How to buy from Chrono24? Advice on foreign purchase needed!

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Ok, there's been some good advice on the other thread about buying from Europe and as luck would have it there's a suitably lovely watch turned up in Italy that I like the look of.

They are a trusted seller but I've heard that that may not be any guarantee.

I'm obviously aware that all internet sites are awash with scams so how do I know that what I am getting is genuine?

I bit the bullet and made an offer via email this morning and the seller has emailed back a counter offer.

[davek_964]

Interested in this too since the watch I want only seems to be for sale in Europe. I know - due diligence - but how do people generally pay? Credit card?

[LaurasOtherHalf]

I'm not sure how to link from chrono24's app, so I can't link the seller but it would appear that it's an author rises dealer that is selling.

However, my bullst detector went off when the reply I got from the "seller" came from a general gmail account-not a [e-mail] type account.

[annsxman]

LaurasOtherHalf said:

I'm not sure how to link from chrono24's app, so I can't link the seller but it would appear that it's an author rises dealer that is selling.

However, my bullst detector went off when the reply I got from the "seller" came from a general gmail account-not a [e-mail] type account.

I believe you're right to take the trusted seller badge with a pinch of salt.

If you google the seller's trading name does it come up with anything? Like you I would expect an AD to have their own website with a related email link.

[JEA1K]

Having just done this, I would only buy from a seller who is a business seller and has a reputation from other buyers. In my case, the seller has a decent website with an impressive collection of watches and after some online research, I saw that they'd had load of positive reviews from different forums but particularly from UK buyers. Its all about reducing the risk ... suggest a telephone call (which I did) as well as multiple emails, all answered very quickly which gave me the added confidence.

Chrono24 is just a platform to advertise a watch and the seller ... I didn't really use the chrono24 after I saw the watch and went to the sellers website to start communicating. Seems like there are loads of sellers on there without websites or shops ... possibly cheaper watches but is it really worth the risk when some of the other sellers already offer great deals.

Also, and not everyone will agree, paying by credit card (not debit card) gives you the added protection ... the substantial saving was enough that paying 2% for added protection really didn't concern me.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Ok here is the chrono24 site;
http://www.chrono24.com/en/dealer/angolodelleore/l...

It is linked from their normal website;
http://www.angolodelleore.com/index.php?lang=en

Note that the watches on the chrono24 site do not appear on their normal website

[LC23]

It says they are a Rolex AD? Do they appear on the Rolex site (I assume their site lists global ADs).

[LaurasOtherHalf]

LC23 said:

It says they are a Rolex AD? Do they appear on the Rolex site (I assume their site lists global ADs).

http://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/dealer-locator/italy/novara/novara

Shows the same contact phone number as the chrono24 site.

[annsxman]

LaurasOtherHalf said:

http://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/dealer-locator/...

Shows the same contact phone number as the chrono24 site.

Seems to check out doesn't it.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

I've emailed in return asking what his payment terms are, let's see what he replies. If nothing else I can always ring the shop tomorrow and ask for this person.

The guy who emailed is called francesco stanglino if that makes any difference. There is a person of that name on Facebook but their profile gives no details on his place of work.

Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Sunday 1st March 17:04

[JEA1K]

I cant find any UK reviews but the shop details look genuine. A phone call plus email communication should help verify.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Ok,
Email received regarding payment;

Apparently the shop is closed tomorrow and they don't take credit cards. I can sort of understand the credit cards if it's only for overseas purchasers as they might not want scammers using stolen details.

PayPal or bank transfer only

So, if I ask for their paypal details, can I do a search on their account? Obviously I will phone the shop tomorrow as well.
Edited to add, the shop does exist;

Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Sunday 1st March 19:26

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Ok, so after last nights contact I'm awaiting the seller taking some up to date pictures when the shop re-opens tomorrow.

I did try ringing the phone number today but it won't connect.. Suspicious?

Edited to add, scrap that the number does connect and an answer machine explains in Italian and English that the shop is closed.

Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Monday 2nd March 16:24

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Ok, this mornings update (if anyone is still interested).

My seller has sent via email some photos

Included in the photos are the watch itself, box, papers etc and a copy of today's Italian newspaper.

Also his business card for the shop itself although this does have a different email address on it (though still a personal hotmail account, where the one he is contacting me from is a personal gmail account).

Also included was a photo holding the watch in front of the computer screen as he wrote the email. If it is a scam it's good one.

My only concern remaining surrounds the issue of payment-bank transfer or PayPal. However, with PayPal I'm assuming at least some protection?

Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Tuesday 3rd March 11:48

[yeti]

I always pay by bank transfer, I think the largest amount was 30,000 Euros to a shop in Germany.

These are proper watch dealers with bricks and mortar shops, I don't really see what you're worried about any more?

[GCH]

LaurasOtherHalf said:

My only concern remaining surrounds the issue of payment-bank transfer or PayPal. However, with PayPal I'm assuming at least some protection?

The problem I have with european dealers on chrono24 is finding ones that DO accept paypal. Most want bank transfer only.

Sounds legit to me and the seller has taken reasonable steps to put your mind at ease

[LaurasOtherHalf]

GCH said:

LaurasOtherHalf said:

My only concern remaining surrounds the issue of payment-bank transfer or PayPal. However, with PayPal I'm assuming at least some protection?

The problem I have with european dealers on chrono24 is finding ones that DO accept paypal. Most want bank transfer only.

Sounds legit to me and the seller has taken reasonable steps to put your mind at ease

Well PayPal would look to cost me around £100 on the deal, not the end of the world if it were to prove some piece of mind however as with most of these things I'm completely unaware as to haw much "actual" protection is offered.