ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

John68 · 6 October 2015, 10:55 AM

I feel like this is kind of an odd question so forgive me if I'm out of my depth.

Very fortunately I'm in a position where I'm able to reward myself for crossing the 10 year mark with my firm with what I hope to be a Rolex. I have decided 100% to buy from an AD, and I'm hoping to find a BLNR because that's really what I have my heart set on.

My question lies with the logistics of making such a (relatively) large purchase. I was hoping to use my debit card but I've come to realize that most debit cards have a daily dollar transaction limit regardless of the balance of the account. I guess I could always put it on a credit card and pay it off immediately but I wonder if the transaction would be embarrassingly denied despite ample credit availability simply because of the high dollar amount.

I realize these questions could be answered simply by calling my respective banking institutions but I can't tell if these are stupid questions or not and I wonder if there's something I'm missing here. Surely people walk into ADs across the world on an impulse and walk out with shiny new Rolexes every day? Would anyone mind sharing their experience purchasing from an AD? Pitfalls or pro-tips?

Thanks everyone. Please forgive my naivete.

Old Expat Beast · 6 October 2015, 10:58 AM

If you have that much credit allowance on the card, probably the worst that will happen is the bank or card issuer will call the dealer at time of purchase and you'll have to answer a couple of questions about your identity. Probably happens all the time, so not "embarrasing" at all.

beshannon · 6 October 2015, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John68

Surely people walk into ADs across the world on an impulse and walk out with shiny new Rolexes every day? Would anyone mind sharing their experience purchasing from an AD? Pitfalls or pro-tips?

Thanks everyone. Please forgive my naivete.

Exactly.

Only you know your credit limit.

I have walked into an AD three times, paid with a credit card and left with my Rolex.

Not really sure what your question is.

cop414 · 6 October 2015, 10:58 AM

I use cash but I would just call either your bank if using your debit card or your CC company if using that. I wouldn't think that either would be a problem but it could save an embarrassing moment if either is denied. Good luck and a warm TRF welcome to you.

ncstate1201 · 6 October 2015, 11:00 AM

Always go with the card take the points!

Sjmoore11 · 6 October 2015, 11:02 AM

Personally I use credit card so I get the points (and pay it off of course). I wouldn't think getting denied is likely if you have available credit but if you really want to make sure I'm sure you could call your card issuer in advance. Some people will likely suggest cash as the best way to negotiate a discount but I'm not sure if cash vs credit makes a difference these days.

kirksingleton · 6 October 2015, 11:03 AM

I use the visa to get the miles

WS9D · 6 October 2015, 11:04 AM

I went with my card for the points and paid it off before the 30 days to avoid interest. if you don't have a card with a high limit just call your bank and tell them of your big upcoming purchase, and if it exceeds your daily limit, they should increase it for you the one time.

mitchellb2005 · 6 October 2015, 11:05 AM

You can also call the card company ahead of time and pre-approve the purchase.

Ezkill · 6 October 2015, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John68

My question lies with the logistics of making such a (relatively) large purchase. I was hoping to use my debit card but I've come to realize that most debit cards have a daily dollar transaction limit regardless of the balance of the account. I guess I could always put it on a credit card and pay it off immediately but I wonder if the transaction would be embarrassingly denied despite ample credit availability simply because of the high dollar amount.

If you're dead set on paying with a debit card(I have in the past) a simple phone call to your bank and you can get it raised temporarily or permanently to just about any amount. They may give you a bit of grief over the phone but remember it is your money and don't let them make you feel like they are doing you a favor. Banks like to restrict daily limits due to liability but that's their problem, not yours.

watchwatcher · 6 October 2015, 11:09 AM

My debit card has a $1,000 limit, not sure if yours does...you may want to check that before you go to the AD.

tkerrmd · 6 October 2015, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ks6pd

I went with my card for the points and paid it off before the 30 days to avoid interest. if you don't have a card with a high limit just call your bank and tell them of your big upcoming purchase, and if it exceeds your daily limit, they should increase it for you the one time.

Agree

zama · 6 October 2015, 11:13 AM

Credit card work it out ahead of time with bank they will put a note on your card, once deal is done go on line and move cash back from your savings account, then you get points on credit card and no punitive credit card fees

John68 · 6 October 2015, 11:16 AM

Thanks everyone, very helpful. Hadn't even thought about the benefit of using my credit card simply to take advantage of the points. I think I may just do that and then pay it off immediately. I have enough credit available but I think I'll call the CC company ahead of time to make sure everything is in order.

Thanks all, appreciate it!

martinr · 6 October 2015, 11:19 AM

I've always called the number on the back of the card while at the AD and told them I'm making the purchase and the amount and then they note it on the account. The AD runs the card and you take your watch home. Or just bring a sack full of cash.

WatchinMD · 6 October 2015, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John68

Thanks everyone, very helpful. Hadn't even thought about the benefit of using my credit card simply to take advantage of the points. I think I may just do that and then pay it off immediately. I have enough credit available but I think I'll call the CC company ahead of time to make sure everything is in order.

Thanks all, appreciate it!

That's the way to do it

Hairdude1 · 6 October 2015, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John68

Thanks everyone, very helpful. Hadn't even thought about the benefit of using my credit card simply to take advantage of the points. I think I may just do that and then pay it off immediately. I have enough credit available but I think I'll call the CC company ahead of time to make sure everything is in order.

Thanks all, appreciate it!

Congrats in advance!

WS9D · 6 October 2015, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

Congrats in advance!

Ditto. Post some pics once you get it!!

jschmidtdmd · 6 October 2015, 11:37 AM

Congrats!

I always call my card before making a large purchase, typically, no issue.

Copasetic · 6 October 2015, 11:41 AM

If it's a small AD rather than a big chain, you may ask for a discount for cash or a certified check. Sometimes it's works. Credit card fees can be 2% or more and Am Ex is even higher.

gummy · 6 October 2015, 11:43 AM

Option 1. Negotiate price = Pay with Credit Card = Enjoy your Rolex BLNR = take points = Pay credit card bill.

Credit card companies are always leery of larger transactions...In that case, a call to the card company might help - just let them know you are planning a larger purchase within your limit - amount of charge, where the charge might come from, etc.

Option 2. Negotiate price = Pay by bank wire (ask for additional 3% off - by saving AD credit card fees) = Enjoy your Rolex BLNR

Either way congrats on the milestone and your soon to be new Rolex BLNR

karmatp · 6 October 2015, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copasetic

If it's a small AD rather than a big chain, you may ask for a discount for cash or a certified check. Sometimes it's works. Credit card fees can be 2% or more and Am Ex is even higher.

I can usually save about 3% paying cash over card. It beats the 1% I get in Disneyland dollars.

Jhquek · 6 October 2015, 11:46 AM

Call the card company and ensure that your remaining limit covers 110% of the watch MSRP.
Then run off to the AD and make the purchase.

johneh · 6 October 2015, 12:07 PM

Whenever I buy something large on my Amex I always call them ahead of time and let them know where and approximately how much I will be spending. That way they don't have to bother contacting the AD.

SpaceWanderer · 6 October 2015, 01:31 PM

Just write a check. It's what I always do. Works every time.

Porsche · 6 October 2015, 01:47 PM

Whenever my bank or credit card provider calls to verify a large transaction, rather than be embarrassed or awkward, I am grateful! I usually THANK the operator for being cautious with my money and credit!!!

Syed117 · 6 October 2015, 01:48 PM

When my father got his sub a few months ago, he used a gold Amex at an AD.

No call or anything needed. I want to say his limit is 20-25k maybe. Can't remember the exact amount, but he didn't need to do anything special before the purchase.

He doesn't make many large purchases and Amex didn't call the AD during the transaction.

versatile1 · 6 October 2015, 01:49 PM

When I have bought at an AD I have used cash

Star Ferry · 6 October 2015, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John68

Thanks everyone, very helpful. Hadn't even thought about the benefit of using my credit card simply to take advantage of the points. I think I may just do that and then pay it off immediately. I have enough credit available but I think I'll call the CC company ahead of time to make sure everything is in order.

Thanks all, appreciate it!

I'd just like to add that there is little chance that the value of the points earned will justify using a credit card. An AD would give you up to 3% off by paying in cash or bank wire. If the credit card company gave you points with a higher cash value than the merchant fee earned on the transaction, then it wouldn't make sense for them to be in business. I still use an Amex when I buy jewelry - my reasons are convenience and the ease of filing a dispute if anything goes wrong.

Enjoy the BLNR

Time Exposure · 6 October 2015, 02:11 PM

I agree with contacting your credit card first and setting up as much detail of the transaction they need. Understand they may still call the AD.
I wonder... Does Visa extend the warranty on a Rolex? That would be cool, but unlikely given Rolex now carries a 5-yr. warranty.

6 October 2015, 10:55 AM	#1
John68 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2	Logistics of purchasing from an AD I feel like this is kind of an odd question so forgive me if I'm out of my depth. Very fortunately I'm in a position where I'm able to reward myself for crossing the 10 year mark with my firm with what I hope to be a Rolex. I have decided 100% to buy from an AD, and I'm hoping to find a BLNR because that's really what I have my heart set on. My question lies with the logistics of making such a (relatively) large purchase. I was hoping to use my debit card but I've come to realize that most debit cards have a daily dollar transaction limit regardless of the balance of the account. I guess I could always put it on a credit card and pay it off immediately but I wonder if the transaction would be embarrassingly denied despite ample credit availability simply because of the high dollar amount. I realize these questions could be answered simply by calling my respective banking institutions but I can't tell if these are stupid questions or not and I wonder if there's something I'm missing here. Surely people walk into ADs across the world on an impulse and walk out with shiny new Rolexes every day? Would anyone mind sharing their experience purchasing from an AD? Pitfalls or pro-tips? Thanks everyone. Please forgive my naivete.

6 October 2015, 10:58 AM	#4
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 71,828	I use cash but I would just call either your bank if using your debit card or your CC company if using that. I wouldn't think that either would be a problem but it could save an embarrassing moment if either is denied. Good luck and a warm TRF welcome to you. __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

6 October 2015, 11:13 AM	#13
zama "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Craig Location: Sydney Watch: 4 Broken glass Posts: 5,806	Credit card work it out ahead of time with bank they will put a note on your card, once deal is done go on line and move cash back from your savings account, then you get points on credit card and no punitive credit card fees __________________ Day Date 118206, Daytona 116509 & 116505, AP 25859ST Gone but not forgotten and genuinely missed..... Root Beer GMT, Sub, TT Daytona, YG DD Bark, Datejust(2 his & hers), AP RO, PP Aquanaut, Lange 1, Heuer Monza, Piaget Altiplano, GP Chrono, Seamaster, Tudor Sub, Tudor Chrono, Tudor Black Bay Bronze

6 October 2015, 11:37 AM	#19
jschmidtdmd "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: John Location: Denver Posts: 2,294	Congrats! I always call my card before making a large purchase, typically, no issue. __________________ Watches!

6 October 2015, 12:07 PM	#24
johneh "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Real Name: John Location: Toronto Watch: 214270 Posts: 721	Whenever I buy something large on my Amex I always call them ahead of time and let them know where and approximately how much I will be spending. That way they don't have to bother contacting the AD. __________________ instagram: jaschtag

6 October 2015, 10:58 AM	#2
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Hong Kong Watch: SEIKO Posts: 28,362	If you have that much credit allowance on the card, probably the worst that will happen is the bank or card issuer will call the dealer at time of purchase and you'll have to answer a couple of questions about your identity. Probably happens all the time, so not "embarrasing" at all.

6 October 2015, 11:00 AM	#5
ncstate1201 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC/USA Posts: 295	Always go with the card take the points!

6 October 2015, 11:02 AM	#6
Sjmoore11 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ontario Watch: Exp II - old & new Posts: 684	Personally I use credit card so I get the points (and pay it off of course). I wouldn't think getting denied is likely if you have available credit but if you really want to make sure I'm sure you could call your card issuer in advance. Some people will likely suggest cash as the best way to negotiate a discount but I'm not sure if cash vs credit makes a difference these days.

6 October 2015, 11:03 AM	#7
kirksingleton "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,759	I use the visa to get the miles

6 October 2015, 11:04 AM	#8
WS9D "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Real Name: Steve Location: Shasta Watch: es..More Watches! Posts: 2,371	I went with my card for the points and paid it off before the 30 days to avoid interest. if you don't have a card with a high limit just call your bank and tell them of your big upcoming purchase, and if it exceeds your daily limit, they should increase it for you the one time.

6 October 2015, 11:05 AM	#9
mitchellb2005 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Mitchell Location: DFW, TX Watch: 16622 Posts: 198	You can also call the card company ahead of time and pre-approve the purchase.

6 October 2015, 11:09 AM	#11
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 34,479	My debit card has a $1,000 limit, not sure if yours does...you may want to check that before you go to the AD.

6 October 2015, 11:16 AM	#14
John68 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2	Thanks everyone, very helpful. Hadn't even thought about the benefit of using my credit card simply to take advantage of the points. I think I may just do that and then pay it off immediately. I have enough credit available but I think I'll call the CC company ahead of time to make sure everything is in order. Thanks all, appreciate it!

6 October 2015, 11:19 AM	#15
martinr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: California Posts: 3,099	I've always called the number on the back of the card while at the AD and told them I'm making the purchase and the amount and then they note it on the account. The AD runs the card and you take your watch home. Or just bring a sack full of cash.

6 October 2015, 11:41 AM	#20
Copasetic "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Real Name: Howie Location: USA Watch: AP, Patek & Rolex Posts: 501	If it's a small AD rather than a big chain, you may ask for a discount for cash or a certified check. Sometimes it's works. Credit card fees can be 2% or more and Am Ex is even higher.

6 October 2015, 11:43 AM	#21
gummy 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Thomas Location: Midwest USA Watch: AP PP Rolex Posts: 3,301	Option 1. Negotiate price = Pay with Credit Card = Enjoy your Rolex BLNR = take points = Pay credit card bill. Credit card companies are always leery of larger transactions...In that case, a call to the card company might help - just let them know you are planning a larger purchase within your limit - amount of charge, where the charge might come from, etc. Option 2. Negotiate price = Pay by bank wire (ask for additional 3% off - by saving AD credit card fees) = Enjoy your Rolex BLNR Either way congrats on the milestone and your soon to be new Rolex BLNR

6 October 2015, 11:46 AM	#23
Jhquek "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Singapore Posts: 177	Call the card company and ensure that your remaining limit covers 110% of the watch MSRP. Then run off to the AD and make the purchase.

6 October 2015, 01:31 PM	#25
SpaceWanderer Banned Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: N/A Posts: 172	Just write a check. It's what I always do. Works every time.

6 October 2015, 01:47 PM	#26
Porsche 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: John Location: ɹǝpun Watch: and learn Posts: 2,984	Whenever my bank or credit card provider calls to verify a large transaction, rather than be embarrassed or awkward, I am grateful! I usually THANK the operator for being cautious with my money and credit!!! __________________ Obey Gravity, it's the Law! ROLEX --- SEIKO --- HEUER TRF REHAUT T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M

6 October 2015, 01:48 PM	#27
Syed117 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Syed Location: The Ether Posts: 3,388	When my father got his sub a few months ago, he used a gold Amex at an AD. No call or anything needed. I want to say his limit is 20-25k maybe. Can't remember the exact amount, but he didn't need to do anything special before the purchase. He doesn't make many large purchases and Amex didn't call the AD during the transaction. __________________ Rolex Datejust 41 126334 \| Omega Speedmaster Professional Hesalite \| Cartier Santos Large \| Tudor Black Bay 58

6 October 2015, 01:49 PM	#28
versatile1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Real Name: Jeff Location: Nanaimo, B.C. Watch: DJ2 Blue Romans Posts: 1,980	When I have bought at an AD I have used cash __________________ Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end. Life is a cruel teacher It will give you the test first and the lesson later

6 October 2015, 02:11 PM	#30
Time Exposure "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Bryan Location: Sac Valley, CA US Watch: Patek 5980/1A Posts: 2,860	I agree with contacting your credit card first and setting up as much detail of the transaction they need. Understand they may still call the AD. I wonder... Does Visa extend the warranty on a Rolex? That would be cool, but unlikely given Rolex now carries a 5-yr. warranty.

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