Advice on selling a Rolex?

[Dsmith1974]

So far, I’ve been better at buying watches than selling them and I’d like to whittle the collection down and end up with four or five favourites.

I tried eBay but I got billed to close to 25% on the first sale because I added a reserve and that’s before PayPal fees which will probably be another 10% and now I find out the buyers have 180 days to change their mind and make a full refund with PayPal buyer protection!

I’ve read forums may be a better bet? Here or TZ, maybe even watchfinder. Does anyone have any positive experience or advice. I’m based in London so could meet up with people to show the watch, consider trades or part ex (if it’s safe?). Should I ask for a full bank transfer before posting or half and half before and after. It all seems pretty risky!

[faimag]

I have no experience selling watches online (in Singapore I only trade locally and face-to-face) but I presume TRF, TZ and chrono24 it should be much better than eBay in terms of commission (should be zero here and on TZ; maybe around 3% on chrono24, etc). 25% fee is insane!

One thing I know for sure however is that if you plan to ship, you have to see the full amount into your bank first. Half and half should only be reserved for coffee, and only in the US of A;)

[dejj]

Yeah do not do half and half!

[THC]

Well to sell here, read this first;

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=277984

Good luck and fwiw, we are all better at buying, than selling

[tyler1980]

use WF... the lack of hassle and risk and the fact its done immediately is worth getting a little less than selling it yourself.

[rootbeer7]

Depending on the pieces, Watchfinder a safe bet. I’ve sold through here and Instagram and through dealers I have connections with in London. As said, never ship before funds reach and I always add shipping/insurance as per the buyers request. Dm me if I can help.

[AK797]

WF are the easiest but beware their bid prices are often awful. Ebay is the best showroom, use a Buy Now and say you'll only take cash on collection, then meet at your bank and pay the money straight in. TZ-UK is also good if you qualify.

[Fredrik]

I only sell expensive stuff at auction, they are insured and know how to market stuff. The commission is often negotiable too if you have something that is easy to sell.

[betterwatchit]

Originally Posted by AK797

WF are the easiest but beware their bid prices are often awful. Ebay is the best showroom, use a Buy Now and say you'll only take cash on collection, then meet at your bank and pay the money straight in. TZ-UK is also good if you qualify.

I’m in the same situation, have decided to dramatically slim my collection, so appreciate the advice for U.K. sellers!

Aren’t the eBay fees outrageous? Or, is there a way of listing the watches to minimise? What about this website? Seems predominantly us based watches, so my suspicion tends to be that U.K. buyers wouldn’t look?

Anyway, appreciate all comments! Thank you!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by betterwatchit

I’m in the same situation, have decided to dramatically slim my collection, so appreciate the advice for U.K. sellers!

Aren’t the eBay fees outrageous? Or, is there a way of listing the watches to minimise? What about this website? Seems predominantly us based watches, so my suspicion tends to be that U.K. buyers wouldn’t look?

Anyway, appreciate all comments! Thank you!

Fees are quite high so don't make the actual sale on ebay, just invite buyers to message you and then screen them as best you can and then arrange to meet at your bank.

[steve099]

Fleabay fees have grown to ridiculous levels and as I discovered last month, if you try to send your phone number to a potential buyer, ebay defaults to charging you what they calculate the fees to be should you pull the auction for whatever reason ( I had it listed elsewhere as well).

I told them to close my account, I am not paying up.

[ryanwatchcollection]

If you sell through Ebay, after all of the fees+PayPal expect to pay around 13%.

[MILGAUSS88]

If you pay the store subscription they cap the commission, I believe to $350. Quite a savings if you are selling a $7,000 watch.

And read the fine print. The last time I looked, they charge an extra 5% for international sales. eBay tacks on 2% for ???? And PayPal charges 3% for the exchange fee.

[scarlet knight]

What are the fees for the seller on Watchfinder?

[scarlet knight]

Another idea: trade in to an authorized dealer. Not top dollar, but you won’t get hit on the head for your watch.

[daveathall]

Must admit, I was surprised to see a 3 year old Sub date in the window of Bradleys in Harrogate for £8950. RRP £6550, whats the world coming to?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by scarlet knight

What are the fees for the seller on Watchfinder?

No fee as they are a grey but you do pay the price for selling to them with very low bids these days.

[enjoythemusic]

Sell here on TRF. Better than TZ and WPS imho.

[breitlings]

I’ve sold 3 rolexes and regretted each. My advice is don’t sell.