For buyers:
- Do your homework.
Always do enough research before buying especially for vintage and neo vintage timepieces. Their values can vary depending on whether they have the correct dials, inserts or bracelets.
- Ask for clear photos and videos
Don’t be impulsive when you see a seemingly beautiful watch. Always ask for photos and videos under different lighting and angles to check clearly whether the piece is up to your standard.
- Ask for reference and check online
Sometimes, the seller’s reputation tells a lot. Of course, it is better to view each piece independently but checking on the seller always helps. You can look for his/her reference online and see whether he/she is reliable to buy from.
- Don’t be too harsh
Being careful is one thing, being harsh is another. If you are buying something online, you cannot expect photos and videos to be as clear as seeing the watch in person under a loupe. Do ask questions when you are in doubt but make sure those questions do not make you look dumb or harsh. The same applies to negotiating on prices.
For sellers:
- Be patient
You need to have ready photos and videos to show clearly the condition of the watch. It can always smoothen the deal. Explaining honestly to the client and make full disclosure of the condition of the watch is essential. After all, your client s are not buying a carrot or potato. They need to know everything and every part of the watch clearly.
- Don’t be impatient
Impatient sellers never make deals happen in today’s world where everything can be researched online. Buyers have a lot of choices. Being impatient just makes you look bad and you will be easily searched for your impatient treatment to your clients. One example: I once asked Scott of Hqmilton about the spring bars of a Daytona and he asked me if I understood they were operating at a high level.
- Be friendly
I know you are selling expensive watches but it does not mean you have to be unfriendly. Buyers ask questions to ensure themselves much like when you are buying something for yourself. Attitude is very important when it comes to entertaining your buyers. Having bad attitude only shows how ignorant you are since there are many other people selling more expensive things than watches.
- Don’t be lazy
By lazy I mean not willing to do enough research on the watches you are selling. Sometimes, clients even know better than sellers. It is almost a joke. Surely we all learn something new and it is a journey, but it is better to make sure you know well about the watches you are selling.
- Don’t hide anything
It is unfair for you to hide anything from your clients. What is more is that when what you try to hide is exposed, it does a lot more damage to you as it will be circulated quickly through social media. You are expected to have good knowledge.