OT: T5 Negotiating at Mappin & Webb
Jan 28, 2014, 6:48 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 14
OT: T5 Negotiating at Mappin & Webb
Hi All,
A bit off topic, but hopefully someone here can help! With valentine's day coming up I am planning on a watch purchase from Mappin & Webb T5.
Has anyone get experience of whether additional discounts can be obtained (above the 20% duty free price)? Some high street retailers are able to offer close to this, so wasn't sure what I could expect airside
Thanks,
LonFlyer
A bit off topic, but hopefully someone here can help! With valentine's day coming up I am planning on a watch purchase from Mappin & Webb T5.
Has anyone get experience of whether additional discounts can be obtained (above the 20% duty free price)? Some high street retailers are able to offer close to this, so wasn't sure what I could expect airside
Thanks,
LonFlyer
Jan 28, 2014, 7:03 am
#2
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I wouldn't hold my breath to be honest although I have no personal experience.
It can be a drawn out process seeking discounts on high end watches anyway because the retailers are not meant to discount as part of their agreement with suppliers. It is possible but is more likely in a chain with a really empowered local manager. Also you tend to get a better discount on items in stock rather than items ordered in (which makes things a bit hit and miss at T5).
Why not buy the watch at your destination? The US can be a very good place to buy nice watches, especially if you can skip the sales tax by shipping out of state.
It can be a drawn out process seeking discounts on high end watches anyway because the retailers are not meant to discount as part of their agreement with suppliers. It is possible but is more likely in a chain with a really empowered local manager. Also you tend to get a better discount on items in stock rather than items ordered in (which makes things a bit hit and miss at T5).
Why not buy the watch at your destination? The US can be a very good place to buy nice watches, especially if you can skip the sales tax by shipping out of state.
Jan 28, 2014, 7:13 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2006
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I think you'd be better off buying in london negotiating a discount, then asking for a vat claim back form.
What country are you going to, and what brand are you looking at buying? Rolex distributors are prohibited from discounting or they lose their authorised distributorship, others you should be able to do ok on. In the US you can negotiate a good 25% off some brands, particularly at large watch stores like Tourneau.
What country are you going to, and what brand are you looking at buying? Rolex distributors are prohibited from discounting or they lose their authorised distributorship, others you should be able to do ok on. In the US you can negotiate a good 25% off some brands, particularly at large watch stores like Tourneau.
Jan 28, 2014, 7:20 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: in a cabin
Posts: 6,515
I bought an IWC from MW T5 a few years back. With the weak Sterling it turned out extremely beneficial to me.
To be honest you'll be very lucky to get a better price in the UK. If USD is weak you may get lucky in the US (but prices are adjusted often to keep the price level globally), and the higher priced watch, the more likely a discount can be bargained. Some dealers or retailers will give good discounts if you pay cash.
To be honest you'll be very lucky to get a better price in the UK. If USD is weak you may get lucky in the US (but prices are adjusted often to keep the price level globally), and the higher priced watch, the more likely a discount can be bargained. Some dealers or retailers will give good discounts if you pay cash.
Jan 28, 2014, 7:22 am
#6
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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You called? Actually years of life in Asia and the Middle East has got me to laugh at Brits reluctance to bargain, particularly with hotels. The way to do this is to find a good price in the high street or wherever, ring them up and ask if they can match the price. Either they want the business or not.
Jan 28, 2014, 7:27 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 14
I think you'd be better off buying in london negotiating a discount, then asking for a vat claim back form.
What country are you going to, and what brand are you looking at buying? Rolex distributors are prohibited from discounting or they lose their authorised distributorship, others you should be able to do ok on. In the US you can negotiate a good 25% off some brands, particularly at large watch stores like Tourneau.
What country are you going to, and what brand are you looking at buying? Rolex distributors are prohibited from discounting or they lose their authorised distributorship, others you should be able to do ok on. In the US you can negotiate a good 25% off some brands, particularly at large watch stores like Tourneau.
I am looking to buy a Longines (so nowhere near as expensive as some of the brands M&W stock) and am flying to AMS (so unfortunately the outside EU/US options wont work).
As an separate note, I didn't realise you could buy from london and then claim the vat back (or does this only work for non-EU citizens)?
Jan 28, 2014, 8:38 am
#11
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Jan 28, 2014, 8:38 am
#12
formerly rxfleming
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Or, post the receipt back to your home, and wear the item on your person.
Not that I condone such activities
Jan 28, 2014, 8:39 am
#13
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You have to be more than a non-EU citizen you have to not be a resident. So if you have residency rights (as per your passport) you are not entitled to VAT refunds.
Jan 28, 2014, 8:48 am
#14
Join Date: Jul 2011
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http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsP...cument#P14_724
So it's all about the actual place of residence, not the citizenship, nor the permitted places of residence.
Jan 28, 2014, 8:55 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Absolutely! As I tell my colleagues all the time - the worst that'll happen is they say 'no'. I don't go in for full-blown haggling but I do at least ask for a discount. I'm also usually happy to walk away if they say 'no'.
Sometimes it changes their minds, sometimes it doesn't and I'll go back later and buy it anyway if I really want it. Same goes for hotels - if you book direct for the same price as a broker then they're not paying any commissions; you're happy, they're happy.
Sometimes it changes their minds, sometimes it doesn't and I'll go back later and buy it anyway if I really want it. Same goes for hotels - if you book direct for the same price as a broker then they're not paying any commissions; you're happy, they're happy.
