Purchasing a pre-owned luxury watch can be a great way to get a quality item at a fraction of its original cost. However, the
thought of buying a luxury item on eBay can be very daunting. Spotting a fake/replica watch can be difficult even for the most
trained, professional eye. We have spent a lot of time in the eBay marketplace and below we give some general tips for
purchasing luxury items.
General Tips
Feedback – Know your seller!
In our experience on eBay, which includes more than 6000 overall transactions, buyers are very forgiving of honest mistakes. It
takes a lot for a customer to leave negative feedback. If a luxury-seller has less than 99.5% positive rating, be wary. Would you
want to spend $500+ and not have a good experience? Read the users negative feedbacks to learn why buyers left negative
feedback. Occasionally it is unwarranted, but often the seller does not deliver what they promise. Also be wary of "padded"
feedback. This is where users sell many of very cheap items to build up their feedback level before they sell higher-end items.
Every single feedback TradeInWatches received has been for a luxury item.
Pictures – Actual item pictures worth thousands of words!
If the seller is listing a pre-owned watch, why would they use a manufacturer’s stock photo? Would you buy a used car with the
picture from a catalog or would you want to see the actual item? The number of pictures is important as well. Often the telltale
sign of a fake is the clasp or caseback. If the seller only shows the watch face, you may be unable to tell it is a fake. Fuzzy pictures
can also be used to deceive, make sure you can clearly see the item. A picture is worth a thousand words, so more pictures are
more descriptive.
Misleading/Deceptive Descriptions – The seller does not fully disclose the condition of the item, ask questions
While the majority of sellers do fairly represent their items, some choose not to or are unaware of how the watch should actually
work. Be sure to make sure that the item keeps correct time, that all functions work properly: the date wheel correctly advances,
the bezel actually rotates and does it in only a counter-clockwise direction, the clasp works properly and that the band links are not
broken. One way to assure the watch functions properly is if the seller will warranty it for a period of time after the purchase. Be
wary of people who say "I am not a watch expert" in their descriptions, often these items are not authentic. Wouldn't you rather
purchase form a knowledgeable seller?
Box & Papers – DOES NOT necessarily mean it is authentic!
When a seller says the have “the original box and papers”, this DOES NOT guarantee authenticity. We often see box & papers
from the manufacturer that ARE NOT the correct ones for that particular model. We also see guarantees where the model and/or
serial number DOES NOT match that of the watch. It is very easy for sellers to source box & papers, even within the eBay
marketplace.
Seller’s Location – Be wary of certain regions/countries
While there are reputable sellers around the world, certain countries/regions are notorious for counterfeit merchandise. The
majority of these seller will not take PayPal, so even if they “guarantee” authenticity, sending a bank transfer or money order
overseas allows you no recourse should it not be authentic. Be sure to check the seller’s feedback thoroughly. Countries/Regions
to be wary of include: China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Eastern European countries (i.e. Ukraine, Russia, Poland, etc.)
Phone Number - Can you speak to an actual person for problems/questions?
It is often difficult to get a full idea of an item from the listing and email questions. Can you discuss the item with an actual
representative? Can you call them if there is a problem? Luxury sales is a service business and you deserve the best service
possible.
Payment Methods – They don’t accept PayPal or offer multiple payment methods!
While PayPal/Credit Cards do charge sellers a fee that they may be unwilling to accept, if you pay by money order/cashier’s
check, you have no recourse if the item is not as described. If a seller uses the terms “Genuine” or “Guaranteed authentic”, most
credit card companies will protect you if the item turns out to be a fake. PayPal also protects you against non-delivery and offers a
“satisfaction guarantee” for a fee. If you pay by money order, you have no recourse.
Refund Policy- Does the seller stand behind their product?
“As is”, “No refunds”, "No returns" and “All sales final” does not provide you with much protection if the item is not what you
expected. If a seller believes they have a quality product, they should be willing to take it as a return and resell it for the same
price in the marketplace. Sellers who use an aggressive return policy in regards to not accepting returns might have a reason why
they are unwilling to take the item back. Beware.