Tips on Purchasing from a Private Seller in Person?
Hi All,
I am considering purchasing a seamaster from a private seller on facebook and was wondering if anyone could share some tips and best practices?
The watch looks authentic so far from photos and will come with box/papers along with an extra clasp and strap. The seller seems like a friendly older gentleman based off his profile and my brief interaction with him. So far there are no red flags.
I'm doing as much research as I can to prepare myself if/when we meet up but any additional advice or tips would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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Will
6.5 inch slim wrist gang. more wrist shots on IG @tentenhands
United States
Member since
Last active: 3 days ago
The best advice I got was to remember that, in a sense, you are “buying“ the person and not the watch. Meaning that your transaction is based on the trustworthiness of the person. So if you don’t know the person and if you don’t have some neutral party evaluations (e.g. ebay or Chrono24) it is best to proceed with caution.
Don't meet up in a dark alley.
If possible meet at or with a reliable watchmaker and have him look over the watch. Might cost you a couple extra bucks, but well worth it.
I've had my mechanic look at cars I was thinking of buying.
Don't meet up in a dark alley.
If possible meet at or with a reliable watchmaker and have him look over the watch. Might cost you a couple extra bucks, but well worth it.
I've had my mechanic look at cars I was thinking of buying.
Haha gotcha thanks. I'm in the process of scheduling a time to meet a watch shop but waiting to see if that'll work out.
The seller may seem like a kindly old gentleman online, but how do you know it isn't really an 18 year-old Brazilian bikini model in real life?
Haha gotcha thanks. I'm in the process of scheduling a time to meet a watch shop but waiting to see if that'll work out.
If the seller shies away from having the watch looked at by a third parrty that's a big red flag.
You are taking the right steps already in researching the person. To be safe, I would set up the exchange at a local police station that offers an safe and monitored sales exchange location. I have done this and it works wonders. Cuts down on some risk.
Other options, as others have said, if you are unsure about authenticity you could offer to meet at an AD, who can also do their best to verify authenticity depending on the watch.
Act disappointed from the moment you see the watch and criticize everything about it and act like it is going to cost you a fortune for everything that needs to be serviced and to polish out the tiniest imperfections. Then make him a low offer. If he balks remind him that he doesn't have a long time left on this earth to enjoy the watch and the cash would be better spent on doctors who could extend his existence a few more days.
Act disappointed from the moment you see the watch and criticize everything about it and act like it is going to cost you a fortune for everything that needs to be serviced and to polish out the tiniest imperfections. Then make him a low offer. If he balks remind him that he doesn't have a long time left on this earth to enjoy the watch and the cash would be better spent on doctors who could extend his existence a few more days.
I see where your going here. Yes one could even get friends to PM even lower lowball offers first so that yours looks like the one chance to get his best deal before his healthcare expenses.
quick update if anyone is interested, was able to meet with the seller at a local watch shop and have them look over it before hand. Thank you everyone!