Daytona Prices should be the same, right?

[Zoran]

Hi Guys,

A quick shout-out from beautiful Santiago de Chile where the sun bursts 35° every day

However, I walked into the local Rolex AD (one and only here in Santiago) to inform on buying a Daytona with black dial and I was kind of shocked to find out that the asking price was 16.000 US $ (!!!).
They did have it in stock, but I was very confused on why they were asking so much and if this was normal/possible to do as an AD.

According to the sales person it was due to taxes etc. but I didn't buy that nonsense.
I was convinced that a Rolex should be priced the same all over the world.

Am I wrong with my assumptions??

[StewartUK]

Import duties and taxes can all have an effect. SS Daytona here in the UK retails at £7950 but that includes VAT (sales tax) at 20%. In the US of course the price is always quoted before tax is added - not sure which way round it is in Chile. Also, if the dealer is free to set their own price (which is theory they can in the UK although strangely they all set the same price!) then they may choose to charge more because punters are willing to pay that and there isn't any competition.

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by StewartUK

Import duties and taxes can all have an effect. SS Daytona here in the UK retails at £7950 but that includes VAT (sales tax) at 20%. In the US of course the price is always quoted before tax is added - not sure which way round it is in Chile. Also, if the dealer is free to set their own price (which is theory they can in the UK although strangely they all set the same price!) then they may choose to charge more because punters are willing to pay that and there isn't any competition.

Hi Stewart,

The tax was definitely included, because they offered to sell it to me Tax-Free, with a Tax return at the customs at the airport.
However, even with the tax refund, the watch was higher than retail-pricing in Europe.
I think that your second point may be the case, since they are the only AD in Chile.

None the less, I am a bit baffled in the price difference.

[Nidal]

Cheaper to pay the US a visit and buy from TRF if you can.

[subtona]

Was just in santiago myself, seemed to me like prices were inflated there especially in relation to the rest of south america... The culture seemed to be developing into one of consumerism, i was shocked at the presence of large shopping centers & malls that lined the streets.... They also seemed to be embracing the service industry like nowhere else in SA.

[mr.president1]

Originally Posted by Nidal

Cheaper to pay the US a visit and buy from TRF if you can.

x2

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Zoran

. . .
According to the sales person it was due to taxes etc. but I didn't buy that nonsense.
I was convinced that a Rolex should be priced the same all over the world.

Am I wrong with my assumptions??

Yes, you are wrong..

We are not yet at a one currency world. Rolex sets market prices in each market currency but it is up to the Dealer to set the final price. Many, many add a premium to hot sellers.

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by subtona

Was just in santiago myself, seemed to me like prices were inflated there especially in relation to the rest of south america... The culture seemed to be developing into one of consumerism, i was shocked at the presence of large shopping centers & malls that lined the streets.... They also seemed to be embracing the service industry like nowhere else in SA.

I fully agree with you.
It is as if this country is isolated from what is going on in the rest of the world... People are spending cash here like if there is no tomorrow.
All with Credit cards with an interest rate of 28%. Nobody pays cash here anymore.

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by Tools

Yes, you are wrong..

We are not yet at a one currency world. Rolex sets market prices in each market currency but it is up to the Dealer to set the final price. Many, many add a premium to hot sellers.

Good to know that there is no maximum price setting.
Makes it that much easier to walk away and score one on trip to the US as suggested.