A fear I have with selling

[grizzlymambo]

I haven't gotten to the point yet, but my fear if I sell my Rolex to someone online is that when they receive my watch, they will switch it with a fake and claim that I sent a fake instead.

Any thoughts on how to prevent this? My idea is to go to the local police station and ask an officer to help me identify the serial number of the watch before putting it into the envelope, while I film it.

Thoughts?

[Vince M.]

Originally Posted by grizzlymambo

My idea is to go to the local police station and ask an officer to help me identify the serial number of the watch before putting it into the envelope, while I film it.

Thoughts?

[bluestreak]

Buy the buyer

[1995akcoop]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Buy the buyer

hahahahahahahahha!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[train-time]

Originally Posted by 1995akcoop

hahahahahahahahha!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm afraid he is totally serious with the "buy the buyer" comment and exactly right!

No different than someone looking to buy and leery of a seller with little or no reputation. People advise, "buy the seller, not the watch."

Unfortunately, "buy the buyer" isn't that easy. It's basically vetting your buyer with references and experience or reputation.

I used to sell on TRF a decade or so ago when the Forum was a much smaller group and most members knew each other. I did have one sale for a new 116710LN that a guy bought and paid via PayPal. He was a new member, and he used an echeck. The PayPal address wasn't verified, the echeck was in someone else's name with a different address, and he asked that the watch be shipped to an altogether different name and address.

I had a lot of experience at the time with PayPal on eBay so I knew the rules. The check was pending clearance which took about 5 or so days. I just clicked the cancel button and was done with it. On the spot vetting. You really need to "know the buyer" or you may end up out the money and out the watch. It may even be riskier than buying.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by grizzlymambo

I haven't gotten to the point yet, but my fear if I sell my Rolex to someone online is that when they receive my watch, they will switch it with a fake and claim that I sent a fake instead.

Any thoughts on how to prevent this? My idea is to go to the local police station and ask an officer to help me identify the serial number of the watch before putting it into the envelope, while I film it.

Thoughts?

This is why I have never sold online. But I am interested in any responses here, because I have sometimes thought about selling pieces in my collection that I never wear anymore.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ndrs63]

I would post on WUS and sell to anyone willing to pay with Zelle or bank transfer or with PP to trusted buyers. Those with a history of buying selling and/or a very long presence with lots of posts on WUS, TRF, or the likes. Also arrange for a video conference prior to sending the watch to answer questions, discuss details. Haven’t sold lots of watches but so far I have not had any such issues


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Undefeatable]

Screen anyone who is interested in buying.

If you sell using a forum, check the potential buyers post history and just general history on that platform. If they just made the account and have very low post history (or none), be cautious.

If they have a rich history in the forum, post semi often, are active and have feedback, you can tend to trust them a little more.

I have been scammed/almost been scammed in selling items from my other hobbies, and typically the scammer/potential scammer accounts were new with very little post history.

Learn from my mistakes and screen anyone interested in buying.


The cop thing is not really a tactic that would work. Typically if someone is out to scam, they are going to use the payment method used to scam. Example: If they use PayPal, PayPal generally will side with the buyer, and PayPal also allows for chargebacks. I would only allow a PayPal payment to trusted people. If they aren't trusted (i.e. not a lot of history), have them pay using a method they can't do a chargeback on, like a direct Bank Wire.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Undefeatable

Screen anyone who is interested in buying.

If you sell using a forum, check the potential buyers post history and just general history on that platform. If they just made the account and have very low post history (or none), be cautious.

If they have a rich history in the forum, post semi often, are active and have feedback, you can tend to trust them a little more.

I have been scammed/almost been scammed in selling items from my other hobbies, and typically the scammer/potential scammer accounts were new with very little post history.

Learn from my mistakes and screen anyone interested in buying.


The cop thing is not really a tactic that would work. Typically if someone is out to scam, they are going to use the payment method used to scam. Example: If they use PayPal, PayPal generally will side with the buyer, and PayPal also allows for chargebacks. I would only allow a PayPal payment to trusted people. If they aren't trusted (i.e. not a lot of history), have them pay using a method they can't do a chargeback on, like a direct Bank Wire.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[bluestreak]

If you’re that worried, sell to a dealer or trusted grey.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ArtNouveau]

Sell to one of the reseller regulars here on TRF. You won’t get absolute top dollar but you will get a stressfree deal. The last Rolex I sold a few years ago was to Takuya who is one of the Trusted Sellers here.

[Bxtek]

Consignment with a trusted dealer might be the way to go?

[jimcarver]

There is a reason people to sell to dealers, sure you get less money but no hassle or risk.

I don't know if it's the norm but when I sold to a small dealer, he paid about 15% less than market/what he sold it for.

[joli160]

Don’t deal with private persons ever, it can only go wrong.

Accept a lower price and sell to one of the boutique sellers, see the for sale section.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by joli160

Don’t deal with private persons ever, it can only go wrong.

Accept a lower price and sell to one of the boutique sellers, see the for sale section.

This is the only way. I never sell privately. It's just a no-go in today's world unless you know the other party. My fear was always the buyer will open the watch, switch out whatever part they need and then try to return my watch. I have always said "no returns" which is why I never sold much privately. I have no idea what someone will do to or with my watch when they have it.

[mfm22]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

This is the only way. I never sell privately. It's just a no-go in today's world unless you know the other party. My fear was always the buyer will open the watch, switch out whatever part they need and then try to return my watch. I have always said "no returns" which is why I never sold much privately. I have no idea what someone will do to or with my watch when they have it.

Live & learn !
I can't believe that I had never considered someone switching out the internals.

I've sold many watches , most moderately priced 1-3k so that range wouldn't be as susceptible to this type of fraud .

crazy times - worrying about catalytic converters being stolen & now watch mov'ts being switched - criminals & their crimes

[harvey]

…while at the police station, ask the officer to give it a light polish as well.

[Smookes]

Originally Posted by harvey

…while at the police station, ask the officer to give it a light polish as well.

I wish I could see the look on the officers face when this clown walks in and request that type of service

[grizzlymambo]

I don't know why you guys think the Police Station idea is so preposterous. I got the idea from the police themselves. They, at least in Canada, encourage people to sell/trade at the police station. I would gladly just film my own hands doing this process, but I think it's difficult to film the serial number and putting the watch into the box and envelope in a single take easily. It would be easier to ask a police officer to read out the serial number and put the watch into the envelope while I film the process. Maybe the police in your city are not that helpful, but don't assume that is the case elsewhere in the world.

[Kenny G]

Originally Posted by grizzlymambo

I don't know why you guys think the Police Station idea is so preposterous. I got the idea from the police themselves. They, at least in Canada, encourage people to sell/trade at the police station. I would gladly just film my own hands doing this process, but I think it's difficult to film the serial number and putting the watch into the box and envelope in a single take easily. It would be easier to ask a police officer to read out the serial number and put the watch into the envelope while I film the process. Maybe the police in your city are not that helpful, but don't assume that is the case elsewhere in the world.

The thing is, even if you do all that, why couldn’t the buyer just allege that you made the switch at some point after that? Unless the police officer is going to chaperone you or mail the package themselves what’s preventing you from opening the box and switching things out prior to shipping it?

It’s just an unfortunate fact that in this day and age, you’re gambling if you try to sell to an unknown person over the internet.

[Overwatch]

Originally Posted by harvey

…while at the police station, ask the officer to give it a light polish as well.

[TimepieceRPP]

I understand your worry. I will only sell directly to watchfinder and dealers, yes, price is nor great but save me hassle

[Harry-57]

I've sold a Breitling and a Tag Heuer. I got plenty of decent offers, the best coming from Watchfinder. It was easy. I probably would have got more selling privately but I considered the potential risks to be unacceptable. You have to draw your line as best suits you. It sounds like you would be more comfortable speaking to an established dealer.

[INC]

Originally Posted by grizzlymambo

sell my Rolex to someone online

Which platform do you want to use to sell?

[omar-rye]

Some online companies will do the authentication before they send it out to the buyer (or back the the seller if they deem it unauthentic)

[alphadweller]

A dealer will take your Rolex watch at 70% of market value. That 30% gross margin is the price to pay for a seamless and secure transaction.

If you sell on your own, you could get 85% of market value, but is that 15% extra worth the risk of losing it all? Only way to protect yourself is either knowing the buyer personally, or having a high degree of trust based on his/her activity on forums which is by no means a guarantee everything will be fine.

[brandrea]

I’ve sold a few watches to people directly.

Have them wire you the money first and make sure it clears your account. Document the watch with photos serial number, receipts etc.

The ball is in the sellers court always

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’ve sold a few watches to people directly.

Have them wire you the money first and make sure it clears your account. Document the watch with photos serial number, receipts etc.

The ball is in the sellers court always

This.

And understand you will not get top dollar. Your selling price will be below what dealers can sell for. Why? Buyers are just as skeptical of you as you are of them.

You may realize 10-15-% more than you could trade to a dealer. Shipping is a cost and a concern, as well.

Only except wire payments. Never ever accept PayPal or another peer to peer form of payment. You are at risk if you do that. Good luck.


Just another WIS who loves to trade.
IG @bladeandwatch1

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

This.

And understand you will not get top dollar. Your selling price will be below what dealers can sell for. Why? Buyers are just as skeptical of you as you are of them.

You may realize 10-15-% more than you could trade to a dealer. Shipping is a cost and a concern, as well…

Excellent point Grant, and one I forgot to mention. read:^^^

[grizzlymambo]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Maybe a bit of history, I am a TimeZone alumni dating back to 1997 with a solid reputation in sales and purchases. Everyone knew who I was. Then TZ went the doggy doo doo and a lot of us got displaced everywhere into separate forums. I lost interest in posting for over 10 years, and now I only sporadically post here and there in all the different forums.

I have lost the confidence in selling privately because I lost my community and don't have a long established posting history in any particular forum, because I don't think there is a "general watch forum" any more on the internet, there are now specialist brand forums like this one, but really I am more interested in talking about watches with everyone, rather than just talking about Rolexes with Rolex people.

Anyway, when it came to selling IF I HAVE TO, I was thinking Chrono24, and the procedure of Chrono24 is what caused me concern, because they don't actually examine and verify the watch like I hoped - they just ask you to send pictures. Which means some buyer could just make up stuff by sending faked pictures, and Chrono24 may side them.

But as some have said, just trade with those who have an established posting history: the exact strategy I used back at TimeZone.com. Since Rolexforums.com does have an established community, then that really solves the problem, I just never thought of that solution because I don't think of myself as part of this forum since I don't really post much at all (like I said, I prefer to post generally about watches in general, not about any brand in particular).

Thanks everyone. I will try to post more to establish more of a presence here. I don't have a lot of Rolex stuff in particular to talk about, but I suppose I could start with a bit of history.

Here are the Rolexes I've owned in the past:
Rolex Seadweller (the 40mm version with the hollow middle link), Rolex Explorer 2 black (hollow middle link), Rolex Explorer 2 white (hollow middle link), 2010 Rolex Submariner, 2011-2012 (I can't remember) Rolex Daytona, 2022 Rolex Explorer I.

I've traded all my Rolexes except the Rolex Submariner and the Explorer I. I am following the "32xx issues" thread and hoping I don't have that issue with my Explorer I. I had thought that a no-date current model Rolex Sub would be the "perfect" Rolex, but now I'm not so sure with all the 32xx issues, and I am currently testing my Explorer I (putting it on a watchwinder for a period of time before testing, as I don't really wear it much) to see if it has the issue. Since the 32xx has these issues, I'm glad I still have the 3135 movement Sub.