How much money I make selling watches?

[@paulsutphin7813]

Shockingly, you prove on a pretty regular basis that a nice guy can do very well by doing business the best-fashioned way -- honestly, with a sense of humility, and humor. Great to meet you at Windup NYC, and appreciate the great value for money across the board with Islander. No percentage can account for being a decent human being (with a vast range of hoodies).

[@islandwatch]

Thank you, kindly!

[@scottg5090]

Cool

[@mattshaffer5935]

Second this!

[@petercumiskey2746]

Exactly

[@chris555]

@@keksimus__maximus Captain Willard £1200 new, Certainly not ass

[@minneapolitan]

Transparency = credibility = loyalty. Well done!

[@masdojo]

And that is why I love doing business with Marc. He's a stand up guy.

[@DavidV4444]

This is not only a spectacular video but it makes people like me realize that I need to make sure all of my watches are purchased from you - because small business is the heart of America and small business owners who are so thoughtful and honest and as forthcoming as you are certainly deserve our business. Great great work here and thank you for making watch videos interesting - your videos are by far the best.

[@timgenter1264]

I'm an MBA and I thought you did a GREAT JOB explaining it. Congrats on all your success. The fact that you are happy keeping your employees happy is something that is sorely missed in most businesses.....and now I feel bad about taking the $50 from you at WindUp!

[@islandwatch]

Lol. No worries.

[@ThumperX9]

Me too

[@JohnClarkW]

My initial thought was "Given how fast you and your team respond to questions, it can't be enough."

[@islandwatch]

Truth!

[@tjmanetti]

Just bought an Islander this morning. There are tons of other marketplaces out there but I prefer to support a nice guy like Marc.

[@gregmcray]

I love that you did this, Marc. I've owned my company for 28 years and employ 50+ people. The average worker in America has absolutely zero understanding of what it takes for a small business owner to keep the lights on and to make payroll every Friday. At least where I am in Tennessee, state taxes are very low and city taxes non-existent. Congrats on your success!

[@Trapvision3D]

Can't get more transparent than that. I've said it in the past, you are so necessary! I greatly appreciate this information.

[@islandwatch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheBimmer74]

I am an MBA and business owner, also an S-Corp and I must say this was very well done. I really enjoy all the knowledge that you bring to public with your videos and we don’t pay extra for this so it adds points to your favor when deciding where to purchase my next watch or accessory!

[@oruwatching]

I had to respond to this video. I have owned a business and I am amazed by people who don't understand margin and net profit. The last guy that gets paid is the owner of the business.

[@Justinpiano1987]

I have an Islander that I purchased last year. The flip lock on the clasp broke and was lost. Reached out to Marc via email and within a few days, I received a new complete clasp in the mail. Customer service is impeccable. Thank you!

[@timetowatch_francois]

“As long as my employees and their families are happy, I don’t care about the metrics” … that is soooooo you Marc! Love what you do and, as you know, I have a boat load of Islander watches and proud to show them off. Thanks for putting this together. Nice to put things in perspective.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks so much, Francois.

[@richardsmegma5081]

The loveliest fella in the business!

[@cougarbatterie]

Hi Marc, I have a successful business in France and I'm confronted with the same assumptions about businesses. It is now becoming more expensive to have an internet e-commerce than a brick and mortar business. The marketing fees in my business is up to 35%: Facebook ads, google ads, instagram, seo, tik tok, text messaging, email marketing... We pay 33% taxes in France, plus all of the expenses that you mentioned: fulfilment center, wages, insurance, rent, internet hosting, webmaster fees, office supplies, customs, import taxes, raw material, software monthly fees, customer service, returned products, electricity bills... That leaves me with 8% net profit. Yep, that's not a lot that's left but can't complain. Life's good. I wish you all the success you deserve.

[@timb4425]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing Mark. This is one of the main reasons I prefer to support the smaller shops, like Long Island Watch. I would rather give my money to the shops that support our community, have excellent customer service, etc. Thanks!

[@m9b7v5]

Thanks for the insight. Ordered first "collection" watch on Good Friday. Second one is in cart preparing for launch. 😊

[@MOwens-fh1io]

This video would be a great primer for a high school business/entrepreneurship class. Awesome job!

[@islandwatch]

Yes! Thank you!

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

Ive been watching your channel for years, but but never had much money to freely spend, if youve got something i want, ill buy from you! I just bought a moss ADPT watch from your site. I look forwad to getting it, and i look forward to purchasing another watch in the next 2 weeks. The O&W watches are calling to me! That 110! Its on my 100% for sure list. Awesome information omce again. Best wishes to you, your company, your family snd your future!

[@jeremyglebderg6114]

Thanks man, great to see someone doing this for people who might need to understand it in the future, or just interested.

[@thomaznadeau9930]

Another great video. As a small business operator a small number of customers wrongly assume businesses are far more profitable. It's great to see a good breakdown of a little bit of what goes on in the background. Keep up the great work!

[@pbbbht]

This is definitely really good information for anyone looking to get into any retail business. It sets the expectations realistically. It's always refreshing when someone isn't gatekeeping about an industry in which they've had success.

[@danwilson7581]

Thanks Marc, great how you laid it all out. Appreciate videos like this, and especially the way you do business. I have been the beneficiary of some of your support, and will buy from Island whenever I can. More power to you.

[@marcusorme261]

I’m not a business expert by any means but have worked in distribution and recognise this model - have always found it fascinating, I don’t think too many people are aware, is definitely an eye opener. I would say 10% profit is pretty good. Keep up the good work Marc!

[@rikerFFXI]

Also “we’ll discuss taxes in a minute - unfortunately” I knew I loved this guy 🇺🇸 💪

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

I have done 3/4 of a business degree, before switching to pharmacy, then as an elective studied pharmacy management where we looked at metrics and keeping a business viable, then in my workplace I ran the numbers and looked at COGS, overheads etc etc. You explained this so simply that anyone with a hint of a brain cell could understand. Thanks Marc for this video, and I wish you the best for the future. Kind regards, one very satisfied, business savvy customer 😉

[@Roudaki677]

You would be amazed how many times I’ve had to explain the difference between margin and markup to my employees! You clearly have a handle on how to run a business! Great video!

[@billbrecht707]

Mark, wow, excellent excellent video! I think many people out there see folks like you with your watch business, maybe see you on videos, see your advertisements.... They probably think you pull in millions a year. Now, that's not to say you don't as I have no idea what you bring in. But I think your video dispels the myth that you make a mint off of each watch sale. Each sale involves a lot of work and I think this video is eye opening to many. Many businesses would not consider sharing information like this. I really appreciate you sharing and allowing yourself to be a little vulnerable. I purchased my Seiko SKX from your business probably about 5 years ago. It was an excellent experience and I highly recommend your company!!

[@infinitekronos]

Thank you! It's great to see transparency and show everyone where the money really goes and the not so glamorous side of running your own business.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@shepherdmyers]

This was great Marc. There are so many business bro or hustle culture huckster flashing cars and private jets perseverating on about being an entrepreneurs, but (like the interview with Barry Cohen) in your videos you actually learn something running a business unlike theirs.

[@Audy55ey]

Marc, I first heard of you on Reddit and my experience of your videos was your top 5 'dont's, I've learnt a heap about watches, your greatest being 'buy what you like and wear what you have' (or something along those lines). And it's left me with an affordable collection that I absolutely adore! Though I still need an Islander in there at some point... All the best, Ben.

[@Blue_3rd]

Thanks, Marc. That was indeed interesting! I bought one of your dive watches for my wife a while back and she wears it all the time. We were impressed with the value for money and your service. We will certainly buy from you again. Cheers from Spain!

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

Mark, this is one of your top 3 vids, thanks a lot.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Loved the topic of this video. You really come off as a stand-up guy and someone who people want to support without any doubt.

[@ksmui164]

Love your site, your channel and your products. I always try to purchase watches from you when I can so far I’ve purchased three watches from you and I’m an extremely happy customer. I think your customer service , transparency, and business model are exceptional. Thank you for the work you do! Just wanted to add that your customer service has always been exemplary and extremely responsive.

[@LS1007]

Appreciate your transparency. Continued success. 🙏🏼

[@islandwatch]

I appreciate that!

[@christoskyriakis6472]

Very nice video. As a CPA that specializes in small businesses and S corporations great job explaining this for people that don’t know how this all works. Also have 2 Islander watches. Great value!!

[@pmac5386]

My son met you at the Chicago Wind Up show and was impressed with you down to earth humility. Personally I enjoy the posts you make with the Urban Gentry the most-you guys really seem to enjoy each other and the world of watches. Keep it up. PS I am an online customer of your shop and plan to be one for years to come. The service is excellent and the prices are competitive-thanks again for a great job!

[@patrickpantel9663]

Great Video! I am an accountant and watch enthusiast so this was right up my alley. Also great job keeping things at a high level without getting to vague.

[@angelmatheus1106]

Educational video, especially for those who do not live in the US. Honest & transparent. Thank you

[@johnnyhuie74]

you're one of the most honest guys in the business other people should take notice

[@islandwatch]

👍🏻

[@halfsourlizard9319]

This is fascinating; appreciate the peek behind the curtain! Video request: Watch + learn about the Sky Dweller / Ring Command ... I feel like you're uniquely capable / knowledgeable to explain how the mechanism works.

[@IBear-gk2kx]

This was very generous of you to share and very interesting, thanks!

[@AdamGoodson]

I am okay with Mark and his team making a bunch of money. I love the watches that I buy from his shop. Cheers to you and your’s!

[@bryanwalker1519]

Honest straight shooter. If anyone hasn't tried an Islander watch, I would recommend one. I bought an "homage" to the Seiko monster. Love it. Customer service was great. I also purchased a Sqale dive watch and I had the same experience.

[@s.sliackus459]

Normally I don't care about how much people are earning but this time I watched the video because Mark is great at explaining these things.

[@RJasonKlein]

I’ve liked and respected you for a long time, but as a business owner myself (and knowing how tough it can be), I really appreciate you creating such an interesting video and being so transparent with your customers and fans!

[@trentm9372]

Thanks for being so honest, Marc. I would have thought your profit margin was greater than 10% and info. like this helps to keep people, including me, grounded in our expectations and assumptions.

[@anthonyw7237]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Found it very interesting and educational. I appreciate all that you do and give to this industry

[@chosbach411]

Ty for sharing knowledge and experiences. I am an existing customer and wish you nothing but continued success and health to both you and your Long Island Watch family.

[@ZWolfgang]

This information is precisely what ANY business owner would know very well. And 10% is considered to be excellent profit for a business! The average man on the street, however, generally never thinks about any of these various expenses that are associated with selling a product. Excellent video, Marc.

[@rainerbuechse6923]

Phantastic video, thank you so much for the clarity and transparency. Phantastic education on how businesses work.Sadly, the average German (my country) has less business knowledge than what you convey in this 10 minutes video!

[@theophilosmantzanas9203]

Wow! What a fantastic insight into your business. I am glued to the computer screen.

[@dwtrksvc]

Love the honesty! Great insite and video. You and Teddy are refreshing voices in this industry.

[@Vince7503]

Well said. Business is hard. Making money is hard. I wish you continued success.

[@michaelgrova225]

Just wanted to let ya know I ordered the islander cut to size rubber strap for one of my seiko 5 builds and it is hands down the best strap I've tried by a long shot. I was trying the Amazon usual b.s. and wasn't happy and finally when I got your strap it all came together. It is already breaking in as well but still super sturdy

[@chadwilson1253]

Mark, you are awesome and I appreciate all the time you spend explaining and educating. It’s great to get such clear details on so many topics related to watches and the watch community.

[@justinclark5078]

10% EBITDA margin is pretty good compared to some businesses. Especially considering your entire payroll (not sure how many employees) is $0.14 on the dollar, 10% take home before taxes is pretty respectable all things considered. Congrats on building a great business!

[@davidnievesjr.9478]

I'm starting my own e-commerce watch business. The most attractive part of it is it exists online and I don't have to pay rent or light bills. Thanks for this video!

[@crespohuerta]

Hope you keep making more every year, to me, you are one of the best watch dealers in the world, and of the top watch guys in social media, besides we all know you are a really nice guy. Keep up the good work Mark, cheers from México.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

I love Mark, he’s absolutely humble and a stand up guy!

[@toshitominaga3911]

Sounds like you have a pretty balanced business. Love, your supporters!

[@avakkai]

Great video. Kudos for your transparency and for being a great person in a business filled with the likes of Luxury Bazaar, Anthony Farrer, Paul Thorpe, and Teddy Baldasarre.

[@jkwyx8290]

This videos is why you are the best in this wonderful, crazy world of watches we love. Congrats and continued success!

[@BradyPuryear]

What Mark said & some research Marks tops line revenue is somewhere between $2.5-3M/yr. So with a 10% net that’s about $250-300k (before taxes) Great job Mark.

[@kevinskoien6165]

Great Video , mark. Very informative. It was amazing meeting you at the Chicago Windup Fair! Congrats on your success!

[@BAF605]

Very interesting. I'm an amateur seller of watches (and other stuff). I use platforms like eBay and others. I have made some good profits but at other times I only got my money back. Occasionally I lost money which is a bitter pill, considering I laid out for the item, looked after it, and posted it off to the buyer after careful packing. Overall it's made me worthwhile money but nowhere near a living. Finding the buyer that wants your item is the most difficult thing I'd say. If I could find buyers more quickly I could make a lot of profit. To make profits on sales you have to know the right price at which to buy. The better judge you are at that the easier the selling.

[@Bob_Smith19]

Thank you for the honesty. If only more businesses didn’t operate based on it.

[@donfore9931]

As an accountant...with a watch on both wrists...I LOVED that! Thank Marc!

[@dr.g6105]

Love it. Between this and the lessons on horology, love it. Keep the educational content coming! So interesting!

[@gmr2048]

100% interesting. Even as a non-biz guy. Thanks for sharing the inside-baseball stuff!

[@siphotchala5202]

Amazing video thanks for doing this. Business major here and watch fan.

[@Rares.E]

I don't know...I hope as much you need, I wish all the money you can take! Thank you for your work!

[@Floppyfishguts]

I've been seeing you around the youtube sphere. This video earned a sub and a like. This is one of the most open and honest videos about the watch business.

[@mattferraro8493]

Long Island, brutal taxes, rent, utilities, wages…basically everything but love seeing any small business succeed here.

[@rikerFFXI]

I’m not even through the video yet but I HOPE you’re making money. You deserve it, as does your team. I have a friggin ROOT BEER and I get more compliments and enjoyment from my linen dial brookville during the summer. I love it. I want more islanders

[@135ipocketrocket2]

Doing what you love and able to pay the bills? That's the dream. Congrats, Sir! Your integrity has consistently earned my money through the years, and happily!

[@armandogarza4683]

Wow , now I feel bad for using my rewards points . Good stuff , never had a company officer e-mail back on an issue like you did . Keep up the good work .

[@mywatcheswithben]

Great video Mark, very interesting. NYC tax is pretty crazy. I pay Denver city tax as well, even though I don't live there, but it's nowhere near the level of NYC.

[@Kdavis8377]

Keep up the great work Mark! I have a pretty nice watch collection. I have a Speedy and seamaster 300, a couple automatic Tags and a Hamilton that has sentimental value. I found your channel just being a watch fanatic and I’ve been searching for a nice blue dial watch. I have been looking for a while and price really doesn’t matter to me. I came across the ISL-156 and I was absolutely stunned. That watch dial is beautiful and I like the fact you’re a good dude who is employing Americans and creating jobs and a product you’re proud of. My next watch will be an Islander. One question I do have though. All my automatics have watch winders. What should the winder be set on as to not overwind the watch?

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thanks for this insight and, more importantly, providing us all with great watches and accessories. Your product value to us as collectors is priceless. I wish you continued success, profit, and happiness.

[@Texmotodad]

Yep - the vast majority of folks don't have a clue what it takes (financially) to operate a business. Thanks for the very clear explanation professor! And, move down here to Texas to eliminate with the "NY & NYC tax" situation. We'd love to have you here. I'll buy your first real cowboy hat for you.

[@payamirani5298]

Islander watches are the ones I'm most drawn to and the ones I find give me the most value for my money. Glad to see that they also make you the best margins.

[@pymandragore]

Impressive video. Great job and thank you for the explanations and transparency. Long live Long Island Watches; but when will you take care of the European market? PLEASE!

[@John-wl9pg]

This is so refreshing to hear. As someone who works with economics, I have always wondered how this functions in these sort of businesses. I also value (quite a lot) the transparency and will definitely be purchasing more from you as I know how your business works (contrary to other shady places). Thank you! More videos like this please!

[@mdunawaym]

Thanks for posting this. I think a lot of people think that if you have your own business, you can afford to give every 5th watch away, and still vacation in the Bahamas every three months.

[@josefkratochvil7159]

first - love you Mark. I wish all the best to you - health, happiness and of course a lot of money! Satisfied customer from the Czech Republic.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you kindly

[@jonathanturner1581]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video, I am looking to start a business at some point and this video is very educational ❤️❤️❤️

[@timemasterhms]

You mentioned you’re selling about 8000 watches a year, in an interview, which is a huge effort. Roughly $500 per watch, that’s $400k a year without taking tax into it. Probably more as the margin on Islander watches are higher. Congratulations to you! You deserve that and more. The watch business isn’t easy. Anyone that thinks they can sell that many watches a year without having done it before is kidding themselves.

[@AbnStubby]

Solid. Thanks for laying that all out for us. 👍🏼

[@zHumanfactor]

A good informational video for anyone wanting to start up their own business. Thanks, Marc!

[@seanwarren5613]

Very interesting video, Mark. Thanks for posting and keep up the good work👍

[@Emacspirate]

I saw the thumbnail and I automatically thought, "Not enough". Thank you!

[@islandwatch]

😂😂😂

[@K.J.H_]

This was really interesting. As someone that is still trying to figure out what direction im going to go with my own personal business, i must admit it's a little scary to consider just how much business you have to be turning over just to make a profit. At this rate it would have to be nearly a 7 figure company just to make an honest living out of it alone. I know different companies will have different expenses but even say 20% profit after expenses etc seems to be a high expectation!

[@robertschneller8795]

I appreciate the info very much. I’m glad to have bought a watch and a strap from you and hope to be your customer again. Go Small!

[@randotooming2433]

very well explained! but - you forgot to do the wrist check this time

[@Joey4420]

Great video, I want to see more of the goofy videos if you have time. I really loved your AD about the guy asking about the other guys watch.

[@benbryson6598]

The traditional metric for M&A was 10% so you're right there

[@shirishpanwalkar]

Thanks for disclosing many such things to us which normally any businessman will never disclose.

[@gonzchi]

Great video Marc. Appreciate the transparency. I wish you all the best for you and the business.

[@radiobill2085]

Thx Mark, great info to understand business in general, and removing some of the mystery of the watch world. As I write this, I wonder and of course family considerations will rule in many cases as to where we live and conduct business, but there are 7 states with NO state income tax (I live in Texas) and even when we may live in one of theses states, we too are taxed in so much and in so many ways, I think I would look for a more business friendly state than New York, especially as you said you pay an amount to NYC for no apparent reason. Once again, great job and recently say your video with Teddy... Bill