subject: Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Buying A Watch [print this page] The obvious way to avoid getting ripped off when buying an expensive brand name watch is to go to an authorized dealer. The dealers who are authorized cannot offer the value from reduced pricing, which is what many consumers are looking for. The industry is also notorious for high turnover of employees, so the majority of these salespeople are not familiar with the product as they should be for consumers paying retail; but at least you know you are getting authentic brand name watch.
Deals on the Internet
The majority of consumers are mindful of deals that are much better, often found on watches made in Switzerland on the internet. However, this is a bit scary, since you normally need to pay for the watch unseen - before it will be shipped to you. That is some risky business.
Other Places to Find a Deal
Message forums, on-line dealer websites, and auctions are the three main sources when looking for a deal on the internet. On websites for dealers, look for sections such as testimonials, reviews of the site and ratings, like those that are found on eBay or Pricegrabber. Another tip is to use Who Is to investigate the domain name or Alexa to check the ranking for the page.
Message Forums
Message forums are usually comprised of individuals who are selling their own watches. This is where some of the best bargains can be found, but these are sellers who are normally the most difficult to really buildup trust with. As well, these individuals usually need payment with some cash equivalent, so there is no option from the credit card companies who have your back when you get ripped off and the watch doesn't show up... or it arrived to your mailbox in bad condition... or if it is just totally the wrong watch all together.
Other Information about Forums
Message forums are a good place to find dealers who are respectable also, or post questions about a dealer that you are thinking about doing business with. Most on-line dealers, who are the real deal, have been selling on the web for at least five years. They should be able to give you references if you ask for them.
Things to Look for on the Websites
Rotating inventory as well as regularly updated sites are all good signs. Be on the lookout for those sites where the pictures look like they were scanned from a catalog, because it could be exactly that. Pictures of the watch that are unique from several different angles show what you will probably actually receive if you order from them and it also is an indication that they really have the watch in their custody. Additional thing to look out for is pieces with serial numbers that are removed.
"Grey Watches"
Some dealers often have connections with dealers who are authorized and are able to order watches directly from them. Most manufactures will state on their website that they do not have any online dealers. These watches that are sold illegally online are items that are often referred to as "Grey Watches", so that the authorized dealer can remain out of trouble with the manufacturer; they normally will remove the serial number from the watch, which does much more than just invalidating any warranty. With these watches, any sort of after the sale work by the manufacture will not be possible, even if you are willing to pay full price for the services. This will only make you a proud owner of a very expensive brand name broken watch. Other companies will not even see the item as legitimate and will not work on these watches either.
by: Kurt Ross
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