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New member with query re purchasing from the forum

  1. philh Jan 31, 2016

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    I am a new member who has been reading the forum for the last few months to gain a greater understanding of vintage Omega watches and to get to grips with the etiquette of the site. I have collected watches for a while starting with Seiko 6138/9 ,1950/60 dress watches which included several omega watches This has culminated in me becoming interested in the 60/70s tool watch / chronographs and I now have a 1970 Mk 11 Speedmaster and a 1984 Speedmaster Pro (They were an affordable way of owning the watch to establish if the PR around the marque was justified)
    I am now smitten and looking to build the collection further and will because of the market price, be undertaking significant transactions but have noticed that the vendors of a number of desirable watches want references from purchasers plus are reticent to accept paypal.
    I understand the desire to avoid paypal fees but is there another issue that is causing concern ?
    My other question relates to references which will clearly be the individual vendors call as to what is acceptable but as a general rule would you accept e bay feedback (which can be manipulated) or is there another mechanism ?
    I am UK based and work in Banking albeit as a specialist funder of farms but understand the issues that can arise with international funds transfers and hope you do not mind what might appear to be a rather basic set of questions.
     
  2. alam Jan 31, 2016

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    The main reason Sellers are careful to use PP as payment is that PP will most of the time side with the Buyer in the event of a dispute - so many view PP as a good option for Buyers but not for Sellers.
     
    marturx likes this.
  3. CanberraOmega Rabbitohs and Whisky Supporter Jan 31, 2016

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    PP can't really side with the buyer of it is a 'gift' as officially there was no sale/transaction. Might that satisfy some sellers?

    Re references, as a recent seller to newbies to the forum, for me it is a vibe. Will they introduce themselves to me, tell me about themselves, their collection, etc (what you just did). I guess it's a naive assumption that con artists won't put that much effort in.
     
    RawArcher likes this.
  4. RawArcher Measures thread drift on the Richter Scale Jan 31, 2016

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    All Sellers get to make their own rules....as should be........but I have been buying from OF members from post #10 until now and have never felt any hesitation from a single Seller. As CanberraO says.....it helps to be friendly, share your story, yet be direct and to the point. It also helps to offer PP Gift. I, for the life of me, cannot figure out how to scam a Seller using PP Gift (not that I've tried :D) . In fact, once you send a gift.........you are the only one vulnerable......at least as far as my brain can work it out.
     
  5. GregH Jan 31, 2016

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    I'm a newbie to the forum and a recent buyer and agree with this. The human vibe is important.
    I had only a prior general introduction on the "Great Big Introductions Thread", but started with a question to @peatnick if he was interested in a newbie transaction at all. He was open to the idea, we had a nice straightforward human interaction and I was able to make a purchase. (thanks @peatnick !)
     
  6. RawArcher Measures thread drift on the Richter Scale Jan 31, 2016

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    GregH likes this.
  7. LawBrk Jan 31, 2016

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    Having just started selling on OF it was a little worrisome, but if you spend enough time talking to the buyer and you set up enough communication (and you are honest about your product) things work out.

    As far as funds xfer, PP is safer for buyer than seller. Bank xfer is good, but cash and handshake in a bank is still the best.
     
  8. CdnWatchDoc Jan 31, 2016

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  9. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Feb 1, 2016

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    Bought many pieces of many members on and off the for sale thread.
    All have been great to deal with and several have been repeat sellers.
    As always buy the seller.

    Being here since before the 200 post rule I would not have bought from any 2 post Charlie that rocked up.

    If I want the watch and are happy with the seller. I would pay in packets of Salt & Vinigar chips if that's what they wanted. Their watch their rules.
     
  10. Alpha Kilt Owner, Beagle Parent, Omega Collector Feb 1, 2016

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    Now you tell me, I love Salt & Vinegar chips :D
     
  11. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Feb 1, 2016

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    If the gift payment is funded via credit card, there is a risk that the seller can be scammed.
     
    marturx, RawArcher and SpikiSpikester like this.
  12. RawArcher Measures thread drift on the Richter Scale Feb 1, 2016

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    Now I know! Al.......Thank you for taking me on as your special project these last couple of days! :)
     
  13. GregH Feb 1, 2016

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    :) and to @peatnick for the same!