Thoughts on this Deal Gone Bad

[Gob Bluth]

So here's the story, I posted the following for sale ad on another watch forum:

For sale is a D Serial (late 2005) GMT Master II in excellent condition with both a pepsi and coke bezel (both bezels in perfect condition). The watch comes with all paperwork, boxes, cloths, bezel protector, booklets, etc. This is the total package as you would receive from an AD. The bracelet is super tight and the crystal is perfect.

I spoke to the buyer on the phone and via pm and he never mentioned anything regarding the bezel inserts or bezel(s). Anyways, he received the watch today and I get a message saying the watch is beautiful but I misrepresented the package (essentially he only bought my GMT II b/c he thought it came with 2 bezels, one with the coke insert and the other with the pepsi insert). I'm refunding the money. Assuming a bezel costs roughly $500-$600+ I feel like it's a little ridiculous for him to have expected 2 separate bezels when I was asking $3800.

Is it wierd that this made my blood boil? Would anyone else assume that the above FS ad meant you were getting 2 separate bezels? I understand that perhaps I should have written "bezel inserts" and won't ever assume anything like that again.

[TurboWatch]

"both bezels in perfect condition" from your ad could be mistaken.

[jms_w]

I'm sorry but I had to read this a few times to understand. It is definitely unreasonable to expect a watch with that price to include the 2 "bezels" versus 2 "bezel inserts". Bezels are expensive but the buyer is probably naive to that fact. I guess you've now learned that you can't assume that buyers are as knowledgeable as TRF members that would understand what you really meant.

[theloxmyth]

Originally Posted by jms_w

I'm sorry but I had to read this a few times to understand. It is definitely unreasonable to expect a watch with that price to include the 2 "bezels" versus 2 "bezel inserts". Bezels are expensive but the buyer is probably naive to that fact. I guess you've now learned that you can't assume that buyers are as knowledgeable as TRF members that would understand what you really meant.

X2!

You dun good, but you ought not to have had this refund situation arise at all.

The deal was a good value.

[Gob Bluth]

Thanks for all of the replies. Lesson learned. From here on out I will be sure to describe everything with painstaking detail so as to avoid any confusion. I still think the buyer should have asked for clarification. It also bothers me that he offered to keep the watch if I bought him a new bezel (which he said he found for $400). Give me a break. Either way, I haven't heard from him since I offered to refund his money (once I receive the watch).

[theloxmyth]

Originally Posted by Gob Bluth

Thanks for all of the replies. Lesson learned. From here on out I will be sure to describe everything with painstaking detail so as to avoid any confusion. I still think the buyer should have asked for clarification. It also bothers me that he offered to keep the watch if I bought him a new bezel (which he said he found for $400). Give me a break. Either way, I haven't heard from him since I offered to refund his money (once I receive the watch).

I MAY have seen your advert. for this piece and the picture clearly showed an insert.

Am I correct, Ross?

[DAVIDSW]

IMHO. It is very important to "break down" listings to exactly word for word what is in the package.

I guess his arguement would be

A BEZEL and A INSERT is 2 different things....

I would have assumed insert but I could definately see how someone would expect a entire bezel....

[valentine]

I can see both sides...perhaps he didnt know the cost of a genuine rolex bezel...but I guess when you really know watches as most on the forum do..it would be pretty much common sense for that price that you were referring to the "inserts"...but good on you for being an honest person and making it right...but I can see your frustration. Hope it all goes well. there is a HUGE difference between a 600.00+ complete bezel and an 80.00 insert

[mretzloff]

I think you're in the right here. Anyone who knows watches would have assumed you mean "bezel insert". Next time, clarify just to be certain.

[Watchdog]

When I read your ad, I assumed bezel insert. However, as others have said, I guess I can see what the buyer is saying--although getting two BEZELS with ANY watch would have been something I certainly would have asked about in phone conversations or emails.

Sorry it didn't work out for you. But you're a good guy for making the refund. I would do the same.

[Rolex116520]

Originally Posted by kingkongkelley

When I read your ad, I assumed bezel insert. However, as others have said, I guess I can see what the buyer is saying--although getting two BEZELS with ANY watch would have been something I certainly would have asked about in phone conversations or emails.

Sorry it didn't work out for you. But you're a good guy for making the refund. I would do the same.

Same here , I would have understood inserts too . However legally you left the door open for misinterpretation . I do think the guy is anal or he knew exactly what he was doing and hoped you would let him keep the watch and reimboursed him the value of another bezel .
We learn every day , sure next time you will be more precise with the wording .

[kkwn98]

Originally Posted by Rolex116520

I do think the guy is anal or he knew exactly what he was doing and hoped you would let him keep the watch and reimboursed him the value of another bezel .

Now that's just great... I hear he kicks kittens and puppies too...

Like many others here, I read the ad and I would have expected two bezels and not two bezel inserts.

Let's just assume all sorts of things about the buyer because he read exactly what was written and took the words on their face value. I mean, the nerve of the man; he should have looked behind the literal words and second guessed it all...

[improviz]

Originally Posted by kkwn98

Now that's just great... I hear he kicks kittens and puppies too...

Like many others here, I read the ad and I would have expected two bezels and not two bezel inserts.

Let's just assume all sorts of things about the buyer because he read exactly what was written and took the words on their face value. I mean, the nerve of the man; he should have looked behind the literal words and second guessed it all...

Exactly. If you mean bezel inserts, state it; don't assume that the other guy is going to divine what you really meant when you mis-state something. Simple problem to solve: be specific. Onus is on the seller to be clear, not the buyer to interpret.

[LarryK]

Originally Posted by Rolex116520

Same here , I would have understood inserts too . However legally you left the door open for misinterpretation . I do think the guy is anal or he knew exactly what he was doing and hoped you would let him keep the watch and reimboursed him the value of another bezel .
We learn every day , sure next time you will be more precise with the wording .

BUT- whenever I buy or sell a watch, I itemize everything that is being included and what can be expected with it, including descriptions of the
books, tags, condition of the boxes, and any spare parts that might be included. You were definitely lax in your description (live and learn), but the buyer is equally at fault- If I were the buyer, I would have made 100% certain that I was getting a complete extra bezel, not just an insert.

I hope it works out for you in the best way possible
Regards!
LarryK

[kkwn98]

Originally Posted by LarryK

but the buyer is equally at fault- If I were the buyer, I would have made 100% certain that I was getting a complete extra bezel, not just an insert.

Thing is, you're not the buyer. You and others are imposing what you would have done, your knowledge and your values on the buyer. You say he's equally at fault - for simply reading and taking the literal words at their face value? For not thinking "hold on, he says it, but I don't think he actually means it"?

Have we now come to a point where someone who takes something at face value is also at fault? Wow. I mean, wow.

[Gob Bluth]

Maybe it was meant to be that I keep the Pepsi GMT and unload my Omega Planet Ocean instead. The PO is fairly similar in looks to my Sea Dweller. SD and GMT are discontinued classics.

[mretzloff]

Originally Posted by Gob Bluth

Maybe it was meant to be that I keep the Pepsi GMT and unload my Omega Planet Ocean instead. The PO is fairly similar in looks to my Sea Dweller. SD and GMT are discontinued classics.

Have you given the refund yet? If not, tell him to forget it. It's his fault for not knowing better.

[Gob Bluth]

Good call DadsWatch! The thought had not crossed my mind. That would be the biggest dick move of all time.

[DadsWatch72]

I would check out the watch when I get it back. Hopefully he isn't using that as an excuse to get his hands on the watch and change parts. GL

[valentine]

Originally Posted by DadsWatch72

I would check out the watch when I get it back. Hopefully he isn't using that as an excuse to get his hands on the watch and change parts. GL

good point! i always give everyone the benefit of the doubt...but I would make him ship the watch back and make sure it is just as it was before issuing the refund..

[Gob Bluth]

If it makes any difference the buyer had 1 post to his credit on the other forum, which to me means he is either inexperienced or could have a few tricks up his sleeve. This will teach me to deal w/ non-established forum members.

[chriseskew24]

I would have asumed inserts. But that is just me..

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by Gob Bluth

If it makes any difference the buyer had 1 post to his credit on the other forum, which to me means he is either inexperienced or could have a few tricks up his sleeve. This will teach me to deal w/ non-established forum members.

I think a more constructive lesson to take away would be to clarify expectations and details prior to finalizing your arrangements. Inexperience is no crime, after all, we were all neophytes at some time or other. Good luck with your future arrangements.

[Gob Bluth]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

I think a more constructive lesson to take away would be to clarify expectations and details prior to finalizing your arrangements. Inexperience is no crime, after all, we were all neophytes at some time or other. Good luck with your future arrangements.

I guess the problem is that I expected that the buyer knew the ad meant 2 bezel inserts. The thought that it could be misconstrued never crossed my mind (prior to receiving his email). And yes, you're right regarding dealing with newer members.

[criggs19]

I don't understand something here. I entered a post here a few weeks ago regarding a potential buyer here on TRF misunderstanding what I was selling, thinking I was selling an almost brand new Bluesy here in the TRF sale forum for $3500. I was scolded for posting in the wrong forum and my post was moved. Am I missing something here? Don't get me wrong Gob, I think this thread is perfectly fine for this forum, I just want to understand how these rules work.

Chris

[Taffi Abernathy]

This sounds like miscommunication, whereby you're boiling because you assumed this buyer knew your intent. Why would you assume he knew what was included if you didn't spell it out? While you are free to feel anyway you choose, I recommend you rethink the situation. You and he probably feel very much the same way, angry and misunderstood. Next time don't assume, spell out the details.

[rajurama]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

This sounds like miscommunication, whereby you're boiling because you assumed this buyer knew your intent. Why would you assume he knew what was included if you didn't spell it out? While you are free to feel anyway you choose, I recommend you rethink the situation. You and he probably feel very much the same way, angry and misunderstood. Next time don't assume, spell out the details.

x2

[greekbum]

Your original pictures never showed any bezel or insert.1 would have to assume an insert.If I thought it was the whole bezel assembly I would have asked you for a picture of it or at least clarified it with you the seller. Its odd and not common for someone to have a whole spare bezel and insert on a d series watch.So do you eat the shipping as well?O well these things happen and hopefully you get your watch back as you shipped it the buyer gets his funds back and you find a new buyer and all is good

[DadsWatch72]

I agree that is doesn't sound right. If I buy something expensive, I am full of questions. I want to know everything. For them not to ask is suspicious.

[WatchSnob]

I have to side with the seller as you said "with both a pepsi and coke bezel (both bezels in perfect condition)" both bezels... You did not say inserts. Yes it woulda been a smoking deal but smoking deals can be found every now and then. You meant inserts and you put bezels, bezels and inserts are not one and the same.
If I was the buyer I think I would feel a bit mislead as well.

Anyway its clear you did not try to scam anyone nor do I think he did but I do think you owe him a full refund.

It happens and life goes on :)