Newbie question about buying on this forum

[jason981]

Hi,

I joined a few days ago (im from Ireland) and im trying to decide which Rolex to buy. I would like to buy off the "For Sale" section of this website but some things keeps bugging me.

1. How do i know the watch is real ?

2. How do i know its not a Rolex case with the genuine Rolex parts switched out ?

Could anyone please give me some reassurance or confidence.

Thanks
Jason

[Imtiaz]

Well first you should check how long the guy has been around, next check the Sellers Whos who. Then ask a lot of questions.

Pay through and escrow service like Paypal.

If the guy is within driving distance meet the chap, have a coffee and take the watch to a dealer together to get it checked out.

If all else fails - its best to go to an Authorised Dealer AD.

[Bebot]

Originally Posted by jason981

Hi,

I joined a few days ago (im from Ireland) and im trying to decide which Rolex to buy. I would like to buy off the "For Sale" section of this website but some things keeps bugging me.

1. How do i know the watch is real ?

2. How do i know its not a Rolex case with the genuine Rolex parts switched out ?

Could anyone please give me some reassurance or confidence.

Thanks
Jason

You can't and no one really knows except perhaps the sellers. You just have to take a chance. For some buyer, references of the sellers are good enough.

Best of luck on your decision and welcome to TRF.

[DAVIDSW]

Welcome Jason,
Here are some guidelines to follow when buying off a forum:

1) BUY THE SELLER FIRST. This means as this is your first forum purchase you should only buy from a reputable seller or a seller with solid references

2) ASK QUESTIONS. What is the Serial (Year)? Is it Brand New? Does it have all the protective plastics? Was it purchase directly from an AD(Authorized Dealer)? Does it come complete (Box,tags, instructions and warranty card). How do they ship(Fedex, UPS)? Is it fully insured when they ship?

3)SPEAK OVER THE PHONE. It is important to do this before closing the deal.

4)USE THE PAYMENT YOU PREFER. If you are confident enough in the seller you can use a BANK WIRE. If you prefer to use your credit card then use PAYPAL. Most seller accept both.

Once you receive the watch you can take it to your local AD so he can reassure you of authencity. Please make sure your AD in knowledgeable as there are a few that are not.

There are VERY REPUTABLE sellers out there and if you do your due diligence you will be 100% OK.......

[jason981]

Thanks for all your replies.
As you can imagine as a new member its quite daunting to part with so much cash without actually seeing the goods.

However i think once i get to know the sellers on here ill feel more comfortable.

Good point from David on speaking over the phone. Im sure this would make me feel more comfortable.

[Welshwatchman]

Just don't rush into a purchase.

Bide your time, ask your questions on the forums and make the right move at the right time.

[train-time]

Originally Posted by DAVIDSW

Welcome Jason,
Here are some guidelines to follow when buying off a forum:

1) BUY THE SELLER FIRST. This means as this is your first forum purchase you should only buy from a reputable seller or a seller with solid references

2) ASK QUESTIONS. What is the Serial (Year)? Is it Brand New? Does it have all the protective plastics? Was it purchase directly from an AD(Authorized Dealer)? Does it come complete (Box,tags, instructions and warranty card). How do they ship(Fedex, UPS)? Is it fully insured when they ship?

3)SPEAK OVER THE PHONE. It is important to do this before closing the deal.

4)USE THE PAYMENT YOU PREFER. If you are confident enough in the seller you can use a BANK WIRE. If you prefer to use your credit card then use PAYPAL. Most seller accept both.

Once you receive the watch you can take it to your local AD so he can reassure you of authencity. Please make sure your AD in knowledgeable as there are a few that are not.

There are VERY REPUTABLE sellers out there and if you do your due diligence you will be 100% OK.......

David: Excellent advice!

[blackmsport]

Dont buy from ebay espesially those with less than 5 feedbacks

then you're in safe hand

[idk01]

Hi Jason,

Welcome to TRF, a great place to be

The guys above have great advice and you've come to the right place

Best of luck on your quest.

Enjoy,

Dave.