Potential Scam? (Selling Watch)

[kevster_c]

Earlier this morning I received an offer on my timepiece for the same price as my Buy It Now. After a review of the buyer's account it seems(?) they are based in the UK but it is asking to be shipped within the US. With the automatic acceptance into the eBay Watch Authenticity Guarantee, I am required to send my watch in to a authenticator, and if authenticated, will send it to the buyer (also found out buyer has to be in US for this program). Is there anyway I can get scammed if I accept the offer?

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@kevster_c 

Hmmm does sound kinda fishy..if you feel at all uncomfortable you can just say no. I don't know a thing about this watch authenticator but let me tag someone who does and knows watches @1tuna 

Best, silver

[1tuna]

I woud go for it.........

the ebay authentication team works hard to keep you out of trouble

even if you ship to a reshipper you are covered as any and all retunrs go back to the authenticator so you are covered on any return scams

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@1tuna 

Thank you hun! Silver

[kevster_c]

Hey thanks for the response. Side question, if I listed with a 2day delivery service, do I use that to ship to the authenticator or can I use a cheaper method?

Edit: shoot I replied to the wrong person

@1tuna 

[zami-3179]

Properly you can say no if you feel something's not right. 

[kevster_c]

Sorry not sure how to edit my post again. I also included the Secure delivery with signature confirmation, how do I add that if the authenticator will be shipping it to the buyer?

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@kevster_c 

I think your only job is shipping it to the authenticator. They ship it to the buyer and ebay requires signature signing over $750. You tagged @1tuna so I'm sure he'll be along to answer.

There is also a watch team on the forum that you can send a personal message to ( pm) so here's the link

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Watches/Learn-more-about-Authenticity-Guarantee-for-watches/m-p/316954...

Good luck to you!

[1tuna]

you can ship any way you feel like to the authenticator...the buyer will get free 2 day shipping with UPS from the authenticator to the buyer.

in the even that a return is necessary then the buyer will have to send it back to the authenticator to be inspected again and the its forwarded to the seller.

its a foolproof system as far as I am concerned.no need to worry about so called empty boxes or return switches  @kevster_c 

[garcoininc]

s authentication required on watches over what price? Is it automatic or do we have to do anything/ thanks Ed

[santamonicajeweler]

Go for it ...

Authentication Center will take care of any delivery issues. All you need is to deliver the watch to them. If you need more information, you can post your question on Watch Board. There is an eBay rep there could help you if you need more help.

Your 30 day Money Back Guarantee starts from day of delivery to U S address. Buyer can not return the watch from U K. The address in U S needs to be used. In that case, watch needs to go back to Authentication Center, then sent back to you. 

The reason for the odd offer is because Buyer couldn't see the conversion of British Pounds to U S dollar, or vice versa. Well, ended up,in your favor.

Just use the Priority Mail. You've a bird in the hand, why spoil the deal!? 

[santamonicajeweler]

@garcoinincIt's mandatory and free for all watches over $2000. For watches between $1000 and $2000, Buyer could request an Authentication for a fee of  $80 plus tax.  

pages.ebay.com/expert-verification-watches 

I have no idea why eBay is charging tax for this service. This is an inspection service. No parts changed and no maintenance being done. As far as I know, charging Sales Tax is illegal for written verifications.

If a customer walks into my shop and asks for an estimate of repair, I could charge for it. I can not charge Sales Tax in State of California for an estimate.

Same goes for appraisals for Jewelry and Watches, there is no Sales Tax allocated for verification documents.  I do a lot of that for legal purposes. I was told by several legal clients and courts, not to charge tax on verifications.  "Retail sales of tangible personal property in California are generally subject to sales tax" so it wouldnt apply to written appraisals. I am not sure for State of Ohio. 

[kh-cathy]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.