Hello from a London based Noob & also question on PayPal Best Practice

Firstly,

I wanted to say hello to the forum, I have been visiting as a guest for several months and have found this to be an excellent forum, but made it official recently as I am now looking to get more serious and get more involved. I'm new to the world of Omega and indeed watches, they are always something I have appreciated, but it is only this year that I took the plunge and invested in my first 'expensive' (to me) watch.

Secondly, apologies if this is not the place to do it (perhaps I could be pointed in the right direction if not). However I have recently been in dialogue with a private seller on this forum and was/am close to a deal. Let me state categorically that I am not criticizing, and of course I will keep it completely anonymous.

Where the deal has stumbled is that the seller is unwilling to accept/use the Goods and Services transaction on paypal and only wants to use the Friends &Family option. I have offered to cover the cost of the fees but the seller is reluctant and has sighted concerns about Brexit (the seller is based in mainland Europe), COVID and Customs etc. Although I do not see why Friends & Family transaction would avoid any of these potential aspects.

I wanted to use Goods and Services primarily for buyer protection of course, but am also aware that as I am new to this, perhaps I am being too conservative as I understand it may be common practice to trust forum sellers and use F&F or bank transfers in good faith, presumably based on experience/seller reviews and the knowledge that sellers on this forum are of high caliber.

I guess I just want to make sure for any future dialogue or future opportunities I am not being unreasonable, a quick google last night found a few threads on this forum that suggested Goods and Services was the best practice when using PayPal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Thanks Larry,

I guess as I'm new to this it just feels a little strange parting money with a stranger who I've only messaged a few times. I have nothing against the seller at all, and our dialogue has of course been mutually polite and reasonable. I just wasn't sure where Brexit, COVID and VAT came into it as I believe they are all buyer risks regardless of F&F or G&S, provided that the seller has proof of despatch of course (which I doubt would be an issue as the seller was intending to use insured delivery).

I've agreed to cover the fees for G&S as I agree, that is only fair.

I can't speak as I'm brand new, the seller is newish but obviously has contributed enough to get over the 200 post threshold, I'm not aware of any seller reviews, but I guess everyone has to start from somewhere on hear so, again i am not holding that against them, it just makes it a little more risky from my perspective as a 'first time buyer'. I'll try and do more searching into it, if I can't get comfortable then as you say, better for both parties to move on I guess.

Thanks

If the seller doesn't want your money, there are plenty of others that do. You have no comeback with F&F.

at least it is strange that the seller shifts all the risks to the buyer. if he is not satisfied with the invoice and the coverage of the paypal commission, then refuse the transaction.

To reiterate slightly differently: Do your second deal with this buyer using F&F. The first deal, however, is best done via G&S.

Morning all,

Just a quick update to say thanks for the responses on this thread and to those who contacted me via PM to offer words of wisdom etc.

I decided to go for the F&F option, I have postage confirmation and a tracking ID so am confident all will be well (obviously the proof will be in the pudding). Looking forward to receiving it and getting a new strap sorted.

Thanks

Good luck in your business. I hope everything will be fine. We are waiting for a photo on your hand.

Sorry for the delay, I had to wait for a new strap to arrive as well as a spring bar tool. Went with a Hirsch Camel texture in dark blue.

The strap is very tight between the lugs, I went with an 18mm strap, it does seem like a 17mm may have been a better option as on one side the strap is looking a little squashed but I'll keep it as I like the look.

The new strap is very stiff so sits a little awkwardly but hopefully that will improve with wear.