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I had decided to buy a brand new GMT IIC. A birthday gift no doubt, for all blood sweat and toil at the office. Weeks before the actual day, I did my homework surfing the web, doing my fair share of research. This site is one I frequent and I was for one period, looking at the Rolex Garage hunting for the right watch almost every single day. That was when I first chance upon the site Watch Link aka Hobby Link. It was not difficult to notice them, as one of their member posts at private dealer shopping gallery.
Their reputation here(at this forum) has been positive. A quick search and you will easily size them as friendly, trustworthy and easy to deal with. So I text them and ask them the price (why in the first place they have chosen not to post the price baffles me). 8.9 I was quoted. Two weeks later I turn up at their shop and Sam told me its now 9.2. I was told the last of the 8.9 has been sold. Fair enough, it has been two weeks but I was sure surprised with the sudden escalation...and a possible study of market forces at work.
What I don't appreciate is the haggling and demeaning/ belittling selling method that was used. I was told:
1. Rolex is going to increase their price by end of June due to - the drop in Euro exchange rate!
2. that other dealers do not sell their BNIB with stickers on
3. that he has a couple potential buyers lined up that evening
4. that 9.2 is the price today, that they do not guarantee the same if you decide to return later
5. on inspecting the watch, that I should not open the clasp for the fear of scratching the watch(with stickers on??).
6. that perhaps I should look at a different model (perhaps I could not afford this watch and should not be touching the watch)
I asked for their best price, it was 9.1. I offered 9, in which I believe I could have gotten a better deal elsewhere. But I was swiftly told I should not bargain for only 100 dollars. By then, I have decided not to buy from them. Not even at 8. I decided I have been belittled enough on my birthday and have seen my fair share of rude and unprofessional salesmanship for one day.
Come to think of it, I have them to thank because an hour later, I bought my GMT II C - brand new, with stickers all on, unamed and undated and what more..at a much lower price then I was quoted at Watchlink. At another shop, I have had time to touch and feel the watch without getting haggled, wind and adjust the 24hr hand all i want. The seller is so professional and had answered all my questions respectfully.
Incidentally, I have been collecting watches for 15 years now and have added the GMT IIC to my collection of Explorer I, II, GMT II, Sub, SD, Sub LV, YM and Daytona and could not be happier. Next stop, the Milgauss GV and the SDDS!
Cheers,
Boon
Their reputation here(at this forum) has been positive. A quick search and you will easily size them as friendly, trustworthy and easy to deal with. So I text them and ask them the price (why in the first place they have chosen not to post the price baffles me). 8.9 I was quoted. Two weeks later I turn up at their shop and Sam told me its now 9.2. I was told the last of the 8.9 has been sold. Fair enough, it has been two weeks but I was sure surprised with the sudden escalation...and a possible study of market forces at work.
What I don't appreciate is the haggling and demeaning/ belittling selling method that was used. I was told:
1. Rolex is going to increase their price by end of June due to - the drop in Euro exchange rate!
2. that other dealers do not sell their BNIB with stickers on
3. that he has a couple potential buyers lined up that evening
4. that 9.2 is the price today, that they do not guarantee the same if you decide to return later
5. on inspecting the watch, that I should not open the clasp for the fear of scratching the watch(with stickers on??).
6. that perhaps I should look at a different model (perhaps I could not afford this watch and should not be touching the watch)
I asked for their best price, it was 9.1. I offered 9, in which I believe I could have gotten a better deal elsewhere. But I was swiftly told I should not bargain for only 100 dollars. By then, I have decided not to buy from them. Not even at 8. I decided I have been belittled enough on my birthday and have seen my fair share of rude and unprofessional salesmanship for one day.
Come to think of it, I have them to thank because an hour later, I bought my GMT II C - brand new, with stickers all on, unamed and undated and what more..at a much lower price then I was quoted at Watchlink. At another shop, I have had time to touch and feel the watch without getting haggled, wind and adjust the 24hr hand all i want. The seller is so professional and had answered all my questions respectfully.
Incidentally, I have been collecting watches for 15 years now and have added the GMT IIC to my collection of Explorer I, II, GMT II, Sub, SD, Sub LV, YM and Daytona and could not be happier. Next stop, the Milgauss GV and the SDDS!
Cheers,
Boon
another thing, don't offend ur customer... u nvr noe where he is from. 
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