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Selling on Amazon(?) Wish Me Luck!

WatchVaultNYC
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OK today's update. Sending large numbers of watches to my NYC watchmaker is not working out, so I made some new contacts here in the West Coast. Found a C21 certified shop in LA that would accept trade work.

I sent him 10 watches - 2 of which I found today needed servicing to get back to manufacturer specs (1 of which was actually a quartz seamaster - which to me was a good sign), the other 8 needed only regulation (and maybe gasket changes to meet the WR specs). Getting them to the minimum standard for listing on Amazon is getting a bit expensive, and just as important, the weeks that are spent while they are being whipped into shape are weeks that I'm not selling them.

On the plus side though, these will end up being better watches to the end client whether or not they are sold on Amazon.
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citizenrich
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It seems Amazon is investing a fair amount time, energy and $$ in this business - I've been getting pounded with direct marketing and advertising for "Amazon" watches.

I really like the presentation and the xx/100 scoring system is perfect for the average consumer and one off buyer.

As expected (or, not?) - tons of submariners. TONS.

Good luck!!!!


*edit

I haven't been on Omegaforums much lately and had no idea you were taking part in the Amazon sales program.

I noticed a lot of the sellers seem to be based out of NYC and last week or the week before I told my wife "I bet one the guys from the omega board is one of these sellers" and it turns out I guessed correctly because I was thinking of you -rich
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citizenrich
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I would imagine most (+/-95%) of these watches will be modern Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Panerai, Tag, Cartier...the obvious stuff.

The aftermarket already has fairly structured pricing and this will firm pricing up to the point where "used" will be as fixed price as new. Sort of like the used car market.

I wonder how long Rolex will be able to get away with 5 to 10% YOY price increases? That company breaks every economic "law" and theory and should be studied like the Torah and the Bhagavad Gita...
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S
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I'm encouraged by having Amazon as a source for real deal watches, backed by an actual manufacturer's list of standards. Most of us are aware of the trusted sellers, with reputations to protect and proper business ethics, but there are many who don't spend the time and effort to learn. Therefore, referring someone to Amazon is a risk free act if what I read is correct. All best on your venture!
 
KstateSkier
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You should encourage Amazon to use the correct Omega logo and not something off a juicer. ::facepalm1:: It may lend itself to being more authoritative in nature.
 
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WatchVaultNYC
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After months of prep (basically whipping the inventory into shape to match the Amazon minimum standards), I finally got my first one sample certified. Now to ship a batch of 10 for audit..
 
sample.jpg
ajg1960
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WatchVaultNYC WatchVaultNYC
After months of prep (basically whipping the inventory into shape to match the Amazon minimum standards), I finally got my first one sample certified. Now to ship a batch of 10 for audit..
Good luck. I'll be closely watching your products on Amazon. Never know what I might find
 
Xeer
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WatchVaultNYC WatchVaultNYC
After months of prep (basically whipping the inventory into shape to match the Amazon minimum standards), I finally got my first one sample certified. Now to ship a batch of 10 for audit..

That looks.. interesting. GLWS!
 
Jaacck
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Good read, hope the new venture goes well. Would never think of buying a watch on amazon.
 
250scr
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Amazon is one of the retailers I fly for. Not the easiest company to deal with as they have a lot of money and power
 
250scr
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250scr 250scr
Amazon is one of the retailers I fly for. Not the easiest company to deal with as they have a lot of money and power
Amazon 767.jpg
 
WatchVaultNYC
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I just sent the watches out for audit - in Miami

Thoughts so far:
- making sure that everything is according to manufacturer specs is a long and expensive process. Then add the cost of a third party issuing a warranty for the watch when you yourself have spent the money to ensure that a warranty is not needed - it seems like an extraneous cost.
- prep costs plus Amazon commissions will make these expensive watches. Whether or not people will pay a premium for an Amazon guarantee is unknown.
- it all boils down to how much additional sales this will generate to compensate for the additional time and cost. If it does not at least double my sales, it is probably not worth the effort.
 
watch3s
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Hope its going well! I remember buying my speedy reduced from you on ebay! Fedex night mare but it all worked out 👍
 
niko4891
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Congrats, buddy! I'll keep an eye out on your watches on Amazon. 😁😁
 
jumpingsecond
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WatchVaultNYC WatchVaultNYC
Well damn that was quick. I'm in.

Mazel tov! Is there a link where your storefront will be posted or are your wares mixed in with all the other dealers?
 
chickenman26
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WatchVaultNYC WatchVaultNYC
After months of prep (basically whipping the inventory into shape to match the Amazon minimum standards), I finally got my first one sample certified. Now to ship a batch of 10 for audit..
Congrats on being accepted, but I have to tell you that Watch Facts certificate isn't exactly dripping credibility or inspiring my confidence. I'd rather buy from you here on OF. The certificate correctly lists the brand, model, and reference, then lists the movement as automatic, self winding. Their comments section should be limited to facts, not unfounded speculation such as "could have been worn only a few times." Swirlies?
 
WatchVaultNYC
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chickenman26 chickenman26
Congrats on being accepted, but I have to tell you that Watch Facts certificate isn't exactly dripping credibility or inspiring my confidence. I'd rather buy from you here on OF. The certificate correctly lists the brand, model, and reference, then lists the movement as automatic, self winding. Their comments section should be limited to facts, not unfounded speculation such as "could have been worn only a few times." Swirlies?

From my perspective, Watchfacts is useful to me in that it allows me to list on Amazon. From my perspective, their focus is more on mechanical condition and authenticity which can be assessed with objectivity. Aesthetic condition is a big subjective black hole if you try to get into it too much.
 
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