Anyone local to Norway?

[bodhipooh]

Good morning, fellow TRFers.

As some of you may know, I am planning a trip to Norway (cheapest place to get a Rolex! -- Well, cheapest when converting to USD) and I am in the process of reserving two pieces to pick up while there. The sole AD in Oslo has proven to be very, very pleasant in email communications and, lucky for us, they actually have in stock the two pieces we want. They are willing to reserve them for us with a deposit (originally they asked for 15%, but ended up quoting me a deposit of 10,000 NOK each, for a total of 20K NOK) and everything is looking good.

I have three questions for those who may be local or with more experience:
- am I limiting my options for negotiating a final price by putting down a deposit now? (as we all know, ADs will not discuss or negotiate discounts via email or phone :banged:)
- the price I was quoted on a 116334 (blue index dial) is about 5% higher than what was listed in the chart on this first page (76300, instead of 72500) so I was wondering if there any locals in Oslo that could verify and post the price of that piece. I am waiting for final price on the second piece (116203) since I was quoted a price with the wrong bracelet (we want oyster, they quoted jubilee).
- Finally, does anyone have any feedback and/or personal experience with the local AD (Urmaker Bjerke)

Thank you!

[joli160]

Putting a deposit down is like you bought it. There can be no more haggling about price imho. I would try to fix the deal before the increase on 1st febr.
(source German forum)

[m1911a1]

Originally Posted by bodhipooh

Good morning, fellow TRFers.

As some of you may know, I am planning a trip to Norway (cheapest place to get a Rolex! -- Well, cheapest when converting to USD) and I am in the process of reserving two pieces to pick up while there. The sole AD in Oslo has proven to be very, very pleasant in email communications and, lucky for us, they actually have in stock the two pieces we want. They are willing to reserve them for us with a deposit (originally they asked for 15%, but ended up quoting me a deposit of 10,000 NOK each, for a total of 20K NOK) and everything is looking good.

I have three questions for those who may be local or with more experience:
- am I limiting my options for negotiating a final price by putting down a deposit now? (as we all know, ADs will not discuss or negotiate discounts via email or phone :banged:)
- the price I was quoted on a 116334 (blue index dial) is about 5% higher than what was listed in the chart on this first page (76300, instead of 72500) so I was wondering if there any locals in Oslo that could verify and post the price of that piece. I am waiting for final price on the second piece (116203) since I was quoted a price with the wrong bracelet (we want oyster, they quoted jubilee).
- Finally, does anyone have any feedback and/or personal experience with the local AD (Urmaker Bjerke)

Thank you!

Just curious....are you only going to Norway to buy the watch because it's cheaper?
You probably know this already, but Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.....along with Zurich, Tokyo, etc....
How much will you spend just getting and staying there?

I'd buy the watch in the U.S. then travel there on leisure sometime.
Nice place....

[Alpino]

.

Using the same source than the one where I got 72.500nok for a 116334 , a 116203 is 84.100nok on Oyster and 88.200nok on jubilé.

[bodhipooh]

Originally Posted by Alpino

.

Using the same source than the one where I got 72.500nok for a 116334 , a 116203 is 84.100nok on Oyster and 88.200nok on jubilé.

Hmm. Very interesting, Alpino. Thank you very much for this reference. I may just have to wait until I get there to pull the trigger since the prices I am being quoted are not matching up with the prices your source is providing. I wish it was easier to get MSRP (list price) information without having to play detective or having to mobilize friends around the world. The price I was quoted on the jubilee was 90200, so the difference is only 2K, which is less than 2.5%.

[bodhipooh]

Originally Posted by m1911a1

Just curious....are you only going to Norway to buy the watch because it's cheaper?
You probably know this already, but Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.....along with Zurich, Tokyo, etc....
How much will you spend just getting and staying there?

I'd buy the watch in the U.S. then travel there on leisure sometime.
Nice place....

Actually, if you look at what's happening with their currency, you would find that:
1) things are not as expensive as they used to be (USD has appreciated 50% against the NOK in the past three years)
2) the difference in price in the watches (especially when factoring in VAT refund) is about 3K each, for a total of 6K, so that is paying for a weeklong trip throughout Scandinavia
3) air fare to Scandinavia for March (when I am going) is extremely cheap. I am paying less money to fly there r/t (non stop flights) than I would to fly to California or the Caribbean for the same date ranges (r/t to Oslo is under 600 USD)

[m1911a1]

Originally Posted by bodhipooh

Actually, if you look at what's happening with their currency, you would find that:
1) things are not as expensive as they used to be (USD has appreciated 50% against the NOK in the past three years)
2) the difference in price in the watches (especially when factoring in VAT refund) is about 3K each, for a total of 6K, so that is paying for a weeklong trip throughout Scandinavia
3) air fare to Scandinavia for March (when I am going) is extremely cheap. I am paying less money to fly there r/t (non stop flights) than I would to fly to California or the Caribbean for the same date ranges (r/t to Oslo is under 600 USD)

I haven't been there in a few years.....but all-in....every expenditure you have leaving your house, until you arrive back home......what's the net difference?
And oh by the way.....Oslo is a great place to go.....even if you only want buy a watch and return.
But once you get there, you may want to stay longer....great place!

[Loevhagen]

I reside in Norway.

a) NOK:USD ratio is historically favorable - for USD
b) a deposit is just a deposit. Aka can be returned
c) Norway has 25% VAT. That means you get 20% of the already favorable price under litera a)
d) Urmaker Bjerke (the AD) is indeed trustworthy

[bodhipooh]

Originally Posted by m1911a1

I haven't been there in a few years.....but all-in....every expenditure you have leaving your house, until you arrive back home......what's the net difference?
And oh by the way.....Oslo is a great place to go.....even if you only want buy a watch and return.
But once you get there, you may want to stay longer....great place!

All in, based on the prices I have been quoted, and after taking into account the actual Global Blue VAT refund (which is going to be 18%, not the full 20%) I'm looking at a 30% discount (14,900 USD, instead of 21,300) when compared to purchasing at a local AD (after local NJ taxes). Of course, this is assuming full prices at both the Norwegian and New Jersey ADs. Even if I was able to secure a 15% discount at a local AD, and not get one in Oslo, I am looking at a savings of over 3K. That will cover the majority of the expenses of our 10 day trip to Scandinavia (certainly our various air fares, and our hotels) and we would have a great story and related memories to go along with the watches. Ultimately, this is a trip I have always wanted to make, so the ability to make it an almost free trip is just a bonus.

[Loevhagen]

Please note that Rolex prices will very likely rise 8% ultimo January in Norway. Weak NOK.

[bodhipooh]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

I reside in Norway.

a) NOK:USD ratio is historically favorable - for USD
b) a deposit is just a deposit. Aka can be returned
c) Norway has 25% VAT. That means you get 20% of the already favorable price under litera a)
d) Urmaker Bjerke (the AD) is indeed trustworthy

Thank for this information, Bjoern. Based on the information from the Global Blur website, I'll be able to get back 18% instead of the full 20%, and I'm ok with that.

My experience with the AD so far has been great so far (all via email) but it's always great to get additional feedback and first hand stories from others. I am hoping I'll be able to secure a discount (especially given that it is two watches we are buying) but even if I don't, I'm getting a great deal compared to local prices. Heck, I may even pull the trigger on a third one (BLNR or LVc) while there if they have either in stock.

[bodhipooh]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

Please note that Rolex prices will very likely rise 8% ultimo January in Norway. Weak NOK.

That's my concern and also part of the reason why I want to complete a deal now. The AD alluded to a possible raise in our emails by asking for the deposit before February. They are willing to set aside the watches until we get there in late March, so they are being very accommodating. Very happy with the experience so far.

[belligero]

Originally Posted by bodhipooh

Thank for this information, Bjoern. Based on the information from the Global Blur website, I'll be able to get back 18% instead of the full 20%, and I'm ok with that.

My experience with the AD so far has been great so far (all via email) but it's always great to get additional feedback and first hand stories from others. I am hoping I'll be able to secure a discount (especially given that it is two watches we are buying) but even if I don't, I'm getting a great deal compared to local prices. Heck, I may even pull the trigger on a third one (BLNR or LVc) while there if they have either in stock.

Yes, there will be a price hike for Norway at the end of January.

It should be possible to get a full refund deposited directly from the dealer instead of having a third party take a bite.

You may get a discount, but don't count on it, as Rolex inventories are pretty much depleted around here lately due to the weak currency.

[bodhipooh]

Originally Posted by belligero

Yes, there will be a price hike for Norway at the end of January.

It should be possible to get a full refund deposited directly from the dealer instead of having a third party take a bite.

You may get a discount, but don't count on it, as Rolex inventories are pretty much depleted around here lately due to the weak currency.

Thank you for the additional feedback, belligero!

To be honest, I don't put much stock in price increase predictions (history shows that ADs only find out about increases when they are announced and official) but I also think that the NOK has lost too much value and that a price increase is inevitable. The AD (Urmaker Bjerke) has been very, very pleasant to deal with, and I much rather close the deal now and avoid surprises later. If the AD is willing to commit to a price (and that seems to be the case) then I rather pay the full price they are quoting as opposed to "rolling the dice" and waiting until March and risk a price increase. As of right now, the Norwegian prices are ridiculously low for those using USD (and also Euro, but to a lesser extend) so I am sure that a price increase will come sometime soon.

As for inventory being depleted, I am slightly surprised to hear that since the AD has told me that the very two pieces I have inquired about are in stock. I am tempted to ask them to hold a third piece for me. At these prices, I am tempted to pull the trigger.

[Loevhagen]

You said "...I am in the process of reserving two pieces...". While you are in the process, the stock might be sold. ;)

[bodhipooh]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

You said "...I am in the process of reserving two pieces...". While you are in the process, the stock might be sold. ;)

Ha! Don't go and steal my pieces now!!

BTW, I sent you a PM.

[major_error]

Have a nice trip to Oslo!
It is a nice place and you can trust "Urmaker Bjerke"!

8-)

[dera]

I'm here until tomorrow, I'll go check them out tmrw afternoon and send you a msg.

[goog53]

DONT TRUST GLOBAL BLUE!!! I bought a Cartier love bracelet in Venice in May and was due back €1165 and never received it. Sent in all of the paper work and it was supposedly "lost". I emailed them and had copies of all of my forms and even a picture of the global box I put them in and a picture of the global blue teller at the airport and they still refused to refund my VAT. Don't depend on that because it is NO GUARANTEE. If the retailer can't refund you the VAT on the spot I highly recommend passing. I ended up paying more for my bracelet in Italy than I would have if I just bought the damn thing in the US. Google Global Blue and you will read many horror stories. (Sorry for the rant)

[climbwithahelmet]

Originally Posted by goog53

DONT TRUST GLOBAL BLUE!!! I bought a Cartier love bracelet in Venice in May and was due back €1165 and never received it. Sent in all of the paper work and it was supposedly "lost". I emailed them and had copies of all of my forms and even a picture of the global box I put them in and a picture of the global blue teller at the airport and they still refused to refund my VAT. Don't depend on that because it is NO GUARANTEE. If the retailer can't refund you the VAT on the spot I highly recommend passing. I ended up paying more for my bracelet in Italy than I would have if I just bought the damn thing in the US. Google Global Blue and you will read many horror stories. (Sorry for the rant)

Ouch, that truly sucks. I haven't had an issue with them so far, but that is definitely always my concern. I also take pics of my receipts, but it seems like even with all the backups that you covered, you still got the short end.

[goog53]

Originally Posted by climbwithahelmet

Ouch, that truly sucks. I haven't had an issue with them so far, but that is definitely always my concern. I also take pics of my receipts, but it seems like even with all the backups that you covered, you still got the short end.

Pics of the receipts and copies are not accepted. Global Blue has a strict policy that all the paperwork must be original with no exceptions. Complete BS and unfortunate that so many EU retailers use their services

[climbwithahelmet]

Originally Posted by goog53

Pics of the receipts and copies are not accepted. Global Blue has a strict policy that all the paperwork must be original with no exceptions. Complete BS and unfortunate that so many EU retailers use their services

Wow, so what is the alternative because they take the original receipts when you fill out the paperwork.

I'm surprised there isn't a Euro BBB who can help you dispute that. Not sure how long ago that happened to you, but you might be able to contact either the credit card company and/or AD for a duplicate receipt?

[bardm]

I live in Oslo, Norway.

1) I don't think you can get a discount on a new Rolex in Norway.
2) I bough my SS GMT IIc at Urmaker Bjerke. It was a great experience

Good luck!

PS: You should visit "Frognerparken" / "Vigelandsanlegget" while you are in Oslo. It's a large sculpture park near the centre of town (Urmaker Bjerke almost IS the centre of town)

[@chris@]

With GB, u can always lose a little more to ask for cash instead of crediting back to your card. Cash is instant and I have never had problem with that.

[2JHead]

Don't want crash your party but given 18% tax return only, travel expenses and most likely little or no discount you stand to lose substantial money compared to just buying from TRF GMD's

[goog53]

Originally Posted by @chris@

With GB, u can always lose a little more to ask for cash instead of crediting back to your card. Cash is instant and I have never had problem with that.

Cash can only be given if it is a small refund. That is what I was told when I requested cash first. The teller told me I had to have it go back on my card because the return was over €1100

[DCgator]

Originally Posted by bardm

I live in Oslo, Norway.

1) I don't think you can get a discount on a new Rolex in Norway.
2) I bough my SS GMT IIc at Urmaker Bjerke. It was a great experience

Good luck!

PS: You should visit "Frognerparken" / "Vigelandsanlegget" while you are in Oslo. It's a large sculpture park near the centre of town (Urmaker Bjerke almost IS the centre of town)

Agree with Bard. Love Oslo and always dropped in at U.B. Store every single time I am in Oslo. They offered me beverage, BTW. Lots of places nearby to buy leather straps, etc. Not a huge store but they've got first class inventory and staff are always first class in treating customers.

Enjoy Oslo!

-JD

[@chris@]

Originally Posted by goog53

Cash can only be given if it is a small refund. That is what I was told when I requested cash first. The teller told me I had to have it go back on my card because the return was over €1100

I guess it depends on whether the counter had sufficient cash/big notes. I certainly know of cases where cash refund was of no issue and the amount was in excess of €1000 as well.

I have not come across the rule stating the threshold limit for refund to go to the card vs cash. Have u ?

[dera]

I went there today, few comments;

For some reason I first walked past it. It is located right next to the (currently under renovation) main entrance to the Grand Hotel.

They had very limited stock - bunch of Datejusts, one Platona, and a WG Pepsi.

Their prices for Datejust 2's after the "discount" were;

116300, sales price 56600NOK, 10188NOK tax return, end price 46412NOK.
116334, sales price 76300NOK, 13734NOK tax return, end price 62566NOK.

BUT; and this was VERY worrying to me.
They only had a blue stick dial smooth bezel DJ2 in stock, and a diamond dial 116334. They said it is not a problem at all to swap the dial over from the blue to the fluted bezel watch, they said I could pick it up in 3-4 hours.
That is very questionable, given that the warranty card would then state wrong dial type...

Not very cheap, those prices are 10-12% more expensive in their neighboring country, where a 116300 is around 4550USD after tax return and discounts.

Good service though and a nice selection of all the high end brands, including a few complicated Pateks.