Question about selling...

[FlyingMoose]

In buying a watch, everyone says to buy the seller and check references. However, someone like me, who has never sold a watch, doesn't have any references to check.

So, if I were to sell a watch, would it be prudent to check the references of a buyer (assuming a well-known person wanted to buy the watch), and ship the watch first? Then the buyer could inspect the watch, and either wire the money for it, or return it if they didn't like it for some reason.

I don't think I've seen any sellers offer this option, but it seems like a way for a person new to the hobby to build up a reputation, and possibly get a better price (since there's less risk for the buyer, they'd probably be willing to pay more).

[petesjag]

Seems to me like this is risky....I think its a ship the watch when funds are received system...I guess many have been burned doing otherwise. This rule of thumb prevails not only on forums but with all internet purchases..

[Safetrends]

In my opinion, in regards to this forum:

Here on the forum It is not the seller posting the good transaction it is the buyer.

This forum buys and sell all the time but with well known forum seller with years of selling, you really cannot go wrong.

Ebay can be a roll of the dice.

[newmedia]

if you want to make it safer for both parties, set up a middle man who has good rep on TRF who can hold the watch and sent it to buyer once its been paid.

this might set you back $50-$100 inc. shipping.

[Tools]

I would never ship an expensive watch to somebody first.......

[Playdrv4me]

You know, the dipwads over on Watchnet always take me for a damn fool and ask me to do this whenever I list a watch over there and it sounds like the stupidest thing I have ever heard of (not that you had the idea, but that buyers ASK for it as if it is owed to them over there). Then they get pissy and make personal threats and snyde remarks when you refuse to send your watch to them for inspection first. Real classy buncha guys over there.

So no, do not just send your watch into the ether in the hopes of making a deal with someone. If you have feedback elsewhere, such as Ebay etc... You can always reference that to help your buyer be more comfortable. Unfortunately, there always has to be a "1st time" so it is your PRICE that will be the ultimate factor in getting that concerned party just over the edge to do the deal with you. That is, unless you do the "ship to another TRF member" thing, which could work as well, but still costs you.

I'll have to keep that method in mind if I decide to sell here.

[erock]

In theory your idea sounds great, but in reality Im afraid it would just be too risky to you as the seller. With some of the events that have transpired here recently with a member getting scammed there has been alot of talk of how important it is to buy the seller first. Like you, I am a new guy and was wondering myself if I ever need to sell down the road would anybody be willing to take a chance and buy from me, but I think thats the way it has to be and sending the watch first is not going to turn out well most of the time.

[Alan111]

Another way to handle this would be to ask the seller to maybe setup and eBay auction. He will only tell you about it and make it a private auction. You will be the one to "buy it now". You can then pay by paypal thereby you'll be covered by eBay and paypal should something go wrong.

[FlyingMoose]

Note that I was referring to a case where the buyer has a good reputation (like DavidSW, Tools, etc.) but the seller doesn't (like me, who has never sold a watch). I'd be confident shipping to one of them before getting payment. Of course, this is dependent on someone with a good reputation wanting to buy it. The escrow idea does sound good, especially if it's someone who can open the back and verify the watch, etc.

[Bullyterrier]

I would never send a watch to someone with out first getting the money.

[Playdrv4me]

Originally Posted by FlyingMoose

Note that I was referring to a case where the buyer has a good reputation (like DavidSW, Tools, etc.) but the seller doesn't (like me, who has never sold a watch). I'd be confident shipping to one of them before getting payment. Of course, this is dependent on someone with a good reputation wanting to buy it. The escrow idea does sound good, especially if it's someone who can open the back and verify the watch, etc.

I'll put it this way...

Only three times in my life I've ever sent, delivered, or left a Rolex with anyone other than myself when I don't have payment in hand...

Two of those times were Rolex ADs who I gave the watch to for a polish... the third was recently leaving a 1608-8 Gold sub with John from QualityTyme for an overhaul, and that guy practically "wrote the book" on Rolex. Even then, it's not a good feeling having the thing 1000 miles away from me.

You would probably be just fine with the forum members you mentioned, but I don't think I could stomach it.

[Finley]

When I went in to my AD to look at a new Rolex, they told me they do not buy pre-owned watches, but they have a buyer in Dallas. I was told that they have done business with this buyer for many years without issue, but I would have to let the AD send my watch to Dallas, then they would look it over and give me an offer. I have a couple of issues with this. First, is this Dallas associate going to void my warranty by opening the case back to check authenticity? And second, what if I don't agree to the price they are offering? It seems risky to me to send it without even a ballpark figure beforehand. Who is "qualified" to open the case back without voiding the warranty?

[sambb]

Be very careful about sending a watch without payment... I did it one time, and the buyer stated "I never got it".... despite tracking that said he did.. it was not fun to get it resolved.

[Perdu]

Originally Posted by bullyterrier

i would never send a watch to someone with out first getting the money.

x2

[sakuraba]

As a new seller, you might be limited to a local sale with a TRFer.

Or you can ask someone local with a good rep on TRF to act as Escrow.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

As a new seller, you might be limited to a local sale with a TRFer.

+ 1 here...Unfortunately, as a seller with no rep, you may need to sell F2F, local unless someone wants to take a chance on wiring or paypaling you money.

The escrow idea seems a pain to me...unless there are go-betweens here at TRF that I do not know about.

I tried to sell my Omega Seamaster a couple of times and have given up. I guess I will never be a seller.

[moviefreak]

I have trusted a middle person with my watch in an exchange.. But he was very well known in the forums and very kind to do the exchange for me. I was 100% sure if he checked the watch, everything was genuine. I trusted his judgement better than any AD.

[46and2]

I hate to bump an older thread, but what about a new seller using COD? You could ship the watch COD, specify a USPS money order for payment, and the delivery person cannot release the package unless the exact payment type is provided. If the buyer balks, then the seller is out only shipping.

[Ulifante]

The COD is a very good idea.

[Speed]

Is COD even done anymore?

If so, why isn't this used / asked for on TRF...pardon my ignorance.

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by Speed

Is COD even done anymore?

If so, why isn't this used / asked for on TRF...pardon my ignorance.

Maybe the risk of fake money orders? I really don't know...just a thought.

[ersnyder]

Originally Posted by Speed

Is COD even done anymore?

If so, why isn't this used / asked for on TRF...pardon my ignorance.

UPS will do COD but it will cost you an additional $10 to the regular shipping fees. Making sure the driver picks up a money order instead of a check is another issue.