Sell to a dealer?

[Jinfu]

So my collection has slowly grown and I realize what I wear and which ones I never wear. So I would like to trim it down, if you sell to a dealer, what do they typically give you in terms of value. What is the typical commisions a dealer offers? 75 percent of what you would see retail on chrono24, or less or more? I have never sold a watch before so wondering how it works. Thanks again,

[rolexest]

Originally Posted by Jinfu

So my collection has slowly grown and I realize what I wear and which ones I never wear. So I would like to trim it down, if you sell to a dealer, what do they typically give you in terms of value. What is the typical commisions a dealer offers? 75 percent of what you would see retail on chrono24, or less or more? I have never sold a watch before so wondering how it works. Thanks again,

I don't flip my watches so I cant really comment on what they'll offer you but I would imagine you're much better off selling on the classifieds here.

[fsprow]

The dealer will typically be able to sell a watch for somewhat more than you can, because they may offer a warranty, have a solid reputation over many years etc. At the same time they’re going to want to turn over a watch fairly rapidly, to avoid inventory cost - their margin in doing so would be up to an individual negotiation. I don’t believe there is a typical.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by Jinfu

So my collection has slowly grown and I realize what I wear and which ones I never wear. So I would like to trim it down, if you sell to a dealer, what do they typically give you in terms of value. What is the typical commisions a dealer offers? 75 percent of what you would see retail on chrono24, or less or more? I have never sold a watch before so wondering how it works. Thanks again,

Depends on the watch. Keep a margin around $2k of their recent sales of that particular model and that'll be right guess.

[jvmartin]

Chrono24 prices are not a good reference point... depending on the item a dealer can actually be very competitive... they may be willing to take a smaller margin on a watch that will move same day... if a watch will likely sit for weeks/months, they will have to factor it into their offer... since this is posted in the vintage section I'm assuming you have an older Rolex so it can go either way... some vintage watches fly, some sit around until that "right person" comes along...

[swaini3]

Chrono prices are on the higher side IMO, probably to cover the fees. I have had no issues selling there. If you're not in a rush, list it yourself on all platforms. If you prefer the dealer route, you should have a good idea of what your watch is worth as a starting point and then see what the dealers offer you. Forums and Watchrecon should give you an idea of prices.
Good luck.

[3 Putt]

Selling to a dealer will get you less vs. selling yourself. How much less? Depends on the watch. For example, hot selling watches (think Hulk, 5711, etc) will get a reasonable price from a dealer as they will move them quickly.

Dress watches will yield a lower offer as these tend to sit in a dealer's inventory a while longer. Reach out to multiple dealers and ask for quotes. You will quickly get an idea of what your piece is worth to them.

Recently, the offers quoted from several dealers on a Tudor Sub I was selling ranged from $2,500-$5,500 USD. I also sold a Tudor Big Block in mint condition a few months ago. Again, the spread was $3,500-$5,900 USD. I assume the dealer with the higher offer had a buyer already lined up.

I only use dealers to avoid the hassle of selling myself. The opportunity cost of dealing with a dealer vs. selling myself is minor to me me compared to the hassles of dealing with buyers directly.

Good luck!

[dhknola]

All depends on the watch. I sold to a relatively well known dealer, knowing I left some on the table, for the speed and ease of transaction.
If you have the time and don't mind tire kickers (and some possible scammers) selling yourself is a higher return, but if you are in the mood to sell fast and bit lower, dealer route is good. You can also see that by 3Putt's example on some nice Tudor's, the spread is pretty out there.

[Nikrnic]

Your probably closer at 30%

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[swish77]

Make sure you shop around. I've done this frequently through the years, usually with modern pieces, and there's often a big difference in offers from dealer to dealer, in some cases thousands of dollars.

The thing that hurts the most is when you're trying to sell a non-Rolex to a dealer, with a few exceptions (Patek, AP, and in some cases, VCs.) You're much better off selling those yourself. If it's a Rolex, you'll get closer to market value, but still quite a bit less than selling it yourself.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by 3 Putt

I only use dealers to avoid the hassle of selling myself. The opportunity cost of dealing with a dealer vs. selling myself is minor to me me compared to the hassles of dealing with buyers directly.

Absolutely this. We buyers are a real pain in the A! I aint't selling to anybody who doesn't trade watches all day, every day.

[1665fan]

About 75% of the worth from my experiences in the past......

[ingoodtime]

I've sold watches on chrono24 using their escrow service. Even sent one to france from the usa. They take 6.5% from your selling price. Posting it is free. Very easy and their customer service is great. My France buyer didn't want to pay the vat and the package was siting at ups. After I inquired as to how to handle the situation, they got involved and the buyer paid the vat. If he had not, the watch would have been returned to me and chrono24 would pay me the freight cost from the buyers funds.

[athom]

You will get maybe 70/80% of the price you could get with private buyers but you will avoid having to post threads, to send photos, to answer questions, to have to get appointments with people, etc....you will get less for more tranquility...

[Jinfu]

Great advice, seems like its about 25-30 of the retail market dependent on the watch. Which is great, the dealers need to make a buck for their services. So that gives a good starting point of what is expected, awesome forum as always,

[VanPatten14]

I got a quote from a known dealer in SoCal for my 16570 Polar, and the offer was 2.5k less (around -30%) than what they are listing for the same watch on their website.

[214270Explorer]

A dealer is going to low-ball you just as a pawnshop will.
Sell through the TRF sales forum.

[Jinfu]

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

A dealer is going to low-ball you just as a pawnshop will.
Sell through the TRF sales forum.

Yes, agreed they will offer lower, but I am really not an expert on my watches, nor do I know what they are really worth, so I have to pay for their service somehow.

[Dr.Smellody]

Not me. I have one dealer I trade with and they treat me right.

I not one to leave money on the table.

[baumare]

Some people are just good at selling, I'm not, never sold anything if not to a friend, always trade with dealers. But you got to know your dealer otherwise, he's telling me, that is the worst thing you can do because he's profit from buying and for selling

[joli160]

I would never deal with a private individual, not buying nor selling.
Too many “funny” people around. Just do business with a reputable dealer, take your losses and don’t look back.

It’s a hobby, usually costs money

[slimwristy]

I've heard a few horror stories with selling to individuals. You will typically make more selling to them but harbour the risk. I would go with selling to an AD.. or perhaps use as capital in a trade?