How did you decide on a seller?

[Syed117]

I plan on getting a new watch next month and thought I would put this out there.

I've never bought a watch this way, and despite knowing that many of these people are extremely trustworthy, the first deal is always a little stressful. Wiring thousands of dollars to a complete stranger from the internet sounds like insanity. Especially if a watch isn't immediately available.

There are many great sellers on this forum. This is not intended to ask about anyone by name because the feedback section has enough information about people's personal experiences.

My question is how people narrow down who to go with.

Is it based on the amount of deals a seller has done? Or purely about who can get a watch the fastest and for the best price? Maybe it's just a gut thing.

Is it in poor taste to inquire about a watch from a few sellers? I really don't want to reach out to someone and then buy from a different seller and make anyone feel like I've wasted their time. As buyers, we don't exactly know what kind of network a seller has and how fast they can find a watch.

Thanks

[Sublover2166]

A number of factors. I wanted a BNIB Hulk. I compared pricing between the sellers and there was in some instances a 400 dollar difference. I also wanted a watch sourced from a US authorized dealer as opposed to a watch from overseas AD. I emailed about 3 different sellers and told them what I was looking for and how much as far as price. I also looked at how long they were members on the forum here and most importantly their feedback from customers who had done transactions with them. I chose jizeal (Neil Patel) and he sourced my Hulk for me from a US dealer BNIB with a price that nobody could beat, and he was fantastic to deal with and I recommend him to anyone wanting a very good price on a BNIB Rolex or even gently used. My next watch will most certainly come from him as long as he is in the business.

[sickened1]

Originally Posted by Syed117

My question is how people narrow down who to go with.

I don't. I try to buy from as many TS here as possible. That way, I can base it on my own experience.

[zama]

Trusted Sellers is always the best route and being in the USA there is more there than anywhere else.

[RichM]

I just began to read the Who's Who's and also the For Sale Section. I saw certain names that kept popping up a lot and they all had good reviews.

I just picked one and sent a PM and within 5 minutes I got my response and within 1 hour I had confirmation of the watch. There really was no reason to look any further. Sometimes you'll get lucky and see the watch your looking for in the For Sale.

It's pretty easy to figure out the top sellers. Just pick one and see how it goes.

If you like, I'll PM the seller I used.

[AK797]

Best to PM the trusted sellers and see which ones you like most. I asked about shipping to the UK and the tax implications, and got different answers from the most trusted sellers on this forum so that opened my eyes a little to their characters outside of just straight selling.

[threemonkeys]

Not all sellers here are 'trusted.' Do your homework and you'll quickly see the 3 or 4 sellers that have impeccable feedback. I felt completely comfortable wiring 1,000's of dollars to DavidSW. But there are a few others just like David.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

A number of factors. I wanted a BNIB Hulk. I compared pricing between the sellers and there was in some instances a 400 dollar difference. I also wanted a watch sourced from a US authorized dealer as opposed to a watch from overseas AD. I emailed about 3 different sellers and told them what I was looking for and how much as far as price. I also looked at how long they were members on the forum here and most importantly their feedback from customers who had done transactions with them. I chose jizeal (Neil Patel) and he sourced my Hulk for me from a US dealer BNIB with a price that nobody could beat, and he was fantastic to deal with and I recommend him to anyone wanting a very good price on a BNIB Rolex or even gently used. My next watch will most certainly come from him as long as he is in the business.

Thanks. I'll actually being looking for the same thing. Sourced BNIB from a US AD with my name on all the proper paperwork.

Originally Posted by sickened1

I don't. I try to buy from as many TS here as possible. That way, I can base it on my own experience.

I'm a few years away from buying lots of watches, but appreciate the feedback. Just want to start off on the right foot.

Originally Posted by zama

Trusted Sellers is always the best route and being in the USA there is more there than anywhere else.

Absolutely. So many choices.

Originally Posted by Rich Mickol

I just began to read the Who's Who's and also the For Sale Section. I saw certain names that kept popping up a lot and they all had good reviews.

I just picked one and sent a PM and within 5 minutes I got my response and within 1 hour I had confirmation of the watch. There really was no reason to look any further. Sometimes you'll get lucky and see the watch your looking for in the For Sale.

It's pretty easy to figure out the top sellers. Just pick one and see how it goes.

If you like, I'll PM the seller I used.

That would be great. Can't hurt to have more information.

Originally Posted by AK797

Best to PM the trusted sellers and see which ones you like most. I asked about shipping to the UK and the tax implications, and got different answers from the most trusted sellers on this forum so that opened my eyes a little to their characters outside of just straight selling.

How a person deals with a potential client is very important to me. I'm very respectful and understanding when it comes to interacting with any new person, so how they respond really matters to me as well.

Originally Posted by threemonkeys

Not all sellers here are 'trusted.' Do your homework and you'll quickly see the 3 or 4 sellers that have impeccable feedback. I felt completely comfortable wiring 1,000's of dollars to DavidSW. But there are a few others just like David.

The whole trusted seller phrasing gets thrown around a lot. There are many trustworthy sellers, but I know not all of them would be called "trusted sellers".

I see DavidSW in the feedback forum all the time. I will definitely be reaching out to him.



Thanks guys. I appreciate the help

Hopefully a few weeks to go and I'll have my first great buying experience on TRF.

[1st amg]

I bought from a few different ones here and have had no problems. DavidSW was simple and easy as I just bought my first AP last week. Highly highly recommend him and Daniel who works for him.

[Bangel]

While I don't have a lot of direct experience, reputation of the seller would be paramount for me. This is more important than considerations of speed of attainment or best price, though I think those with excellent reputations have those aspects covered too.

From reading threads on TRF (and even seeing their names on other watch forums) I've been able to compile my own short list of sellers I'd be happy to do business with.

As to approaching multiple sellers, I don't see a problem so long as you're up front about your intentions.

Good luck with the hunt.

[Sublover2166]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Thanks. I'll actually being looking for the same thing. Sourced BNIB from a US AD with my name on all the proper paperwork.



I'm a few years away from buying lots of watches, but appreciate the feedback. Just want to start off on the right foot.



Absolutely. So many choices.



That would be great. Can't hurt to have more information.



How a person deals with a potential client is very important to me. I'm very respectful and understanding when it comes to interacting with any new person, so how they respond really matters to me as well.



The whole trusted seller phrasing gets thrown around a lot. There are many trustworthy sellers, but I know not all of them would be called "trusted sellers".

I see DavidSW in the feedback forum all the time. I will definitely be reaching out to him.



Thanks guys. I appreciate the help

Hopefully a few weeks to go and I'll have my first great buying experience on TRF.

Just take into account that some of the big name sellers here source almost all of their watches from overseas ADs. This may mean a warranty card and booklets written in a foreign language and somebody elses name on the card. They may be able to source one from a domestic AD, but you will be charged a premium for this requirement. Maybe several hundred dollars more.