I am SOOOO tired of the whining about AD's who dont discount....

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

+1 That is exactly the bottom line....

Again, why? Wanting to get the best deal that you can reasonably get has nothing to do with what one can afford to pay.

[Pep04]

Originally Posted by Art 1

Not paying the sales tax to the state that you live in if it has sales tax is tax fraud. Just because you buy an item from another state does not excuse you from paying sales tax. I was audited by the state of Florida for out of state purchases, so was a buddy of mine, it ended up costing him a good bit of money.

Really didn't know that was the case. Guess you have to pay no matter what.


So what about grey market deals?

[nyyankees]

I could give a crap how much an AD makes on a watch. I want the best deal for the money. That being said I never shop at an AD, so I don"t whine about it either; however, I don't fault someone who does. That's their perogative.

[av8ors]

I visited five different ADs before I made the purchase.
The owner treated me great and price was better than the others. That AD definitely earned my business!
I am more than happy to see them make some profit and stay in business.

[oboshoe]

I let AD's worry about their bottom line while I worry about mine.

I'm not concerned with their costs. Why should I be? Its not like I am a stockholder in the store.

I've never heard an AD ask "Are you sure can afford this? What about that mortgage payment?"


Its in my best interest to get a discount therefore I will always pursue one and favor those that discount.

[vince211]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

Since you are addressing my personal background in this public forum, was never in sales of tangible things. Actually I am a retired investment manager/investment broker. I retired 7 years ago at 41. What I am is an unabashed CAPITALIST and subscriber to the philosophies of Ayn Rand ( Atlas Shrugged/ Fountainhead fame).

I am relaxed, just intense I suppose.

I'd like some investment advice - could I get a 22% discount though??

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by nyyankees

I could give a crap how much an AD makes on a watch. I want the best deal for the money. That being said I never shop at an AD, so I don"t whine about it either; however, I don't fault someone who does. That's their perogative.

[StarSovereign]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

Again, why? Wanting to get the best deal that you can reasonably get has nothing to do with what one can afford to pay.

If you can't afford to pay 20% more for a watch, a luxury item, you probably aren't in a financial situation to be buying one in the first place. That's my point. There's nothing wrong with shopping around for a good deal. Just don't come back and whine about not getting a discount at an AD. Things cost what they cost. Don't be a cheapskate.

On the issue of buying from out of state and having it shipped to you: I'm against it. If you are buying from and AD and they are shipping it out of state, the AD is cheating the government, and the people of that state, out of money they are legally owned. Let's not forget - taxes go towards essentials. You like driving on roads and freeways? Taxes. You like have having a strong, modern military to defend the homeland? Taxes. HOw about police and fire? Taxes. Do you like quality public schools with quality teachers? Taxes.

[cid]

I don't think I've ever had an AD offer me a discount on a Rolex. I have always understood that Rolex is extremely strict about AD's giving discounts. And I've talked to ADs who've nearly lost their contract with Rolex over offering discounts.

I bought my first professional watch (omega seamaster) from an AD. I think I got $200 off the ticket price. I remember feeling ill later after realizing how much less I could have purchased the same watch through an internet dealer. Just a lesson I've learned in life. I don't fault the AD, since he was just trying to make a living. But I will never again pay full price through an AD. Since Rolex sells everything they make, I don't think my decision will affect their bottom line, nor will it affect the bottom line of an AD.

In the end, it's how much you enjoy your purchase, not whether you got the best possible deal out there. There will always be a better deal, so you can spend your time being sick over it or you can move on and enjoy what you have.


I liken the situation to buying a new car. How many of us have heard a buddy talk about how he bilked the car dealer when buying a new car? "Boy I really stuck it to that dealer...got him to come way down off the sticker price." When in reality he did nothing of the sort. Our buddies forget that they buy a new car once every 4-6 years, while the dealer sells new cars for a living - EVERY DAY. The dealer didn't get bilked...our buddies did.

[Z06]

Originally Posted by WJGESQ

Nothing wrong, ever, with seeking a discount on luxury item and not to do so, in this day and time is quite odd.

I have NEVER paid retail for any luxury/big ticket items...cars, home, appliances, electronics, etc...they are ALL marked up, to allow those of us that can barter, to barter...and those than can't... pay retail! I see nothing what so-ever wrong with this approach. If you like to pay retail, cool...if you don't...cool. As for taxes...we all pay taxes on everything bought and sold...over, and over, and over and...

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by StarSovereign

If you can't afford to pay 20% more for a watch, a luxury item, you probably aren't in a financial situation to be buying one in the first place.

Can't and won't are not the same thing.

[cid]

Originally Posted by StarSovereign

If you can't afford to pay 20% more for a watch, a luxury item, you probably aren't in a financial situation to be buying one in the first place. That's my point. There's nothing wrong with shopping around for a good deal. Just don't come back and whine about not getting a discount at an AD. Things cost what they cost. Don't be a cheapskate.

On the issue of buying from out of state and having it shipped to you: I'm against it. If you are buying from and AD and they are shipping it out of state, the AD is cheating the government, and the people of that state, out of money they are legally owned. Let's not forget - taxes go towards essentials. You like driving on roads and freeways? Taxes. You like have having a strong, modern military to defend the homeland? Taxes. HOw about police and fire? Taxes. Do you like quality public schools with quality teachers? Taxes.

I'm not against taxes because I agree with you that they're necessary to fund numerous public programs and departments. However, I have to respectfully disagree that buying out of state and shipping is cheating or fraudulent. Let's face it, legislatures have known this goes on all the time for a long, long time. If they considered it cheating they'd simply pass a law that addressed the issue.

How many of us have made internet purchases and not paid tax on the items? I surmise that nearly every one of the members of this forum who reside in the states have made a purchase on Amazon, Ebay, or some other internet retail giant and not paid tax on the purchase. How is this any different from purchasing out of state? Again, if federal and state governments felt this was cheating, they would have put a stop to it long ago.

[rpryan55]

Originally Posted by StarSovereign

Well said OP. If you are going to walk away from a watch because the AD isn't willing to give you 20% off, you probably shouldn't be buying a Rolex in the first place...

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

+1 That is exactly the bottom line....

Ridiculous. I would walk away from an AD if he didn't give me the same price I can get on the internet - and that is usually well below 20%. Brick and mortar retailers have to change their business models to compete with the price of the internet. I know of a few who have done it.

I never, ever, ever buy luxury items (cars, watches, clothing, jewelry, etc.) at MSRP. I ALWAYS walk out if I do not receive a severe discount - and I always buy at a severe discount.

Why anyone would proudly trumpet the fact that they pay MSRP is beyond me. I'm sorry, but I just don't know anyone smart who does that........

Just my $0.02.

[sleddog]

Guy's, this seems to be a hot topic at the moment and it is being viewed closely...

Now we all have an opinion on all sorts of topics which is just fine!
What I want to reiterate is that this is a friendly forum and no finger pointing or harsh posts towards other members disguised with smilies etc will be tolerated!

Let's keep it nice in the sand box or the topic will be removed.!

[Tombstone]

Free trade go with the lowest price. Rolex is mass produced it is not unique. If an AD is a poor business person that is his/her problem. I grow tried of ADs crying over the fact they are not worth millions ( like just selling Rolex would bring them wealth over night).

Simple economics 101 only the unwise or people who did not earn their money don't look for "the best deal"

Don't blow your money and you may never have to go to the bank to pay for the use of others money they saved IMHO

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by Tachymeter

My goodness, this is a simple watch forum and the level of pretentious that sometimes seeps out is worrying!

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

What a wonderful personalized comment directed at me without making the slightest contribution to the subject of this thread. Great thoughts from the land down under!

BTW... the correct form of the word is "pretension"

I believe that you are both incorrect. In the original post it should have been pretentiousness.

Definition of PRETENSION
1: an allegation of doubtful value : pretext
2: a claim or an effort to establish a claim
3: a claim or right to attention or honor because of merit
4: an aspiration or intention that may or may not reach fulfillment <has serious literary pretensions>
5: vanity, pretentiousness

Definition of PRETENTIOUS
1: characterized by pretension: as a : making usually unjustified or excessive claims (as of value or standing) <the pretentious fraud who assumes a love of culture that is alien to him — Richard Watts> b : expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature <pretentious language> <pretentious houses>
2: making demands on one's skill, ability, or means : ambitious <the pretentious daring of the Green Mountain Boys in crossing the lake — American Guide Series: Vermont>
— pre·ten·tious·ly adverb
— pre·ten·tious·ness noun

[mpkRolex]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

It amazes me that so many TRF members do not understand that there is a "cost" to maintaining a brick and mortar store front where they all can go in and "window shop/try on , and yet not buy watches.

I doubt ANY TRF member works for free and resents when their customers/employers demand discounts and pay cuts, yet they feel that a Rolex AD exists purely for their personal service and pleasure.. FOR FREE!

Grow up people and quit whining if you cant afford the watch. If you like to shop then shop.. we don't need to hear about retailers who don't bow down to you and give you a watch at cost after establishing and maintaining a storefront( often in an expensive yet convenient mall), employees ( and all the expenses associated), the carrying cost of a big inventory(for all you looky loo's to fondle) and then, heaven forbid, the retailer who wants to make a profit!

I am always interested in hearing about bad service or uninformed/unprofessional sales staff at an AD selling at full retail. We all expect and deserve a professional experience if MSRP at a Rolex AD. Rolex expects this of its AD's as well!

Please, don't think you are making news by telling us Rolex AD's are looking to get full MSRP for their inventory. Don't expect a AD with all the overhead to match the price of one of the TRF sellers here who are "Internet" based sales operations with the low overhead to match.... it just makes you look so uneducated/unsophisticated in the world of commerce.

Just my personal opinion.

Right on buddy Why should they discount when there are so many people who are willing to buy watches from them for MSRP if not more..After all why are they not entitled to make the profit they want. The buyer can choose not to purchase from AD and go buy in the gray market...But I dont get why they whine about not getting the discount at AD..

[DG123]

Do the guys here demanding deep discounts also give their customers deep discounts ?

[rxonmymind]

[QUOTE=cid;2186212]...... If they considered it cheating they'd simply pass a law that addressed the issue.

That's why they haven't.

Originally Posted by Art 1

Not paying the sales tax to the state that you live in if it has sales tax is tax fraud. Just because you buy an item from another state does not excuse you from paying sales tax. I was audited by the state of Florida for out of state purchases, so was a buddy of mine, it ended up costing him a good bit of money.

Which is kinda silly if you ask me because the "saving" that you realized from that purchasse goes to another purchase and comes full circle back to the U.S. Govt! They would be making cirular laws! That would be funny.

BUT if your a corporation with a mail box outside the US you don't pay taxes! I might add the money is NOT banked in the US either....but goes to employ Chinese (nothing against them) who'll NEVER spend a dime here in America. But hey let's go after your friend who BUYS American, then re-spends the savings on groceries, & penalize him!


And as for the AD marking up something that's been sitting for years does seem counter intuitive to purchaase at the new retail price when four years ago it was several $$ cheaper. But hey, if you KNOW this YOU won't. But if your new to the Rolex world one wouldn't know NOT to do this. To each his/her their own. Happy Thanksgiving!

[p_mcgee]

Great thread...

In general I prefer to buy watches at ADs. I like the factory warranty & knowing the watch probably hasn't been altered or dropped.

At our local Rolex ADs (except Tourneau), the easiest way to get a discount is to buy a Rolex along with a higher margin piece of jewelry. Unfortunately, I'm usually in the market for only 1 or the other, so its off to the gray market & forums.

I have been able to get pretty good discounts from ADs on other desirable brands such as Patek, AP & Cartier, but haven't quite figured out how to finesse one on a Rolex. Probably too young and not well groomed enough, I suppose, to avoid being profiled.

[beerformeplz]

To the OP, do you pay MSRP for your autos also?

[SCD]

To the OP's point, it hardly makes sense to whine about something that you aren't compelled to suffer. ADs don't force anyone to pay anything. That said, the OP ought to simply take his own medicine. Threads don't force anyone to read them.

Those who get upset over this thread ought to scratch their heads for a second...maybe take a break. It's only wristwatches. It's fun! Keep it fun!

[TRW]

Thanks Steve for the thread,I happen to be in agreement with Your Opinion.

[Shade]

If my AD doesn't give me a discount that I wanted, I shop somewhere else. No use of complaining either, they won't give me extra discounts now would they? Haha..

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

I believe that you are both incorrect. In the original post it should have been pretentiousness.

Definition of PRETENSION
1: an allegation of doubtful value : pretext
2: a claim or an effort to establish a claim
3: a claim or right to attention or honor because of merit
4: an aspiration or intention that may or may not reach fulfillment <has serious literary pretensions>
5: vanity, pretentiousness

Definition of PRETENTIOUS
1: characterized by pretension: as a : making usually unjustified or excessive claims (as of value or standing) <the pretentious fraud who assumes a love of culture that is alien to him — Richard Watts> b : expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature <pretentious language> <pretentious houses>
2: making demands on one's skill, ability, or means : ambitious <the pretentious daring of the Green Mountain Boys in crossing the lake — American Guide Series: Vermont>
— pre·ten·tious·ly adverb
— pre·ten·tious·ness noun

The best comment so far. He proved both of you guys wrong.

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by StarSovereign

Well said OP. If you are going to walk away from a watch because the AD isn't willing to give you 20% off, you probably shouldn't be buying a Rolex in the first place...

That is just crazy.

You're pretty much saying... if there is no toilet paper in the world, and you have to wipe your butt, might as well not wipe at all it because your royal behind can't handle leaves/bark/printer paper/newspaper/you get the idea.

Sorry for the really bad analogy but I'm just trying to make a point. The statement made by StarSovereign sounds SO RIDICULOUS TO ME, I had to create this RIDICULOUS analogy.

[tulsaokusa]

I am delighted to support my local AD and local municipality, and I personally prefer not asking for a discount... nor requesting that item be shipped out of state for a non-taxable transaction.

I value the staff and owner of my local AD personally and on a first name basis... and I take great satisfaction in being a customer who doesn't haggle over prices... nor pressure them into business that could be considered questionable.

And using this approach... my AD has actually offered me discounts of 20% on Rolex timepieces without me asking.

But with the SubC... I was offered no discount, nor would I ask for one or expect one... knowing that I received the first SubC for my particular market.

They offered to ship out of state... I preferred to pay the sales tax just so that we could enjoy a face to face transaction.

I value many things over the 'almighty' dollar.

Many.

[WTB007]

Originally Posted by LostInTime

Who cares if an AD employee (service worker) doesn't like me?

I asked for a discount and was told that Rolex never gives a discount. I walked out. Maybe someone else will pay full MSRP but I expect 33% off.

[oo7]

Remember the late 70's - 80's when Rolex prices changed every few months with the price of gold and platinum going up AND down??? Now THAT was a tricky time to buy a Rolex and potentially feel like a sucker. It was worth a $700 plane ticket to Geneva in those days to save about 40% - 50% on an all gold or platinum DayDate or even a 2 tone Sub.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by oo7

Remember the late 70's - 80's when Rolex prices changed every few months with the price of gold and platinum going up AND down??? Now THAT was a tricky time to buy a Rolex and potentially feel like a sucker. It was worth a $700 plane ticket to Geneva in those days to save about 40% - 50% on an all gold or platinum DayDate or even a 2 tone Sub.

I don't know anything about Rolex prices during that time period, but that is really interesting. I had no idea they changed so dramatically and frequently--every "few months"? Wow!