The Watch Appreciation Thread - Page 993

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThinkDerm 


how did you feel about wiring funds?
I am considering purchasing a watch from italy, but they won't refund VAT, and they want the funds to be wired.
What protection does the buyer have when wiring funds abroad?
Stitch - what protection did you have when wiring that the watch would get to you and work? What if it did not work? or Not as described (NAD)?

I'd be afraid to deal with someone outside the US on a major purchase, especially by wire.  It can be a huge headache and expenses if you have to try to track someone down and prosecute them outside of your own state.  Trying to do it on an international level would be very expensive, time consuming, and probably result in nothing (hell, its probably cheaper and easier just to buy another watch than to try to get justice overseas). 

If you get lots of references and the person checks out it, and you are comfortable... then you still do it at your own risk.   

I'd rather be safe than sorry, and so even if there is a good savings to be had overseas, I wouldn't buy a watch site unseen from another country.  I'd just be too uncomfortable and be concerned that somehow I'd get screwed.  I once bought a watch site unseen.  It was definitely not in the condition that was described and it as a bit of a headach to deal with, but at least it was here in the States.

Quote:

Originally Posted by in stitches 


i forgot to say, the fact he was in canada made a big difference to me, as opposed to overseas. made me less nervous.
not yet, but i plan on giving him a glowing review wherever i can. class act dude all the way.
true, assuming you know what you are doing.

I think I might feel a little better if it were coming from Canada. I've actually seen some people post that they won't deal with some people in foreign countries.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdl203 

To counter-balance that, I bought almost all of my watches from reputable sellers overseas. There are areas of the world where watch companies have made a strong push and where the price arbitrage is really compelling (e.g. SE Asia and Middle East) - which creates grey market opportunities.
Everyone has a different level of aversion for this kind of risk. Even if I feel the risk is very low (from my experience), I understand why some may feel that it's not worth the savings

You are quite right.  Its all about risk aversion.  There are people that might be incredibly lucky, save huge amounts, and get a great watch.  I just don't think it would be me.  I work in a law office and I see what it often takes to collect funds when business deals go bad.  It can take years to prove, and even then sometimes it can take years to collect a payment.  Hence, if someone gets burned in an overseas transaction they should probably save themselves some time and money and just buy one from an AD rather than try to chase and prosecute some bad guy in a foreign country.   Its all about risk aversion.  If someone has the stomach for that and it works out, it can be great.  If it doesn't work out, it can be a bad feeling knowing your hard earned money is gone. 

Stitchy, $$ for the AP is saved up so you know! Will buy it next week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhoKnewI 


His cousin says hello

Well done, Sir! Love the color of the leather strap!