What are your thoughts on dealers who Photoshop QC photos?

[ThinkBachs]

Recently, a thread was started asking for some feedback on QC photos of a watch that a member was interested in purchasing. The second set of QC photos seemed to be of the same watch, but something just didn't seem right...

http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/qc-pictures-doubts-panerai-73792

My inquiry isn't so much about that current situation and thread, but about your overall thoughts regarding Quality Control images from dealers that have been photoshoped to make them appear better. This may only be done for the purist of reasons such as removing a fiber or dust, but done without disclosure none the less.

In my opinion, I find it difficult to accept that any part of a QC or sales photo be photoshoped or enhanced in any way in either the sales area or by a dealer- particularly a Trusted Dealer.

Is this something that should be accepted from Trusted Dealers?

Is this something that could be acceptable from anyone selling a watch in the sales area?

Is it something that could be acceptable if the seller discloses that the watch has been enhanced or photoshoped?

If this is something that should be frowned upon or disallowed, what should happen when its discovered?

 

[phillycheez]

i was "kinda" giving WE the benefit of the doubt until he said HIS photographer photoshop'd the pics.

Completely unacceptable and NEVER should be allowed.

i don't care about specs of dust... show it like it is and send THAT watch you are showing us.

 

[murklemark]

Photoshop manipulation shouldn't be allowed, if there's a spec of dust or glare of light that obstructs the watch detail then just retake the photo. I don't even think changing the levels or contrast if the lighting setup wasn't quite right should be done. As that can change the colours (make silvers lighter and whites whiter) and textures of the watch so it won't look like that when you get it.
QC pics aren't advertisement pics they are quality pics and so should be treated as such.

 

[jrodshibuya]

Of course it's utterly unacceptable. I'm even less likely to order from WE now.

 

[Yannou]

I think the mods will investigate this case....as it's not the QC process that we ask...at all

 

[ThinkBachs]

I made a reference to the reason I posted this, but my reason for posting this was to discuss the topic of QC and sales image alteration. The referenced thread is its own issue and not anything that needs to be specifically discussed here.

I don't remember this topic being discussed, and thought it might be worth offering others an opportunity to voice their opinion on it.

The mods do an excellent job on this forum and there is no doubt that they will resolve any issues as they deem appropriate.

 

[RaymanS41]

My vote goes for not allowing such "scamish" tactics. If a trusted dealer is caught pulling this stunt, I think they should be put on probation. If a private seller is caught doing it, I think it's ban time.

 

[Duck]

While I am on other sites as well, I respect the selection of "trusted dealers" on this forum more than others. Not sure it that is wrong or right, but it's my perception. Maybe it's the stand that was taken on the "cartel" or maybe it's keeping less than courteous dealers (you know who I mean) off the list. Whatever it is, I feel the administrators and mods on this site have a higher degree of credibility than on others.

I am convinced that this issue will be dealt with quickly and correctly.

 

[phillycheez]

Its already been dealt with! Rwi really does have a good relationship with their dealers.

 

[seanf]

Just to clarify-- any photoshopping of QC pics is totally and completely improper, regardless of the reason. And we've spoken to Tony at WE about this. WE is aware that what they did was not just wrong, but it could have gotten them kicked off RWI. And if if ever happens again, WE will be removed immediately.

 

[CarbonRob]

In my opinion, it's exactly the same as using gen pics as QC images...sets apart the scammers from the TDs.

 

[jiddy]

Agree with the topic, it´s kind of hard to see flaws in QC pic´s if they been "removed".

Luckily I never sell any of my watches and only take sexy/ nude pic´s of my watches and they ALL will pass through PS to get levels/ contrast etc correct.
But watches for sale between members and QC pic´s from dealers should not be allowed to be photo-shopped

 

[co-axial]

Never have ordered with WE and now never will. Should be put on probation for this "Photoshopgate", just my 0,02 $...

 

[seanf]

Never have ordered with WE and now never will. Should be put on probation for this "Photoshopgate", just my 0,02 $...

We discussed it, but we decided that probation wasn't really appropriate here for a number of reasons. Instead, they're now under a "zero tolerance" policy. If there is one more example of a Photoshopped QC pic, they'll just be kicked off RWI immediately.

 

[boostin20]

I agree with everyone else about the photoshopping of pics. Congrats to the RWI staff for being on top of things!

 

[lourentgarnier]

if the images send are always the same, and photoshpped, what is the meaning of "quality control"? So of course should be forbidden and i don't see any professionalism and trust deserving a dealer that acts this way.

 

[Dr.Verylong]

Retouched images are a no-go.

If color is not an issue I would accept noise removal, however, but that's it then.

 

[rolly_olly]

I recently ordered from watcheden and asked for QC pics. After waiting 10 days this is what I got.

Can't tell if they have been photoshoped, but I grew so impatient waiting I just accepted them. It still took another 5 days for them to post the damn thing though.

Very poor service!!

 

[ThinkBachs]

I recently ordered from watcheden and asked for QC pics. After waiting 10 days this is what I got.

Can't tell if they have been photoshoped, but I grew so impatient waiting I just accepted them. It still took another 5 days for them to post the damn thing though.

Very poor service!!

Yes, these are Ps'd.

The bottom of the bezel and the area below that have been Ps'd...

This is a magnification of the right side of the endlink. Notice how the pixels are close to the color of the one next to it, except where a Ps brush with a feathered edge has been used to apply a solid color.

My first thought on this was the clasp, this was not painted, but lightened with the Dodge tool. I looked at the link as it also seemed suspect...

Upon closer examination, the pixels have the same Ps solid brush applied in this area.

These results can be duplicated by anyone else. In my professional opinion, there is no doubt in my mind that these images have also been Ps'd.

Next?

 

[rolly_olly]

Well that just sucks!!

Why are they "Trusted Dealers?" I just hope that it dosen't arrive in poor condition.