About "authentication" by Stoll & Co

[5starwatches]

Dear Friends
 I sold on eBay Expensive (12K) Cartier Watch all original and in perfect working condition and just came back in exact perfect condition as it was sent to "authenticators" and came back tagged as "Minor SNAD". 

Several attempts to find out what is the problem with perfect condition all original Cartier watch  came down to several phone conversation with "robotic" answers that did not had and answer.
I don't know what is there game is other then sabotaging sales, but I encourage you guys  to read comments on the services of this people Stoll & Co on YELP and some other comments on internet.
This company is disgrace and I hope eBay will stop doing business with them.
I personally have decided no longer ship my watches to "authenticate" at Stoll & Co. and rather leave it to a buyer, ship directly or cancel.
Best Regards

2.6 (30 reviews)

[evelyb30]

Your first mistake was selling an expensive watch on eBoo.   

[slippinjimmy]

"minor SNAD" translates to "there is something about the condition, probably VERY minor, that does not match the listing description.

You used "mint" and "near mint" in your listing, if the authenticator saw anything, even some very tiny flaw that would conflict with that claim then they would reject it (especially on a watch selling for 5 figures).

[ms.rodriguez*]

Frankly, I would never sell a pricey item here.  Why not describe it accurately and relist it?  What are the minor flaws?  Describe them. Take new photos showing the areas.   Buyer expect to get a mint item if the seller described it as mint.   Get a good magnifying glass and inspect it carefully as you write the description.

[ittybitnot]

I personally have decided no longer ship my watches to "authenticate" at Stoll & Co. and rather leave it to a buyer, ship directly or cancel.

  @5starwatches 

If you decide to continue to sell such merchandise here, it is NOT up to you or the buyer to use the authenticity guarantee program in the countries where it is required. You cannot simply CANCEL a sale without serious consequences here. 

That said, I was never aware that eBay disclosed exactly what entity was providing the authentication services for eBay watch sales.  Was it the label that eBay provided that clued you in? 

[kensgiftshop]

Why does the watch in the first photo look different then the watch in the other photos?

[sdneped]

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@ittybitnot wrote:

That said, I was never aware that eBay disclosed exactly what entity was providing the authentication services for eBay watch sales.  Was it the label that eBay provided that clued you in? 

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eBay posted a fancy video extolling Stoll on its Facebook page.

[ittybitnot]

eBay posted a fancy video extolling Stoll on its Facebook page.

@sdneped 

Thanks! 

[usa_vintage]

I am dealing with a very kind, but upset, buyer right now because of the Authenticity Guarantee Policy. I sold an item that was added to this policy and only found out when I went to ship it this morning. The buyer contacted me after I shipped. Unfortunately the fear is that the item will not arrived as has happened a couple times before. They did end up with one of the items after the seller modified the listing a few times, but this took a very long time for them to acquire something they really wanted.  I am very specific and include alot of pictures so hopefully the item will make it to the buyer. However after reading about the many problems with this policy I am going to modify what & how I sell here.

[jklfindings]

I've had 30ish items go through the authentication program.  I've gotten 2 sent back for reasons I didnt agree with... but still they came back fine.  Relisted the way they wanted and through the authentication program again.  No issues.  

[h7oglobal]

The authenticator was careless and failed in their inspection of this package.
They failed to notice the original case back for this fine watch that was included in the original box.
So they erroneously do to their lack of attention declared this watch as modified and non guarantee-able.
Luckily the buyer was more of an expert than these so called authenticators.
It still was extremely disappointing.

[broto_64]

It appears you clearly took the back cover off in one of the pictures. You may be a qualified watch repairman but I certainly wouldn't detail ongoing repairs in pictures, always display items in their finished condition only.

[poppydopolous7]

I too will not use ebay authentication for jewellery or watches. I don't think they have any real interest in anything other than let cover at sellers expense. Ive alway wondered, who takes responsibility for water proof testing after they have been inside the watch? Or do they just look at it?

GIA who do the jewellery are no better. The "found" fault with a ring that had just been serviced by perhaps the best known jewellery name in the World. Now GIA certify diamonds, and its easy to see what is genuine due to engraved serial numbers. But **bleep** do they know about diamond settings? Thats not their role but hey, if you want to get messed about, use the ebay authentication. I have purchased items the seller was absolutely honest about with all documents, and I don't receive them because of some petty excuse the authenticator came up with not related to the authenticity. Go figure

[watchsupplyhouse]

Stoll and Co is a joke. Mark your expensive items as "customized" to avoid this program filed with incompetent people. Amazing how all these reviews and bad experiences, and ebay is still using them. Oh wait.... that's right l, ebay doesn't care about the seller. 

[kh-vince]

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.