How to get a discount from an AD

[Mr Sandman]

Simple.......Just ask !!

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by champion5

i jsut purchased a submariner w/date today
list 5850
my cost 5100 out the door

you can get atleast 15% if not 20

Congratulations
I wish I could get such a deal for an M serial Sub
with an engraved chapter ring.
..Great Price..

I am flying to Oklahoma city....immmmmediately...lol

[BillA]

Will you only buy from an AD?
You might be able to get the best price on a pre-owned or BNIB from the FS site on this and other watch forums.

[vjb.knife]

Originally Posted by carlyman

I'm curious on the sales tax as well! Even though you are supposed to claim it in your home state, I'm surprised an AD would allow this somewhat shady work-around.

This is not shady it is the law. You can not buy it at a store outside your home state and pick it up there, that is illegal. It must be shipped to an out of state (from the dealer) address and he can not have any part of his business ie another store or even warehouse in your home state.

Another option is to buy it in a state that has no sales tax like Delaware.

I have gotten consistantly good discounts from my local AD because I have bought many things from them, always pay cash or check and always come back to them unless they just don't carry what I am looking for. That includes jewelry and Rolex watches for my wife. I pay the tax there because I have few other options that are not too much trouble.

[vjb.knife]

Originally Posted by mretzloff

When you buy Rolexes, what do you wear?

Same thing I usually wear, shorts, a tee shirt, ball cap, hiking boots, and a Rolex.

[Luminor]

My friend went to an AD today, not only did they NOT give him a discount, they didn't even open the door for him. Kept him locked out outside. loflll

[vjb.knife]

Originally Posted by Luminor

My friend went to an AD today, not only did they NOT give him a discount, they didn't even open the door for him. Kept him locked out outside. loflll

That's funny, it sounds like the time I went to the Wempe store in Munich. I was touring with a group of High School students around Europe last summer and visited a few watch stores in England and Germany. I was dressed very casually with backpack etc. and at the Wempe store they really looked me over before buzzing me in. Maybe they noticed that I had a reasonably nice watch on; it was a Fortis Cosmonaut GMT. I thought for a few moments that they were not going to let me in.

[carlyman]

It's really about a personal connection with the sales staff...I recently purchased a Milgauss from a local AD after several visits of viewing the watches and chatting with the staff and received a pretty hefty discount!

If you show appreciation, a willingness to buy, and are not demanding...you'll likely receive a discount.

After the discount...then ask for no sales tax by shipping :)

[vh_bu98]

The first thing is be ready to buy.

My thing is that I will visit several ADs and try on different models. I'll talk to the person so they know that I'm knowledgeable about the brand and that I'm serious. Then I ask how much they can budge on the price. Tell them what percentage off you're looking for and lay out your credit card in front of them telling them that you will buy it on the spot if they can do it. Then I ask them if they can ship out of state to avoid the sales tax. Find out how much they charge for shipping and try to get it for free.

I have gotten 10% off a sports model, with no tax and free shipping. Not all ADs will budge, but that's why you try different ones.

[walds11]

My local AD will not ship out of state. His rule is that your residence is where you are registered to vote.

I only bought a SS Daytona from him. Doubt I will by another watch from him unless he will ship out of state so I can save on the sales tax. I guess I should find an AD that is out of my state :)

[mretzloff]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

The first thing is be ready to buy.

My thing is that I will visit several ADs and try on different models. I'll talk to the person so they know that I'm knowledgeable about the brand and that I'm serious. Then I ask how much they can budge on the price. Tell them what percentage off you're looking for and lay out your credit card in front of them telling them that you will buy it on the spot if they can do it. Then I ask them if they can ship out of state to avoid the sales tax. Find out how much they charge for shipping and try to get it for free.

I have gotten 10% off a sports model, with no tax and free shipping. Not all ADs will budge, but that's why you try different ones.

How much is shipping usually?

[jdc]

Originally Posted by TempoKing

Congratulations
I wish I could get such a deal for an M serial Sub
with an engraved chapter ring.
..Great Price..

I am flying to Oklahoma city....immmmmediately...lol

Room for a small one? Those flight seats are going to have a premium attached to them now!!

[Steven79]

Originally Posted by Luminor

My friend went to an AD today, not only did they NOT give him a discount, they didn't even open the door for him. Kept him locked out outside. loflll

lol, sounds like me when I went to wempe in NYC. Those snobby %&^*$!!!!


the bastard didn't want to let me in because i was in jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt.

[champion5]

this ad offered to ship to me in oklahoma, they are in the galleria in north dallas. "Bach....."

and yes I am legaly required to claim it on my taxes, but there are bigger fish to fry

I do knot know if I can post store names in the forums

[Steve Rollin']

It is a very simple procedure to get a discount but it takes a little work. In my opinion, it is less work than getting dressed and dealing with people face to face, but you be the judge.

Call the 1(800) number for Rolex and get the names of a few stores in about 10 different cities in surrounding states. You may have to keep calling Rolex back because they will only give you a few stores at a time. Begin calling these stores. Avoid the big chains like people have said.

When you call, tell them you are ready to buy today if (i) they can give you X% discount and (ii) they ship. Most don't care about cash or credit in my experience. They either discount and ship, or they don't. I asked for 10% off on my SS Sub. It took calling about 15 stores before I finally got someone to bite. Shipping was about 50 bucks and it was at my front door the next day.

PM me for my dealer if you want. It is in the Southeast US. Good luck.

[nylawbiz]

I think I mentioned this before, but technically, even if you buy out of state, you are probably liable for "use tax" in your home state, which is generally is the equivalent to the sales tax in your home state. Shipping to someone outside of state as your recipient, and your name is on the warranty information is probably criminal tax evasion. So, buying out of state to avoid sales tax and not paying local use tax is illegal. I know it is very common to do, and many people do it, but those of us who are committed to be law abiding should know this. With the fervor local taxing authorities have in these tight economic times, and the advent of computer matching compacts between states and taxing authorities, it makes the practice even more risky. I live in NY and the sales tax where I live is 8-1/4%, so it is a hefty surcharge on a Rolex purchase. However, I pay the sales tax for a few reasons: 1. I don't want to break the law; 2. Buying locally supports my locale and gives me a local AD have turn to, if I need support; and 3. I'm a lawyer and a judge, so I have to set the right example!

In the end, does payment the sales tax really mean that much? I appreciate trying for the best discount you can from an AD, that’s just good business, but to try to evade the law when buying a luxury item, that seems as if it takes away from the esteem one garners from owning and displaying a fine watch. Tacky. Why tarnish all that shiny new metal?

Sorry sound holier than thou, but that’s my thoughts. I would hate to see any of my Forum friends be "made an example of" by the taxing authorities. You never know when an AD is audited for sales tax, and they look into the AD’s sales records and the AD’s buyers who didn’t pay sales tax. The AD may be off the hook for the out-of-state dealings, but they can find you, if they are zealous enough. Then you will be liable for the sales tax, interest and penalties, and possible criminal prosecution. All for the want of a watch!

[jhelms]

Originally Posted by nylawbiz

I think I mentioned this before, but technically, even if you buy out of state, you are probably liable for "use tax" in your home state, which is generally is the equivalent to the sales tax in your home state. Shipping to someone outside of state as your recipient, and your name is on the warranty information is probably criminal tax evasion. So, buying out of state to avoid sales tax and not paying local use tax is illegal. I know it is very common to do, and many people do it, but those of us who are committed to be law abiding should know this. With the fervor local taxing authorities have in these tight economic times, and the advent of computer matching compacts between states and taxing authorities, it makes the practice even more risky. I live in NY and the sales tax where I live is 8-1/4%, so it is a hefty surcharge on a Rolex purchase. However, I pay the sales tax for a few reasons: 1. I don't want to break the law; 2. Buying locally supports my locale and gives me a local AD have turn to, if I need support; and 3. I'm a lawyer and a judge, so I have to set the right example!

In the end, does payment the sales tax really mean that much? I appreciate trying for the best discount you can from an AD, that’s just good business, but to try to evade the law when buying a luxury item, that seems as if it takes away from the esteem one garners from owning and displaying a fine watch. Tacky. Why tarnish all that shiny new metal?

Sorry sound holier than thou, but that’s my thoughts. I would hate to see any of my Forum friends be "made an example of" by the taxing authorities. You never know when an AD is audited for sales tax, and they look into the AD’s sales records and the AD’s buyers who didn’t pay sales tax. The AD may be off the hook for the out-of-state dealings, but they can find you, if they are zealous enough. Then you will be liable for the sales tax, interest and penalties, and possible criminal prosecution. All for the want of a watch!

I don't think the out of state loophole is illegal though - same reason you can purchase from catalogs and not pay sales tax if that business doesn't have a physical store in your state.

If I buy electronics from B&H photo, no tax (their store is in NY), but if I buy the same stuff from Best Buy (both purchases made online), I pay sales tax, since Best Buy has stores located in GA.

GA offers a similar discount on sales tax for used cars, if you purchase from an individual out of state, you pay no sales tax on the car. And that's the printed law, not a loophole or a "hope I don't get caught" rule.

I don't know about everyone else here, but the sales tax on a ~$9k-$10k watch would definitely be worth trying to avoid, I don't think saving $600-$800 bucks is tacky, (legally).

[nylawbiz]

I appreciate your thoughts. I did not mean to suggest that buying out of state and not paying tax is illegal (or tacky). I said that (at least in NY) if you do that, you are supposed to pay New York "Use Tax" instead, which is the same amount as sales tax. I can not speak to the tax laws of other states, but I must presume that many have similar laws. I know that very few people actually pay the Use Tax, even though they are legally required to do so.

What is illiegal is buying an item in state, and shipping it out of state to avoid sales tax, when the in state resident is the purchaser. That to me is tax evasion, albeit also very common. If you buy something in state, you are required to pay sales tax on it.

Saving $600-900 is not tacky at all, I'm all for it! Just breaking the law is, IMHO. Thats all. I just bought an Air King and GMTIIC from a local AD and I bargained for 15% off the pair. I put it on a AMEX credit card that will give me a 1% cash rebate, and I paid the sales tax. So, believe me, I want the best deal I can find, without breaking the law.

[rolley7]

If the watch has been in their inventory for a while..this will motivate a discount...I just bought a Y serial GMT...New........for a huge discount.

[langejl]

Originally Posted by champion5

i jsut purchased a submariner w/date today
list 5850
my cost 5100 out the door

you can get atleast 15% if not 20

Carl Greeves in Portland Oregon gave me 10 percent off. There also is no sales tax in OR. I got my SS Submariner w/Date for around $4600 out the door (pre price increase).

JrL

[cal.3186vs335i]

Ben Bridge here in Alb did not give me any discount on the TT GMT-C so i went to other AD in AZ and guess what???? when i came back with my brand new TT GMT-C for adjust/sizing the bracelet, the manager looked pissed!!!!hahaha because i did not buy from him, wells i told him i'll buy another Rolex( Submariner LV), he asked me he would help me to get it, i laughed and told him that i do not think he can help me!!! i'll get somewhere else!!!!! not here in this store!!!!!!

[dotcomakazee]

Originally Posted by champion5

this ad offered to ship to me in oklahoma, they are in the galleria in north dallas. "Bach....."

and yes I am legaly required to claim it on my taxes, but there are bigger fish to fry

I do knot know if I can post store names in the forums

I could be wrong, but there is a greater than zero chance that it ends with "endorf's" ans there is also a greater than zero chance that a very hot, single, go-getter named Collette works there. She is the one to talk to.

[cal.3186vs335i]

paying CASH is not helping anything or pulling the price down with Ben Bridge or other AD...i think!!!!!!! i would seek advises from members here where's the best AD to get them...thank guys!!!

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by mretzloff

How much is shipping usually?

Registered mail is about $20. But some ADs jack you like Ben Bridge's. They charged me $100 for shipping and handling. Lets say I wasn't very happy with them and I probably won't buy anything else from them in the future.

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by dotcomakazee

I could be wrong, but there is a greater than zero chance that it ends with "endorf's" ans there is also a greater than zero chance that a very hot, single, go-getter named Collette works there. She is the one to talk to.

Yes Collette...she made quite an effort to get me to buy a Panerai.

[jhelms]

Originally Posted by nylawbiz

I appreciate your thoughts. I did not mean to suggest that buying out of state and not paying tax is illegal (or tacky). I said that (at least in NY) if you do that, you are supposed to pay New York "Use Tax" instead, which is the same amount as sales tax. I can not speak to the tax laws of other states, but I must presume that many have similar laws. I know that very few people actually pay the Use Tax, even though they are legally required to do so.

What is illiegal is buying an item in state, and shipping it out of state to avoid sales tax, when the in state resident is the purchaser. That to me is tax evasion, albeit also very common. If you buy something in state, you are required to pay sales tax on it.

Saving $600-900 is not tacky at all, I'm all for it! Just breaking the law is, IMHO. Thats all. I just bought an Air King and GMTIIC from a local AD and I bargained for 15% off the pair. I put it on a AMEX credit card that will give me a 1% cash rebate, and I paid the sales tax. So, believe me, I want the best deal I can find, without breaking the law.

Gotcha, good clarification - and I agree with you 100%! I would also only recommend and utilize the sales tax loophole if the item is truly being purchased out of state.

I'm curious now about the use tax, I've never actually heard of it and wonder if we have one in GA and if so how it would affect purchases such as private party transactions, etc.

[jhelms]

Originally Posted by dotcomakazee
I could be wrong, but there is a greater than zero chance that it ends with "endorf's" ans there is also a greater than zero chance that a very hot, single, go-getter named Collette works there. She is the one to talk to.

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

Yes Collette...she made quite an effort to get me to buy a Panerai.

Um... need a few things here:

1) pics

2) vh_bu98 - define 'quite an effort'

3) more details

4) did i mention pics?

[nylawbiz]

Sales Tax in the United States varies state by state. I have no idea about Georgia sales tax laws. I Googled "Georgia Use Tax" and found this link:

http://www.etax.dor.ga.gov/salestax/...orm_ST3USE.pdf

This link explains how out of state purchases are subject to Georgia Use Tax. The website also mentions that all 46 states which charge a sales tax, has an accompanying use tax. Sorry for the less than cheery news :)

[DC watchman]

Originally Posted by Divergirl

I've read some posts that mention getting a small discount from an AD. Is this possible? If so, how do you negotiate it? Any recommendations for the Washington, DC area would be appreciated.

Sub date in DC. Discount??? The most superfically desired watch in the world in DC????? Bwahh. HaaaaHaaaa. Bwwwwwaaah...

You may have some luck at Crowns in Fredricksburg. That's about it.

Good luck.

[mretzloff]

Originally Posted by Steve Rollin'

It is a very simple procedure to get a discount but it takes a little work. In my opinion, it is less work than getting dressed and dealing with people face to face, but you be the judge.

Call the 1(800) number for Rolex and get the names of a few stores in about 10 different cities in surrounding states. You may have to keep calling Rolex back because they will only give you a few stores at a time. Begin calling these stores. Avoid the big chains like people have said.

When you call, tell them you are ready to buy today if (i) they can give you X% discount and (ii) they ship. Most don't care about cash or credit in my experience. They either discount and ship, or they don't. I asked for 10% off on my SS Sub. It took calling about 15 stores before I finally got someone to bite. Shipping was about 50 bucks and it was at my front door the next day.

PM me for my dealer if you want. It is in the Southeast US. Good luck.

Hey, check your PMs.