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WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Horological Meandering

What has watch retailing come to?

Of late, I've been 'asked' by two internet dealers, with whom, I have YET to conduct *any* business, to leave a deposit for a watch that I inquired on. BUT they do NOT even have the piece in stock!!! I've noticed a lot of those 'dealers' are advertising for a watch that they have ACCESS to, but do not necessarily have within their physical inventory. While I do not appreciate this policy, I guess with the fierce pricing competition, it's difficult to blame them. But to send a deposit to a complete stranger, when they tell you CLEARLY that they do NOT have in stock, in a bit beyond me.

When I encountered the 1st one, I thought: Ok, I ran into a potential scammer. No big deal! I'll move on!

But when I had the similar request again, I began to wonder whether this is the 'new' norm to watch retailing. What's your thoughts? Am I too old fashioned and non-trusting?

This message has been edited by Jester on 2016-02-16 04:38:17

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Timeshare in all TimeZone s

By: MTF : February 16th, 2016-05:03

Jester, It is more prevalent these days. Like commodity traders who sell nothing but hot air and "options" on product not even produced yet, these new watch brokers have found a way to make money using other people's money. hmmm....no change there. Low ov...

Indeed

By: Jester : February 16th, 2016-05:53

we might as well do that. At least we're offering valid advices. I got countless requests asking for various opinions and I got nothing out of these while these free-loaders generate profits out of thin air by simply 'advertising' somewhere on the net on ...

It's been years that I see this phenomenon, my friend.

By: amanico : February 16th, 2016-06:55

Even if the seller is " clean ", I don't like that, and I never concluded and will never conclude a such a deal... Best, Nicolas

I'd never send a deposit to a dealer who doesn't have watch in stock

By: AnthonyTsai : February 16th, 2016-10:50

Never ever. - AT

I am a wimp

By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : February 17th, 2016-06:04

I won\'t dare to buy watches online with sellers I have not dealt with before . Having no stock and want a deposit? Absolutely no no for me Cheers Robin

l concur

By: big daddy : February 17th, 2016-18:18

with Rpbin. This occurred with a member of this forum and he waited.....waited, 6 weeks until he finally got his deposit back. Bad business.

back door resellers

By: watch-er : February 24th, 2016-17:26

Many of these folks make deals with authorized retailers to sell their pieces. They advertise them and will sell a watch if its still available. They usually state "subject to availability" Many times your name will be on the papers. They need a deposit t...