Walk in an AD with cash ready

[mailbolt]

Hello!

I've heard a lot of people (around the web) that advocate walking in an AD with cash when you are decided to buy something, and are just looking to negotiate the price.

The rationale is that staff will prefer cash as it means less credit card costs for them, and thus they will be more likely to give you a better cut.

Sounds reasonable.

But do you really want to walk around town with that kind of money in your pockets? Where I live it is not legal to have over a certain amount of cash on you.

Any comments? Thanks.

[bubba455]

When I bought my Tudor Black Bay I went in with what I wanted to spend. I didn't feel uncomfortable and I wasn't breaking any laws, but I didn't exactly flaunt the cash or doddle around. In and out.

[Will3020]

You can always bring along a bank certified check.

[KronoZen]

In some cases cash doesn't necessarily mean actual paper currency cash.

My AD gives a slight percentage discount if you purchase using a wire transfer to offset the credit card fees. Functionally, it's the same as using cash except you don't have a wad of bills in your pocket. If there are laws against having too much cash on your person where you live, ask your AD if a wire transfer is an option.

[mailbolt]

You can always bring along a bank certified check.

Nice.

I forgot to mention, but I also think that having the cash ready and actually showing that to the AD staff will help reassure them in the fact that you are serious about buying, (i.e. that you have been preparing to make the deal). Showing the bills has a "flashy" effect.

Which is why I like your idea of having a bank certified check, that is ready, with the amount you are ready to spend on it. Certainly not the same "flashy" effect of showing them the bills, but still.

[CuriousBob]

Just curious... where do you live that there is a law telling you how much cash you can carry? I have never heard of this.

[*El Ocho 1*]

I play a lot of poker, so I regularly have a couple thousand dollars on me. No big deal, never feel unsafe or anything. I've walked in to AD's thinking that if they give the the right price I'll buy something, but they never do, I always decide I'll find a waaaaay better price here on the forums (& I usually do)

[Medusa]

Sometimes you have to go to the AD more than once and usually its best to deal with the manager or owner. The reason it's best to talk with the manager or preferably the owner is because sales people sometimes do not like to give discounts because it cuts into there percentage. You have to be prepared to walk out at least once if the price is not right.

[mailbolt]

Just curious... where do you live that there is a law telling you how much cash you can carry? I have never heard of this.

I live in France.

The regulation states that, as an individual, the maximum amount you can pay a professional in cash (for a good or service) is 3000euros. Beyond that you have to use other means of payment.

And they are looking to lower that max amount even further to 1000euros starting next september.

[Watchbreath]

You have to wait for those to clear.

You can always bring along a bank certified check.