Pros/Cons of PI

[Reborn]

Mainly lack of awareness and the trust issue

Hi,

I have observed that some here, even with the cheaper prices of ROLEX watches as compared to our local ADs, did not wish to buy from the PIs (parallel import). I was wondering what are the reasons? We can share and these are my thoughts:

full cash payment (some can't afford )
lack of after-sales service (include adjustment of strap size, etc)
hassle of having to verify with RSC (got to view, buy, verify, etc)
lack of trust (scared get cheated)
...

Good day everyone!

Many people are afraid to pay large amounts to buy from a pre-owned shop because:

a) worried about getting cheated
b) they do not know that good deals can be got from parallel dealers

You just have to look at the 116520 - some people probably think "hey, I am paying 17-18 grand, better pay a bit more and make sure it is 100% ok, than to save 1-2k and risk getting cheated"

However, once the same people get to know trustworthy shops or sellers, they may change their mind and also their style of buying watches...

[chongj88]

But I heard that the rolex prices at local ADs were controlled by RSC. If a rolex is sold a special discount, the AD will not write the watch model number on its invoice as I was told that they afraid RSC will punish them... really?
If that's the case, why RSC don't punish these PIs???

As it is, I think it is going to be hard to enforce - even with their own ADs. There is also this fine line of going overboard with compliance and pissing their sales/distribution channel off. RSC can of course play the high hand but they will have to weigh the risk.

As for PIs, it will also be tough to enforce against the freelancers who do not have a business registration. It is akin to stopping people like you and I who happen to buy an extra piece or two in Hong Kong and selling them back home. Going to cost them a lot of legal fees which may end up with publicity backlash and nothing to gain.

Also notice that the registered dealers always have to state clearly (usually in their website) that they are not affiliated to Rolex in any way? They need to do that to protect their backsides from the RSC legal juggernaut!

[116520]

But I heard that the rolex prices at local ADs were controlled by RSC. If a rolex is sold a special discount, the AD will not write the watch model number on its invoice as I was told that they afraid RSC will punish them... really?
If that's the case, why RSC don't punish these PIs???

Of course not.

Yes all Rolexes are supplied by Rolex or RSC whichever is the same. 1 supplier,1 manufacturer.

How the PIs get the watches? Coz the ADs sell to the PIs...like those overstocks and stuff...it's called the grey market

[tomcatf]

Looking for a WG Daytona, wonder what is PI selling price?

[Darkangel]

BTW, do RSC encourage or not so welcome these PI Rolex?

I heard that all rolex in local ADs are supplied by RSC, really?

Of course not.

Yes all Rolexes are supplied by Rolex or RSC whichever is the same. 1 supplier,1 manufacturer.

How the PIs get the watches? Coz the ADs sell to the PIs...like those overstocks and stuff...it's called the grey market

[Oceanklassik]

Ok so for my next purchase of a ROLEX sports model (haven't decide which exactly), I should "sniff around" for a PI set.

Thanks to all.

[tomcatf]

Agreed with PI offer lower price usually and the must to verify at SRC. Bottom line is we must do our home work to check prices before any purchase from any one.

[triton]

1) people who buy @ AD may not be aware of these PI watches.

2) if buy PI watches, just head down to RSC for verification. i always believe in that no matter how reputable the PI dealer. this is for a peace of mind

3) prices @ AD is always higher because they have a brick and motar shop, PI dealers may not have a shop so prices can be lower. so even you spend X dollars, the price will not be lower than that of PI.

[tomcatf]

BTW, do RSC encourage or not so welcome these PI Rolex?

I heard that all rolex in local ADs are supplied by RSC, really?

Nope, SRC don't welcome PI. it is quite obvious that they will lost some business as ADs may not able to sell as many watches if PI's Rolex is flooding the market.

[116520]

BTW, do RSC encourage or not so welcome these PI Rolex?

I heard that all rolex in local ADs are supplied by RSC, really?

[seiko.citizen]

if there was a PI here in Perth, my local AD would crap their pants ..... because the price will be so damn "attractive"

for me PI is as good as AD. Just my A$0.02

[wolfeyes1974]

Guess it's a case of being safe than sorry. Pay maybe a few hundred bucks more to the AD and be assured that their purchase is safe and sound, without having wild thoughts about whether the PI's watch is fake or not while they sleep.

mind you...the difference can be $1K or more not few hundreds (usually the case)...then how?

personally, i dun mind PIs...some of the pre-owned dealers who're selling Pams and other brands.....when they say brand new....it means PIs...do u see them flying off the shelves...YES!!!

As consumers, you need to check what kind of warranty the watch comes with. If you're concerned about the quality or to have a peace of mind, just bring the watch to the respective SCs to do a quick check...what's few$$ cab fare compared to a savings of $1K??? As long as the warranty is international, it doesn't matter if you buy it from AD or PIs...they'll still honour it. Besides, respectable PI sellers won't want to spoil their reputation just to earn few thousands only....they want long term biz...

another perspective...if some of you buy watces online....isn't it the same?

cheers

james

[Darkangel]

no matter what accessories the watch comes with, bring it to rsc for verification.

if i am to travel to mainland in the near future, i'll try to bring back one of the AAA replica and post the pics for all to view. in any instance, I was informed that the SD and the subbie are the easiest models to duplicate.

If you do...please bring back 1 ...i hav a jap daytona....i would say it can fool the average consumer...but not good enough for me.

Ok, then how do u term pple like dexter, horologyfanatic, singaporerolexcentre, benjiyugui, etc-etc. Those who often sell BNIB ROLEXs and/or other brands. Just take it tat wat I'm referring to r all, except te ADs can?

Thank u.

They are dealers....different..because they deal in preowned also. There's a fine line between dealers and PI. PI buys from overseas in BULK...all brand new sets. Dealers get 1 or 2 from overseas that's all..

[chongj88]

Ok, then how do u term pple like dexter, horologyfanatic, singaporerolexcentre, benjiyugui, etc-etc. Those who often sell BNIB ROLEXs and/or other brands. Just take it tat wat I'm referring to r all, except te ADs can?

Thank u.

I suppose they can be termed as "PI" too. It is likely they have contacts in countries like HK, Japan and USA to help them procure watches for sale here at a little profit. And I would say nothing wrong with that too. If I had better contacts, I would do the same too!

[tomcatf]

You got to trust someone when buying Rolex from any one other than ADs, so who else can you trust? the seller? or yourself? unless you are an expert, if not, my advice is still SRC loh, so simple....