Buying on eBay

[Tact]

I'm looking to buy a used GMT or Sub and I've contemplated on buying one on eBay. I hear all these horror stories of some buying Rolexes there and found out that they actually bought a fake/replica instead of a true Rolex.

Even if you check the seller's feedback and it's 100% is not a sure thing. Neither is paying with PayPal and using a credit card.

What is the best way of buyng with confidence when buying on eBay?

[Colnago]

Simple answer....there isn't a best way....it's a big risk.....no matter how you look at it

Edit....actually some sellers have "store front" as well....maybe if there is something to look for it would be that......but no guarantees

[smallcandle]

I would highly suggest staying away from ebay. Go over to the "Who's Who" section here and find a reputable seller. We have so many great and upstanding sellers here that going anywhere else is almost pointless - and much more dangerous

[gqllc]

I have purchased from ebay a few times. I have purchased a Datejust, a Ladies Datejust, a TT Blue Sub and the SS Sub that I had to return. I do my due diligence with the seller first before I make a purchase. I did have to return a SS Submariner as it was represented as MINT and LNIB and it had two pretty good nicks on the bezel. I had emailed the seller about the pics of it and they said watch was flawless and it was dust...it certainly wasn't and watch was returned without any issues.
On that note my next purchase will be from the trusted sellers here.

[chris russell]

my policy is to go see the watch in person before buying. The more the watch is potentially worth, the more the trip is recommended.

[Nicko]

My best advice is to buy from an AD or in person and have the watch authenticated. Now, you can always buy from a trusted seller here on the forum. Ebay is very risky and if you don't believe me just take a gander at the watchout section to get a taste.

[Tact]

I purchased my Thunderbird on eBay about nine years ago. It was described as MINT, and it arrived as MINT. I guess I was somewhat lucky.

Today, fakes are made to appear so real that a true expert seems to be needed to tell the real from a fake. Honestly, I'm not expert. I only know some of the obvious things to look for.

[Титан]

Originally Posted by smallcandle

I would highly suggest staying away from ebay. Go over to the "Who's Who" section here and find a reputable seller. We have so many great and upstanding sellers here that going anywhere else is almost pointless - and much more dangerous

Brian is spot on, Ebay is a roll of the dice, some sellers have excellent feedback and selling fakes.

[Captainz]

Originally Posted by Tact

I'm looking to buy a used GMT or Sub and I've contemplated on buying one on eBay. I hear all these horror stories of some buying Rolexes there and found out that they actually bought a fake/replica instead of a true Rolex.

Even if you check the seller's feedback and it's 100% is not a sure thing. Neither is paying with PayPal and using a credit card.

What is the best way of buyng with confidence when buying on eBay?

Best bet is to be VERY CAUTIOUS with ebay. If you are buying a ROLEX buy from an AD or a reputable "Gray Dealer" with TONS of SALES and GOOD REVIEWS<-------I am sure you should be able to find one of those "guys" here on TRF

You are buying an INVESTMENT, oops I meant Rolex. Buy with care and have utmost confidence in your purchase.


CZ

[Dan Pierce]

It can be done successfully but you have to know exactly what you are looking for and BUY THE SELLER. If you're not comfortable with anything, walk away.
dP

[Lion]

I would buy from a dealer here on the Forum or a reputable gray dealer on the internet before buying on Ebay!!!

[greekbum]

Ebay is not the problem. People that buy on ebay used cars,watches, etc should know what they are looking at and factor in all the risks if they expect a price lower than they can find locally or the current going rate.If the seller offers a stellar return policy etc and has a good reputation he is not the lowest price because he cant be.Vintage watches that cant be found locally in some parts is the area that requires attention.If you are into Vintage as in old cars you should know what you are looking at,have a good mechanic or watchmaker and factor in some risk premium when buying from any auction.If this is not for you pay up and buy locally or from a reputable dealer that offers a return policy etc.The main thing I see is people dont want to pay up the extra 10-15% that the reputable stores or sellers have to charge and take the blind risk looking for the deal.I can assure everybody that the eyes of the world look at ebay and if a reputable seller offers a nice watch it goes for fair value 99% of the time

[roach7]

true, buying on ebay is risky but you can certainly find deals if you do your homework. research the seller and maybe speak to him in person. get references of past sales if any. and always buy with credit card thru paypal. in case of fraud and ebay or paypal refuses to help, you'll always have your credit card company on your back. good luck.

[Johny]

My advice regarding ebay is always deal face to face, find out all you can about the seller, where he lives, etc. Insist on taking the watch to an AD for verification before parting with any cash. even after considering all this i still went to an ad to purchase. there are reputable dealers on this site.

[WatchnRoll]

Don't buy on eBay. There are too many Rolex watches out there in local shops and on this site to be bothered with eBay.

It's too risky and the horror stories keep me away.

I tend to avoid eBay for any purchase over $1,000.

[CKLinLA]

Do your homework, and know what you want to buy. If you go with
eBay seller, make sure there is a clear return policy that you understand
and are ok with. Tell the Seller upfront you will have someone check
the watch when received and will return if not as described. Have
the watch checked out by a professional when you get it. For my
last, I actually took it to two places - well I actually need to have'
it serviced and wanted a service quote as well.

BTW, take a look at all those Watch Out posts on this forum. It'll
give you a sense of the problems out there.

[Kapture1]

Buying here puts your mind at ease. I know that almost every seller here would die before having a black mark on their impeckable reputation. Your safest and smartest bet is right here. Good luck with the hunt.

[tattooedfagin]

bought my first sub from ebay, wasn't in a hurry & only searched 'nearest first' so i could go & view locally prior to bidding plus i could get it verified by the local watchmaker....ebay's a great place for a deal if patient & don't buy on a whim

[TempoKing]

e-Bay is great
I buy and sell there since 1999, you just got to know what you are doing.
Other than good feedback see if high dollar items were sold before.
Find his name, address and land based telephone number, see how much he makes and
where he lives... e-Bay is great if you learn how to be aware of scams and learn how to read between the lines.
If he does not want you to know this basic info...WALK

I had a joker once right here at TRF who wanted to sell me a 16.000 dollar Daytona
I did my homework
His telephone was not in his name, his salary was 26.000 a year, his residence
was a goverment assisted living house, the area of his house was ..let's say
do not go there at night unless you carry an RPG..the bank account was not in his name
it cost me 50 bucks...but I did not say bye bye to 16.000 bucks...and when I asked him
to send me the watch first...he said...NO...so I said NO as well..

[Tact]

Thanks for the info. guys. I'll keep searching. Again, I'm no expert in identifying the fakes.

[Traveler]

I would NEVER buy a Rolex on eBay.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by TempoKing

e-Bay is great
I buy and sell there since 1999, you just got to know what you are doing.
Other than good feedback see if high dollar items were sold before.
Find his name, address and land based telephone number, see how much he makes and
where he lives... e-Bay is great if you learn how to be aware of scams and learn how to read between the lines.
If he does not want you to know this basic info...WALK

I had a joker once right here at TRF who wanted to sell me a 16.000 dollar Daytona
I did my homework
His telephone was not in his name, his salary was 26.000 a year, his residence
was a goverment assisted living house, the area of his house was ..let's say
do not go there at night unless you carry an RPG..the bank account was not in his name
it cost me 50 bucks...but I did not say bye bye to 16.000 bucks...and when I asked him
to send me the watch first...he said...NO...so I said NO as well..

I Agree with TempoKing 1000%

[HFLO]

I bought my first from eBay with helps from TRF. There are many many nice people here who are very willing to help and they are not just good, but expert. I post eBay picture here to for authenticity check and make sure the eBay seller is 'trusthworthy' with many (tons of) feedbacks.

Having said that, if you want to play safe, TRF is obviously a better place.
Good luck !

[adam78]

You obviously need to do your homework, and several of these came from trusted dealers or collectors. The only problem I had with any of these is that the jubilee which originally came with the 16750 had a fake clasp, and it was easy enough to find a genuine one. Of course I collect only vintage...

[jta52]

Bought a vintage Tudor on Ebay, no problem. Bought a Tudor Ranger from a notable dealer online, who does watch shows, watch was a disaster, case was correct watch parts from other Tudors, dial redone, dealer stood by watch and returned money. Bought a vintage Breitling Navitimer, from a very reputable old time Texas dealer at an NAWCC show, it was broken, and was a major repair, dealer would not stand behind watch, ended up repairing and eventually trading.

You just can never tell, you have to be wary of nearly everyone, when buying second hand. Some great deals can be had on Ebay.

[Tact]

Still looking..............

[bobernet]

Originally Posted by TempoKing

e-Bay is great
I buy and sell there since 1999, you just got to know what you are doing.
Other than good feedback see if high dollar items were sold before.
Find his name, address and land based telephone number, see how much he makes and
where he lives... e-Bay is great if you learn how to be aware of scams and learn how to read between the lines.
If he does not want you to know this basic info...WALK

I agree completely. I bought my Sea-Dweller from eBay, or actually off-eBay but found it on eBay. Seller was a mod at another watch forum, found out where he works, spoke on the phone a number of times. Ultimately, I got comfortable with the seller, wired the money, and had the watch a day and a half later on a Saturday.

Great experience.

[The GMT Kid]

I've bought three Rolex watches on eBay. Remember to buy the seller, not the watch. Do your homework and you won't have a problem. If you aren't comfortable or if it seems too good to be true...RUN!

[ayecarumba]

Originally Posted by adam78

You obviously need to do your homework, and several of these came from trusted dealers or collectors. The only problem I had with any of these is that the jubilee which originally came with the 16750 had a fake clasp, and it was easy enough to find a genuine one. Of course I collect only vintage...

Not to hijack this thread, but what a nice collection of vintage Rolex/Tudor! Thanks for sharing that and your experience collecting on Ebay.

I bought my Omega Speedmaster "Snoopy" Ltd Edition on Ebay and would be comfortable doing another purchase from a reputable dealer. That said, since Rolex is the most counterfeited watch out there I would be extra careful and do my homework. I bought my Rolexes from my local AD as I like having the relationship.

As mentioned, there are several gray market dealers here who have great reps and have me thinking my next Rolex will come from one of them.

Good luck whatever you decide and enjoy the hunt!


--Paul