First AD Experience??

[997.2]

Hi guys!

I have never been to an AD before but I think I am ready for my first experience with one. I want to buy a submariner. Planning on going to Kimball's Jewelers in Knoxville, unless someone knows a better AD in my area.

Nooby questions:
1. Anyone have a 2014 rolex price list?
2. What kind of discount should I expect to be reasonable on a steel sub, and how do I go about bargaining for one? I want a decent discount considering I'm a first timer, I realize I don't have a relationship with any AD yet so I am not going to get as good a discount as some of you veterans, which is expected and fine.
3. Opinions on most recent subs? Is the 116610 ceramic the most recent iteration?

Thanks, I apologize if some of these questions are 'rude' or not appropriate to talk about but I just want to get a good sense of 'the game,' I don't mean to be insensitive!

Thanks all!

[Danny83]

Look on the forum try a trusted seller, hard to get any discount on that watch. Good luck post a pic when you get it welcome.

[Flex368]

Originally Posted by 997.2

1. Anyone have a 2014 rolex price list?

I have one, but a German one with EUR prices and VAT is probably not of much use to you.

2. What kind of discount should I expect to be reasonable on a steel sub, and how do I go about bargaining for one? I want a decent discount considering I'm a first timer

You don´t know the price yet but already want discount? Depending on your negotiation skills I´d say between 5 and 8% is possible paying cash.

I realize I don't have a relationship with any AD yet so I am not going to get as good a discount as some of you veterans, which is expected and fine.

Do you think asking for a ridicously high discount on your first purchase will be the start of a great relationship with the AD?

3. Opinions on most recent subs? Is the 116610 ceramic the most recent iteration?

Great watch, especially when it´s your first. Goes with anything and yes, it´s the most recent one together with the 114060 (SubC no date).

[ExplorerChris]

Welcome to the forum family
On that particular watch and being a first timer I wouldn't expect much if any discount.
I'd check out the trusted sellers here on the forum and see what is abailable

[hao881026]

When I want to buy a Rolex , I went to AD before I found this forum, you did come here before go to AD is very great decision. To make things greater is to politely go the AD and ask for what you want to see. Then come back and linger around the sale section for one or two weeks( If you are patient enough) . Then find a reputable seller for a BNIB (brand new in box) one, better discount and worry-free experience. FYI, I went to AD and got 114060(SubC) without discount, but was offered 200 in store coupon and a winding-machine. Later on I come to this forum and enjoy the nice people around here.

[14060m]

Good info

[AK797]

Tell them a rival dealer, research a plausible one, will offer 7-10% off but that you want to buy from them instead and establish a relationship as you have just joined a Rolex internet forum, TRF the worlds best ofc, and have become addicted to the idea of a growing Rolex collection.

[locutus49]

Nice ploy, low-key but plausible. Make sure in insert your conversation that you "want to establish a long-term relationship with an AD." To quote Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn, "If that don't fetch 'em, I don't know Arkansas."

Originally Posted by AK797

Tell them a rival dealer, research a plausible one, will offer 7-10% off but that you want to buy from them instead and establish a relationship as you have just joined a Rolex internet forum, TRF the worlds best ofc, and have become addicted to the idea of a growing Rolex collection.

[Roger1079]

Originally Posted by 997.2

Hi guys!

I have never been to an AD before but I think I am ready for my first experience with one. I want to buy a submariner. Planning on going to Kimball's Jewelers in Knoxville, unless someone knows a better AD in my area.

Nooby questions:
1. Anyone have a 2014 rolex price list?
2. What kind of discount should I expect to be reasonable on a steel sub, and how do I go about bargaining for one? I want a decent discount considering I'm a first timer, I realize I don't have a relationship with any AD yet so I am not going to get as good a discount as some of you veterans, which is expected and fine.
3. Opinions on most recent subs? Is the 116610 ceramic the most recent iteration?

Thanks, I apologize if some of these questions are 'rude' or not appropriate to talk about but I just want to get a good sense of 'the game,' I don't mean to be insensitive!

Thanks all!

The all steel Sub with date in black is reference number 116610LN and is the most current version. Retail price is $8550 plus tax.

I wouldn't count on much of a discount unless you go with a trusted seller here. AD's tend to reward repeat customers and you are looking at one of the most difficult watches to get discounted as it is one of the most popular.

Going with an AD for your first purchase is a great decision though. You get the brick and mortar service and the reassurance that you are no doubt buying a genuine item. This was the way I bought my first (which was the exact watch you are looking at) as I was not comfortable with how to spot counterfeit items and knew little about Rolex in general aside from the fact that they are one of the most recognized luxury watchmakers in the world.

I was out the door for $8550 + 6.5% sales tax at a Rolex boutique in Orlando FL. They said they simply did not discount that watch and there was no way they could make any exceptions. I was fine with that price for the reasons mentioned above. Good luck with your purchase and keep us updated.

[Rolexpharm]

Most ADs are really nice and courteous. My first time there they treated me with such respect and courtesy I left with my first Datejust. They will gladly tell you the retail price at first. If you show you're interested they will most likely drop it by 5%. If there is no wiggle room try another AD. Obviously cash is king and will give you the best deal. I don't know if they still do it by the Tourneau close to me was offering 18 months no interest but they don't discount. You will have a great time. I believe the SubC date is going for $9k

[brandrea]

My advice, just be yourself. Carry a smile and be straightforward about what it is you are looking for. AD's are no different than others ... They have a product to sell, and you are a potential buyer.

As for a discount, as mentioned above Subs are pretty popular and discounted less than precious metals. Here in Toronto they can be had for about list less 15 (which works out to tax free).

Good luck

[TCB]

I went to Kimball's for the first time last weekend. I have no idea what (if any) discounts on a Sub they'd offer, but I will say that the folks there were very nice. Even though I told the sales lady that I wasn't looking to buy my next watch for a year or two, she was very helpful and had no problem showing me several that I was interested in and put them on the store's "wish list" for me. She even cleaned my wife's engagement ring.

PM me if you'd like her name

[Jason71]

I go into Kimball's on a semi-regular basis. I have never bought anything from them as I prefer vintage for the most part and they just couldn't come close to the price on my BLNR. I do find the sales people to be fairly friendly as far as ADs go.

You might also try Rone Regency Jewelers in Chattanooga on Gunbarrel. Very nice folks in there. I was introduced to the owner the last time I was in there and they determined I was somewhat of an aficionado. I had a great conversation down there.

[tkerrmd]

go and get the experience and try some watches on and make some friends there it can pay off, good luck

post some pics with your 997 when ya get the watch!

[autohorology]

Typically what I expect from an AD is for them to pay the sales tax, so I wind up paying full msrp for the watch, but the sales tax in California ranges from 7.75 to 9.25%.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by Roger1079

The all steel Sub with date in black is reference number 116610LN and is the most current version. Retail price is $8550 plus tax.

I wouldn't count on much of a discount unless you go with a trusted seller here. AD's tend to reward repeat customers and you are looking at one of the most difficult watches to get discounted as it is one of the most popular.

Going with an AD for your first purchase is a great decision though. You get the brick and mortar service and the reassurance that you are no doubt buying a genuine item. This was the way I bought my first (which was the exact watch you are looking at) as I was not comfortable with how to spot counterfeit items and knew little about Rolex in general aside from the fact that they are one of the most recognized luxury watchmakers in the world.

I was out the door for $8550 + 6.5% sales tax at a Rolex boutique in Orlando FL. They said they simply did not discount that watch and there was no way they could make any exceptions. I was fine with that price for the reasons mentioned above. Good luck with your purchase and keep us updated.

This is how the VAST, VAST majority of ROLEX transactions at AD's happen...especially for a first time buyer on a SS Sub.

The stories of "I got 20% off my SS Sub on my first visit" are....well...you know...

So, prepare yourself for reality. By all means ask for a discount, but don't EXPECT one.

[adamlea]

You can have the AD experience without having to pay MSRP and sales tax. At the suggestion of another member, I bought my first Rolex from an out of state AD. Not only was I able to negotiate a deal, but I didn't have to pay sales tax because it was shipped to me from out of state. That's the way to go.

[DJJon]

All great advice above.

Ask for the discount, try offering $7,750. CASH and see if it flies. Be authentic, just say you'd like a little discount to make it happen now. Ask if they can reduce it by enough to balance out the state income tax and sell it at the full MSRP out the door.

The out of state no tax idea is great but beware that legally you owe the tax when you file your next year's state tax return iof you remember to do so.....

Good luck !

[997.2]

Originally Posted by TCB

I went to Kimball's for the first time last weekend. I have no idea what (if any) discounts on a Sub they'd offer, but I will say that the folks there were very nice. Even though I told the sales lady that I wasn't looking to buy my next watch for a year or two, she was very helpful and had no problem showing me several that I was interested in and put them on the store's "wish list" for me. She even cleaned my wife's engagement ring.

PM me if you'd like her name

Thank you TCB, I have driven by a couple times but never stopped in - I am more an Omega guy, the people at the Jared's by west town are pretty great. Nice to find another local.

[Speed]

You'll have nothing (no discount) and like it Spaulding.

[Rickk]

I bought my first rolex from a trusted seller here on TRF, Tony Geha (JUSTROLEXES) and saved 33.3% which was a lot of money. No AD can come close to that.

That was after I looked at the same watch at an AD. I asked about a discount and they looked down their noses, laughed and said NO discount, full MSRP bud! Never understood the idea of having a "relationship" with a jewelry store.

[VICI]

Honestly.. 15% off on a SS sub is your goal. Went w a friend and got one bnib

[tomallen]

Originally Posted by AK797

Tell them a rival dealer, research a plausible one, will offer 7-10% off but that you want to buy from them instead and establish a relationship as you have just joined a Rolex internet forum, TRF the worlds best ofc, and have become addicted to the idea of a growing Rolex collection.

AND that AD will tell Rolex that they are loosing business to the rival AD by giving deep discounts. I have seen this happen in Connecticut.