Buying A Watch From An Authorized Dealer (AD) - 7 Tips - Federico Talks Watches

Hi Guys,

In this episode of Federico Talks Watches I discuss tips for buying a watch from an authorized dealer, also known as an AD. There are many things that could affect your watch buying experience and the following tips should make it a very positive one. I amassed these tips from working at a few ADs on fifth avenue.

1. Do not be afraid or intimidated
2. Research your AD or Authorized Dealers
3. Research your watch or timepiece
4. Be courteous
5. Catalogues are free
6. Do not negotiate until you are ready to buy
7. Stand your ground during negotiations

Thanks,

Federico

Seiko SKX:

TOP 5 SWISS WATCHES UNDER $500

[ProfaneEquinox]

This sort of relates but in a different category. I know a sales man for Maserati, he says that the guys who come dressed in suits, with rolex's on and such will come check out the cars and test drive them but never buy them. The people who walk in wearing sweatpants and sweatshirt will leave buying a car. These dealers have to know that they never know whom they are dealing with. So like Frederico said dont be intimidated its always a fun experience to look at the most luxurious of watches!

[Teachering]

I am one of those easily intimidated by high-end watch dealers. This video has helped ease my fears. Some very good advice offered.

[LemtemPoktui]

You make excellent points. However I have something I wanna add to the sixth point, the one you said don't talk money until you're ready to buy. When I go window shopping (which is all the time), within the first 5 minutes I let the sales associate know that I'm not buying today. To me it is very important to make sure they know, especially on a crowed day. So that they don't spend 30 minutes with me and missed an opportunity to close a sale with someone else.

But I do notice if the day is slow, they will entertain you and sometimes even give you their best discounts although I told them I'm not buying.

[redbird]

I happened to be at a Patek dealer to see if my Tissot could be serviced, and the sales associates were super friendly. I told them that I admired Pateks and could be ZERO means afford them, but after a few minutes of chatting I was handed a loupe and a grand complication(5270R) to look at. When I left(and I didn't even spend a dime), they gave me a catalog and hardcover collection book for free.

[marcgoldbergdogtrainer]

I rarely ever want to buy from the AD but this is good advice. It's amazing to me how many people will talk price and even scoff or argue with a sales associate when in reality they have no intention to buy soon. Why put yourself in an adversarial position with someone trapped behind a counter just for fun? Even if you're seriously negotiating, giving a hard time to the decision-makers is never a good idea. As you say, a little courtesy goes a long way.

[jigrodrigues]

Federico seems really nice and he sounds like he knows what he's talking about. He also has a very nice taste in watches (IMO).

[johnrycroft]

When both parties can depend on each other for honesty and integrity, both side win! I have been following almost the same approach for quite sometime; it works. Your video offers some great pointers and it's all common sense.
Buying from an AD can be a great part of the whole watch collecting experience. Also, I like having the warranty security that comes with buying from the dealer.
Building a relationship with a shop puts both the customer and dealer at ease; it's good business.
Thanks Federico, very good tips!

[rkowed]

My first AD experience was a few years ago. I was young. I always had a fascination with watches. I walked into the main area where the less expensive watches were. but when I wanted to look at the more expensive watches like Rolex etc... I was not buzzed in. I started chatting with a lady who worked there ( extremely good looking) and after she knew my intension was just too look, she gave me a tour. she even let me try on a Rolex. she was really nice and if i could have, I would have left with a watch right then and there.

[blazejewiczk]

I have one dealer who treats me well! I know he is trying to make the sale, but I would buy a watch from him than from anywhere else. I had multiple people who looked at me and say: "You cannot afford this watch!" and walk away and don't even see what I wear atm! Even the dealer trying to sell me a watch, my biggest turn off is when people tell me: "you cannot afford it!" The person who I deal with knows that I can pay for the items! Thanks for the video.

[ubaldoguzman]

Federico That was a great video. I am getting ready to buy my first new watch from an AD and a video like this is exactly what I needed.

[Kamikazekman]

I can't agree with you more about being courteous! Worked in retail for quite some time and it baffles me how some people just DON'T get that! Doesn't matter how much you demand, no ones going to do their best to help you if you're being a douche... That old saying, "You catch more flys with honey". Plus it's just common human decency!

[pederlindstrom]

Greetings from northen Sweden and a fellow watch entusiast.
I stop in at a few AD in town, they are run by two brothers and their kids.
I have always been treated nice, even the first time when I walked in to one of them on my way from work, , I am a mechanic on city buses so imagine what I looked like. Very nice and respectful people.

[BeautyofScent]

erbody thumbs up for federio. he gives good advice much better than the competitions.

[felderosa]

Great vid, thanks for the tips! Love the last two about being ready to buy and standing your ground but willing to concede for swag.

[kzr]

Federico, very good tips for people like me who love watches but have not bought from a main dealer (yet!) Your videos and your friendly style are great, thanks so much for sharing your experience, grazie tante! Un abbraccione d'un portoghese in UK.

[jnnYx]

I wish I could work at a Rolex AD it's seems like I would really enjoy selling and talking up a watch to customer hoping they would buy it.

[mountbell]

Thank you for this. I'm headed to an AD this afternoon, and I'll use these tips.

[LumeShot]

Thank you for the video F. Being only 19, I was intimidated when going to Rolex and Omega dealers in 5th avenue. How I overcame this is by visiting as many AD as possible and they were mostly all wonderful. Very professional and ended up having very enjoyable discussions with some of the more knowledgeable associates.

[Robert.Dickson]

Hey Federico, great video as usual. I 100% agree regarding negotiating. I sell cars and there's nothing worse than someone trying to negotiate when they are not in the position to buy.

[harryireland]

Those are great tips, Federico. I have a 2 year plan to obtain a Rolex Sub. I certainly will not get that from the internet, but only from a Rolex authorized dealer. Not really experienced in negotiating with them, but I'll keep your tips in mind, especially the luxury gifts you mentioned. Thank you!