Face to Face - advice needed

[Kobin]

I have been buying and selling on Ebay for more than ten years now, only had a problem once so far - knock on wood. But I have been very very cautious all the time.

Here's my question. I have always sent my items, never accepted collection, never met the buyers in person. But for my next watch auction I might have to agree to a face to face transaction.

What advice have you got for face to face deals? Where would you go to meet? Obviously a place with CCTV? A Hotel lobby? A bank? What else is important?

[Old Expat Beast]

Get paid first, meet in a bank, offer a refund if he doesn't like it?

[crowncollection]

Good advice above, payment first. PayPal does not cover pick ups, not that they cover sellers anyway really, just in case you are considering PayPal payment.


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[MonBK]

Don't understand the fear?

Meet in a secure place, count the money and give him the watch.

[Viffer]

I bought my 14060 face to face, met outside the AD where the owner originally purchased the watch, nipped in to get it authenticated and then a 2 minute walk to his bank to deposit my cash. Shook hands and away I went, a very easy transaction from both sides.

[TimeToGo]

As with "knowing your seller" approach, do the same due diligence with your buyer. Does the buyer have extensive feedback or a newbie.

Do not alert the buyer what you will be wearing as if they are trying to rip you, they will take you near the location. Just use common sense..

As MonBK mentioned above, meet at a secure location, cash, and sale.

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Face to face always in a public place where there will be lots of people.
Dont do it at night where you could get robbed on your way back to your car, and dont park way out in a back alley either

[Kingair]

My Explorer I bought in a Starbucks ;)

Lots of people

Ordered 2 coffees

Checked the watch
Handed the money over to seller
Money counted
Finished coffees together
And we had a nice chat together

Did the same when I sold my daughter's iPhone 5S

For my Panerai we went to a Wempe store, they checked the watch and they told me it was sold by them and printed me a copy of the invoice

Lots of solutions

Just use the one which makes you the most comfortable

Good luck

HAGOne

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[Kobin]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

PayPal does not cover pick ups, not that they cover sellers anyway really, just in case you are considering PayPal payment.

Didn't know that, thanks

[Kobin]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Don't understand the fear?

Meet in a secure place, count the money and give him the watch.

I'm a Londoner. I don't trust anybody.

[locutus49]

I did a car deal once, and met in a bank. Great security, they have tables and chairs (usually), and if you are accepting or paying other than PP, it can be done there.

[Zoran]

I just finished a purchase Friday by meeting the seller face to face.
After we terminated our transaction I had to ask him what the craziest thing that has happened to him as a grey dealer...

Here are his answers:

1) Be careful for the snatch and run -- so make sure the buyer sits opposite of you, away from the door. He will have to pass next to you if he tries this, where if it is the other way around, you will have no time to get away from under the table.

2) One guy asked to see the watch, took it in his hands and moved his hands under the table. Turns out he was trying to swap the watch for a copy! It was the SubC in this case.

3) If it doesn't feel good (read; the buyer acts suspicious) don't hesitate but walk away

This seemed like solid advice to me and something worth remembering if I ever decide to sell one of mine in person

Good luck on the sale!

[jvmartin]

Meet at a bank during normal peak hours. Ask them to meet at their bank so that they can withdraw funds before your eyes. Besides the old snatch and run and getting robbed, there is a ton of fake bills out there.

Also, feel the person out by calling them and speaking to them first. If they request to meet at a place where it can be authenticated make sure the place has security and don't tell them what you drive or how you are dressed. You don't want to get spotted in the parking lot. A lot of little precautions can make a big difference.

[applebook]

I've done many F2F transactions and have never encountered a problem.

This is far safer than sending money electronically to a complete stranger that you've never met.

[Kobin]

Originally Posted by Zoran

I just finished a purchase Friday by meeting the seller face to face.
After we terminated our transaction I had to ask him what the craziest thing that has happened to him as a grey dealer...

Here are his answers:

1) Be careful for the snatch and run -- so make sure the buyer sits opposite of you, away from the door. He will have to pass next to you if he tries this, where if it is the other way around, you will have no time to get away from under the table.

2) One guy asked to see the watch, took it in his hands and moved his hands under the table. Turns out he was trying to swap the watch for a copy! It was the SubC in this case.

3) If it doesn't feel good (read; the buyer acts suspicious) don't hesitate but walk away

This seemed like solid advice to me and something worth remembering if I ever decide to sell one of mine in person

Good luck on the sale!

Very helpful, thanks!