Buying pre-owned timepieces on the watch exchange market may come with some risks. Not all trading platforms are reliable. Some of them can provide you with low-quality devices that will turn your investment into a waste of money. If you plan on starting trading used watches, you have to find a trusted partner that will supply you with top products. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a pre-owned watch vendor.
1. Reputation
Keep in mind that the more visible and reputed the vendor is, the more trusted it is for future collaboration. Though it may imply more investments, try to focus on famous companies with a high rating inside the country, and preferably global recognition. Large vendors, like Watchbox, have larger access to worldwide markets and can afford investing in famous brands and expensive collections; and what is more importantly, investing in authentic products. Though some small start-ups may possess a big capital, they are still more likely to venture out into trading replicated watches. Hence you are better off to go with reputed and established companies.
2. Referrals
Finding out more about the experience of previous or current customers is always a way to understand whether the company is trustworthy or not. Navigate the official pages and independent review sites to see what other people think about the vendor’s service. Though not all internet references can be trusted, you can still get a general opinion about the company after reading a dozen of reviews. While the internet allows you to get more opinions in a short time, asking friends and consulting trade advisors is still a safer path to follow. It would be great if some of your friends, relatives or job colleagues have already experienced buying or selling watches from a certain platform. Kindly ask them to share their experience and either recommend or stop you from using the service.
3. Refurbishing team qualification
The team of technicians involved in refurbishing the used watch plays a crucial role inside a watch trade company. You have to know more about their qualification and background to understand how reliable the company is. While some vendors, like Watchbox, boast a highly qualified Swiss-trained team of watchmakers to perform any kind of repairs and refinishing, other vendors hire teams with lower competencies. When searching for a watch exchange provider, make sure you find out more information about the experience and certification of technicians. By assuring yourself that they are qualified you guarantee that you don’t have unpleasant surprises a couple of days after buying the watch.
4. Communication with customers
Keep in mind that the most reliable vendors are those that promote open and tight communication with the client. Top companies offer a multitude of channels through which people can reach them, including mail, phone, live chat, and in-app conversation. Openness to all current and potential customers is a sign that the vendor is greatly confident of the quality of its products and has nothing to hide. It also shows that it cares for the satisfaction of the buyers and is ready to help them anytime.