Best place to sell a watch in the UK?
Discussion
I want to sell a watch (I haven't mentioned the brand/type to avoid accusations of 'back door' advertising) privately rather than to a dealer for obvious reasons. I'd have flogged it via TZUK in the past but I appear to have been deleted due to non-activity. I obviously don't fancy ebay and am loath to go Chrono 24 as it's non-UK specific. Are there any other wis/enthusiast sites that anyone knows of?
I looked into advertising on here but it seems like a bit of a dead end.
I looked into advertising on here but it seems like a bit of a dead end.
TZ is an option if you're still a registered member there. Maybe you've lost access to SC when Ed changed the policy to 250 posts and 6 months before you can list items. 50 and 2 months to see what's listed.
C24 is not as closed off as you seem to be making out – there's plenty of buyers/sellers from the UK and Europe.
The other options are:
Timezone and Watchuseek (mainly populated by US members), Watchnet, Chronocentric.
Otherwise eBay is your next biggest display window, which you can restrict buyers to local collection only,
C24 is not as closed off as you seem to be making out – there's plenty of buyers/sellers from the UK and Europe.
The other options are:
Timezone and Watchuseek (mainly populated by US members), Watchnet, Chronocentric.
Otherwise eBay is your next biggest display window, which you can restrict buyers to local collection only,
halfpenny43 said:
What makes you say that ?
I've sold two or three pieces on here - from GBP100 up to GBP1,000
Because the watch I want to sell is worth between 2000-2500 GBP- I'll mention it as you've questioned it- a Black Bay with stainless strap. Would it really be worth posting it here??I've sold two or three pieces on here - from GBP100 up to GBP1,000
Bincenzo said:
I have the same quandary, selling one of mine but literally no idea where to do it other than eBay! Is it a good idea to sell on there?
I'd say NO! Protection is all on the buyers side, it's full of shysters and it's costly. Suspect I'll be forced to flog it to a dealer.Mods - any chance of creating a sticky please?
We do seem to have lots of these threads
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=133...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=110...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
We do seem to have lots of these threads
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=133...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=110...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by andy tims on Friday 28th February 07:24
SVS said:
Motorrad said:
I'd say NO! Protection is all on the buyers side, it's full of shysters and it's costly. Suspect I'll be forced to flog it to a dealer.
That's become a huge problem for eBay. As a seller, you've no protection against shysters. It's really very simple to manage though. Advertise (with an very good advert) for an expensive price but invite 'best offers' (automaticaly set it to reject stupid low bids from morons or drunks). Once the dialogue starts, explain it's only available through a face to face deal in a very public place (bank, coffee shop) for cash on collection or money transferred at a bank with you both present. Zero risk for either party.
People are happy to do this for a two grand watch, peace of mind both ways. Yes you limit your pool of buyers hugely but you're restricting it to genuine buyers - it's better. I've sold 15-20k worth this way, it's fine. Obviously if they're in Glasgow and you're in London it might not work, but there will be someone from London who will want it. I would not accept PayPal or post the watch unless I know the person, full stop.
I'm asking you so you're not advertising... Bracelet or strap, good condition? How much are you looking for?
Motorrad said:
Bincenzo said:
I have the same quandary, selling one of mine but literally no idea where to do it other than eBay! Is it a good idea to sell on there?
I'd say NO! Protection is all on the buyers side, it's full of shysters and it's costly. Suspect I'll be forced to flog it to a dealer.
ks! eBay may have its faults, but there's plenty of protection for both parties if you use your noggin and don't solely rely upon the seller being an angel.Given I know what you're selling (you mentioned it, but it's been removed or in another thread), if you want what you've put the above value spread as, you'll only be ever likely to command that from naive users on eBay.
Anyone else knowledgable about the brand and model, will likely know of the prices they can be had from a certain EU country that's in the doldrums.
If you're wanting top dollar, you're going to have to play the game – which explains why you've dismissed C24 as a logical selling place, and I suspect you'd have no chance getting it on TZ.
Edited by PJ S on Friday 28th February 12:32
yeti said:
SVS said:
Motorrad said:
I'd say NO! Protection is all on the buyers side, it's full of shysters and it's costly. Suspect I'll be forced to flog it to a dealer.
That's become a huge problem for eBay. As a seller, you've no protection against shysters. It's really very simple to manage though. Advertise (with an very good advert) for an expensive price but invite 'best offers' (automaticaly set it to reject stupid low bids from morons or drunks). Once the dialogue starts, explain it's only available through a face to face deal in a very public place (bank, coffee shop) for cash on collection or money transferred at a bank with you both present. Zero risk for either party.
People are happy to do this for a two grand watch, peace of mind both ways. Yes you limit your pool of buyers hugely but you're restricting it to genuine buyers - it's better. I've sold 15-20k worth this way, it's fine. Obviously if they're in Glasgow and you're in London it might not work, but there will be someone from London who will want it. I would not accept PayPal or post the watch unless I know the person, full stop.
I'm asking you so you're not advertising... Bracelet or strap, good condition? How much are you looking for?
PJ S said:
If you're wanting top dollar, you're going to have to play the game – which explains why you've dismissed C24 as a logical selling place, and I suspect you'd have no chance getting it on TZ.
IIRC, one was advertised at 1650 on tz. Assume it sold at that or for slightly less...One also went for 1850, so the 1650 watch was underpriced I believe, a nice deal for someone on there at the right time!
yeti said:
IIRC, one was advertised at 1650 on tz. Assume it sold at that or for slightly less...
One also went for 1850, so the 1650 watch was underpriced I believe, a nice deal for someone on there at the right time!
Don't know, never looked – but unworn and available immediately from current stock, a strap one can be had for £1512 and bracelet for £1652, plus the £75-80 FedEx delivery.One also went for 1850, so the 1650 watch was underpriced I believe, a nice deal for someone on there at the right time!
Short of naive or lazy buyers, the OP's going to be up against that for one which has had usage and less warranty remaining.
As yeti said, use ebay as a shop window - put the right text and it is clear what you want, but still without breaking any of ebays rules (which will get the listing pulled).
I am just about to put two of my pieces on there as well as some other stuff. You get some morons, but a surprising number of genuine people who get it and use it exactly as it should be used - a shop window, but avoiding ebay/paypals pitiful seller protection (none) and high fees by doing a deal in person.
Ebay know people do this and hate it - which is why they now prevent email addresses being sent in ebay messages, so you have to find creative ways to send them
I am just about to put two of my pieces on there as well as some other stuff. You get some morons, but a surprising number of genuine people who get it and use it exactly as it should be used - a shop window, but avoiding ebay/paypals pitiful seller protection (none) and high fees by doing a deal in person.
Ebay know people do this and hate it - which is why they now prevent email addresses being sent in ebay messages, so you have to find creative ways to send them
Edited by GCH on Friday 28th February 17:00
Some interesting points re:ebay, I might revive my account, a face to face deal makes sense.
I don't think my watch (metal bracelet) will be overpriced. I bought it 8 weeks or so ago from one of the Italian suppliers for the equivalent of 2 grand sterling delivered and it's had a week of wrist time. So not new but pretty much indistinguishable. As I've now decided I want a Pelagos instead I'd be looking to recoup as much of that as possible. Unless of course someone fancies a p/x deal on their barely worn one.
I don't think my watch (metal bracelet) will be overpriced. I bought it 8 weeks or so ago from one of the Italian suppliers for the equivalent of 2 grand sterling delivered and it's had a week of wrist time. So not new but pretty much indistinguishable. As I've now decided I want a Pelagos instead I'd be looking to recoup as much of that as possible. Unless of course someone fancies a p/x deal on their barely worn one.
Paypal is definitely a no no for high value items- ridiculously easy for scammers as it's all in the buyers favor. I don't use paypal for anything over £200, and even then only with someone who has an impeccable feedback, and has been on eBay for a good few years.
So how would someone pay you for the watch after agreeing a price? Are people generally happy to travel to see/buy a watch if they can get a decent saving on a used but mint watch? I am not based in London/south east, and would insist on a face to face transaction, and a chance to speak with the buyer before we do the deal.
I also may have a watch to sell later on it in the year, it's a Rolex DJ II (RRP £9100), and I would prefer to not sell to a dealer if it can be helped.
Lastly, for anyone that might know- do dealers tend to give you a better price if you part exchange one Rolex for another, and pay the difference? Would make sense as they will make profit on the watch you buy, AND the watch they get from you. I would potentially be trading my DJ II for DD yellow gold.
So how would someone pay you for the watch after agreeing a price? Are people generally happy to travel to see/buy a watch if they can get a decent saving on a used but mint watch? I am not based in London/south east, and would insist on a face to face transaction, and a chance to speak with the buyer before we do the deal.
I also may have a watch to sell later on it in the year, it's a Rolex DJ II (RRP £9100), and I would prefer to not sell to a dealer if it can be helped.
Lastly, for anyone that might know- do dealers tend to give you a better price if you part exchange one Rolex for another, and pay the difference? Would make sense as they will make profit on the watch you buy, AND the watch they get from you. I would potentially be trading my DJ II for DD yellow gold.
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