First Rolex AD experience...not so good

[watchwatcher]

Eh...to be honest, I think you may be putting too much thought into it.

Don't automatically assume that because of TRF, you know more than the sales clerk. While there is a new model of Explorer, Rolex no doubt still has some of the old ones hanging around and they've got to move them...so the older model may very well have been delivered at the same time as the newer one.

As a matter of fact, if it had stickers and the whole nine yards, it would be considered brand new.

As far as discounts, it doesn't hurt to ask, but don't be shocked if you don't get one. If they can move that piece without a discount (and they can), they would be stupid to give it to you for less.

My advice: find an AD that you're comfortable with, develop a relationship with them, and also explore some of our wonderful trusted sellers on TRF. When you're shopping for your next watch you can give everybody a shot and walk away with the best deal for you.

[chris242]

which AD did you go to? i went into the new Santa Monica location last night. they were pretty friendly

[Speed]

Originally Posted by AK797

Yeah, so I would try another AD and tell them you can get them online for X amount and can they meet you half way.

I have not done it since I first got into watches / began dealing with sellers like David... but mentioning "online" anything at an AD will likely get you the response that everything on the internet is "fake."

[jon_jon]

On reading OPs story, I don't necessarily hear anything negative. Many Rolex ADs don't budge on price and this is especially true in the major cities.

The salesperson doesn't seem like he/she was rude to OP and wasn't arguing with OP nor did he/she refuse to let OP try on the watch.

Just because an AD salesperson didn't treat you like a king and didn't offer a 40% discount, doesn't mean it wasn't a good AD experience. It really depends on having a realistic expectation when you walk into an AD.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Speed

I have not done it since I first got into watches / began dealing with sellers like David... but mentioning "online" anything at an AD will likely get you the response that everything on the internet is "fake."

Then you can buy from David etc with a clear conscience but give the AD first refusal if you are using their store.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by AK797

I've been to some ADs where the staff turnover is high, on average less than 6 months.

This whole thing sort of makes my skin crawl when I see continual staff turn over.
It's a bad vibe and I wonder where these people go as I've only ever seen one pop up again elsewhere much later on.
A lot are really good people too, once one cuts through the sales person mode.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by AK797

Then you can buy from David etc with a clear conscience but give the AD first refusal if you are using their store.

I wasn't using their store. I went in thinking I could buy there. They gave crap service and would not budge on price - even after I mentioned the internet dealer prices...

[WhiskeyKoffee]

Originally Posted by Granimal

Long time lurker, first time poster! Thanks for all the informative stuff you guys post here. It has really helped me to learn about the Rolex obsession!

So I visited my nearest Rolex AD to check out the watch I've been researching for a while now (Rolex Explorer). I noticed they had an older version with the solid white gold 3-6-9 numerals as well as the newer lume-filled one on display. I asked the friendly salesperson how long they've had the older version of the Explorer, and was told Rolex likes to mix and match little details like that and they're both brand new... alrighty then.

Also, a quick discussion on price turned into a speech about how Rolex watches deserve full retail and how I should strongly consider the store's watch protection coverage.

Ugh, not the heavy handed selling tactics I wanted to hear. Oh well, I got to try on the Explorer which felt great. Time for me to contact David SW I think!

Anyway, thanks for the wealth of info on these forums!

I concur with your post in every way and I don't understand the pushback you've received in this thread.

[drakulie]

Hilarious how people want an expensive watch to show off or feel good about themselves but want to pay the price of a swatch knock off.

[WhiskeyKoffee]

Originally Posted by drakulie

Hilarious how people want an expensive watch to show off or feel good about themselves but want to pay the price of a swatch knock off.

No, that is not at all the issue OP raised.

[Granimal]

I was able to get the best price from David SW for the watch I was looking for. I'll post an incoming thread (time to peel off all the little plastic stickers)!

[sager]

Can't go wrong with David SW

[Stx]

I find some AD's are 'upper crust' and act like talking price is beneath the dignity of their establishment. I also went to a small town jeweler where a discount was offered and a better one obtained. So, don't be discouraged by one AD. I got a new Exp 1 last week for less than the gray prices I saw (but I had that as a backup).

AD's offer some benefits - my credit card extends the warranty for 2 years on NEW items, he fit the bracelet then put on a strap for me, there's no question about the Rolex warranty, it was out of state and mailed to me, and it's a fairly close spot I can take the watch to if I need to.

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by WhiskeyKoffee

No, that is not at all the issue OP raised.

Yes it is the issue raised. The op expects to walk into a store that carries Rolex, put a quarter in the slot machine and walk out with a Rolex. If you want a Less expensive watch, buy a swatch. If you want a Rolex, expect to pay Rolex price,,,,, not cheapen the brand by haggling for swap shop prices.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Granimal

C'mon guys, Rolex is a luxury brand. So I was expecting a knowledgeable salesperson and a lack of used car style pressuring for protection packages!

Actually, knowledgeable salespeople are as rare as hen's teeth and it doesn't matter what the product.

I've never gotten a protection plan speech from my AD, but I'm not surprised that you did, since just about every retailer sells those mostly useless, highly profitable policies.

[mister robert]

Originally Posted by melrob1

Waste of your first post. Not that bad. Put some positivity in the air. Just saying.

this.

[WhiskeyKoffee]

Originally Posted by drakulie

Yes it is the issue raised. The op expects to walk into a store that carries Rolex, put a quarter in the slot machine and walk out with a Rolex. If you want a Less expensive watch, buy a swatch. If you want a Rolex, expect to pay Rolex price,,,,, not cheapen the brand by haggling for swap shop prices.

You couldn't be more off base and without merit. Let me help you out ...

OP said ...

" I noticed they had an older version with the solid white gold 3-6-9 numerals as well as the newer lume-filled one on display. I asked the friendly salesperson how long they've had the older version of the Explorer, and was told Rolex likes to mix and match little details like that and they're both brand new... alrighty then."

"Also, a quick discussion on price turned into a speech about ... how I should strongly consider the store's watch protection coverage."

These points are very valid and have absolutely nothing to do with a "swatch" or a "slot machine" or "cheapening the brand" by "haggling for swap shop prices."

[Sunny Arizona]

You can get the older one pretty cheap second hand. Price on the newer one is coming down too.

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by WhiskeyKoffee

You couldn't be more off base and without merit. Let me help you out ...

OP said ...

" I noticed they had an older version with the solid white gold 3-6-9 numerals as well as the newer lume-filled one on display. I asked the friendly salesperson how long they've had the older version of the Explorer, and was told Rolex likes to mix and match little details like that and they're both brand new... alrighty then."

"Also, a quick discussion on price turned into a speech about ... how I should strongly consider the store's watch protection coverage."

These points are very valid and have absolutely nothing to do with a "swatch" or a "slot machine" or "cheapening the brand" by "haggling for swap shop prices."

Title of thread.
Didn't get price he wanted.
Go to online sales entity to get it cheaper.
End.

[jazznpool]

Originally Posted by Leodagan

Everybody want a discount and now, no one no longer knows the true price of things....Everything is always too expensive

What are you talking about sir? There's a 38% margin on new Rolex watches--it's common knowledge here!