Buying from Trusted Forum Sellers

[Glacier]

I've been lurking around TRF and WUS for quite a while now, currently pondering on purchasing my first sub. I know that it is significantly cheaper to buy from a trusted seller here on the forums, but I have several questions I hope the more experienced members can help clarify for me:

1. Some sellers advertise the warranty card is named and stamped by an AD, does this actually matter given the name on it will not be my own?

2. I see a lot of FS posts selling BNIB for over 10% off retail, sourced from AD. How are they able to obtain these at such low prices when ADs aren't giving much of a discount to the popular SS models? Do they buy them in bulk?

3. Are the listed prices generally negotiable?

4. Has anyone ever had any negative experience with the trusted sellers on this forum? My biggest concern is getting a piece shipped to me that isn't in good condition (esp. in terms of accuracy), given that these types of sales are often final and difficult to refund.

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide!

[Tools]

You need to do your research before buying from anybody on-line.

The sellers on TRF are individuals who likely have different approaches to how they obtain and sell their items.

TRF does not have any "trusted sellers", none have undergone any investigation on TRF's behalf.

You should spend some of your time on the Buyers and Sellers Who's Who where members can post their own experiences to give you an idea of who you want to deal with.

To answer some of your questions.

1. A valid warranty is a valid warranty. Doesn't matter whose name is on the card. (but it is easy to just write on one and make it appear valid)

2. Nobody is going to tell you how they get their watches to sell.

3. Of course.. It's not like they are being tied up and forced to sell you something..

4. Again, check the Buyers/sellers board.

[Jim Smyth]

All your questions have been asked and answered many times here. If you do a search and or scroll down a few pages and read some of the threads all your questions will be answered. There's Pro's and Con's with going through trusted sellers. Personally I use/buy through them.

[thomaspp]

Deal with confidence with some of the all-start sellers here.

[engin33r]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Deal with confidence with some of the all-start sellers here.

you meant all star ?

[rollerball]

For the extra 10%, I would pay AD for a peace of mind. Or simply buy from an oversea AD when you are travelling and claim some tax refunds or buy from a tax free country.

Every one of my ROLEX tells a story and I would want my name to be on the card.

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by engin33r

you meant all star ?

Ha! Yes sir.

[BNA/LION]

There are some great trusted sellers here on TRF. Shop around, do your homework and pull the trigger when you find the right watch. Happy Hunting!

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Tools

You need to do your research before buying from anybody on-line.

The sellers on TRF are individuals who likely have different approaches to how they obtain and sell their items.

TRF does not have any "trusted sellers", none have undergone any investigation on TRF's behalf.

You should spend some of your time on the Buyers and Sellers Who's Who where members can post their own experiences to give you an idea of who you want to deal with.

To answer some of your questions.

1. A valid warranty is a valid warranty. Doesn't matter whose name is on the card. (but it is easy to just write on one and make it appear valid)

2. Nobody is going to tell you how they get their watches to sell.

3. Of course.. It's not like they are being tied up and forced to sell you something..

4. Again, check the Buyers/sellers board.

Thank you for this, Larry!

I cringe every time I read that term...

[Glacier]

Thanks for the replies. I don't expect them to disclose where they source their inventory, but I would like to make sure I won't get into trouble when bringing one in for service. I have a pretty decent understanding of the price ranges from these sellers, and will check out some ADs before making a decision.