Haggling

[toddler]

I'm going shopping tomorrow for my first proper watch. Budget is about £2k and will be on interest free credit.

I've read several comments on this forum lately along the lines of only mugs pay RRP, you need to haggle, look for 20-30% discount etc...

Does this really work? Do you pick the watch you want then just ask for a discount?

[al1991]

As far as I'm aware, it's often discount or interest free credit but not both.

Not sure though, just something I've read on here.

[Slagathore]

Might struggle to get a discount and interest free credit, but certainly no harm in asking.

Depends on the watch you're buying aswell. If several jewellers stock it, then you can try playing them against each other.

[Odie]

haggling when you have the cash is easy, on credit it wont be so easy.

Preperation is the key really, print off some prices for the same watch from online and use them as ammo, be patient, dont push too hard or be too friendly, its a business transaction.

I find pretending to be a bit dim helps too, as they underestimate you a little.

[Disco You]

Using an interest free credit card instead of the shop's own would be a better way of getting free credit and a reduction.

Also it depends on where you are and what the watch is.

[whoami]

Odie said:

I find pretending to be a bit dim helps too, as they underestimate you a little.

[fatvik]

I bought a PO on Tuesday at Bluewater; I spent time at virtually every watch shop there getting a price from each and playing them off against one another. I had a price in my head that they needed to beat to get my business. [In the end it was SWMBO that clinched me the deal]
As the other chaps have said, you will find it quite difficult to get a discount if you are going for the interest free option; a mate of mine bought a Brietling on interest free and all he was able to manage was an additional strap at cost.
Good luck.
-FV

[EK993]

I negotiated 20% on an IWC Potuguese Chrono, although that was for a cash sale.

[toddler]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I picked up a lovely 41mm Omega Seamaster Professional 300 M Chronometer with blue dial and bezel (2220.80.00) today. I surprised myself because I've never been a big fan of Omegas, but as soon as I put the Seamaster on it just looked and felt right somehow. It's going to be my daily wearer so I wanted something that isn't too flashy, but still feels a bit special.

I love the watch but I'm a bit disappointed with my haggling skills. I managed to get £250 (about 12%) off the sticker price without too much bother, but I know I could have pushed harder for a bigger discount. Stuck it on an interest free credit card in the end. As suggested, no discounts if taking the in-store interest free credit option; at least not in Goldsmiths.

[theaxe]

Good going, 12% off is par for the course. I don't think I've done much better when paying by CC.

[S Works]

Most certainly haggle hard before you even discuss method of payment. When I was searching for my Chopard MM (£3010rrp) I was offered one at £2480 without any haggle at all, just a polite "best price" request.

I suspect that might have gone down a little, or possibly added in another strap had I decided to continue on the new route, rather than used as I ended up.

I guess it rather depends on a number of factors - largely linked to supply and demand, and possibly sales targets if you're at the major retailers - as to what sort of deal you can strike. Most places seem to be ready to discuss discounts with a polite approach and an appointment.

Edited by S Works on Sunday 2nd January 11:33

[Renton]

I was offered an Omega PO at Goldsmiths Bluewater for £2,000 (rrp £2,380) in response to a "what's your best price" question, after the salesman had refused to accept my Tesco vouchers.

[Markp13]

Renton said:

I was offered an Omega PO at Goldsmiths Bluewater for £2,000 (rrp £2,380) in response to a "what's your best price" question, after the salesman had refused to accept my Tesco vouchers.

Why did he refuse the vouchers?

I have 440 pounds worth I can't seem to spend

[theaxe]

I think like cheap finance the Tesco vouchers are considered to be a discount. I guess because Tesco don't reimburse Goldsmiths 100% of the face value. I think the best bet would be to put them towards a Rolex (where you're unlikely to get a discount anyway) or use them to buy a nice Seiko.

Edited by theaxe on Monday 3rd January 10:39