Discount on Rolex (and im a new member)

[94Gamecock]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I am somewhat of a hipocrit because I do receive a generous discount on watches, parts and tools, but I earn that through my profession.

Okay, you claim that you "earn" your discount through you profession. I will claim that I "earn" my discount through my negotiating skill. If you don't seek to negotiate price on an item in which MOST people pay less than list price and use that to feel morally superior, then great. I would feel like a fool to pay more than I needed too; thus, I negotiate.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by chenx15

my question to you is do you want a discount? or do you always pay as listed?

I pay what I feel is reasonable. I do not surround myself with many expensive items. In all honesty I feel if I can afford to pay list price, then I deserve and have earned what I am buying.

As for watches, I do receive a discount as a result of my connection to the profession. However I would never buy a watch just becuase I could get it cheaply, and any watch I do buy, I would pay full price for it, were I not entitled to it.

I would like to avoid a discussion of whether I am entitled to something just because of my job, because it is a fact of life, and I understand that each profession brings its own rewards

[clew84]

The problem with your argument here is that it is obviously one-sided and biased - which is completely understandable given your profession.

However, when you buy a house would you not offer lower than the offer price? If buying car do you gladly pay sticker price? Do you never negotiate for any high ticket item you buy? C'mon, you need to be a little realistic here and realize that no one is twisting a dealer's arm here - if they don't want to sell a watch for a price, then they don't have to sell it.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I would like to clarify that I disagree with discounting for the sake of a sale.

I feel the industry is ripped off by consumers who turn to the grey and black market.

I bought from the grey market, I plan to do it again, its my money, my choice and I'm quite ok with it. I understand your point but there are certain realities to capitalism and freedom of choice. Again JMHO

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

I bought from the grey market, I plan to do it again, its my money, my choice and I'm quite ok with it. I understand your point but there are certain realities to capitalism and freedom of choice. Again JMHO

Just to let you know, as hard as it is to trace watches from the grey market. Official policy when we receive these watches in for repair is to A-destroy them, or B-remove all brand specific markings. As far as Rolex, Omega, Breitling are concerned, the watch is stolen

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Just to let you know, as hard as it is to trace watches from the grey market. Official policy when we receive these watches in for repair is to A-destroy them, or B-remove all brand specific markings. As far as Rolex, Omega, Breitling are concerned, the watch is stolen

I'll take my chances thank you

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by clew84

The problem with your argument here is that it is obviously one-sided and biased - which is completely understandable given your profession.

However, when you buy a house would you not offer lower than the offer price? If buying car do you gladly pay sticker price? Do you never negotiate for any high ticket item you buy? C'mon, you need to be a little realistic here and realize that no one is twisting a dealer's arm here - if they don't want to sell a watch for a price, then they don't have to sell it.

TBH, you are right. My argument is biased. I can only speak from experience. But i am sure there are people like me in every industry.

If YOU personally sell something that belongs to you. Do you want to get your asking price, or do you want to sell it for less?

[watchmaker]

I would like to take a break here to thank you all for getting involved.
It is quite educating for me to see such a variety of opinions, specifically in support of discounts.

Can I just ask, does anyone agree with me?

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by chenx15

it really depends... where do the grey and black market gets their supply? specifically rolex watches

I am aware there are some instances where AD's will sell watches heavily discount and, not directly through their shop, and in these cases, the watches are very nearly 'clean'. But the bulk of the watches are stolen, or obtained illegally.

Another fact. Rolex have arranged with US customs than any watches that pass through the US, be it in freight, or private possessions, if it remotely smells fishy, the watch has to be destroyed on site. It is a risk Rolex are prepared to take. They can afford to put right any genuine mistakes.

[clew84]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I would like to take a break here to thank you all for getting involved.
It is quite educating for me to see such a variety of opinions, specifically in support of discounts.

Can I just ask, does anyone agree with me?

I don't disagree with you completely. The grey market certainly makes it difficult for dealers. I have to think that these grey market watches are nothing more than watches that dealers have off-loaded. With this many authentic watches out there in the market, it has to be dealer supported in some part. However, I am a neophyte here so I could be very wrong!

To the earlier post, of whether I want to get a lower or higher price for something I sell, of course I want a higher price. But it is up to me to negotiate that. If something isn't selling, I may want to get something rather than nothing. In fact, I just did that with a watch I just sold 5 minutes ago!

I get your point and I appreciate your position. But it's the nature of the biz right now.

[chenx15]

Dude! make sure you comeback it's nice to have an AD's twist on rolex. we should have something like the tripadvisor where an AD responds to bad reviews from clients

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I am aware there are some instances where AD's will sell watches heavily discount and, not directly through their shop, and in these cases, the watches are very nearly 'clean'. But the bulk of the watches are stolen, or obtained illegally.

Another fact. Rolex have arranged with US customs than any watches that pass through the US, be it in freight, or private possessions, if it remotely smells fishy, the watch has to be destroyed on site. It is a risk Rolex are prepared to take. They can afford to put right any genuine mistakes.

Some grey market sellers may sell stollen watches but if so they don't stay in business very long. There are grey dealers who buy in bulk from retailers quite ligitimately and offer pieces that are genuine, under warranty, and discounted

[watchmaker]

I commend your balanced stance. My only critisism would be that Rolex watches are not in a catagory of items that are not selling. This brings back by point that I feel ADs should do more to stamp out the culture of discounting for a sale. It has to benifit them in the long run.

I agree, we are only human, and if it is going, you should take it. The real issue lies with dealers who would rather sell then and there than to wait 30mins,2 days,4 weeks, to sell it at full price

[Lion]

Watchmaker I believe you are missing the point negotiating is part of the game. It comes down to supply and demand and if a seller is willing to adjust their price in your favor, why not!!! It's all part of the process of retail. You are attempting to give the impression that you are far superior and have an attitude toward those of us who like to haggle just for the sake of fun. If you go into a store and their merchandise is on sale you would tell them to forget the sale price because you want to pay full price. If you meet a doctor through a friend and during the conversation you ask him a medical question and he gives you an answer didn't you just get something for free. Or are you going to make an appointment to see him in his office(and pay his fee)to ask your questions.I believe you are not being realistic about/ in this world today. Look around you DEALS are being made everyday!!!

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Some grey market sellers may sell stollen watches but if so they don't stay in business very long. There are grey dealers who buy in bulk from retailers quite ligitimately and offer pieces that are genuine, under warranty, and discounted

My friend, if it is not bought direct from an AD, Rolex say it is stolen.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Lion

Watchmaker I believe you are missing the point negotiating is part of the game. It comes down to supply and demand and if a seller is willing to adjust their price in your favor, why not!!! It's all part of the process of retail. You are attempting to give the impression that you are far superior and have an attitude toward those of us who like to haggle just for the sake of fun. If you go into a store and their merchandise is on sale you would tell them to forget the sale price because you want to pay full price. If you meet a doctor through a friend and during the conversation you ask him a medical question and he gives you an answer didn't you just get something for free. Or are you going to make an appointment to see him in his office(and pay his fee)to ask your questions.I believe you are not being realistic about/ in this world today. Look around you DEALS are being made everyday!!!

I accept people will take what discount is available. I feel more that dealers should be the ones who stop it. Because I can assure you, a watch at 10k will sell at 10k if you give it time. Just say no to a customer. And if they want it, they will buy it.

And I am not superior. Im just as flawed as you all. I can admit that.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

My friend, if it is not bought direct from an AD, Rolex say it is stolen.

were that true there would be no grey market for Rolex

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

were that true there would be no grey market for Rolex

I will not debate whether it is true. Grey and black market products, even if they are genuine, are considered stolen, illegal, whatever you want to call it.

If they are caught, believe me I have seen it. they are destroyed

[watchmaker]

So quick show of hands.
Would you trade off your warranty for a 25% discount

If not, why?

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I will not debate whether it is true. Grey and black market products, even if they are genuine, are considered stolen, illegal, whatever you want to call it.

If they are caught, believe me I have seen it. they are destroyed

it may happen, but if i have a grey market watch serviced by rolex than its not always true. So the line isn't drawn on grey market, its drawn somewhere else, stollen, smuggled where ever but its not grey

[jdc]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

So quick show of hands.
Would you trade off your warranty for a 25% discount

If not, why?

What are you up to? Doing market research for Rolex? This is getting stupid.

[watchmaker]

Like I said, it is hard to catch them out.
AD's are breaking their contracts with rolex by passing on the watches, and technically Rolex should withdraw themselves from the shop. But Ce la vie. Doesnt always happen

[landroverking]

Let's look at the other side....Why should an AD be allowed to sell above list price?
Here is an example .....In 1990 I ordered a TT Daytona MSRP $3500, I was told it would be in in 3 months. At the end of three months the AD called and said my watch had come in. (this was the sales person). I called back only to find out, not only had they sold my watch but for double the price. Any AD that charges over MSRP should expect to have to discount as well on slowing moving models! Watchmaker where is your outrage now?

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by jdc

What are you up to? Doing market research for Rolex? This is getting stupid.

Yeah, Rolex have their market research dept in Manchester.
Im an interested individual.

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I accept people will take what discount is available. I feel more that dealers should be the ones who stop it. Because I can assure you, a watch at 10k will sell at 10k if you give it time. Just say no to a customer. And if they want it, they will buy it.

And I am not superior. Im just as flawed as you all. I can admit that.

Good, now get out there and DEMAND a discount!

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by landroverking

Let's look at the other side....Why should an AD be allowed to sell above list price?
Here is an example .....In 1990 I ordered a TT Daytona MSRP $3500, I was told it would be in in 3 months. At the end of three months the AD called and said my watch had come in. (this was the sales person). I called back only to find out, not only had they sold my watch but for double the price. Any AD that charges over MSRP should expect to have to discount as well on slowing moving models! Watchmaker where is your outrage now?

I support you, and you have my outrage. Not only are AD's contractualy obliged not to sell over the RRP set by rolex, but its just bad manners

[Lion]

Watchmaker I feel like you are being jumped on by me and others on this Forum. I apologize for my actions but understand. Everyone likes to get a deal, maybe it makes them feel good I think it's only natural/normal!!!

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Lion

Watchmaker I feel like you are being jumped on by me and others on this Forum. I apologize for my actions but understand. Everyone likes to get a deal, maybe it makes them feel good I think it's only natural/normal!!!

You are quite right. Everyone does want a good deal.
I am just trying to further my understanding. As well as find out to what lengths some people will go to for a deal.

Can I refer you to my question. 25% discount, sacrafice your warranty?
Deal or no deal?

any other compromise you can think of? or do you want a discount, and no loss of quality and service what so ever?

[pepemaui]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Just to let you know, as hard as it is to trace watches from the grey market. Official policy when we receive these watches in for repair is to A-destroy them, or B-remove all brand specific markings. As far as Rolex, Omega, Breitling are concerned, the watch is stolen

Patently false. In fact I service my "grey" rolex's dircetly with rolex rsc and they come back perfect, not destroyed or defamed, everytime.

Additionally, if it weren't for grey dealers, most AD's would be out of business as there stock would be "unsellable" in tough economic times. As far as feeling good paying full price, thats ego, black letter.

[Lion]

Rolex makes a quality time piece so YES I would take you up on that offer and take my chances!!!