International Sales with Private Sellers?

[HB212]

Does anyone else here get nervous about buying from private sellers overseas? I'm not so much concerned with the seller, rather with customs and shipping. Am I the only one really concerned with getting a watch snagged from customs and being out a couple hundred bucks?

I have bought from TDs overseas, but at least they have the ability to guarantee delivery through customs.

I was recently offered a great deal on a watch, but I have never bought from a private international seller before. They seem very confident, as they have successfully done so in the past. I guess I'm just afraid of being that 'first time for everything'. Can some of you guys help shed or justify my concerns with some of your experiences?

Thanks!

 

[TESLA760]

I send watches back and forth to the UK frequently, and never had an issue.

 

[MMA]

No issues so far from Aus to asia, UK, and US, canada. Same in reverse. Just wrap carefully and mark for customs cleverly.

 

[TESLA760]

The one package that did get opened up and inspected had all GEN parts inside it.

 

[Targa]

It doesnt hurt to enclose a note stating what "needs repairing" when sending something

Only issues I have ever had jhave been with Canadian Customs and Argentina

 

[HB212]

Is that the trick? Making it look like a service is needed, not a sale?

 

[Targa]

It certainly doesnt hurt

 

[HB212]

Anyone else with experiences with this?

 

[trandy16]

Mark the package "Watch for repair/servicing...no battery".

So far so good.

 

[TESLA760]

Yup. "Broken watch /parts for repair"

 

[joegrimm]

depends on the agent inspecting it aswell... i sent a panerai to germany with a note stating the repairs needed on it, customs agent still decide to charge the reciever 400 euros in duties !!!!!! he refused the package and i never got it back.

 

[d4m.test]

Like others, I've purchased watches several times from the EU, from Down Under, etc., nary a problem. I've also sent watches overseas as well. I agree: one key is making out the Customs Form; ABSOLUTELY no reference to anything replica!!

dave

Anyone else with experiences with this?

 

[HB212]

Well I was able to sort of dodge that bullet...I found the watch I was looking for in the CONUS.

All this was good to learn, though.

 

[greyarea]

Any advice on shipping to Argentina - what works and what should I avoid?

Gracias!

 

[sauuce]

thanks for the great tips...
didnt know you can mark them like that to sneak by customs.

 

[d4m.test]

Is that the trick? Making it look like a service is needed, not a sale?

Yes, as I use enclosed notes all the time to my international buyers. I always include a long hand note stating either (1). the watch is broken & can't be repaired; or (2). I repaired the watch, briefly explained what I did, and thank them for using me to fix their broken watches. So far, so good.

dave