Online Marketplace Blues
Before the pandemic, I barely used online marketplaces, auction sites, or other means of resale/secondhand/grey market sites to make purchases online.
Despite living in one of the largest metropolitan areas on the east coast, local selection has been sparse and underwhelming. So I started branching out and attempting to track down and purchase a few pieces that I've been interested in and it's been a soul-crushing experience.
From backing out last minute (after we'd agreed to a price), not accepting the payment form they have listed in their original post, and retailers claiming they have an item in stock only to be told after I purchased the watch that they don't have it and it could take several months before they can get another. It has just been one bad beat after another.
It is very frustrating and sadly, starting to ruin my love for collecting. Please restore my faith in this community and share one of your most recent success stories. Finding that one piece you've been searching for, an unexpected call from your local AD, or someone who went above and beyond that surprised you. I'd love to live vicariously through you while I continue to navigate this crazy mess.
Cheers-
CP
Tell me about your moonphase....
Note, by online resales also includes eBay and a number of great reputable resellers (IE Toppers).
eBay is the only match a buyer with a seller “marketplace” I use because of redundant protection (eBay’s Buyer Protection, PayPal protection, and linked credit card protection). I gave up on Chrono when they implemented buyer fees and it got infiltrated with stock images, which simply means flippers go out to moda when they get an order and flip it to buyers for the spread, arbitrage if you will. Reddit, forums, etc, are buyer beware.
I have stuck to a combination of eBay and a network of reputable dealers and cannot say I have missed much.