Purchasing a vintage watch online can be intimidating for those who are doing it for the first time. There are so many brands and styles to choose from that making a decision can be overwhelming for some. Below is a straightforward guide which will simplify the process while helping you avoid some of the most common pitfalls.

The Lowest Offer Might Not Always Be Best, Or It Could Be

Finding the lowest offer for a vintage watch doesn’t always mean you got a great deal, but you could have. What this means is that when a watch is being sold for a lower price than average, it typically means the product has either mechanical or cosmetic issues, or could have been stolen. This is why buying timepieces from self-serve channels, non-retailer sources or peer to peer communities are risky unless you’re experienced.

A Lot Of The Top Watch Offers Aren’t Published

Finding the best vintage watch price is often a matter of starting a conversation with the right seller. Whether you’re in a physical store or talking to a watch owner in their home or office, privately inquiring about the price will often allow you receive a discount that would otherwise be unavailable. In other words, those who want the best deals will need to ask around and extend their search beyond the internet.

The Price Offered Online Doesn’t Always Reflect Fair Value

An emphasis on pricing has altered the experience of buying a watch. The good news for consumers is that they will usually win, and those that are tenacious will benefit from performing research and not automatically assuming that the published price is a reflection of fair value. The convenience of online shopping has resulted in an environment where the personal touch between buyer and retailer has been removed. Those that prefer chatting about the watches or negotiating prices in person might receive a better deal if they have the conversation offline.

Can Vintage Watches Purchased Online Be Returned?

It depends on the retailer, but generally speaking, most of the vintage watch purchases that are made online are non-returnable. This doesn’t mean that no stores will accept returns, it is just that this practice is not common and in most cases you should expect resistance from the seller.

This is why it is so important to conduct your research when shopping for watches over the web. There is a big difference between looking at a picture of a watch on a website and viewing it in person. The disadvantage of online shopping for consumers is that it is easy for sellers to manipulate photos of merchandise in order to mask cosmetic defects, or they might fail to mention mechanical issues. This is why you should carefully research any sellers you deal with to make sure they have a proven track record to success and dependability. Purchasing a vintage watch online should never be a gamble.