Bought Rolex but received Empty Box--HELP

[dmash]

Originally Posted by function12

I have been in court and witnessed the first hand. Not a friend of friend but first hand. Maybe our judge had a different opinion. The burden will fall on the seller.
But hey we all have opinions.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In my experience in two different states, would be exactly as I said. I find it hard to believe another judge would see it any other way......America could at that point turn into a scamming paradise where anybody can order anything and simply say it was rocks and sue the company. Everybody starts ordering Apple computers and cellphones and just say the item wasn't there? And the buyer simply wins because the company would have no way of proving the item physically arrived in the buyer's hands? Find that incredibly peculiar and in no way enforceable.

[Chewbacca]

[CorradoBrit]

All this makes me want to buy security tape like some camera companies use eg Adorama. Its brown paper with cross hatched cotton thread. Let buyer know not to sign if sealing tape is broken or otherwise tampered with. This would protect both buyer and seller and provide a deterrent to sticky fingers.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by BOA

If the UPS store offers a service to pack an item, how do they get around liability when something is lost along the way? I would think the fact they become involved in the process offers a kind of guarantee to stay in the process whether they like it or not if something goes wrong.

They get around it due to the fact that "UPS Stores" are not corporate owned/staffed, but franchised.
UPS now owns Parcel Pro, and they will not even allow you to drop of packages at UPS Store locations for anything valued over $10k.

[dmash]

So just curious OP, in the midst of all this, a police investigation going on, you not certain of if UPS or the apartment stole said watch in question and you being ‘out’ close to $10k, you just purchased another piece.....that will of course utilize a shipping company and more than likely be signed for by your apartment?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...74#post8679574

[MinMay]

Originally Posted by dmash

In my experience in two different states, would be exactly as I said. I find it hard to believe another judge would see it any other way......America could at that point turn into a scamming paradise where anybody can order anything and simply say it was rocks and sue the company. Everybody starts ordering Apple computers and cellphones and just say the item wasn't there? And the buyer simply wins because the company would have no way of proving the item physically arrived in the buyer's hands? Find that incredibly peculiar and in no way enforceable.

Can't we argue that seller can send an empty box and said "I sent you a watch already"?

You seem very experienced in this matter.

Just curious...if you bought a watch a seller...and the seller sent you a watch. What would you do after finding an empty box and all claims have been denied?

The more knowledge I know, the better I can protect myself :)

[MinMay]

Originally Posted by dmash

So just curious OP, in the midst of all this, and being ‘out’ close to $10k, you just purchased another piece?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...74#post8679574

I know OP is rich with his business, but really OP? Now this is getting quite interesting.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by MinMay

I know OP is rich with his business, but really OP? Now this is getting quite interesting.

It’s not the fact of purchasing it alone. It’s the fact how OP stated he would only be using an AD to ensure things like this wouldn’t happen again. Yet now it seems, he’s getting a watch shipped again, when a police investigation is occurring as to whether a shipping company or his apartment complex (BOTH of which will be in the equation again) possibly had something to do with this.

OP, you’ve been quite responsive and vocal in this thread. Care to explain this?



*btw, I’ll answer your question later, this information is MUCH more pertinent at the current time

[MinMay]

Originally Posted by dmash

It’s not the fact of purchasing it alone. It’s the fact how OP stated he would only be using an AD to ensure things like this wouldn’t happen again. Yet now it seems, he’s getting a watch shipped again, when a police investigation is occurring as to whether a shipping company or his apartment complex (BOTH of which will be in the equation again) possibly had something to do with this.


*btw, I’ll answer your question later, this information is MUCH more pertinent at the current time

no worries..LOL....I'm going to make a documentary out of this and sell it to Netflix. Always looking for business opportunities

[CorradoBrit]

First reaction was glutton for punishment. But seller seems to garner a little more confidence.

Well I only hope the OP will have learned something from these 10+ pages and have the watch shipped to a shipping retail store. Open it in front of staff and ensure everything is correct and present.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by CorradoBrit

Except the package was underweight for a box PLUS watch. The question comes down to why this discrepancy exists.

And there is still no explanation I've seen as to why the seller's home address was not on the label. What if buyer had refused to sign? It would have gone back to UPS Store and not the sellers home or business. Seller dropped several balls here.

We still don’t know why the box weighed in under what it weighs now. One can reasonably assume the scale at the departure store is wrong.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Only the seller truly knows, as he paid for the shipping.
Truly an unfortunate situation.
Seller wasn't exactly discreet about his package contents with UPS.
Buyer has a proxy sign for the package which clearly he should have signed for in person.

The OP stated UPS chose to deliver to the office instead of the OP. This happens all the time with UPS. They leave packages where it's convenient for them. The OP isn't responsible for delivery decisions made by the shipping company. The seller is responsible to confine the delivery options to only the buyer.

UPS is great for shipping Amazon packages, but not so good for high dollar items. They routinely leave packages in the darndest places.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by MinMay

I know OP is rich with his business, but really OP? Now this is getting quite interesting.

Do I misunderstand? You are accusing the OP of something because he bought another watch?

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

The OP stated UPS chose to deliver to the office instead of the OP. This happens all the time with UPS. They leave packages where it's convenient for them. The OP isn't responsible for delivery decisions made by the shipping company. The seller is responsible to confine the delivery options to only the buyer.

UPS is great for shipping Amazon packages, but not so good for high dollar items. They routinely leave packages in the darndest places.

Thought OP stated somebody at his apartment signed for it. Either way, if I have a watch worth thousands being delivered to me, I am making arrangements to personally sign for it. Rik D. sends back serviced watches via UPS overnight, so I have signed for these many times. The trusted sellers here I have purchased new watches from all used FedEx overnight. Amazon packages are usually dropped at the front door, no signature required.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Thought OP stated somebody at his apartment signed for it. Either way, if I have a watch worth thousands being delivered to me, I am making arrangements to personally sign for it. Rik D. sends back serviced watches via UPS overnight, so I have signed for these many times. The trusted sellers here I have purchased new watches from all used FedEx overnight. Amazon packages are usually dropped at the front door, no signature required.

You are correct. But the UPS delivery driver chose to deliver there. The OP didn't ask for that delivery option. The seller would have had to arrange for only the consignee to sign for it when he set up the shipment. Just asking for a signature doesn't mean UPS will get the consignee's signature.

[imperio]

Originally Posted by dmash

So just curious OP, in the midst of all this, a police investigation going on, you not certain of if UPS or the apartment stole said watch in question and you being ‘out’ close to $10k, you just purchased another piece.....that will of course utilize a shipping company and more than likely be signed for by your apartment?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...74#post8679574

What's wrong with buying another watch...?

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

You are correct. But the UPS delivery driver chose to deliver there. The OP didn't ask for that delivery option. The seller would have had to arrange for only the consignee to sign for it when he set up the shipment. Just asking for a signature doesn't mean UPS will get the consignee's signature.

Off topic; hope you are feeling better! Take care of yourself.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by imperio

What's wrong with buying another watch...?

Did you happen to read a mere 3 posts later or just ignore that?

[imperio]

Originally Posted by dmash

Did you happen to read a mere 3 posts later or just ignore that?

I'm not following what you mean by this either

[dmash]

Originally Posted by imperio

I'm not following what you mean by this either

You're not following what '3 posts later' means, or you're not following what my post meant?

[imperio]

Originally Posted by dmash

You're not following what '3 posts later' means, or you're not following what my post meant?

Both, unfortunately...

[dmash]

Originally Posted by imperio

Both, unfortunately...

I posted 3 posts after the post you're quoting, which entirely explains why I posed the question to the OP.

To reiterate, absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing another watch.

However, this situation, and all the facts surrounding the matter, make the method/timing of this purchase a bit weird. It was literally today that a police investigation was launched into a potential stolen item out of a package, which involves a shipping company and the OP's apartment complex. Not only that, but the OP has been vocal to the fact he will avoid this method of purchasing in the future and simply purchase from an AD to alleviate any 'empty box' issue such as this. But now he ordered another watch, essentially replicating the same situation he just 'learned a lesson' on, and potentially involving the same parties that are possible suspects in an ongoing theft investigation? We're not even talking next week, we're talking the exact same day the investigation is launched.

This doesn't come across as the slightest bit odd, with everything considered?

This is my quoted post, fyi:

Originally Posted by dmash

It’s not the fact of purchasing it alone. It’s the fact how OP stated he would only be using an AD to ensure things like this wouldn’t happen again. Yet now it seems, he’s getting a watch shipped again, when a police investigation is occurring as to whether a shipping company or his apartment complex (BOTH of which will be in the equation again) possibly had something to do with this.

OP, you’ve been quite responsive and vocal in this thread. Care to explain this?



*btw, I’ll answer your question later, this information is MUCH more pertinent at the current time

[imperio]

Originally Posted by dmash

I posted 3 posts after the post you're quoting, which entirely explains why I posed the question to the OP.

To reiterate, absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing another watch.

However, this situation, and all the facts surrounding the matter, make the method/timing of this purchase a bit weird. It was literally today that a police investigation was launched into a potential stolen package, which involves a shipping company and the OP's apartment complex. Not only that, but the OP has been vocal to the fact he will avoid this method of purchasing in the future and simply purchase from an AD to alleviate any 'empty box' issue such as this. But now he ordered another watch, essentially replicating the same situation he just 'learned a lesson' on, and potentially involving the same parties that are possible suspects in an ongoing theft investigation?

This doesn't come across as the slightest bit odd, with everything considered?

This is my quoted post, fyi:

My apologies. I genuinely somehow missed your explanation post.

[helo008]

Originally Posted by dmash

It’s not the fact of purchasing it alone. It’s the fact how OP stated he would only be using an AD to ensure things like this wouldn’t happen again. Yet now it seems, he’s getting a watch shipped again, when a police investigation is occurring as to whether a shipping company or his apartment complex (BOTH of which will be in the equation again) possibly had something to do with this.

OP, you’ve been quite responsive and vocal in this thread. Care to explain this?



*btw, I’ll answer your question later, this information is MUCH more pertinent at the current time

I’d be happy to explain. Despite this whole transaction becoming what I think we can all agree is a huge mess, I still feel the way I felt that compelled me to make the original transaction in the first place. So I’ve decided to go forward with my original intention: to purchase a GMT Master II.

I purchased what is essentially the same watch I was originally trying to buy from the seller here, but this time took the advice of many who have responded to this thread to find a seller with hundreds of references and good reviews. I went with vinceb in particular because he also runs a store called Timepiece Perfections, and made sure that he is not a one off seller. After talking to him on the phone several times and ensuring the transaction went through his store and not him independently, I made sure to do the transaction through PayPal with my CC. While of course, this doesn’t have the safety associated with an AD, I felt well protected knowing I was buying from a credible seller’s store, and from the safety offered by both PayPal and my CC company.

Thankfully, the watch arrived today safe and sound in perfect condition. I’m beyond happy with it and just went to the Rolex RSC in San Francisco to size it and I have to say, I love it. It’s exactly how I expected it to be and it’s beautiful. Of course, for added protection, I filmed a video from before I handled the package to when I had removed the watch, without the package ever leaving the frame. Thankfully it’s not necessary as everything went flawlessly.

Now with that said, I’m definitely not rolling in dough. I’ve decided to move forward with my original plan to sell my Explorer II to fund this, and will be doing so next Wednesday with Jacek at HQ Milton. While this obviously has meant I have spent a lot more than expected on this “trade up”, I’ve come back to the original place I was before I made any purchase which is that I love this watch and would love to keep it with me for years to come (I’m sure as avid TRF members, many of you are familiar with this feeling).

As for my apartment staff, I’ve mentioned previously I’m confident they did not tamper with the package. My housemates have had watches mailed to our office before, as well as neighbors in my building, and none encoutered any issues. Thankfully, nothing occurred.

In the end, I bought another watch—the same watch—because I love it. Simple as that. I still really hope this whole issue is resolved rightly but I can’t let it stop my life from moving forward.

Additionally, I took this opportunity to weigh the watch in the original packaging from the first transaction discussed here, and can confirm that the weight of the package, with the watch in it, should have been 2.511lbs.

[edweather]

Just to go on record here late to the party, and to be clear, not making any accusations. It does seem odd OP makes another watch purchase while this is going on. Hope vinceb videos the watch from hand to box to shipping. I wouldn't be buying squat, especially the same way as I just got "ripped off," until this plays out.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by helo008

I’d be happy to explain. Despite this whole transaction becoming what I think we can all agree is a huge mess, I still feel the way I felt that compelled me to make the original transaction in the first place. So I’ve decided to go forward with my original intention: to purchase a GMT Master II.

I purchased what is essentially the same watch I was originally trying to buy from the seller here, but this time took the advice of many who have responded to this thread to find a seller with hundreds of references and good reviews. I went with vinceb in particular because he also runs a store called Timepiece Perfections, and made sure that he is not a one off seller. After talking to him on the phone several times and ensuring the transaction went through his store and not him independently, I made sure to do the transaction through PayPal with my CC. While of course, this doesn’t have the safety associated with an AD, I felt well protected knowing I was buying from a credible seller’s store, and from the safety offered by both PayPal and my CC company.

Thankfully, the watch arrived today safe and sound in perfect condition. I’m beyond happy with it and just went to the Rolex RSC in San Francisco to size it and I have to say, I love it. It’s exactly how I expected it to be and it’s beautiful. Of course, for added protection, I filmed a video from before I handled the package to when I had removed the watch, without the package ever leaving the frame. Thankfully it’s not necessary as everything went flawlessly.

Now with that said, I’m definitely not rolling in dough. I’ve decided to move forward with my original plan to sell my Explorer II to fund this, and will be doing so next Wednesday with Jacek at HQ Milton. While this obviously has meant I have spent a lot more than expected on this “trade up”, I’ve come back to the original place I was before I made any purchase which is that I love this watch and would love to keep it with me for years to come (I’m sure as avid TRF members, many of you are familiar with this feeling).

As for my apartment staff, I’ve mentioned previously I’m confident they did not tamper with the package. My housemates have had watches mailed to our office before, as well as neighbors in my building, and none encoutered any issues. Thankfully, nothing occurred.

In the end, I bought another watch—the same watch—because I love it. Simple as that. I still really hope this whole issue is resolved rightly but I can’t let it stop my life from moving forward.

As you can see (and have openly admitted), I've remained objective throughout this entire thread. I think you can understand why one would perhaps think this comes across as a bit odd and I wanted you to clarify.


My only other statement regarding that is this. You said the watch arrived today. You claimed the original package was delivered on June 14. You made contact with another seller, made an additional purchase, prior to a police investigation even beginning and within 24hours of a $9000 claim needing to be made about a missing item from a package? I wont speculate further, but again, this all just seems incredibly odd.

[Littletommy]

Originally Posted by corradobrit

uhh?

wtf?

[CorradoBrit]

Originally Posted by Littletommy

wtf?

uhh?

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by helo008

I’d be happy to explain. Despite this whole transaction becoming what I think we can all agree is a huge mess, I still feel the way I felt that compelled me to make the original transaction in the first place. So I’ve decided to go forward with my original intention: to purchase a GMT Master II.

I purchased what is essentially the same watch I was originally trying to buy from the seller here, but this time took the advice of many who have responded to this thread to find a seller with hundreds of references and good reviews. I went with vinceb in particular because he also runs a store called Timepiece Perfections, and made sure that he is not a one off seller. After talking to him on the phone several times and ensuring the transaction went through his store and not him independently, I made sure to do the transaction through PayPal with my CC. While of course, this doesn’t have the safety associated with an AD, I felt well protected knowing I was buying from a credible seller’s store, and from the safety offered by both PayPal and my CC company.

Thankfully, the watch arrived today safe and sound in perfect condition. I’m beyond happy with it and just went to the Rolex RSC in San Francisco to size it and I have to say, I love it. It’s exactly how I expected it to be and it’s beautiful. Of course, for added protection, I filmed a video from before I handled the package to when I had removed the watch, without the package ever leaving the frame. Thankfully it’s not necessary as everything went flawlessly.

Congrats!

Originally Posted by edweather

Just to go on record here late to the party, and to be clear, not making any accusations. It does seem odd OP makes another watch purchase while this is going on. Hope vinceb videos the watch from hand to box to shipping. I wouldn't be buying squat, especially the same way as I just got "ripped off," until this plays out.

You are making accusations. The guy wants a watch. Is he supposed to just roll over and die?

[helo008]

Originally Posted by dmash

As you can see (and have openly admitted), I've remained objective throughout this entire thread. I think you can understand why one would perhaps think this comes across as a bit odd and I wanted you to clarify.

Yes, I completely understand and respect what you’ve brought up. But I just wanted to clarify this is no watch-buying frenzy—I really just wanted to get what I have thought about and finally decided to pull the trigger on for months prior to this transaction. Maybe it was bad judgement to risk shipping it again, but I tried to take countermeasures to mitigate risk (references, PayPal, credit card) as suggested by other forum posters and I’m happy this was a successful and safe transaction.

I actually discussed this whole issue with vinceb prior to the purchase and have been completely open about what happened and why I was buying this watch (as the previous watch I purchased never arrived). He even helped shed light on the claims process as well from his experiences with missing packages, telling me that in one case they interviewed every employee that handled the package. Thankfully, everything has concluded well and we are both happy with the transaction.

Again, thank you for raising everything civilly and of course I’m always happy to clarify.