School me on Ebay purchase

[Jeff]

Hi all --

can someone school me on making an Ebay purchase?

I'm looking for an IWC 5004 BP. My normal AD had a great used example but sold it from under me, kind of burned me as I am a good customer but moving on, I am now looking towards Ebay. Have never purchased anything of any sort of value from Ebay and have only heard horror stories.

So yes check feedback, I've done that and have found quite a few sellers with perfect feedback that sell only watches some pretty high end.

PayPal I should be using this correct?

Is there anything else I should be doing? Contact the seller prior to bidding? If so what sort of questions should I be asking?


edit: example of a 5009 from as far as I could tell a good seller? http://www.ebay.com/itm/IWC-BIG-PILO...item23240c2343

Thanks
Jeff.

[krlyuzh]

eBay can be tricky. Even if they have good feedback. Just remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, especially on eBay.

Have you tried looking on here? I believe DavidSW has one for sale currently:

David's For Sale Thread

A trusted seller on here is better than eBay, in my opinion. You can find plenty of feedback threads on him and others.

Hope this helps!

[Jeff]

hmm now my AD just offered me a new 5009 for 11500. will probably just go that route.

[RRGHOST1]

I wouldn't even consider ebay for buying an expensive timepiece,i think i would rather go TRF sellers or as you are doing your AD. Much safer for your hard earned dollar !

[GlobalGooch69]

ebay is fine as long as your buying from a well established/ reputable dealer with watch related feedback

[JDTX]

The sellers here are a much smarter choice than eBay.

[GlobalGooch69]

depends on who you are buying from, i know a few people who have been burned on the forum, at least ebay offers buyer protection

[JDTX]

Originally Posted by GlobalGooch69

depends on who you are buying from, i know a few people who have been burned on the forum, at least ebay offers buyer protection

I know of at least 6 TRF sellers I would not hesitate buying from. Those are what I meant.

I've spent over $50K this year alone and was never worried a bit.

[GlobalGooch69]

i know more than 6 i wouldnt hesitate from either on this forum, and i know another 50 i wouldnt hesitate to wire money to off ebay, like i said before its about who you are buying from. there are legitimate people and illigitimate people on and off the forum. just go to the watch out section and see for yourself about problems buyers have had.

[Jeff]

thanks all. going the AD route.

interesting though as Ebay lists tons of expensive watches. wonder if they are actually sold or used to gain interest in a physical store front. or just massive scam.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Jeff

thanks all. going the AD route.

interesting though as Ebay lists tons of expensive watches. wonder if they are actually sold or used to gain interest in a physical store front. or just massive scam.

Many bricks and mortar stores sell on eBay, too (non-AD).

If you limit your eBay searches to the inventory of trusted brick stores with eBay stores then you are safe.

But I also prefer the trusted sellers here.

[mmmk604]

Originally Posted by Jeff

thanks all. going the AD route.

interesting though as Ebay lists tons of expensive watches. wonder if they are actually sold or used to gain interest in a physical store front. or just massive scam.

AD route is always the best

[train-time]

At one time eBay was fine for buying or even selling, but I wouldn't go there now. Too many problems buying or selling simply because there is no way of vetting buyers or sellers in advance. If you sell, they don't pay; if you buy they don't ship and in either case your item or money is tied up until it's sorted out. Way too many problems and risks now with eBay.

[mmmk604]

I still shop and sell things on eBay, haven't had a problem yet.

When you buy something, buy the seller first. Do your research.
Does the seller only sell online? Does the seller own an actual store? Call the seller and speak to him/her.

I've purchased as much as a $20k rose gold Hublot on eBay without an issue.

[Tony1]

You can use ebay for expensive items only if you buy from dealers, not private sellers ( ex: you can buy without any problems from Motion In Time ebay page ), but don't use paypal. From my oppinion, it's the biggest junk that can be used in online payments.

[Jeff]

interesting comment about PayPal. I thought it was actually pretty safe. either way this is all good stuff to know.

I have bought used Panerai before but face to face after reference checks and talking to the seller, was a great experience.

[Mosco]

Jeff, I know the guys at Timetitans very well, they're terrific sellers. You will have no issues, I can guarantee it.