Resale/TD prices

[Broitling]

So I've been looking through the M2M section and TD websites daily the past couple weeks, and have noticed that prices differ incredibly much.

Lately I've been looking at buying at VSF Submariner 116610, and noticed that one of the websites in particular sells them around $370, while other TDs and M2M sales of the (what I assume is) exact same watches often goes for $100-200 more.

This watch for example, I can get brand new at 435 from one TD, while it's 560 at another, and 490 used

*Link removed in order not to discourage anyone*

I find it's usually Clean and VSF watches it happens to

Am I missing something, perhaps? I know I still have a lot to learn, but they're the same watches with the same reference numbers from the same factories

 

[TESLA760]

Just like everything else in the free market, prices will differ from source to source.

 

[eBoy]

Simple explanation:

It's a market economy without fixed prices.

TDs: Nobody forces you to buy a watch for 600 that somebody else sells you for 400. It's just normal free market dynamics...

M2M: Prices in RWI M2M work by a different system... You're supposed to sell at the same price or slightly lower (no profiteering).

Generally: You are entirely free to buy or not to buy at any price you see at a TD, non-TD or in M2M.

For me personally, the price is a factor in my purchase decisions, but it's not the primary one.

 

[Feefo]

It's everyone's prerogative to choose the TD they want. TD prices may vary, for various reasons.
Non-TD prices can be lower, but then, what guarantees do they give you? What is the service level? Will they bear custom risk?

 

[TESLA760]

Buyers today are also very high maintenance. That needs to be accounted for in the pricing a TD puts together. Those 44 rounds of QC pics aren't going to be free.

 

[eBoy]

Just like everything else in the free market, prices will differ from source to source.

 

[Broitling]

Thank you, it's as I expected then.

I was afraid I was missing some important detail and would be disappointed if I went for the guy who sold them so cheap, but perhaps not.

Am I allowed to post a specific TD's page here to ask if the watch M2M I posted in the OP is the same?

 

[Feefo]

Those 44 rounds of QC pics aren't going to be free.

I found out who started it in 2009:

I advised Mary to take a few pictures of the watch before shipping it to customer, and it was almost 4 years ago. She did, and in a few months everyone started to call it "QC pics" and demand it from dealers. I deeply regret my advice.

 

[TESLA760]

I sure hope you're not trying to disparage the member's sales post. They are doing nothing wrong.

 

[Feefo]

Thank you, it's as I expected then.

I was afraid I was missing some important detail and would be disappointed if I went for the guy who sold them so cheap, but perhaps not.



Am I allowed to post a specific TD's page here to ask if the watch M2M I posted in the OP is the same?

No problem

 

[Broitling]

I sure hope you're not trying to disparage the member's sales post. They are doing nothing wrong.

Absolutely not, I will remove it from my original post immediately if I can.

I was just under the impression that the non-profiteering rule meant you couldn't post higher than TD prices, and having seen that post being approved, I saw it as a sign it was a different watch than the one I found new, and not being able to tell the difference made me extremely doubtful of my intelligence

But if I buy a watch for 600, I assume I can sell it at 550 even if it's available cheaper from a "store", with you guys' clarifications

It is clear I should be doubting my intelligence for different reasons entirely

 

[dpd3672]

I think some TDs have a reputation for offering a better buying experience, which some are willing to pay a premium for.

Fast QC, items in stock (rather than having to be ordered), payment options (some require payment in...essentially...cash, some allow Paypal or credit cards), cheaper shipping, some "bonuses" thrown in the package, after sales support, insurance against packages being seized by customs, etc...all of these things have value, some are happy to pay for the additional customer service.

So the same watch may cost $300 from one source and $500 from another. The extra $200 basically buys speed, peace of mind, and sometimes a better product.

Only you can decide whether or not the extra cost is worth it.

I've used a couple TDs that I very strongly recommend. I've also saved a ton of money using non-TDs. The non-TDs were much cheaper, but also no help when a package never arrived, so overall, it's been pretty much a wash for me. As time goes by, I can see the value of spending a bit more money all things considered.

 

[Feefo]

The rule says you can't profiteer, you can't sell for more than you bought it for (and this is excluding shipping costs, those are on the seller).

 

[Broitling]

The rule says you can't profiteer, you can't sell for more than you bought it for (and this is excluding shipping costs, those are on the seller).

Yeah makes sense, thank you very much

 

[Alex1118]

I just bought multiple watches from a TD that was more expensive than one in particular. But it was explained to me that the guy uses a runner to go pick up 4 or 5 watches for him to pick out one and QC in person and then send the best one for QC.

 

[ktan89]

I was thinking the same thing when I was looking into all the TDs available. The price difference is up to $200 for the watch I wanted.

I originally thought the premium TDs had better stock to present for sale since maybe they do their own QC before accepting the watch to be kept in stock. Unfortunately this wasn't true and had to RL a couple.

I do like the concept USA STOCK is doing where they post the few watches instock straight to this forum so you can see the QC photos and decide to buy it there and then. I couldn't go with them because I'm not CONUS.

 

[Feefo]

I was thinking the same thing when I was looking into all the TDs available. The price difference is up to $200 for the watch I wanted.

I originally thought the premium TDs had better stock to present for sale since maybe they do their own QC before accepting the watch to be kept in stock. Unfortunately this wasn't true and had to RL a couple.

I do like the concept USA STOCK is doing where they post the few watches instock straight to this forum so you can see the QC photos and decide to buy it there and then. I couldn't go with them because I'm not CONUS.

Andiot has UK stock (I guess you need to request a list) and Supermirrors has UK and Italy stocks (lists in his section).

 

[ktan89]

Andiot has UK stock (I guess you need to request a list) and Supermirrors has UK and Italy stocks (lists in his section).

Yeah, there is also UK Stock who lists watches with QC on this forum but I'm from the land down under.

I did make a purchase with Andiot - waiting for it to clear customs now

 

[Reaps]

I was thinking the same thing when I was looking into all the TDs available. The price difference is up to $200 for the watch I wanted.

I originally thought the premium TDs had better stock to present for sale since maybe they do their own QC before accepting the watch to be kept in stock. Unfortunately this wasn't true and had to RL a couple.

I do like the concept USA STOCK is doing where they post the few watches instock straight to this forum so you can see the QC photos and decide to buy it there and then. I couldn't go with them because I'm not CONUS.

More expensive TD is better if you're hyper picky and want to reject watches alot. Their after sales tends to be better as well. I'm not encouraging that behavior but yeah. Cheaper TD will tend to stop and refund you after 1-2 RL. Of course exceptions exist but it has held true for me.

 

[TESLA760]

Cheaper TD will tend to stop and refund you after 1-2 RL.

I wish every TD did this.