Discount on Rolex (and im a new member)

[pepemaui]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

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?

Why would anyone give the warranty for a discount? Rolex still makes there money, as they "sell" to Ad's for a much discounted price compared to msrp. Its the AD that makes the profit as a "go between" to the consumer, no different than a grey seller. Thus, the AD may receive less profit, but rolex revenue remains the same. Additionally, devaluation is a moot point, because, honestly rolex hasn't suffered a drop with grey dealers, unless you consider massive price increases over the years as suffering. Imagine how many fewer rolex's would need to be produced without grey dealers? How much less revenue? How many jobs lost? Do you think that helps valuation, or does the consumption and continued massive production fueled by any sale of rolex help? Selling rolex is what they want..period.

[elijahenoch]

I am mexican/jewish and i love to save money so i have more to share with others.

[Bankster]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

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?

I'll agree with the post above me. I'll gladly take the discount given that this watch is famous for its quality.

If the product was an Alfa Romeo, it's a different story

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by pepemaui

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.

As I said, it can be hard to tell. But when a watch is confirmed as being grey or black market, that is when sanctions are taken. The trouble is we are not dealing with fakes, they are genuine watches, sold without the permission or guarantee from rolex. And I reiterate, it is only when it can be proved, that watches are confiscated, defaced or destroyed.

To support Rolex, many AD's keep a register of watches sold, and Rolex encourage all dealers to do so. This identifies the greys and the black market watches.

[pepemaui]

Originally Posted by elijahenoch

I am mexican/jewish and i love to save money so i have more to share with others.

[watchmaker]

Again, I offer my respect to those who are willing to sacrafice a little, to gain their discount. You have negociated a proper deal.

Remember, a discount is a deal wither an ad. Not Rolex.

[Bankster]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

As I said, it can be hard to tell. But when a watch is confirmed as being grey or black market, that is when sanctions are taken. The trouble is we are not dealing with fakes, they are genuine watches, sold without the permission or guarantee from rolex. And I reiterate, it is only when it can be proved, that watches are confiscated, defaced or destroyed.

To support Rolex, many AD's keep a register of watches sold, and Rolex encourage all dealers to do so. This identifies the greys and the black market watches.

That is like the stories told to scare the kids Grey market Rolexes can be serviced %100 at Rolex when you pay the price for its service.( If it is not stolen and fake)
Plus, many grey dealers get their watches from an AD too, probably on a different continent( most likely hong kong). So Rolex makes it's profit no matter what. It's the AD's who has to worry.

[elijahenoch]

I was thinking about this topic yesterday and to be honest i was thinking about the sales rep if she was losing money off the sale of my watch.

If i had to sacrifice my warranty the answer would be absolutely NO , for the $250 i saved Hell NO.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Bankster

That is like the stories told to scare the kids Grey market Rolexes can be serviced %100 at Rolex when you pay the price for its service.( If it is not stolen and fake)
Plus, many grey dealers get their watches from an AD too, probably on a different continent( most likely hong kong). So Rolex makes it's profit no matter what. It's the AD's who has to worry.

yup!

And what's the point of you latest question watchmaker? Why do you want the warranty gone? more work for you?

[pepemaui]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

As I said, it can be hard to tell. But when a watch is confirmed as being grey or black market, that is when sanctions are taken. The trouble is we are not dealing with fakes, they are genuine watches, sold without the permission or guarantee from rolex. And I reiterate, it is only when it can be proved, that watches are confiscated, defaced or destroyed.

To support Rolex, many AD's keep a register of watches sold, and Rolex encourage all dealers to do so. This identifies the greys and the black market watches.

Generally, the watch sold to the grey, which in turn is sold to a consumer will still have the original AD on the serial card, and the AD actually documents the watch sold by themselves. Thus, in that respect the AD's are ALL in the game because of the fear of losing their license to sell rolex if they do not sell enough inventory. Its a billion dollar game, and honestly, everyone is involved including rolex. Remember, rolex is THE MASTER at marketing, and dont think that "the anti" grey sale isnt a great marketing tool to increase the mystique they have created. Honestly, its good for them, and they know it. Otherwise they could stop it, but dont.

And for the record, Ive bought my rolex's (2 of 3) from AD's, and generally feel foolish now that I paid more than others for the same exact piece with the same servicing opportunity.

[Watchnut1]

For those who are not familiar with retail, let me explain. I sell high end furniture, which averages a 3-fold markup, in order to get to the retail price. I would assume that jewelry and watches have the same, if not more, markup. There is room to haggle. Granted, Rolex has the right to charge what they want to, but there is a big difference in making some profit, and basically ripping someone off. I know AD's have basic overhead to cover, and salaries (commissions). Since the warranty on a new Rolex is only 2 years anyways, why would someone pay full retail just to get that? I've never had a Rolex that had a problem (knock on wood), just general serivcing every 4 years. Grey market dealers are the way to go, in my opinion. I really have no idea what it actually costs to produce a Rolex watch, I just enjoy wearing them. Bottom line, AD's should be able to come off the price 20% and still be enjoying a very nice profit. In this present economy, I would think they would jump at that opportunity, actually. I'm off my soapbox, now, and thanks for letting me share my opinion.
Dale

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by elijahenoch

I am mexican/jewish and i love to save money so i have more to share with others.

The Mexican side must be the lower half based on the dancing :)

[fmalloy]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

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

No, of course not.

Speaking of unfairness, what about people with issues during the warranty process and the company tries to get out of the service? "it's within spec" or "watch must have been dropped, and the warranty does not apply" are heard again and again. Or, how about Rolex demanding a full service for the slightest issue? Or an accidental dropping causing a shattered ceramic bezel and a $1500 repair bill within warranty?

Funny how the focus is on the woe-is-me dealer.

Just curious watchmaker - if this is your trade, why aren't you posting about your passion for watch mechanics and quality, and assisting posters with technical questions and educating us instead of focusing so much on $$$...

For the record - I paid full price for my GMT-IIc from an AD.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

yup!

And what's the point of you latest question watchmaker? Why do you want the warranty gone? more work for you?

More work is always good. My point is I am trying to find a compromise where you get a discount and deserve it.

And I'm aware that a discont doesn't come from Rolex it comes from the AD but I just feel it undermines the value of the watch.

To sum up, of course humans want the best deal. But dealers seem o be forgetting that they are not doing Rolex a favour by selling their watches. Rolex. Do the dealers a favour by letting them be sold.

[goduke1]

OK this IS a funny topic to say the least. Let's look at this example watchmaker.

I want a boat. I think unless you live on the water, a boat is a luxury item. But the boat I want is a 40" cabin cruiser with all the bells and whistles. MSRP 200K. There are 2 dealers selling the same boat within 50 miles of each other. You want to sell me a boat, you give me the best price. If you want to discount the boat to say 180K why would I not buy it for that price? Sure I have the money to pay full price, but I didn't get all this money by being stupid and not trying to save it when possible. So that one reason why folk's look for discounts.

The watches are sold to dealers, marked up and resold to the public. Rolex has made their money, so the only person getting "Ripped off" as you put it, is the dealer.

[Z-Sub]

Originally Posted by karmatp

Why should I pay MSRP when the next guy is getting 20% off and no tax? It is really just about being a smart shopper, and getting the most bang for your buck.

Shop around and other AD may just give you more discount!

[GoreX5]

Watchmaker, although your discussion here is primarily about discounts, there are plenty of AD's who openly and quite regularly charge higher prices for Daytona's and other hard to get models. I personally had experience with two such AD's in Atlanta who wanted premiums for Rolex watches. One AD's just received the dealership a year ago. What is and can be done about these type of AD's? I'd like to hear your opinion.

[pepemaui]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

More work is always good. My point is I am trying to find a compromise where you get a discount and deserve it.

And I'm aware that a discont doesn't come from Rolex it comes from the AD but I just feel it undermines the value of the watch.

To sum up, of course humans want the best deal. But dealers seem o be forgetting that they are not doing Rolex a favour by selling their watches. Rolex. Do the dealers a favour by letting them be sold.

Sometimes discounts level the playing field of excessive profit and price increases. After all, and Ill use the daytona as an example. Although any rolex may apply. What has changed in production, quality, cost of production, or any variable, that could have warranted nearly a 55% price increase since 2006 and a 25% over the past 15 months (Oct 2007, $7900), while the world economy has declined. This is about profit, period. How do we justify this? We all understand the product has not changed, except the recent clasp. So, truly the value of the product has still increased, as even the "grey prices" are no where near $7900 from just over a year ago, for the same exact product. No worries buddy, rolex is alive and well, and we all love her!!

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by goduke1

OK this IS a funny topic to say the least. Let's look at this example watchmaker.

I want a boat. I think unless you live on the water, a boat is a luxury item. But the boat I want is a 40" cabin cruiser with all the bells and whistles. MSRP 200K. There are 2 dealers selling the same boat within 50 miles of each other. You want to sell me a boat, you give me the best price. If you want to discount the boat to say 180K why would I not buy it for that price? Sure I have the money to pay full price, but I didn't get all this money by being stupid and not trying to save it when possible. So that one reason why folk's look for discounts.

The watches are sold to dealers, marked up and resold to the public. Rolex has made their money, so the only person getting "Ripped off" as you put it, is the dealer.

You would be living large with a '40 on Lake Norman.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by GoreX5

Watchmaker, although your discussion here is primarily about discounts, there are plenty of AD's who openly and quite regularly charge higher prices for Daytona's and other hard to get models. I personally had experience with two such AD's in Atlanta who wanted premiums for Rolex watches. One AD's just received the dealership a year ago. What is and can be done about these type of AD's? I'd like to hear your opinion.

Once again, I can only talk from experience but inthe UK, Rolex do not allow this. If it happens, inform Rolex, and then it will result in removal. This agreement to stick to rolexs price forms part of the cntract to sell them. It therefor becomes a legal issue if it is broken

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by fmalloy

No, of course not.

Speaking of unfairness, what about people with issues during the warranty process and the company tries to get out of the service? "it's within spec" or "watch must have been dropped, and the warranty does not apply" are heard again and again. Or, how about Rolex demanding a full service for the slightest issue? Or an accidental dropping causing a shattered ceramic bezel and a $1500 repair bill within warranty?

Funny how the focus is on the woe-is-me dealer.

Just curious watchmaker - if this is your trade, why aren't you posting about your passion for watch mechanics and quality, and assisting posters with technical questions and educating us instead of focusing so much on $$$...

For the record - I paid full price for my GMT-IIc from an AD.

Should accidental damage be covered by warranty? Absolutly not. If you drop it and you break it, of course it isn't a warranty repair.

Sadly some faults can only be rectified by a full service. Repairing the fault doesn't solve what caused it. Only a service can guarantee that

[baldyspoon]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Im sorry if I come across strong. Like you all, I have an opinion aswell, and in this case it differs from the majority.

I am trying to spark a friendly debate, not start a revolution.

However I stand by my opinion. A full watch+full service+full warranty=full price. If you want it all, for less money, someone is getting ripped off.

What are you talking about, I don't know anyone who pays the asking price for anything from their watches to cars and even house but no one is getting ripped off. Prices are always inflated to allow for discounts and still profits being made so don't see what the point of your thread and comments to peoples answers.

[ROLEX MAN]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

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

If not, why?

Hell Yes!

I would pay for any repairs needed, or have a "WATCHMAKER" as friend!

[landroverking]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Once again, I can only talk from experience but inthe UK, Rolex do not allow this. If it happens, inform Rolex, and then it will result in removal. This agreement to stick to rolexs price forms part of the cntract to sell them. It therefor becomes a legal issue if it is broken

Watchmaker, I go back to my post a couple of pages ago, at least here in the USA, the AD's can not have it both ways, if they are going to charge over MSRP on some models they can expect to be beat up (discount) the models they are unable to sell at or above full retail. I see the high watch market just like lux autos. It is all about what the buyer is willing to pay and the selling is willing to take. Unless Rolex wants to go to it's own store fronts they should just stay out of it. That said I am still waiting for my $3500 Daytona and it has been 18 years, lets see if you have any pull. Ha Ha!

[roamer]

The whole "grey watches are considered stolen and destroyed" comment makes no sense to me. By this logic if I buy a watch at full price from an AD and then 2 years later sell it on ebay the guy that bought it from me would have it destroyed if he had to send it in for service.

Also, when you buy from a (reputable) grey dealer don't you often 'lose' the factory warranty and have it replaced by that dealer's warranty? So by that logic doesn't buying grey imply that that you are willing to give up the warranty for the discount?

Full disclosure: I purchased my current Rolex from an AD at a slight discount. My next watch will be purchased any day now from a grey dealer at a 20%+ discount. No brainer. If my AD would match the discount, I'd buy it there but no way I am going to pay an extra $1500-$2000 for an item when I don't have to. I agree with GoDuke (both in his point and GO DUKE!)...I didn't get enough money to buy luxury items by being stupid with my money.

[fmalloy]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Should accidental damage be covered by warranty? Absolutly not. If you drop it and you break it, of course it isn't a warranty repair.

So you think $1500 for a new bezel is fair. But asking for a discount is not. OK, got it.

[San Dimas HS Fball]

I only "expect" a discount insofar my AD "expects" to make a sale. No more, no less.

[RolexPete32]

Well my story is a bit different. I bought a few things at this AD I did business with Diamonds gold etc... and he saw me looking at Rolex he offered me 20% off. I had not asked for a discount at all. I have bought two Rolex watches since. I have as I said never asked for the discount. It is simply keyed in under my name now as the counter person knew on my second one. When I buy rolex I get the discount. Now funny thing is I bought a Mont Blanc pen and never got a discount. I had to ask why not? I was suprised to hear that According to the AD if they discount Mont Blanc they will be pulled as an AD but not for discounting Rolex.

[landroverking]

Originally Posted by fmalloy

So you think $1500 for a new bezel is fair. But asking for a discount is not. OK, got it.

A little off subject here, but don't you guys think Rolex should pick up the repairs on a cracked bezel on the new GMT IIc? Normal use could included it being dropped or hit on a door way. If not lets go back to the old inserts. Right?

[buz-lh]

I have bought three new Rolex from an AD in the past 14 months. What I pay for my watches is my business and my business alone. Rolex's attitude toward their customers and owners is already verging on the ridiculous. Their attempts to have the US Government protect their control of what comes in and out of the US, their refusal to service vintage pieces, their constant price increases for no reason whatsoever, their dictating to the buyer what can and can't be done in the way of modifications such as dial, bezel and bracelet changes are all indicative of a company that really doesn't care much for their customers. I'm pretty sure I've bought my last new Rolex and will concentrate on the older vintage pieces that garnered Rolex the reputation that they are rapidly pissing away. BTW, I'm not stealing from anyone if I get a discount on any product or service I buy. If the seller doesn't like the price they can always refuse to make the deal.