Buying from Grey Dealer

[bucky17]

Hi All - long story short I have a grey dealer who we have bought from before sourcing a watch for me. The watches I have bought in the past were all stock watches, so I visually could see the watch and inspect it myself before paying. Completely trust this dealer, they have multiple store fronts and very good reputation.

In this current instance, the watch I am looking for they sourced but I have to pay before receiving the watch. What happens in the case that they receive the watch from who they are buying from and something is off or was misrepresented? Do they typically pay before their counterparty sends the watch or can they refuse to buy it and send it back in the case there is something wrong?

[Neil McCauley]

Sounds to me like your grey dealer has a cash flow issue.

I'm sure in this case, if you trust him, it's probably fine, but to me, it's a red flag, and I would feel very uneasy about it, personally.

[funkright]

Shouldn't you ask the dealer what they would do in the proposed scenario?

Then you'll have the answer you're looking for.

Otherwise it is just conjecture.

[Turpentine]

This is a great question for your grey dealer.

[bucky17]

Originally Posted by funkright

Shouldn't you ask the dealer what they would do in the proposed scenario?

Then you'll have the answer you're looking for.

Otherwise it is just conjecture.

In general just asking the public as others have may have encountered this with greys before

[Neil McCauley]

Out of interest, what watch is it?

[funkright]

Originally Posted by bucky17

In general just asking the public as others have may have encountered this with greys before

I get it, but this is all subjective and up to interpretation by the specific reseller.

I would assume if I was looking for a specific watch in a specifically outlined condition (which would be agreed upon prior to me sending the money) that the watch when it arrives would meet those parameters. So, be clear in what your expectations are, have them agree to it and you shouldn't have an issue.

Remove the subjectivity.

Anyways, all IMHO and YMMV

[bucky17]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

Out of interest, what watch is it?

Will post once I got it, but definitely a higher price tag watch ($40-50k)

[bucky17]

Originally Posted by funkright

I get it, but this is all subjective and up to interpretation by the specific reseller.

I would assume if I was looking for a specific watch in a specifically outlined condition (which would be agreed upon prior to me sending the money) that the watch when it arrives would meet those parameters. So, be clear in what your expectations are, have them agree to it and you shouldn't have an issue.

Remove the subjectivity.

Anyways, all IMHO and YMMV

My dealer said if not happy I will be refunded. I wonder if they can refuse the watch with their supplier if that is the case.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by funkright

Shouldn't you ask the dealer what they would do in the proposed scenario?

Then you'll have the answer you're looking for.

Otherwise it is just conjecture.

Exactly.

[APhound]

It’s not your problem it’s the dealers. They’ll make some money on the transaction and they will inspect it and check it out so you don’t have to. The risk really isn’t on you. Don’t worry. Especially since you’ve dealt with these guys before I’m sure you know who you’re dealing with/ how they will treat you.
But don’t forget to show us what you get!


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[Neil McCauley]

This all sounds rather messy. Standard practice in this game, though, I suppose. The grey market is such a murky world.

The reason I asked what the watch was, was because it may be likely that it could probably be sourced by yourself. Your dealer will only be buying it from another dealer. It may be an opportunity to save yourself some money.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by bucky17

Hi All - long story short I have a grey dealer who we have bought from before sourcing a watch for me. The watches I have bought in the past were all stock watches, so I visually could see the watch and inspect it myself before paying. Completely trust this dealer, they have multiple store fronts and very good reputation.

In this current instance, the watch I am looking for they sourced but I have to pay before receiving the watch. What happens in the case that they receive the watch from who they are buying from and something is off or was misrepresented? Do they typically pay before their counterparty sends the watch or can they refuse to buy it and send it back in the case there is something wrong?

Think this through a bit. Name a few other products that you would be willing to pay in full before that person owns the product or has taken possession….I’ll wait.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

OP, it doesn’t quite sound like you completely trust this dealer.

[bucky17]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Think this through a bit. Name a few other products that you would be willing to pay in full before that person owns the product or has taken possession….I’ll wait.

Only asking for a deposit it seems

[WatchTimes]

I imagine they are asking for payment in full due to the current market and fluctuations.
If its not a Pepsi or Daytona they don't wanna sit on it if you change your mind or have you say that prices online have gone down so I need a better price.

[hutch300]

OP, this is pretty standard and if the dealer is good I wouldn't worry at all. Some of the above comments are baseless. Not every dealer has every single model in stock and this is how its handled.

[Zach69SS]

I don’t know OP? Sounds like big money to pay up front??? I would have a problem with this, especially if I had a business relationship already established with this dealer.
A deposit is fine a reasonable amount. Once the watch arrives and you are happy then the money. Big risk and I agree with the other something is no right. I may be wrong.

I rather be safe than sorry later.

Best of luck…..

[4dough]

they're all scammers. even the legit ones will cut a corner if they wont be caught, and it makes them some money.

[stnken]

red flags!

[996marty]

Originally Posted by bucky17

Will post once I got it, but definitely a higher price tag watch ($40-50k)

I was under the impression that high ticket price references weren’t moving in AD’s so my question is can’t it be bought new? And as mentioned before what reference is it?

[joli160]

I bought many watches like this. If the description of the watch by the seller is accurate you know exactly what you get.
Paying upfront is quite standard

[jfmiii]

This situation sounds quite chaotic. It's typical in this industry, though. The grey market can indeed be a murky realm.


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[bucky17]

Originally Posted by 996marty

I was under the impression that high ticket price references weren’t moving in AD’s so my question is can’t it be bought new? And as mentioned before what reference is it?

Discontinued configuration of current model

[malibudad]

Usually, the trusted ones have some sort of guarantee or return policy. I'd ask them directly about their process if the watch turns out to be not as described.

[walds11]

Which grey dealer?