Prize: A week in NZ with JJ
Second prize: 2 weeks in NZ with JJ

[puffnmo]

Originally Posted by amanda

Also I'm sure alot of the people that are getting these discounts, have built very good rapport with their AD and get the discount based on previous dealings. JJ is certainly one of those people.. .so maybe you need to go to NZ and get JJ to introduce you to Mansors for your discount?

Or go to Hong Kong where Rolexs are a dime a dozen... discounts to be had with little ease.

Good luck!

Amanda - Thanks for the input. As I indicated to John, I am po'd because I have indeed stayed loyal to Tourneau and Geary's (another big upscale dealer in Beverly Hills), and have never received any sort of favor in return for all the business I've given them. They go all out on the VIP Red Carpet stick, but I'm just not going to play this game any longer.
Their game is called "You give, we take".

Anyway, I was pm'd a good lead by one of our great members, and plan to follow up on it as soon as the time is right for my SS GMT Red and Black
Rollie! Best, Larry.

[leopardprey]

Two ways to not pay MSRP.

1. Fly to Hong Kong. With discounted prices and no sales tax, the difference will pay for your flight and 2 nights Hotel and food.

2. Call an out of state AD and ask him to sell you one. You can PM me. I got my new Z series Red/Black GMT II at 7.5% discount and no sales tax, and the AD I dealt with was very pleasant. (price was $4700 plus $49 for overnight insured shipping)

You have to shop around. Have now dealth with ADs that give no discount, 5%, 7.5% and 16% discount on Date Just here in Bangkok.

[montecristo]

Vegas ADs are not flexible.
If its the first time that you are buying, see if you can get someone to buy together or simply pickup more than one to have more leverage power.

1, pay in cash
2, buy multiple
3, firm on discount request

[nko51]

Call an out of state AD, get a price discount and save on sales tax. You will be subjected to a strict credit card check, but wouldn't that be worth it for 7% - 15% off, plus no sales tax! Email me and I will give you a name and number.

[sashton8]

I picked my SD up the other day from a AD for 10% off and no tax. I live in Virginia

[langejl]

Originally Posted by sashton8

I picked my SD up the other day from a AD for 10% off and no tax. I live in Virginia

PM me. I am here in Upstate and the AD wont budge on the $5375 for the F series SD. I have a friend in VA and could head down there, no problem.

thanks

[Incurable]

You may want to consider taking a little jaunt (or phone shoppiing) up to Portland, OR. It was suggested here (in another thread) that discounts are possible there. In addition, there is no sales tax in OR whether you are a resident or not. Maybe someone in the area can provide you with a 'steer' towards the amicable AD's in the Portland area.

[puffnmo]

Originally Posted by Incurable

You may want to consider taking a little jaunt (or phone shoppiing) up to Portland, OR. I was suggested here (in another thread) that discounts are possible there. In addition, there is no sales tax in OR whether you are a resident or not. Maybe someone in the area can provide you with a 'steer' towards the amicable AD's in the Portland area.

Pat - Thanks for that reminder. The one nice deal I got on a Rollie was at Skies in Eugene. Great selection, nice people. I got my TT Black Sub from them a few years ago for $5,800. , at that time MSRP was $6200, and no tax.
Maybe I'll contact them...

[Gaijin]

If anyone wants a heads up on a good AD in Oregon let me know. My AD just got all of the Rolex inventory from thier sister store in Seattle. That store lost its Rolex privledges due to some Rolex rule violations, so my AD has tons of watches now. No sales tax and they will give you 5% off if you work it.

[puffnmo]

Went back to Tourneau again today. They again said no discount possible, would have to pay $5,065.- BUT - I have acredit line open to me that would give me a full year to pay, at NO INTEREST. What do y'all think?

[newtamparealestate]

Originally Posted by puffnmo

Went back to Tourneau again today. They again said no discount possible, would have to pay $5,065.- BUT - I have acredit line open to me that would give me a full year to pay, at NO INTEREST. What do y'all think?

Just go for it. Is it really worth the hassle over 500.00? To me its not. Especially since its 12 months no interest, that alone is worth the savings. I love the 12 months no interest. I would rathe keep my cash for other things. I use Jared Galleria of jewelry here in tampa, they have a Jared price on certain models which is anywhere from 5-10% off MSRP. Its just a set price, no haggling and only on certain models. Its not on any SS Sport models or even some of the Tutone Sport models. I did get 8% off my Tutone yachtmaster but I would have bought it anyway. I like buying from an AD, and when I spend 8000.00 I am not all that concerned with 400.00 savings. Its great if its there but wont send me to a grey market. I like buying it in the store, I like the people there, I like MY name on the papers and I like the 2 year warranty from Rolex.

[puffnmo]

Originally Posted by newtamparealestate

Just go for it. Is it really worth the hassle over 500.00? To me its not. Especially since its 12 months no interest, that alone is worth the savings. I love the 12 months no interest. I would rathe keep my cash for other things. I use Jared Galleria of jewelry here in tampa, they have a Jared price on certain models which is anywhere from 5-10% off MSRP. Its just a set price, no haggling and only on certain models. Its not on any SS Sport models or even some of the Tutone Sport models. I did get 8% off my Tutone yachtmaster but I would have bought it anyway. I like buying from an AD, and when I spend 8000.00 I am not all that concerned with 400.00 savings. Its great if its there but wont send me to a grey market. I like buying it in the store, I like the people there, I like MY name on the papers and I like the 2 year warranty from Rolex.

You know what- I'm coming around to your way of thinking. My most enjoyable Rolex purchases have been when I had money available, just went to a good AD, looked at lots of beautiful stuff, and then said "O.K., I'll take this one."
In a certain funny way, too much haggling takes away from the fun...

[LKNGOOD]

Originally Posted by puffnmo

In a certain funny way, too much haggling takes away from the fun...

I will haggle everytime if I can get something for less then the next guy/gal. It's always worth a shot to ask - but I don't base my final decision on it.

If I get it for less - great for me but If I really want it - I will be willing to pay for it.

Worst thing they say is no

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by puffnmo

You know what- I'm coming around to your way of thinking. My most enjoyable Rolex purchases have been when I had money available, just went to a good AD, looked at lots of beautiful stuff, and then said "O.K., I'll take this one."
In a certain funny way, too much haggling takes away from the fun...

Learn to love the haggling,see it as part of the fun.This is important,when the AD dont know you.On the Dweller I did not have to haggle at all and was offered ,less 28%,immediately.He knows the other AD,where I do business,gives less 25%.So,he gave a better deal from the start.

If you are in the States and live in an area where discounts are nil or little,buy out of state.Sounds very simple ,really.Get a larger discount from the AD and score on tax ...

[rolexfan21]

if you lookin for a watch with all the guarantees and stuff i say go buy from an AD... is it really worth the anxiety over like 4-6 hundred bux? if you're just looking to have a rolex on your wrist that will probably not break down and the warrantee is not from Rolex, then i say go to a grey dealer...better prices, and most grey dealers give their own warrantee... now as for paying msrp... i'd say this depends on the watch... the only real rolex's i'd pay msrp or more for are the white daytona and the LV... besides those two im *pretty* sure u can get them for under msrp fairly easily. hope i helped.

puffnmo.... did u try telling them you would pay cash? that usually helps for discounts...