Faux Buyers - Want to Buy ads

[springer]

As an avid watch collector for over 30 years, I enjoy collecting, and selling watches from my collection on occasion, to include parts and accessories that have come my way through the years. There are many collectors here that enjoy the trade also, and like me, have become avid buyers and sellers during the course of the hobby and are always willing to sell something to look for that new “gem” to add to the collection.

With this being said, I sometimes see an ad here or on the Vintage Rolex Forum, for a “Want To Buy” (WTB) watch or accessory and have responded to several of the ads. My personal opinion of these “faux buyers” has been echoed to me by other collector friends – not only on TRF – but elsewhere. I have yet to ever sell anything in a “WTB” ad, and wanted to reflect on experiences others have had here with these type of ads. Maybe I am a little naive, but what experiences have other potential sellers had with these WTB buyers – or are they really buyers at all?

I have included this thread in the Vintage Section since most of my time here is spent dealing with vintage Rolex and counterfeit or misrepresented watches.

[JustinK]

I have posted several WTB ads and bought one dial. The other item I received a reply but did not like the price so I passed. Still looking for the item but for the right price.

I don't know what a faux buyer accomplishes or what the motive might be to post for something they don't intend to buy. My guess is price is the reason most don't follow through.

[mastermixer]

Yes it is most of the time the price they want to pay is lower than it what it can be easily had for, otherwise they would have already purchased it since they know what they want. When there is a post that says "WTB : Submariner Stainless " you will probably not get anywhere with them unless you want to sell dirt cheap. If its WTB for something really unusual and hard to find I think they are genuinely looking and will most likely pay the market.

Also just to further answer, I have never sold anything to someone who posted WTB.

[paltak]

I've posted WTB in the past but have gotten offers that are generally higher than the going rates. I sold to a WTB buyer recently. I think it has more to do with the price.

[greekbum]

Wtb ads should have a price range the buyer is willing to pay out of respect for his time and others.

[JohnBoy]

Originally Posted by greekbum

Wtb ads should have a price range the buyer is willing to pay out of respect for his time and others.

Agree! I don't sell, but understand that it can be a tough, one-sided deal to chase around a WTC contact, like you note. I am wondering if, perhaps, some of the WTB posters are just newcomers, who don't have much of a handle on the prices of genuine....or are just fishing for price information with insufficient funds. As we all understand, there is a certain 'sticker shock' associated with getting into this hobby. And, as I am starting to learn on this site, there is a varied amount of apptitude involved in doing search and research. Ahh-such is life. I, for one, sure enjoy and appreciate the efforts of everyone on here. Hang in there

[springer]

Originally Posted by greekbum

Wtb ads should have a price range the buyer is willing to pay out of respect for his time and others.

Agree Nick. After my first couple of responses to these ads, I told them what price I would sell at expecting to save me the two or three hours of setting up my equipment, cleaning, taking photos, editing etc. I figured if that wasn't in their price range that it would save me some time and let they continue in their hunt. Didn't seem to work though.

[NKflyer]

Originally Posted by springer

I have yet to ever sell anything in a “WTB” ad

Actually, I bought a dial from you with a WTB ad on VRF.

But in general, I think part of the problem is that sellers think that because someone "wants" something, they are willing to pay through the nose for it.

[springer]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

Actually, I bought a dial from you with a WTB ad on VRF.

But in general, I think part of the problem is that sellers think that because someone "wants" something, they are willing to pay through the nose for it.

Or the buyer wants to pay below market, way below market - which is usually the case.

As far as the dial goes, that must have been way too long ago for my lower cerebellum to comprehend! I don't recall ever selling a dial on the VRF. It might have been someone else since I do not use "springer" there.

[joe100]

If I throw out a wtb ad it usually means I really want it. Most of the time I out in a price range too. Just courtesy.

[bgriz]

Originally Posted by springer

As an avid watch collector for over 30 years, I enjoy collecting, and selling watches from my collection on occasion, to include parts and accessories that have come my way through the years. There are many collectors here that enjoy the trade also, and like me, have become avid buyers and sellers during the course of the hobby and are always willing to sell something to look for that new “gem” to add to the collection.

With this being said, I sometimes see an ad here or on the Vintage Rolex Forum, for a “Want To Buy” (WTB) watch or accessory and have responded to several of the ads. My personal opinion of these “faux buyers” has been echoed to me by other collector friends – not only on TRF – but elsewhere. I have yet to ever sell anything in a “WTB” ad, and wanted to reflect on experiences others have had here with these type of ads. Maybe I am a little naive, but what experiences have other potential sellers had with these WTB buyers – or are they really buyers at all?

I have included this thread in the Vintage Section since most of my time here is spent dealing with vintage Rolex and counterfeit or misrepresented watches.

Originally Posted by springer

Agree Nick. After my first couple of responses to these ads, I told them what price I would sell at expecting to save me the two or three hours of setting up my equipment, cleaning, taking photos, editing etc. I figured if that wasn't in their price range that it would save me some time and let they continue in their hunt. Didn't seem to work though.

If you are referring to me....I posted 2 separate WTB ads:

One for a speedmaster 35th anniversary panda
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=275979

The other for a Tudor BB panda
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=277337


Both watches came to my attention as available and I chose the speedmaster. Does that make me a faux buyer? No, I simply chose a different watch than the one you have for sale. Price was not an issue as both watches were similarly priced. As you know having been in the hobby for over 30 years, nobody on the internet is going to buy a watch without seeing pics, and taking pics and the time and effort it takes is just part of the marketing of what you want to sell. You responding to WTB ads is another way to market what you have for sale to potential buyers. I've actually posted WTB ads on a few occasions, almost always with an eventual purchase outcome.

I didn't expect a great example of each watch to come up for sale at the same time, in fact now I was considering buying both as I mentioned in the email to you today. But if I don't, that doesn't make me a faux buyer. Your BB is a super nice watch btw

[springer]

Originally Posted by bgriz

If you are referring to me....I posted 2 separate WTB ads:

One for a speedmaster 35th anniversary panda
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=275979

The other for a Tudor BB panda
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=277337


Both watches came to my attention as available and I chose the speedmaster. Does that make me a faux buyer? No, I simply chose a different watch than the one you have for sale. Price was not an issue as both watches were similarly priced. As you know having been in the hobby for over 30 years, nobody on the internet is going to buy a watch without seeing pics, and taking pics and the time and effort it takes is just part of the marketing of what you want to sell. You responding to WTB ads is another way to market what you have for sale to potential buyers. I've actually posted WTB ads on a few occasions, almost always with an eventual purchase outcome.

I didn't expect a great example of each watch to come up for sale at the same time, in fact now I was considering buying both as I mentioned in the email to you today. But if I don't, that doesn't make me a faux buyer. Your BB is a super nice watch btw

Great, enjoy the watch.

[John in MA]

On the occasion I have posted a WTB it was either as I needed a hard to find part or a particular watch I was looking for wasn't for sale at the time.

From my experiences:

Typically most people who have responded to my WTB's do so at a higher then going rate for the watch or item in question.

I can think of a few examples:

1. WTB was posted for a 16800 after I had received my insurance check for the one I lost. Going rate for a matte dial at the time was $4-$5. I had two different people contact me. One wanted $6000 and the other $6500. I did have someone else contact me with a realistic price and we agreed on a price within the range they were going for.
2. I posted a WTB: for a 1680 service dial. Going rate is anywhere between $400-$500 at the time. I had one guy contact me and was dead serious when he told me he would sell me one for $700. Let me say it again....Service dial. I was eventually contacted by someone in Hong Kong who I met in person and purchased his for $450.
3. WTB add posted for a silver date wheel for my 16750. One guy actually told me, "It's rare but you can have it for $400." I ended up sourcing one for $125 which is right around what they should sell for.

The point I'm getting at is when a buyer posts a WTB: for some sellers they see this as an opportunity to try and sell above market price from my experience. Just because someone posts a WTB: doesn't mean they are willing to pay inflated prices most of the time. These sellers might view them as trying to get it for a low price when in fact they are just wanting it for a reasonable price.

Now I'm not saying that there aren't buyers who are looking for a low bid because there are (as I've experienced dealing with them) but I think a large reason there are Faux Buyers as you describe them is in large part due to sellers trying to sell at above market prices and you are getting the run off.

[crl848]

I've WTB'd on other fora and completed transactions. I'm more worried about faux sellers to be frank.

[ecsub44]

FWIW, I've posted in the WTB before too. But that was for rinky-dink stuff like bezel inserts or bracelet links.

Never heard back on any of those though.

[SennaFan]

When I post WTB ads, nobody ever responds.


When I respond to WTB ads, the buyer wants to insult you with something lower than a "lowball" offer. BUT, that is the case regardless as of late. I am tired of these "something for nothing" tirekickers.

But, I posted a WTB for a Mark 1 Maxidial 5513 and have people sending me beat up, thin cased, hands corroded and not matching examples and wanting me to pay $10,000. Wow, people have lost it

[Darlinboy]

I have posted WTB ads for both watches and parts. Have bought vintage parts, but have never received a watch offer.

Still want to buy.... See my signature!

[harry in montreal]

Actually, by far the most Annoying thing about the classifieds are sellers that bump watches sometimes 25 times with a stupid inflated price attached. Worst, some of the crazy prices on parts such as dials and NOS bands. They have been up there for months fishing for suckers. I could care less about someone with a WTB ad looking for a deal. We all are chasing the deal of the century.
Don't get me wrong, I love TRF. This is just a peeve of mine.

[springer]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

Actually, by far the most Annoying thing about the classifieds are sellers that bump watches sometimes 25 times with a stupid inflated price attached. Worst, some of the crazy prices on parts such as dials and NOS bands. They have been up there for months fishing for suckers. I could care less about someone with a WTB ad looking for a deal. We all are chasing the deal of the century.
Don't get me wrong, I love TRF. This is just a peeve of mine.

Thanks for the input Harry!!!

[springer]

Originally Posted by SennaFan

When I post WTB ads, nobody ever responds.


When I respond to WTB ads, the buyer wants to insult you with something lower than a "lowball" offer. BUT, that is the case regardless as of late. I am tired of these "something for nothing" tirekickers.

But, I posted a WTB for a Mark 1 Maxidial 5513 and have people sending me beat up, thin cased, hands corroded and not matching examples and wanting me to pay $10,000. Wow, people have lost it

It becomes frustrating and morphs into a "waste of time" normally for the collector offering to sell when responding to one of these ads. I realize there are serious buyers posting these WTB's, but more often than not, they are window shopping or are not serious. That is my reflection on my experience as well as others.

[harry in montreal]

John, thx for the encouragement. Maybe there should be a 10 bump limit and ban Tudor booklets priced at $125... I could go on. But I will zip it instead

[joseluu]

There is a difference between people looking for something "rare" and people looking for a "superdeal". If I see "I buy sport rolex model", I know (or I think I know) it is a dealer looking for stuff for his trade, as there are not many of us who don´t care exctly what watch comes therir way.

If somebody looks for a "Submariner", I wouldn´t care much either, as he coud easily find one on the "for sale" subforum if ready to pay the market price.

Then you have the nice guy, like myself, who posts "WTB Tritium hands for a 1999 Rolex 16700 GMT" and never receives a reply.

Ther is a complete gamut.

[cdweller]

I think some sellers see WTB threads and assume that the buyer has some level of desperation by not being able to source the item, so they put out a high price to see if the buyer bites. Just my opinion...

[Warnsboy]

I've posted one WTB on VRF and bought two of what I was looking for. The first was priced high and I took it not knowing if there would be another. The second was price lower so I felt I got a good deal overall.

[sandybax]

I was looking for a specific watch (root-beer GMT with nipples dial with docs and boxes) and posted a WTB post here. Got several offers. Some were about different dials, some were for watches with no docs. Ended up finding what I wanted somewhere else. Problem with WTB is that often this is a search for a very specific thing. If I received an offer for what I was looking exactly, I would have bought it, no problem.