connecticutrolex OK Transaction, but not the best

[Aceboympk]

I purchased an Omega Aqua Terra Chronograph from Raja Tarabishy aka connecticutrolex http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=250553

The watch arrived safely, but he shipped it in a letter carrier instead of a box and the inner red box was badly damaged.

After I questioned him about the packaging, he replied, "As far as the packaging is concerned, I do admit that it could have been better- without making excuses, my post office was not well equipped with boxes as they are undergoing renovation and in an effort to get the watch out to you in a timely fashion I used the best box available."

Then why did he quote me $40 for shipping? Shipping was $9.50.

The inner red box was in very poor shape due to the cover degrading pretty much all over the place. He described it in the ad as "some wear". He replied, "I'm sorry if didn't place enough emphasis on the condition of the box." Really? That's it? Well that didn't make me feel any better.

The thing that bothers me most is he took a picture of the red box. The picture was taken so that the viewer couldn't see any of the damage. He literally took the picture in such a way that the start of the damage to the box was exactly where the picture ended. It is as though he purposefully made sure to take the picture at an angle to hide the damage.

Now, all of this over a red box and poor packaging? No. It's about someone setting expectations and then not fully delivering. Kind of like a used car salesman. Caveat emptor.

When I wrote him about these things, he apologized but had excuses. Just a poor experience. Watch is great, looks nice, so that's what I'm focused on and I'm going to enjoy it fully. But, I feel less than fully satisfied. I spent $40 on shipping that cost him $9.50 and I have a damaged red box that I'll probably replace because it's nasty looking.

Oh well, time to move forward. Pun intended.

[FeelingTheBlues]

I'm sorry that you had a not so great experience, it is always quite unfortunate to realize that the item (and what comes with it) is not fully as described, you're right about setting expectations.

I'm glad to read that the watch is in good condition though, wear it in good health!

[Jakey]

Has he not offered a partial refund ? I think it's disgusting that some people use poetic licence to sell a not so perfect item.

[Aceboympk]

Originally Posted by Jakey

Has he not offered a partial refund ? I think it's disgusting that some people use poetic licence to sell a not so perfect item.

No he hasn't. He did split the $25 wire fee with me. Maybe he feels justified saving $30 on shipping by spending $12.50 on the wire.

He asked that I leave him a review, so I have. I consider this a fair and accurate assessment of the transaction.

Again, I'm very happy with the watch which is the most important thing. It just is unfortunate to have the experience slightly tarnished. That's all. No biggie. Moving on.

[2th Dr]

Yeah, I think some sort of compensation is in order.

[theloxmyth]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

Yeah, I think some sort of compensation is in order.

Morning Mark and all.

May be "we" ought not get too involved and let these two sort it out ? ?

Next think you know, one or both will be banned, like Doc Stut...

Enjoy the weekend.

[Aceboympk]

Originally Posted by theloxmyth

Morning Mark and all.

May be "we" ought not get too involved and let these two sort it out ? ?

Next think you know, one or both will be banned, like Doc Stut...

Enjoy the weekend.

Oh, sorry. I didn't intend to insult anyone, or get myself into trouble. I'll delete this thread if what I posted will get either Raja or myself banned.

Just let me know what the appropriate protocol is.

Thanks for the advise.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Aceboympk

Oh, sorry. I didn't intend to insult anyone, or get myself into trouble. I'll delete this thread if what I posted will get either Raja or myself banned.

Just let me know what the appropriate protocol is.

Thanks for the advise.

Your thread is perfectly fine and I for one am glad you posted it.

[dalip]

Originally Posted by theloxmyth

Morning Mark and all.

May be "we" ought not get too involved and let these two sort it out ? ?

Next think you know, one or both will be banned, like Doc Stut...

Enjoy the weekend.

I'm not sure what you're referring to here Craig...No-one is banned from TRF without clear reason.

Originally Posted by Aceboympk

Oh, sorry. I didn't intend to insult anyone, or get myself into trouble. I'll delete this thread if what I posted will get either Raja or myself banned.

Just let me know what the appropriate protocol is.

Thanks for the advise.

You're not doing anything other than reporting on your experience with a seller and providing feedback which is what this sub forum is all about.

You certainly don't have to apologise.

Please don't be alarmed by other posts/references in the thread

[2th Dr]

Good point Craig-O.

[z32turbo]

Sorry you didn't get everything the way you expected. I am glad the watch is in great condition and you are going to enjoy it fully.

[Luxe Time]

Mark-

Welcome to TRF and thanks for the post.

Let's be clear:
The watch arrived safely. The watch was in the condition as described. No excuses being made here. The red box had more wear than you expected- for this I apologized.

As for shipping charges, we agreed on a wire price inclusive of Priority shipping- there was no up-charge.

I highly encourage any prospective buyers to see the many transactions that have taken place on TRF over the years without incident or complaint. I often over emphasize any perceived flaws to exceed expectations.

Any prospective buyers are more than welcome to contact me for an extensive list of positive buying / selling referrals, including but not limited to Oscar (bodybump) , Tony (Justrolexes), David (davidsw).

Thanks again.

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by connecticutrolex

Mark-

Welcome to TRF and thanks for the post.

Let's be clear:
The watch arrived safely. The watch was in the condition as described. No excuses being made here. The red box had more wear than you expected- for this I apologized.

As for shipping charges, we agreed on a wire price inclusive of Priority shipping- there was no up-charge.

I highly encourage any prospective buyers to see the many transactions that have taken place on TRF over the years without incident or complaint. I often over emphasize any perceived flaws to exceed expectations.

Any prospective buyers are more than welcome to contact me for an extensive list of positive buying / selling referrals, including but not limited to Oscar (bodybump) , Tony (Justrolexes), David (davidsw).

Thanks again.

There seems to be a customer of yours not satisfied 100%, instead of trying to make them happy, you typed the above cr@p.

If I were you, I would try and make the customer happy, because as you know in sales, you are as good as your last deal.

[subtona]

glad it worked out ... all are a little wiser now

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by connecticutrolex

I highly encourage any prospective buyers to see the many transactions that have taken place on TRF over the years without incident or complaint. I often over emphasize any perceived flaws to exceed expectations.

Any prospective buyers are more than welcome to contact me for an extensive list of positive buying / selling referrals, including but not limited to Oscar (bodybump) , Tony (Justrolexes), David (davidsw).

I think prospective buyers would also want to know how you will react should anything go wrong with a sale. In my humble opinion this is not the best way to make things right.

[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by connecticutrolex

Mark-

Welcome to TRF and thanks for the post.

Let's be clear:
The watch arrived safely. The watch was in the condition as described. No excuses being made here. The red box had more wear than you expected- for this I apologized.

As for shipping charges, we agreed on a wire price inclusive of Priority shipping- there was no up-charge.

I highly encourage any prospective buyers to see the many transactions that have taken place on TRF over the years without incident or complaint. I often over emphasize any perceived flaws to exceed expectations.

Any prospective buyers are more than welcome to contact me for an extensive list of positive buying / selling referrals, including but not limited to Oscar (bodybump) , Tony (Justrolexes), David (davidsw).

Thanks again.

I don't see that your positive buying/selling history noted above is relevant to this conversation. It does nothing to satisfy the issues brought to everyone's attention by this recent customer. Perhaps you need to follow-up to help insure that your feedback remains positive.

[Kobayashi]

As a new member I'm glad to see candid remarks by both the buyer and seller so I can form my own opinion in whom I choose to do business with.

[Kringkily]

I am still scratching my head as to the response....

[Silvio Mosiello]

Thanks for the seller review and for being honest!

[dalip]

Reviewing the photo of the box (in the original ad) and also the description of "some wear" there seems to be a discrepancy.

If the box is so badly damaged - which seems in part to have been admitted by the seller - then surely that needs addressing?

Most of the time these issues can be sorted out with reason. I'm sure this can be also.

[FNFZ4]

Why was it shipped in a soft box in the first place? that the only question I have. if USPS is used, I guess it can fit in a Medium box or large flat rate box. shipping it in a letter carrier is really weird regardless of how much the buyer paid.

I guess it should have been cleared from the start the mode of payment and the method of shipping. if you ship something not in a box then damages to the item is imminent.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by FNFZ4

Why was it shipped in a soft box in the first place? that the only question I have. if USPS is used, I guess it can fit in a Medium box or large flat rate box. shipping it in a letter carrier is really weird regardless of how much the buyer paid.

I guess it should have been cleared from the start the mode of payment and the method of shipping. if you ship something not in a box then damages to the item is imminent.

But its just the watch packaging box was damaged its not like the main thing the actual watch was.Although the seller could have made it more clear how much the packaging box was damaged before sale.But its not the end of the world I am sure the seller could source a box from somewhere.After all you dont wear the box most are just put away somewhere and mostly forgotten.

[toph]

Originally Posted by padi56

But its just the watch packaging box was damaged its not like the main thing the actual watch was.Although the seller could have made it more clear how much the packaging box was damaged before sale.But its not the end of the world I am sure the seller could source a box from somewhere.After all you dont wear the box most are just put away somewhere and mostly forgotten.

I agree it in not the end of he world but the feedback left is honest and the seller in this instance has pretty much nothing useful to say in response
Suppose it was a gift for someone else ? Suppose the box is an important part to some people.. Suppose the buyer was not told about condition of box.. Oh he wasn't. Lying by omission is a bad as lying by commissioning my view.
Furthermore why doesn't the seller source him a box as you suggest?

[Puffy]

Buyer is unhappy so the seller shouldn't be happy until buyer is happy

That's how it works

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by Puffy

Buyer is unhappy so the seller shouldn't be happy until buyer is happy

That's how it works

The sellers response was

[masterserg]

Everything looks perfect in the pictures. I'd be annoyed if that wouldn't be the case (yes even with the box) when receiving. If I am buying something pre-owned I am of the opinion that one should have all the info in order to make an informed decision. Packaging is an important part of the deal. I take comfort in receiving something packed with care. It shows respect for the buyer.

[Kringkily]

To some a box may not be much but to others it is important. I mean if I bought a watch I would prefer to get what I expected but if I received a great watch and my box was destroyed I would be mad. Some pay extra for box / papers being included and in good condition.

Just my 2 cents.

[Blue Owl]

Originally Posted by Kringkily

To some a box may not be much but to others it is important. I mean if I bought a watch I would prefer to get what I expected but if I received a great watch and my box was destroyed I would be mad. Some pay extra for box / papers being included and in good condition.

Just my 2 cents.

I definitely agree with you. IMO, nice looking boxes might give us a better value of the watches when we want to sell/ flip them in the future.

[Luxe Time]

I'd be happy to sort things out to make the buyer happy. Mark sent an email after receiving the watch and posted this thread. Putting myself in the buyers shoes, I'd seek resolution, if I felt it was necessary before jumping to the forum to post a review.

From his email:
"....Other than the risky packing to save yourself money and not describing the condition of the inner red box, this has been a good transaction. "

I used a medium Priority box. I've received many watches in this type of box. Additional bubble wrap was also used. Could of been better, but the contents- including the white outer Omega box were not damaged at all from shipping.

Regarding the red Omega box- the red vinyl is peeling in some spots on the top of the box. It shows "some wear" as I originally posted. When we spoke live, I also mentioned the box isn't in the greatest shape. It's clear that it didn't meet his expectation.

Here's what I propose:
1) I send a replacement Omega box that is in gently used condition
Or
2) Send a credit to offset the cost of a brand new box

Email sent to Mark.

[Z-Sub]

Here's a discrepancy.

OP stated it was sent in "letter carrier" and seller says Medium priority box. which is correct? I always use USPS and use the same box or the larger box and there is nothing wrong with those boxes provided by USPS. In fact, those are better than then Fedex or UPS' flatter boxes that I received several times from top sellers on this and other sites.

I've received several watch boxes where the condition was not great. But I'm more concerned about the watch and personally would not make a fuss about a box which gets put in a corner in the storage room anyway. Just my