Discount on Rolex (and im a new member)

[watchmaker]

Hi, im a new member.
I tried a post yesterday which didnt get past the administrators. So I appologize for that one.

To let you know about myself, I am employed by one of the major watch houses (im not saying who) as a watchmaker. I have many friends who are employed both as watchmakers and as salesmen in watch stores. So basically I am very tied into the industry.

My question is, why are there so many posts about how to get a discount on a Rolex? Do you think they are too expensive? Seriously, im not being judgemental, I would like to know why an important factor in what you buy is how much you can get off it.

Can I have you opinions. For and against.

[chenx15]

i just like haggling... and bragging rights!

[AIKO]

I find that many of us are "into the hunt". That means finding the perfect watch, tallking to many AD's and private sellers, negotiating a good price...After all, do many of us walk in to a car dealership and offer to pay full price? Most of us can pay full price but why should we?

[LDLemu4U]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Hi, im a new member.
My question is, why are there so many posts about how to get a discount on a Rolex? Do you think they are too expensive? Seriously, im not being judgemental, I would like to know why an important factor in what you buy is how much you can get off it.
Can I have you opinions. For and against.

My question is, why are there so many posts about how to get a discount on a Rolex?

On any purchase, you want to get the best price possible, I guess that's only human nature. And in today's internet..it's the best way to find out the best price for any commodity.

Do you think they are too expensive?

Expensive is relative. As to a ROLEX, I do not think so!

I would like to know why an important factor in what you buy is how much you can get off it.

Answered in the first question. I do not agree in the statement "an important factor in what you buy is how much you can get off it".

[watchmaker]

If someone makes the decision to buy a luxury item, in this case, a watch there are a few things that I take as a given.
Firstly-you want the item
Second-you can afford it, otherwise you wouldnt be considering it
Third-Most people want their expensive new watch to be different (you dont want everyone you meet to have it)

Brands like Rolex tackle the third on my list by haveing a set price, which increases steadily sometimes 2/3 times per year. This ensures that not only you are buying a quality time piece, but also that demand doesnt exceed supply.

Admitedly, like every industry, profits are made. But they are definately not as large as some would think. I would also like to point out, Rolex as you will probably know are a Foundation who reinvest their profits, largley in the advancement of both their staff and products, but also in their many philanthropic actvities. But who are we to say a company should earn less of a profit, specifically on a fixed price item? You only devalue your watch by paying less for it.

If I ask the question, would you sacrafice the warranty on your watch for a discount, would you? After all, isnt it only fair to give as well as receive?

[kokovovoru]

I think reasonable and realistic discount is expected when walking into an AD. Of course, I won't walk into a Farrari dealership asking 30 to even 50 percent off of 200000 msrp car, citing the current condition of economy. All I am asking is a reasonable discount, which some ADs are not able to do. I know everybody still has to eat and has to bring food to the table at the end of day, even ADs, in the current economical climate.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by LDLemu4U

My question is, why are there so many posts about how to get a discount on a Rolex?

On any purchase, you want to get the best price possible, I guess that's only human nature. And in today's internet..it's the best way to find out the best price for any commodity.

Do you think they are too expensive?

Expensive is relative. As to a ROLEX, I do not think so!

I would like to know why an important factor in what you buy is how much you can get off it.

Answered in the first question. I do not agree in the statement "an important factor in what you buy is how much you can get off it".

I would still point out this is a website dedicated to a company that many of you (and I am not implying YOU) are willing to rip off, be it by discounting in a store, or if that doesnt satisfy you, buying from the grey market. In my opinion if you want to pay less, you should receive less. I am more than willing to see it sold for 20% less if, when it lands on my bench within 1 or 2 years, you are paying for the repair. But many people want it all. They want discount and full privelages which frankly isnt fair

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Hi, im a new member.
I tried a post yesterday which didnt get past the administrators. So I appologize for that one.

To let you know about myself, I am employed by one of the major watch houses (im not saying who) as a watchmaker. I have many friends who are employed both as watchmakers and as salesmen in watch stores. So basically I am very tied into the industry.

My question is, why are there so many posts about how to get a discount on a Rolex? Do you think they are too expensive? Seriously, im not being judgemental, I would like to know why an important factor in what you buy is how much you can get off it.

Can I have you opinions. For and against.

But when a ss SUB starts retailing for 8K-USD then theres reason for pause.
I do not believe that current pricing is not that far out of line but its coming soon. For that I will remain in the NOS or Pre-C versions of things as they're a bit more "bullet proof" !
PS: the current economic crisis has retailers offing up discounts just to pay the rent so its not necessarily indicative of the want to recieve as these guys are tossing out 25 and even 30 percent just cause you walked thru the door.
Thanks,
Randy

[chenx15]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I would still point out this is a website dedicated to a company that many of you (and I am not implying YOU) are willing to rip off, be it by discounting in a store, or if that doesnt satisfy you, buying from the grey market. In my opinion if you want to pay less, you should receive less. I am more than willing to see it sold for 20% less if, when it lands on my bench within 1 or 2 years, you are paying for the repair. But many people want it all. They want discount and full privelages which frankly isnt fair

My Friend, i hear you trust me i was salesman before. it's a never ending battle just enjoy it. We do.

[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.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by kokovovoru

I think reasonable and realistic discount is expected when walking into an AD. Of course, I won't walk into a Farrari dealership asking 30 to even 50 percent off of 200000 msrp car, citing the current condition of economy. All I am asking is a reasonable discount, which some ADs are not able to do. I know everybody still has to eat and has to bring food to the table at the end of day, even ADs, in the current economical climate.

I notice you say "reasonable and realistic discount is expected" and i feel this is quite central to my argument.
It IS expected, but I cannot see how it is justified. It seems people EXPECT a discount because you can get one, and AD's are as much to blame on that one. But can they be JUSTIFIED?

[watchmaker]

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.

How about, you get a discount, and you drop your warranty?
Will you go for that?

[LDLemu4U]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I would still point out this is a website dedicated to a company that many of you (and I am not implying YOU) are willing to rip off, be it by discounting in a store, or if that doesnt satisfy you, buying from the grey market. In my opinion if you want to pay less, you should receive less. I am more than willing to see it sold for 20% less if, when it lands on my bench within 1 or 2 years, you are paying for the repair. But many people want it all. They want discount and full privelages which frankly isnt fair

Nobody is ripping off anybody! That's the game in today's world! The market dictates the price! EBAY would not be what it is today if we all just paid MSRP!

[jdc]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I would still point out this is a website dedicated to a company that many of you (and I am not implying YOU) are willing to rip off, be it by discounting in a store, or if that doesnt satisfy you, buying from the grey market. In my opinion if you want to pay less, you should receive less. I am more than willing to see it sold for 20% less if, when it lands on my bench within 1 or 2 years, you are paying for the repair. But many people want it all. They want discount and full privelages which frankly isnt fair

You started off by asking peoples opinions, but by stating that people are "ripping off" by asking for a discount sets a tone where you seem to have your own agenda.

[landroverking]

There is a "Keystone" mark up on watches that doubles the price each time along the way. In other words a Rolex retails for about 4 to 5 times what it cost Rolex to make.
That is at least my understanding. Kind of like the big mark up in the auto industry. Hard to feel sorry for Ford when they might make as much as 30K on a truck. The watch that cost 1K to make could end up with a MSRP of 10K, the question is why not push for a discount?

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by jdc

You started off by asking peoples opinions, but by stating that people are "ripping off" by asking for a discount sets a tone where you seem to have your own agenda.

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.

[chenx15]

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.

just curious, wouldn't you like a discount?

[94Gamecock]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I would still point out this is a website dedicated to a company that many of you (and I am not implying YOU) are willing to rip off, be it by discounting in a store, or if that doesnt satisfy you, buying from the grey market. In my opinion if you want to pay less, you should receive less. I am more than willing to see it sold for 20% less if, when it lands on my bench within 1 or 2 years, you are paying for the repair. But many people want it all. They want discount and full privelages which frankly isnt fair

It "isn't fair" to who? A "fair" deal is ANY deal that is agreed on by both sides. People will always try to get the best deal. Just curious, but do you refuse to negotiate on any price and just pay list? Ever bought a car? A house? Any major purchase? Arguing that it is somehow "not fair" to negotiate a major purchase is one of the most absurd arguments I have heard; and very naive as to how markets work for such items.

[karmatp]

If they were not upping their prices every year, I wouldn't care about a discount. They are selling the same sub they sold 5 years ago for a couple of grand more now, how is that fair?

[LDLemu4U]

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.

But that is not the way the Rolex Authorized Dealers are operating? Blame the ROLEX? Not the consumers! And if Rolex does that...it won't exist, bcause it won't be competitive!

[jdc]

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.

OK let me ask you a question as you work in the industry. Do any of the staff get discounts? If so are they ripping off their employers?

Most people will try and get the best deal they can, its called negotiation, I make an offer, the seller can say yes or no. If we are both happy a sale is made. Pretty standard practice. No need to bandy words like rip off for a simple sales transaction.

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

How about, you get a discount, and you drop your warranty?
Will you go for that?

You may need to set up a poll to gather the data but I would pass up the Rolex warrenty to get 35% off? Yes I would. Why? The odds are in my favor that I will never need warrenty work. Could I pay list? Yes. Would I? No.

[davecz]

How much are you getting your watches for? Don't Rolex AD's get their watches at about 60 percent of MSRP

[wantonebad]

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.

That's funny to me, because as a consumer I feel that more often than not its the buyer who isn't seeking a discount who gets "ripped-off" JMHO

[Cato]

Getting a discount hasn't been a factor for me. I'm far from rich and buy a luxury watch perhaps every decade. I wouldn't turn down a discount, but my choice isn't affected by one. After all, discounted models are slow sellers. I don't get anything from bragging how much off MSRP I spent. Actually, I HATE to haggle. Rolexes are expensive, but that just means I own fewer of them.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by 94Gamecock

It "isn't fair" to who? A "fair" deal is ANY deal that is agreed on by both sides. People will always try to get the best deal. Just curious, but do you refuse to negotiate on any price and just pay list? Ever bought a car? A house? Any major purchase? Arguing that it is somehow "not fair" to negotiate a major purchase is one of the most absurd arguments I have heard; and very naive as to how markets work for such items.

I would argue I watch is a little more of a luxury than a house. I understand fully how markets work, and I understand that in different industries people are subject to better deals than others. A lawyer gets free legal representation, an accountant, a real estate agent, they all help themselves. 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. I dont expect a mobile phone company to give me a discount becasue their staff get one. I dont expect good mortgate rates because bank employees get them.

[chenx15]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I would argue I watch is a little more of a luxury than a house. I understand fully how markets work, and I understand that in different industries people are subject to better deals than others. A lawyer gets free legal representation, an accountant, a real estate agent, they all help themselves. 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. I dont expect a mobile phone company to give me a discount becasue their staff get one. I dont expect good mortgate rates because bank employees get them.

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

[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.

[Mr Sandman]

When I purchased my 1st Rolex way back in the 90's I paid the full RRP.I traded it in for another model ( my 16710 GMT II ) and the same retailer gave me a 5% discount on the RRP as a gesture of goodwill ( being my 2nd purchase from him ).

Then I moved 220 miles away...............

All of my other purchases have been made at my,now,regular AD but it started off the same way. 5% offered first purchase then 10% from then on with my other Rolex purchases.

I paid him a visit this Saturday with my wife to purchase a Longines for her and he gave me 15% off the rrp again without asking.

Now you could say that its his fault for giving me the discount or its 'our' fault ( as a human race ) for expecting one or is it as I suspect very good business to give a discount so that,like me,the shopper returns to add to his or her collection and become a regular customer.I would not expect to walk into a fresh and unknown AD and get a discount but I would now find it strange to walk into mine and not recieve one.

I have spent the last 22 years working in the fire safety,customer service and retail sectors of business and I give most of my customers a discount.Not because they ask for it but because I beleive they deserve it.
So the next time that they need fire safety advice or equipment they will give me a call and they do,believe me.

So its good to get a discount if you can but one should never count on getting one.

There are people who will not buy anything without a discount just because they need to get one over on the seller or because they feel its their right. I myself am not in either camp but many are.Its life my friend and it happens and will continue to happen.

[chenx15]

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.

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