Horological Meandering

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

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 overhead costs...actually no costs because they are using your 'seed money' and other's money to purchase the watch that they have "access" to.

Maybe PuristSPro should get into the watch brokerage business?  At least we really know the provenance and source of the product.

We also really love the watches ourselves and care. 

Thanks for alerting us to this "new" money making scheme in-the-wild.

Regards,

MTF

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 something they don't even have!!!

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

Never ever.

- AT

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

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.

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 to secure the watch from the AD and not be concerned about not having it sold. I hope they will refund your money ASAP if the watch is prior sold. You need to know your seller. Buyer beware is always the rule.