I always ask for a discount, some people will say that you are best calling it a “price consideration”. Some ADs will offer you $x off the price whereas others will ask you what sort of reduction you had in mind so have a figure ready. Whatever you decide to call it you should always ask no matter what the watch as they can only say no. I’ve never yet had a sales assistant refuse to sell me a watch because I asked for a discount.

 

Whatever you decide to call it you should always ask no matter what the watch as they can only say no.

They could say yes.

No. They already know how much they can and would discount the watch before you even walk in.

Your own "negotiation skills" is really not going to be all that revelant.

That doesn’t mean they are going to offer you their best price right off the bat. It still might take some effort to get them to come down to it.

 

No. They already know how much they can and would discount the watch before you even walk in.

Your own "negotiation skills" is really not going to be all that revelant.

 

They already know how much they can and would discount the watch before you even walk in.

I tend to agree. I think the trick is knowing what’s reasonable and what you’re willing to pay, then going for it. For instance, I saw a watch at my local AD that piqued my interest. I didn’t talk to them in terms of %, but dollars.

To keep the math easy, I’m fudging the numbers. Let’s say they were asking $1000. I offered $750 (25% off). They said they could go as low as $850 (15% off). As I was walking out they said $800 (20%). I wasn’t willing to pay that much at the time since tax would be put back on the $800. I ended up finding it at a popular AD via the internet. They gave me $800 out-the-door, so I saved the 20% plus whatever sales tax would have been at the local AD. It was a price that I was happy with.

I won’t share the names to protect the innocent (or guilty).

So, yeah, they know what they can do, the trick is getting there.

 

Expect the least and hope for the best….

 

Really really depends on the model.. some 8k IWC or Panerai.. sure.. A popular blackbay.. forget it

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

 

It's worth asking, as stated worst case they say no. I once asked if a discount would be possible and the sales lady asked me why. I replied just curious and without hesitation she said I can do 20%. Took them about 10-15 mins to located the box which resulted in an additional 5% for the "inconvenience". So definitely worth asking.

 

Never hurts to ask. A seasoned jeweler won't blink at the question.

 

This is an awesome and informative thread.
Thanks all.

 

If you have to ask, then don't bother.

 

Research to find the lowest reputable gray market dealer online, tell the AD and ask them to beat or match because you’d rather support local.

 

Always good for a chuckle.

 

My AD said $5,200 for a watch I was shopping. I said, "aww man I was really hoping to stay under $150". Then we smiled and I paid the $5,200 because he's a good dude who will go to great lengths to find something I tell him I want.

I don't have any advice beyond buy a few watches and be friendly.

 

Be nice. Don't be a jerk. Don't fuss about 1-2%. Don't waste 3 hours of their time trying on 50 watches that they later have to clean your grease and sweat off of, then go home, and then tell them to match a grey dealer with a two star rating.

The deals one gets from an AD are less spectacular deals off MSRP and more spectacular access, whether it is to jump lines, first dibs, invites to events, rare swag (not throwaways like magazines and baseball caps), announcements months in advance of the public, etc. Sadly I've learned that knowing of watches months in advance of the public somewhat negates my chances to jump the lines. Life is so unfair . . . 😢

 

Offer to pay to pay by wire and focus on an out the door price, to include taxes. And be prepared to walk away if you really want that price, so be reasonable in your offer.

 

When talking to my AD the other day asking him about a discount since their sister store offers 20% off he said since they are newer in their current lineup not much of a discount. But if they have it in stock and don't need to order it they are more than willing to work something out.

 

I always bring my girlfriend or wife, always get amazing service

 

Girlfriend or wife? 😂😂😂

 

Just ask for one politely. They need to feed their families and you don't really need the watch.

 

Bring knee pads

 

I always ask for a discount and best price. If you dont ask, you wont get.

 

I always ask " is there a good guy cash discount? "

I say the same thing to all sales people. I have heard of many people using the "good guy cash discount" phrase.

If you live in the area you can ask for " a local good guy cash discount ".

 

Didn't work with us, all that counting; three times!

 

Check prices online to get a sense of how much the watch is worth. I'd focus on looking at pre-owned mint or NIB condition with all papers and valid warranty. C24 and these forums are a good place to look. I would not look at a big online grey dealer like Jomashop, the AD will just laugh at you, its not a good comparison point.

Start by offering to pay with credit card, ask for their best price. Keep going back and forth until they wont go any lower.
Then offer to pay in cash and see if they'll go lower with that.
Combine the cash offer with "can you at least shave off the sales tax?"

Other more general tips:

• treat the AD like another watch enthusiast (to show that you are one yourself) and just chat in general
• If you plan on buying more watches in the future and the same AD carries them, ask to see them, express your interest. They're likely to discount more if they believe you'll be back for return business
• Have a firm maximum price and a desired price in mind before you walk in. If its not an AD you have a relationship with, dont be scared/lazy to walk out and check out another place.

 

I had the discussion with a local AD today. They flat out said no. The reason they gave me was if they sell the watch at a discounted price, there's no telling how long it will take to get another to replace it with, therefor, they'd prefer to hold on to it so they have some inventory in the store.

 

My job is and has been for a long time rooted in negotiation. My only advice is this.

know what you want to pay for the item before you begin. Don’t play any dumb games like asking what their bottom dollar is or whatever else. They have already proposed a price. You then say that you will pay your number and then the key phrase “and I will buy it right now”.

that’s really all there is to it. Any further complication is exhausting and annoying for a salesperson. They’re less likely to make moves for you if they feel as if youre tire kicking or just throwing things out to see if anything sticks. If they’re going to answer to their boss about why they sold whatever for whatever price, your admission that this price will sell the watch immediately is the best ammo they will ever have. Use that, and work WITH them instead of being their enemy by making it very easy.

then be prepared to walk. You may be swayed by a counter offer and that is fine, but you do need to be willing to walk away. If you are wishy washy, that will come across, so be confident in asking for what you want.

 

Here are my tips.

1) Research the grey market price of the watch first. That price should be about as low as the AD could be expected to go. 20% off should be obtainable on watches that are not flying off the shelf. If it's a popular or rare watch, you may not be able to get a discount.

2) For the best possible discount, be ready with money in the bank to do a wire transfer, and offer to wire the money "today".

3) I'd suggest not to talk prices or discounts until you are ready to buy "today". If the AD thinks you are just fishing for a price and not a serious buyer they will probably say there is "no discount".

4) Let the AD know that any discount you get will be kept quiet.

5) One last ditch thing to try which could save you sales tax at least, is see if the AD has to collect taxes when shipped to different states. Use an AD that doesn't charge tax when shipping to your state.

 

As others have said:

1. know the current market prices & know what you're willing to pay before you walk in
2. let them know where you want to be - maybe start a little under
3. don't be a jerk - just politely state your position
4. be prepared to walk - don't make a bad deal for yourself- you don't NEED a watch - however a watch store needs clients

 

Is this for the blancpain? If you're not getting 25% off a blancpain, you're the problem.

🤪

 

Having run a shop for eight years I will give you my tips looking from the other side of the counter.

Go in pre armed knowing exactly what you want……a ”Nice watch” won’t cut it.

Research that watch to the death before you go in….know all about it.

Quote a source where the watch is available and cheaper than the AD..make sure you know the contact details for this supplier.

And last but most importantly be ready to buy there and then, credit card in hand….buying next week or some time soon won’t cut it either.

Done all the above….then your line is “Good morning…I would like to buy———- I am looking to buy it today, I have seen it for ——— at this seller who has it in stock, but I want to buy it from you because (Enter whatever ****e you can think of, you are my hero or you are my local supplier where my grandad always bought his watches, or even better if you actually have bought stuff there before)

Can you help me?

If this don’t work…..buy it from the other guy.