Mods, if this is not in the right place, please let me know but it is in reference to the OP's post.
Genuine question/comment from a newbie - I've learned a good bit here in the few days I've been a member and genuinely appreciate the time and effort folks put in to this forum but, if you shouldn't order from a non-TD, then how does a "dealer" become a "TD"? Before I learned about things on RWI, I made a purchase from an entity called "Aquaones" and was able to use PP with my CC but after I learned things on here, I did some research and have lots of red flags. I'm going to wait a few more days before I start to worry but here's what worries me:
1) This "dealer's" website was found doing a google search for something watch-related but not specifically for a rep rolex. Clicking the link took me to a decent layout with many different models of watches and I got excited, lol. A few hours after placing my order, I start getting marketing emails from them about watches I looked at but did not buy. When I clicked on the link, it took me to an Aquaones site with "Uh-oh. we didn't find what you were looking for" and the site was now displaying nothing but women's clothing.??
2) I sent an email to the CS address : "Why is this link and every other one you send me with a watch taking my to a page of nothing but dresses? This is very troubling to me. I even click a link from a google search that initially brought me to this business and it returns a page with "Uh Oh! We couldn't find what you're looking for." and I'm starting to feel like I'm being scammed. I keep getting "marketing" emails with the picture of a watch I looked at and the "link" to go look at it again takes me to the same page - nothing but dresses. What gives? The address given on the bottom of the page is the address for a residence, NOT a business." and got a reply stating:
"Dear customer,
Thank you for your interest in our products.
However, due to the Gapfil store being under maintenance for restocking, we would like to recommend you another store of ours:
https://www.brodowatch.com/
Please refer to it. We will give you a discount code for 15% on your next order.
Thank you." and guess where the link for 15% off took me - right back to the dresses!
3) The "About Us" information at the bottom of the website(when I was able to get there and make the order) showed an address in Chicago, IL so that put me at ease initially. After the red flags, I checked the address given and it was for a single-family dwelling, not a business. I thought "okay, maybe that's their locally-based HQ over here.
4) When I visited the new web address given, there was no order found for my order number given me.
Man, do I ever feel duped! But again, I'll give a few more days given the recent tariff upset before I go to my CC company and see what my options are for an order paid for but not received. If anyone has any insight on what I've posted here, please let me know and thank you.