Buy first rep from a TD or Trading Zone

[ashtree]

Hello, I'm new here and would like your opinions. What would you recommend more for a first transaction? The Trading zone or a TD? What are the major benefits of either? 

 

Thank you!

[mitchbaria]

The td's only sale new watches.... in member sales area you can get a watch with modifications already made to get it closer to the gen of that model. Sometimes in member trade area you can get a good deal on a new watch that a member purchased from a td and decided not to keep it.... either way be sure to read and purchase the watch you want, research to be sure and know what your buying before you pay for it.... follow all instructions about making your payment, this ain't quite ordering up a pizza. Always give plenty of time and thought behind any action you make when things don't go quite the way you think they should... welcome to a great hobby and a great forum.....

Edited December 20, 2012 by mitchbaria

[ashtree]

thank you very much sir. i appreciate the advice!

[panerai153]

There are certainly advantages to both. Sometimes there just aren't any watches that you like for sale in the tradeing Zone (member sales) . On the other hand if you do find something as mitchbaria said, you can often gert watches that have been modded, save money on "gently used" and in most cases, the problems, if any, have been sorted out. Another very important factor, if you are buying from a member here in the CONUS, and you are also in the CONUS, the original purchaser has taken all the risks of customs, etc. I would say the same with sales within the EU, but I'm not sure of that.If you deal with one of the Trusted dealers, you have to have patience, as they may have the watch you orsdered in stock today, but be out tomorrow. remember two things, one, these guys are dealing in counterfeit goods. no matter how you paint it, in the eyes of most of the world, these "replicas" are nothing but counterfeit  "knockoffs". The dealers are often trying very hard to fly under the radar, so you have to be patient. This is not Amazon!!

 

No matter where you purchase, you need to do your homework, know what you are buying, ask questions, and make sure you and the seller are both on the same page with everything, this includes payment instructions, shipping, etc. Don't assume anything. If you want insurance, delivery confirmation, or Express mail delivery, make sure you discuss this with the seller. Most folks don't care how it's shipped, as long as you are paying for anything above what the seller states in his sales thread. Most private sellers don't offer returns or refunds unless the watch is not what was described, but you need to discuss with the seller what his policy is, if say the watch is not running when it arrives at your doorstep. Most of the folks here on this forum are honest and upfront, they want you to be satisfied, within reason.

[Bardamu]

In my opinion, before asking where to buy the watch, ask yourself which watch you want. Then, look when you can find it.

 

Sometimes, the watch you want is not produced anymore and it is out of stock with all TD. So you can only go to the trading zone.

 

If you want an immediate purchase of an available model, maybe you'll go to TD because you don't want to wait until you find this very model in the drading zone (you could have to wait one day, or one week, or one year... who knows ?).

 

If you want to minimize the risk with customs, as said by panerai153, you'll buy from a fellow member living in the same area than you (CONUS or EU).

 

Actualy, there is no rule. It depends of you, and also of the model you want. Take time to discover the forum, and you'll find a lot of information about all aspects to take into account before making your choice.

 

Paul