How to become an Authorized Dealer for Rolex and Tudor?

[WM Harold]

Our store has been in business for 50 years, we're located in great area. Another local dealer is no longer an AD. How would our store become an Authorized Dealer for Rolex or Tudor or both?

[mastermixer]

contact them, a lot has to do with how nice your store is in my opinion and how many are in the area. However I believe it is highly unlikely to get one , they are mostly opening new locations that are boutiques and partnered with a jeweler

[El Cascarrabias]

Similar situation locally. AD closed. I talked with the watch guy at another local jeweler who would be the logical choice to pick up Rolex. He said they had looked into it and there was a huge monetary outlay required. Said probably not.

Contact an AD in a market you where you would not be competitive and get an idea of what is involved. A forum's not be the best place . . . unless an AD chimes in.

[Colina19]

I'm sure there is a fee/buy in associated with this.

[ap1]

you are asking forum members as an experienced store owner for 50 years. maybe they closed cause they weren't moving enough product. could speak to the customer base?

we are just the poor guys hooked on this hobby

[Lordofrolex]

I heard that to be an rolex AD you have to buy a certain amount of rolexes per quota and to keep exclusivity of the area you live in. I know its pretty high price.

Are there any other rolex AD in your area?

They also would rather have an already existing rolex partner try to get a spot in your area if they see the need. Someone like Ben Bridge Jewelers.

[kilyung]

It's surprising how often this question arises. All of the brands seem to be moving towards a boutique sales strategy so I'm not sure if any of them are accepting new ADs especially when they're closing so many. I've seen this trend with Omega, Rolex, AP, Panerai, etc. Many of these boutiques are actually independently owned businesses but branded as boutiques. OP: You'll need to reach out to Rolex directly. I imagine the inventory and display requirements are significant. I've heard estimates of $10+ million just to remain an AD.

[opaline460]

Ask them how much money you need

[Lgear080]

How's about focusing on quality used rolexes at fair prices?
At least you'll be responsible for managing your inventory.
There are not many retailers w quality stock, expertise and
Care facilities. I'd rather invest in that position than be forced
To conform financially to rolexes expectations...

[JohnLT]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

How's about focusing on quality used rolexes at fair prices?
At least you'll be responsible for managing your inventory.
There are not many retailers w quality stock, expertise and
Care facilities. I'd rather invest in that position than be forced
To conform financially to rolexes expectations...

This^^^^^

[Ampz]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

How's about focusing on quality used rolexes at fair prices?
At least you'll be responsible for managing your inventory.
There are not many retailers w quality stock, expertise and
Care facilities. I'd rather invest in that position than be forced
To conform financially to rolexes expectations...

[Ian Macdermott]

My local AD who has been selling Rolex for around 40 years has just this year stopped being an AD. When I enquired why he said that Rolex wanted him to spend a fortune refurbing the store to how they wanted it.
With the low availability long waiting times of any of the sports watches he was not able to sell enough. He has kept the Tudor line on.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Ian Macdermott

My local AD who has been selling Rolex for around 40 years has just this year stopped being an AD. When I enquired why he said that Rolex wanted him to spend a fortune refurbing the store to how they wanted it.
With the low availability long waiting times of any of the sports watches he was not able to sell enough. He has kept the Tudor line on.

Exactly what happened here a few years ago with my AD. Everything has gone to boutique stores.

[jabarrow]

I've heard from a dealer that it is a $800k order buy in.

[texex91]

I think you should be asking Rolex, not a bunch of guys on a forum. Have a feeling if you're even remotely serious, you would know the answer.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by texex91

I think you should be asking Rolex, not a bunch of guys on a forum. Have a feeling if you're even remotely serious, you would know the answer.

I think this is all a bit of a wind up---as some of our British members might say. 😉

[Flstfirider]

I know that they (RUSA) are putting Tudor in stores without that store carrying the Rolex line. There is a Tudor AD in my city that picked up the line recently.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by WM Harold

Our store has been in business for 50 years, we're located in great area. Another local dealer is no longer an AD. How would our store become an Authorized Dealer for Rolex or Tudor or both?

Contact Rolex SA and ask?

[descartes]

OP is a troll IMO.

If he/his family has really been in the business 50 years, he/they must have an idea about the process of becoming an AD.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

How's about focusing on quality used rolexes at fair prices?
At least you'll be responsible for managing your inventory.
There are not many retailers w quality stock, expertise and
Care facilities. I'd rather invest in that position than be forced
To conform financially to rolexes expectations...

+1. It still surprises me that a QUALITY Jeweler hasn't tried this. If executed properly, I think it would be profitable - but most importantly, bring many customers (with $ in their pocket) inside your store.

Originally Posted by kilyung

I imagine the inventory and display requirements are significant. I've heard estimates of $10+ million just to remain an AD.

10mil? Although I don't doubt that's the case, I still find that an insane layout. Ouch.

[ppbskis]

My wife worked in a Jewelry Store for a short while. I believe she said that Rolex required a certain amount of square footage devoted to the brand. And it was a good portion of the overall store.

[jon_jon]

I think due to the financial requirements to become and remain a Rolex AD, many family-owned single store jewelry stores are not making it. It will come down to chain stores or jewelers with multi-store locations that are well funded. Each AD receives many pieces (non-SS watches) that are not popular and they still have to pay Rolex upfront. So some stores have excess inventory that they are not able to sell. As you can imagine this is where the gray sellers come along and help move the ADs inventory at a steep discount.

[jphj012]

From what I was informed, you need at least $2 million dollars of capital to open a Rolex account. And need to change the layout in your store to Rolex's requirement. There are other factors, but you need $$$ to become an AD.