Buying safely from a dealer on Chrono 24.
Discussion
Hi All
I have spotted a Rolex watch I like on Chrono 24. It's for sale by an Italian shop whose website seems to check out, but it's about £1500 cheaper than the equivalent watch from other dealers.
So is there likely to be a catch? Is there a way of safeguarding myself for the eventuality that there is?
Many thanks
Sounds like a good deal, I'm not surprised you're being cautious.
I've bought a couple of watches from Chrono24- both Rolex and from dealers in Belgium and Spain. There's only so much you can do security wise but I did all the usual stuff:
Google them
Google earth of their stated address
Are any of the staff on LinkedIn/similar (both of the guys I bought from were)
Speak to them on the phone
Ask for other photos to those on the ad/website.
Both of the watches were cheap and I flipped them for small profits.
Good luck.
I've bought a couple of watches from Chrono24- both Rolex and from dealers in Belgium and Spain. There's only so much you can do security wise but I did all the usual stuff:
Google them
Google earth of their stated address
Are any of the staff on LinkedIn/similar (both of the guys I bought from were)
Speak to them on the phone
Ask for other photos to those on the ad/website.
Both of the watches were cheap and I flipped them for small profits.
Good luck.
Vvroom said:
Sounds like a good deal, I'm not surprised you're being cautious.
I've bought a couple of watches from Chrono24- both Rolex and from dealers in Belgium and Spain. There's only so much you can do security wise but I did all the usual stuff:
Google them
Google earth of their stated address
Are any of the staff on LinkedIn/similar (both of the guys I bought from were)
Speak to them on the phone
Ask for other photos to those on the ad/website.
Both of the watches were cheap and I flipped them for small profits.
Good luck.
They seem to have a lot of Google results. Google maps has not yet lead me to their shop.I've bought a couple of watches from Chrono24- both Rolex and from dealers in Belgium and Spain. There's only so much you can do security wise but I did all the usual stuff:
Google them
Google earth of their stated address
Are any of the staff on LinkedIn/similar (both of the guys I bought from were)
Speak to them on the phone
Ask for other photos to those on the ad/website.
Both of the watches were cheap and I flipped them for small profits.
Good luck.
I will give them a bell.
I would pay by card to get some protection, but I am guessing the currency conversion would take the shine off things a bit.
Vvroom said:
Sounds like a good deal, I'm not surprised you're being cautious.
I've bought a couple of watches from Chrono24- both Rolex and from dealers in Belgium and Spain. There's only so much you can do security wise but I did all the usual stuff:
Google them
Google earth of their stated address
Are any of the staff on LinkedIn/similar (both of the guys I bought from were)
Speak to them on the phone
Ask for other photos to those on the ad/website.
Both of the watches were cheap and I flipped them for small profits.
Good luck.
all good advise ...but chrono24 offer a service to take all the risk out.....they offer to act as middle menI've bought a couple of watches from Chrono24- both Rolex and from dealers in Belgium and Spain. There's only so much you can do security wise but I did all the usual stuff:
Google them
Google earth of their stated address
Are any of the staff on LinkedIn/similar (both of the guys I bought from were)
Speak to them on the phone
Ask for other photos to those on the ad/website.
Both of the watches were cheap and I flipped them for small profits.
Good luck.
Perec said:
michael gould said:
all good advise ...but chrono24 offer a service to take all the risk out.....they offer to act as middle men
Can't seem to find that.However, EasyJet flights and a taxi are cheap too. Don't rule out collecting it yourself
yeti said:
Perec said:
michael gould said:
all good advise ...but chrono24 offer a service to take all the risk out.....they offer to act as middle men
Can't seem to find that.However, EasyJet flights and a taxi are cheap too. Don't rule out collecting it yourself
Did you get a reply from the seller, if you enquired about it?
I've been looking for a watch for a month or so now. It's proving impossible to either get a reply, or find someone willing to take payment on credit card. THere's no way I'm sending them money by bank transfer, but that's how they all insist on being paid. I don't know if they're worried I'll try and reverse the paymen if I pay by credit card?
There's no protection at all on there, or at least now on the watchers or sellers I've looked at. Even the little badges can be purchased, so anyone can pretend to be 'pro' or 'premium' seller.
I've spent ages Googling the sellers names and tried to find reviews. Google translate is good for the foreign forums, but there's still not much in the way of reviews.
All the sellers have been in Europe. None of them will answer if tax is due when shipped to the UK. I assume because they're not actually Authorised Dealers, the watches aren't brand new, so VAT would have been paid when it was originally purchased when they took it in to stock?
It's a bit annoying, I just ask a few simple questions and maybe 3 out of about 10 have replied, but all they say is they want payment by bank transfer, so not really much use anyway. They'd probably have a meltdown if I asked for extra pictures.
I've been looking for a watch for a month or so now. It's proving impossible to either get a reply, or find someone willing to take payment on credit card. THere's no way I'm sending them money by bank transfer, but that's how they all insist on being paid. I don't know if they're worried I'll try and reverse the paymen if I pay by credit card?
There's no protection at all on there, or at least now on the watchers or sellers I've looked at. Even the little badges can be purchased, so anyone can pretend to be 'pro' or 'premium' seller.
I've spent ages Googling the sellers names and tried to find reviews. Google translate is good for the foreign forums, but there's still not much in the way of reviews.
All the sellers have been in Europe. None of them will answer if tax is due when shipped to the UK. I assume because they're not actually Authorised Dealers, the watches aren't brand new, so VAT would have been paid when it was originally purchased when they took it in to stock?
It's a bit annoying, I just ask a few simple questions and maybe 3 out of about 10 have replied, but all they say is they want payment by bank transfer, so not really much use anyway. They'd probably have a meltdown if I asked for extra pictures.
Slagathore said:
Did you get a reply from the seller, if you enquired about it?
I've been looking for a watch for a month or so now. It's proving impossible to either get a reply, or find someone willing to take payment on credit card. THere's no way I'm sending them money by bank transfer, but that's how they all insist on being paid. I don't know if they're worried I'll try and reverse the paymen if I pay by credit card?
There's no protection at all on there, or at least now on the watchers or sellers I've looked at. Even the little badges can be purchased, so anyone can pretend to be 'pro' or 'premium' seller.
I've spent ages Googling the sellers names and tried to find reviews. Google translate is good for the foreign forums, but there's still not much in the way of reviews.
All the sellers have been in Europe. None of them will answer if tax is due when shipped to the UK. I assume because they're not actually Authorised Dealers, the watches aren't brand new, so VAT would have been paid when it was originally purchased when they took it in to stock?
It's a bit annoying, I just ask a few simple questions and maybe 3 out of about 10 have replied, but all they say is they want payment by bank transfer, so not really much use anyway. They'd probably have a meltdown if I asked for extra pictures.
No I didn't get that far. Just when I decided I'd buy the watch it disappeared. Not being an expert or regular buyer of watches I don't think I'd entertain just wiring five grand to a foreign watch shop in the hope of not being turned over. Not unless they were very well known and with an extensive and verifiable track record.I've been looking for a watch for a month or so now. It's proving impossible to either get a reply, or find someone willing to take payment on credit card. THere's no way I'm sending them money by bank transfer, but that's how they all insist on being paid. I don't know if they're worried I'll try and reverse the paymen if I pay by credit card?
There's no protection at all on there, or at least now on the watchers or sellers I've looked at. Even the little badges can be purchased, so anyone can pretend to be 'pro' or 'premium' seller.
I've spent ages Googling the sellers names and tried to find reviews. Google translate is good for the foreign forums, but there's still not much in the way of reviews.
All the sellers have been in Europe. None of them will answer if tax is due when shipped to the UK. I assume because they're not actually Authorised Dealers, the watches aren't brand new, so VAT would have been paid when it was originally purchased when they took it in to stock?
It's a bit annoying, I just ask a few simple questions and maybe 3 out of about 10 have replied, but all they say is they want payment by bank transfer, so not really much use anyway. They'd probably have a meltdown if I asked for extra pictures.
Not sure why they would refuse credit card if you paid the charges.
Your experience doesn't seem positive though does it.
Slagathore said:
All the sellers have been in Europe. None of them will answer if tax is due when shipped to the UK. I assume because they're not actually Authorised Dealers, the watches aren't brand new, so VAT would have been paid when it was originally purchased when they took it in to stock?
WTF are you asking European sellers about tax for?If they're part of the EU, generally signified by pricing in Euros rather than any other currency, then you've got sod all to worry about VAT or import duty when it arrives.
If they are outside the EU, then the only thing to ask is if they can provide a net price without local sales tax.
Have you asked if they accept Paypal, and whilst I'm not aware of any areas/countries where PP Protection is not offered or voided if purchased from, just check to make sure.
It may also help if you use Google Translate to translate your message into their language, even if it's not precise, as it shows a modicum of respect that not everyone speaks English – this is nothing more than common sense and good manners.
Perec said:
No I didn't get that far. Just when I decided I'd buy the watch it disappeared. Not being an expert or regular buyer of watches I don't think I'd entertain just wiring five grand to a foreign watch shop in the hope of not being turned over. Not unless they were very well known and with an extensive and verifiable track record.
Not sure why they would refuse credit card if you paid the charges.
Your experience doesn't seem positive though does it.
Seems to be looking up a bit now. kept looking again last night after posting that and this morning as well.Not sure why they would refuse credit card if you paid the charges.
Your experience doesn't seem positive though does it.
Managed to find a dealer in Italy who accepts credit card and replied to my message and all further messages within about 5 minutes. Paying by credit card gives a bit of peace of mind.
To be honest, from doing research a while back, people said to avoid using Italian sellers, but this guy has been on there for a while and has some feedback. Even a thread popped up on TZ-UK, so that helps a bit.
Will hopefully order it tomorrow.
PJ S said:
WTF are you asking European sellers about tax for?
If they're part of the EU, generally signified by pricing in Euros rather than any other currency, then you've got sod all to worry about VAT or import duty when it arrives.
If they are outside the EU, then the only thing to ask is if they can provide a net price without local sales tax.
Have you asked if they accept Paypal, and whilst I'm not aware of any areas/countries where PP Protection is not offered or voided if purchased from, just check to make sure.
It may also help if you use Google Translate to translate your message into their language, even if it's not precise, as it shows a modicum of respect that not everyone speaks English – this is nothing more than common sense and good manners.
I'd read somewhere that if VAT wasn't paid on the initial purchase of the watch, then it would be payable when it was sold on, or something along that line. Could be just making it up, though. I researched it a while back and then gave up on looking it up when I couldn't find a suitable seller.If they're part of the EU, generally signified by pricing in Euros rather than any other currency, then you've got sod all to worry about VAT or import duty when it arrives.
If they are outside the EU, then the only thing to ask is if they can provide a net price without local sales tax.
Have you asked if they accept Paypal, and whilst I'm not aware of any areas/countries where PP Protection is not offered or voided if purchased from, just check to make sure.
It may also help if you use Google Translate to translate your message into their language, even if it's not precise, as it shows a modicum of respect that not everyone speaks English – this is nothing more than common sense and good manners.
There was also one ad on there from a French seller that specifically stated no VAT or Duties were payable, and seeing that made me wonder if it might have been payable on their watches because they didn't mention specifically that there was non to pay. Also, if they've dealt with selling within the EU already, they'd be able to point what you said out, but the few that did reply didn't even mention in.
I asked most what payment methods they accepted and they all said bank wire. One guy emailed back to say Paypal, but that was before I found the other guy who I'll hopefully order from tomorrow, as he's a couple hundred Euros cheaper and accepts credit card.
One the Chrono24 website, it shows you an icon of what languages they speak. Every seller I'd emailed had English down as one of their languages. I don't think it has anything to do with manners or respect, for them to operate a business, especially one like watch selling, it's more of a benefit for the seller to speak English than it is the buyer their language.
Even paying on credit card is still making me anxious. I'd never buy from Europe normally, I've only really bought 2 Sinns from Chronomaster, and there were plenty of references on here
As you've already pointed out, English is not their native language, hence "lost in translation" is one answer.
Alternatively, because it's presumed the likely buyers are French or citizens of EU member States, then like yourself, if not clued about the whatnots and whyfors of duty and VAT when buying from outside their own country, he's done his best to allay any fears about having to pay any more than the price agreed and postage cost.
The likelihood of zero fees with BT payment is something they prefer rather than paying 2-3% for CC purchases, out of the profit margin they have left.
So it's not an innate distrust of foreign buyers maybe trying to pull a sly one, but more about keeping as much of their reduced profit as possible.
Alternatively, because it's presumed the likely buyers are French or citizens of EU member States, then like yourself, if not clued about the whatnots and whyfors of duty and VAT when buying from outside their own country, he's done his best to allay any fears about having to pay any more than the price agreed and postage cost.
The likelihood of zero fees with BT payment is something they prefer rather than paying 2-3% for CC purchases, out of the profit margin they have left.
So it's not an innate distrust of foreign buyers maybe trying to pull a sly one, but more about keeping as much of their reduced profit as possible.
PJ S said:
As you've already pointed out, English is not their native language, hence "lost in translation" is one answer.
Alternatively, because it's presumed the likely buyers are French or citizens of EU member States, then like yourself, if not clued about the whatnots and whyfors of duty and VAT when buying from outside their own country, he's done his best to allay any fears about having to pay any more than the price agreed and postage cost.
The likelihood of zero fees with BT payment is something they prefer rather than paying 2-3% for CC purchases, out of the profit margin they have left.
So it's not an innate distrust of foreign buyers maybe trying to pull a sly one, but more about keeping as much of their reduced profit as possible.
Like I said above, if the buyer pays the CC charges there should be no reason for the seller not to take a credit card - if the deal is straight that is.Alternatively, because it's presumed the likely buyers are French or citizens of EU member States, then like yourself, if not clued about the whatnots and whyfors of duty and VAT when buying from outside their own country, he's done his best to allay any fears about having to pay any more than the price agreed and postage cost.
The likelihood of zero fees with BT payment is something they prefer rather than paying 2-3% for CC purchases, out of the profit margin they have left.
So it's not an innate distrust of foreign buyers maybe trying to pull a sly one, but more about keeping as much of their reduced profit as possible.
Perec said:
Like I said above, if the buyer pays the CC charges there should be no reason for the seller not to take a credit card - if the deal is straight that is.
I suppose there always the chance you can reverse the payment with a CC or claim it was fraudulent. BT is safest for them, but yes, a big risk for you. I've done it 3 times from respectable dealers on c24, it's a scary couple of days but there should be a LOT of emails back and forth and a verifiable trail with the bank.
Slagathore said:
Perec said:
No I didn't get that far. Just when I decided I'd buy the watch it disappeared. Not being an expert or regular buyer of watches I don't think I'd entertain just wiring five grand to a foreign watch shop in the hope of not being turned over. Not unless they were very well known and with an extensive and verifiable track record.
Not sure why they would refuse credit card if you paid the charges.
Your experience doesn't seem positive though does it.
Seems to be looking up a bit now. kept looking again last night after posting that and this morning as well.Not sure why they would refuse credit card if you paid the charges.
Your experience doesn't seem positive though does it.
Managed to find a dealer in Italy who accepts credit card and replied to my message and all further messages within about 5 minutes. Paying by credit card gives a bit of peace of mind.
To be honest, from doing research a while back, people said to avoid using Italian sellers, but this guy has been on there for a while and has some feedback. Even a thread popped up on TZ-UK, so that helps a bit.
Will hopefully order it tomorrow.
previous reading round the internet italian postal service would appear to be very very bad/corrupt. Looking at some dealers they refuse to ship to italy amongst other more obvious dubious locations..
EDIT - quick search
It would appear there is a postal service problem
http://italychronicles.com/how-to-post-things-to-i...
EDIT - quick search
It would appear there is a postal service problem
http://italychronicles.com/how-to-post-things-to-i...
Edited by sparkyhx on Tuesday 17th September 15:35
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