Buyer of my high-end watch does not want authentication

[americandetectorist]

Hi. I've searched for this particular issue but haven't found anything so I decided to post.

A couple of days ago I sold a Gucci 18K solid gold and diamond watch. When I listed it I did not request the auction to be in the watch authentication program but somehow it ended up there.

Problem is the buyer wants the watch shipped immediately to him/her and does not want it sent for authentication. 

Frankly, after what I've read here on the process, I don't want it sent to an authenticator either. 

Ebay/paypal will only give me the authenticator's address. I could ask the buyer for his/her verified Paypal home address, but then I'm potentially screwed if it isn't covered by ebay's purchase guarantee. Or am I screwed either way if I go around the authentication process?

This whole thing smells very fishy to me. I'm the seller -- it's my watch -- why do I HAVE to go through this authentication process? Seems like this whole concept violates all sorts of buyer's and seller's rights. Or can I safely circumvent the whole process?

Thank you in advance for any advice. I haven't mailed the watch anywhere yet (the buyer did pay within a day of auction end). I can't afford to be scammed out of it. 

[candd205]

I don't know that much about the authentication process, but I do know that it protects YOU. If you don't go through an authenticator, the buyer can file an item not described case against you and return a Timex watch to you. They keep the real watch and you refund all the money back to them. I suppose it is up to you though.

[klhmdg]

If you can’t afford to be scammed you should send to the authentication.

If you don’t I am sure you will be scammed and loose the watch and you $.

New sellers are scammer magnets and anything high end ....

If you can’t afford to give it away .. you should think twice about online sales.

The authentication is you best bet to not be scammed.

[dhbookds]

Ask yourself why the buyer doesn't want an authentication process?  So he can make you back a fake?

Frankly, I'd be VERY afraid.................

[northernlightsofoz]

On an item for that amount, I would send it where eBay wants me to send it.  Don't know why the buyer does not want it authenticated. 😐

You are braver than I, selling such a high dollar item like that on here. Good luck.

[dryophelia]

@americandetectorist 

If the item qualifies for the authenticity review, there is no way to opt in or out. 
Do not ship it to any other address than the one provided when you print the label. 

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/selling-tools/ebay-authenticity-guarantee?id=4644&st=3&pos=2&query...

[southern*sweet*tea]

The buyer is setting you up to be scammed, period the end.

The authentication protects both you and the buyer. No legit buyer is going to give up am authentication if it means they are going to get a verified authentic, genuine 18k gold Gucci and not a gold plated Timex.

If you sell that watch without the authentication (I don't think you can, actually) your buyer can file an item not as described case and send you back a busted Mickey Mouse watch and you'd have to refund.

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@americandetectorist 

     Ran across this article just the other day

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-does-ebay-authenticate-work

Do Not send that high priced watch to that buyer without having it authenticated by ebay! All posters are correct. Please read.

[futuremarine2011]

cancel the sale and refund the buyer.  if your sixth sense is telling  you something is not right then youd better listen to it. if you dont you will not have anyone to place the blame on except yourself.

[mtgraves7984]

Buyer of my high-end watch does not want authentication

@americandetectorist 

Then you want to sell it locally and to be paid in cash, no?

[caldreamer]

The authentication process is to protect you and buyer from fraud.   The fact that the buyer is pushing you to ship immediately (without authentication) is a big RED FLAG.   Buyer could receive item and file claim "counterfeit" and return a fake watch to you.    Or they can reverse charges on their credit card after receiving item.  There are many scammers looking for "high value" items.  

[tdumonde2014]

What's"Fishy" about eBay giving you another level of seller protection?

[debhan1402]

@americandetectoristDO NOT sent a $5900 watch to this person.

It's guaranteed that you're going to ripped off. Consider selling it locally.

[alcoforever]

Sell it to a reputable jeweler in your area.   You may only get $2000 for it but that is better than losing it all.

[vintage-car-magazines]

Ask yourself...WHY a buyer who is buying a high priced item from a stranger would want to skip and avoid authentication to ensure they're getting what they paid for.

• For the buyer, the only reason that comes to mind is speed. They want it now. Seems an unnecessary added level of risk for not much return.
• For the seller...I'm not interested in assuming additional risk for an expensive item because the buyer is impatient. Their desire to get it fast doesn't trump my desire to protect myself from getting ripped off.

The buyer might be willing to roll the dice.... I'm not.