Too Many Asks As A Buyer?

[WristEnvy]

Hey All,

I haven't been on TRF long and just started purchasing pre-owned. I replied to a classified ad and said I was interested. The buyer ignored all my messages when I asked if he would accept paypal. I tried one more time but said I would pay cash/bankwire, the seller finally responded and would entertain a transaction. Before proceeding I did have the following conditions listed below. Do you think I was too demanding? I haven't heard from the seller since.

1. When was the watch serviced?

2. Can you provide me an additional close up picture of the dial and bezel with the watch set at 5 o'clock?

3. A few references from you? I provided the only 2 references on TRF/WUS that I have. The seller did say he had plenty of references. And had about a years worth of history listing and selling watches.

4. It was recommended to me to authenticate preowned watches at an AD soon after I receive it for insurance purposes. Will you allow me time to do this? I will agree there is no returning due to buyer remorse as long as there are no issues with the watch during authentication.

5. Are you on facebook or any other form of social media where I can send a friend request an confirm identity?

Thoughts?

[locutus49]

Sounds reasonable to me, but I'm not a seller. Hard to tell how any individual seller will react to detailed questions.

[MonBK]

x2

[Knappo 1307]

I don't think you were out of line. Those are very standard questions. As far as accepting Paypal from you, that's a different story. For me personally to accept paypal, the buyer (if newer, like yourself) needs to provide me with some references of past transactions from solid members. Once that is established, no problem. If they can't be provided, bank wire or cash are the only options. I have no problem dealing with newer members, they just need provide a few things for me to feel comfortable. Enjoy your search.....

[watchwatcher]

You had me at "ignored my messages". Really, it doesn't sound like your seller is very interested in making the sale. There are plenty on TRF that are, my suggestion would be to find one.

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

You had me at "ignored my messages". Really, it doesn't sound like your seller is very interested in making the sale. There are plenty on TRF that are, my suggestion would be to find one.

x2.

If a seller doesn't respond to my message, I am taking my business elsewhere.

[CWIN]

I would have passed after not receiving timely responses. Plenty of trusted sellers out there.

[james1787]

I would absolutely pass. Buy the seller. You are asking very reasonable questions which any legitimate seller who wants to sell a watch should be more than happy to answer.

[123Blueface]

Run away!

[GradyPhilpott]

Buy the seller, then the watch.

In this case the seller has pretty much indicated that he's not worth your time.

[Tri-Tip]

I agree with all of the above...move on! Plenty of trusted sellers here on TRF.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by WristEnvy

1. When was the watch serviced?
2. Can you provide me an additional close up picture of the dial and bezel with the watch set at 5 o'clock?
3. A few references from you? I provided the only 2 references on TRF/WUS that I have. The seller did say he had plenty of references. And had about a years worth of history listing and selling watches.
4. It was recommended to me to authenticate preowned watches at an AD soon after I receive it for insurance purposes. Will you allow me time to do this? I will agree there is no returning due to buyer remorse as long as there are no issues with the watch during authentication.
5. Are you on facebook or any other form of social media where I can send a friend request an confirm identity?

As an occasional seller, my actions would be based on the watch itself. If it's a desirable model that will sell quickly, I'll look for the easiest path first. If it's a less desirable model, then I'd concede that I have to take some extra steps. As for your questions:

1. Answering the service history should be easy (if known).
2. A picture to verify possession of a watch is pretty standard so not out of line.
3. I think anyone who sells regularly has a reference list already handy.
4. Given the carelessness of some ADs, I would not agree to this.
5. I would not mix business with my personal life so no. However a PM from a watch forum I've been on a long time would be acceptable.

In any case, a lack of communication is reason enough to pass on any deal.

[anothernewphone]

Were you trying to buy something that's completely off the radar? If not, you should just contact any number of sellers here - David, Takuya, Kirill, etc. No sense in chasing down some random guy when you have the ready and willing at your fingertips.

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by kilyung

As an occasional seller, my actions would be based on the watch itself. If it's a desirable model that will sell quickly, I'll look for the easiest path first. If it's a less desirable model, then I'd concede that I have to take some extra steps. As for your questions:

1. Answering the service history should be easy (if known).
2. A picture to verify possession of a watch is pretty standard so not out of line.
3. I think anyone who sells regularly has a reference list already handy.
4. Given the carelessness of some ADs, I would not agree to this.
5. I would not mix business with my personal life so no. However a PM from a watch forum I've been on a long time would be acceptable.

In any case, a lack of communication is reason enough to pass on any deal.

I did this when I sold my Reverso. A buyer approached me on here that had just joined, had zero TRF references, and no posts but claimed to be active on WUS. I looked him up there and he had several references from long time posters on there and had lots of posts. I PMed him there to ensure it was actually him on TRF and not someone taking advantage of his good history on a TRF.

All checked out, and the transaction was smooth.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by CWIN

I would have passed after not receiving timely responses. Plenty of trusted sellers out there.

Exactly same here Chris

[WristEnvy]

Originally Posted by anothernewphone

Were you trying to buy something that's completely off the radar? If not, you should just contact any number of sellers here - David, Takuya, Kirill, etc. No sense in chasing down some random guy when you have the ready and willing at your fingertips.

Actually it's a 16610lv with box and papers. Bumped up probably for the last 3 to 4 weeks.

[WristEnvy]

Originally Posted by kilyung

As an occasional seller, my actions would be based on the watch itself. If it's a desirable model that will sell quickly, I'll look for the easiest path first. If it's a less desirable model, then I'd concede that I have to take some extra steps. As for your questions:

1. Answering the service history should be easy (if known).
2. A picture to verify possession of a watch is pretty standard so not out of line.
3. I think anyone who sells regularly has a reference list already handy.
4. Given the carelessness of some ADs, I would not agree to this.
5. I would not mix business with my personal life so no. However a PM from a watch forum I've been on a long time would be acceptable.

In any case, a lack of communication is reason enough to pass on any deal.

My only reasoning for #5, the seller has only been posting in classifieds and bumping his classifieds for about 6+ months with about a total of 90+ posts. Also a seller requested this of me when I had zero references, so I figured it would be another identify verification.

[WristEnvy]

Thanks for the feedback folks. As you can tell i'm new to the world of watch collecting and the feedback is greatly appreciated. Now when I think of it, it's probably not worthwhile dealing with a standoffish seller.

Cheers!

[77T]

Well one just popped up here on TRF from a longtime member: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=426807


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[azguy]

Seriously, ignored messages and you are continuing the process, never, ever.

I can tell you when you deal with "real deal" TRF sellers you never have a bit of worry. I've done deals in 5 minutes. A couple asked for a cell # and sent me a text and I had the watch/s the next day.

[WristEnvy]

Originally Posted by 77T

Well one just popped up here on TRF from a longtime member: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=426807


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Thanks! Now I'm at the bank wiring $. Ruhhh rohhh. :-D

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[AK797]

Buy the Seller is our motto, not chase the seller like she's a supermodel twin with a very friendly sister.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by kilyung

As an occasional seller, my actions would be based on the watch itself. If it's a desirable model that will sell quickly, I'll look for the easiest path first. If it's a less desirable model, then I'd concede that I have to take some extra steps. As for your questions:

1. Answering the service history should be easy (if known).
2. A picture to verify possession of a watch is pretty standard so not out of line.
3. I think anyone who sells regularly has a reference list already handy.
4. Given the carelessness of some ADs, I would not agree to this.
5. I would not mix business with my personal life so no. However a PM from a watch forum I've been on a long time would be acceptable.

In any case, a lack of communication is reason enough to pass on any deal.

This.

Remember, trust works BOTH ways in a transaction so if your approaching someone with the appearance of extreme skepticism.......

[77T]

For which one?
The original you talked about or the one I shared?


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[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by james1787

i would absolutely pass. Buy the seller. You are asking very reasonable questions which any legitimate seller who wants to sell a watch should be more than happy to answer.

x2

[WristEnvy]

Originally Posted by 77T

For which one?
The original you talked about or the one I shared?


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The one you shared. Oddly enough, the original I was talking about got bumped to the top again.

Thanks again for the input everyone!

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by WristEnvy

Actually it's a 16610lv with box and papers. Bumped up probably for the last 3 to 4 weeks.

I know this seller, also never replied to my emails. Also, I was a buyer at full ask. His loss...

Found a 16610LV else where.

[BNA/LION]

Seller must be professional in all aspects of the sale or Bye Bye!

[Old Expat Beast]

Two of the more obvious conclusions when a seller avoids answering questions are either 'lazy' or 'something to hide' so I'd say you did well to buy elsewhere.

[seand442]

If he won't answer move on. Your questions seemed reasonable and any legitimate seller should not have any issues with them.