NAWCC Watch Sales?

[Wes]

I found this page (http://www.nawcc.org/giftshop/americart/hamilton/hamilton.htm) in the NAWCC Gift Shop. Last I heard, you could not buy new Hamiltons through a web site shopping cart. Most of the internet dealers that do carry the Hamiltons would have the buyer call in the order to get around this.
Anyway, this is in the NAWCC Gift Shop online - does that mean they are now selling watches?

[RON in PA]

The gift shop has been selling new Hamiltons for a few months now. They are sold only for MSRP with no discount to members, which was disapointing to me.

[Jeff Hess]

Ron, Wes,

This is real interesting story.

Here are the issues: (I can speak with a little bit of authority here as I am a collector, store owner, Internet seller and also manufacturer)

Most dealers abhor internet sellers. For instance, my store is authorized seller for many brands like Glashutte Original and yes, Hamilton. When we see an Internet seller selling the same product we have it annoys us as and even annoys us more if the I-net guys are selling at a discount.

I am surprised Hamilton even allows the NAWCC to do this.

From a manufactures point of view, I do not think I would allow it either. As CEO of Ball WATCH USA, if I was to allow the NAWCC to sell my entire line, even at full retail, my 80 stores that carry BALL throughout the USA would be upset. Why? Because their local customers could buy from the NAWCC with the NAWCC saving their customers 7% sales tax. This might cause my dealers to give up the line in anger.

Tough situation.

That said, I have discussed making a limited editon BALL Watch only for NAWCC members at a special price for promotional purposes and for fund raisng for the NAWCC.

this is an interesting discussion.

[Tom McIntyre]

Hamilton made a substantial cash contribution for the current museum display on American Watch Manufacturing. I believe the collection of Hamiltons for sale in the gift shop is essentially in support of that exhibit providing an opportunity to pick up a souvenir for visitors.

[Wes]

I can see them selling them in the gift shop - but selling them online or via teltephone provides direct competition to other NAWCC members. That is why I couldn't believe it when I saw they are now in the watch business!
Are they going to offer watch repairs soon too, or do they already do that?

[Jon Hanson]

COMPETITION CREATES BETTER PRICES!:biggrin:

[Wes]

True - but who would donate money to a competitor?

[Jon Hanson]

funnier things have happened..........on some of these venues!:biggrin:

[Tom McIntyre]

Since I do not deal in these watches, I don't know what the markups are. However, I have been told that the NAWCC is restricted to not offering any discount, while all other channels are free traded.

It seems to me that the NAWCC is just promoting the items on the web site. I suppose some buyers may prefer to buy from the NAWCC out of a sense of support.

[Jon Hanson]

or, ignorance!