How do you trade things long distance?

Chocaholic · 02-02-2012, 05:26 PM

Agreed with a seemingly reputable dealer to trade a Rolex for a Jaeger LC. Values are almost equal. That's not the issue. He's in Chicago and I'm in South Carolina. It would be great if I could just fly up there, do the deal and fly back but my schedule just won't allow it.

I can't bring myself to box up my Rolex and mail it off in the hope he'll do the same. Is there a safer way to complete such a transaction? If we each buy the other's watch via Paypal, an equal amount of money changes hands and we're back in the same boat....while Paypal makes 3% from each of us.

Any ideas?

VaSteve · 02-02-2012, 06:03 PM

Why don't you check with timezone or watchuseek and see if you can get recommendations there. Those guys trade/sell watches all the time.

Chocaholic · 02-02-2012, 06:15 PM

....and he's one of them. Said he doesn't mind shipping to known customers or fellow dealers when trading, of which I'm neither. And I'm not so brave I guess. He had lots of "good guy" reviews and ebay rating is perfect. But wonder if there isn't a more secure way.

pwd72s · 02-02-2012, 06:23 PM

Is there some sort of "escrow" service available? There is one on a billiards site for cue swaps/purchases.

Chocaholic · 02-02-2012, 06:30 PM

One not-so-great idea would be for one of us to buy the others watch via Paypal. Once that transaction is complete, we do the opposite. So, two individual transactions each via whatever pseudo protection Paypal provides. Only downside is two 3% paypal fees. Best I can come up with at this late hour. Open to suggestions.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Buy me a ticket to you, I'll take the watch to the jeweler, bring the watch back to you, then fly home.....

MBAtarga · 02-02-2012, 06:57 PM

Ship yours to a Chicago area Pelican whom then takes your watch to the jeweler, swaps them, and sends the other watch back to you.

Rufblackbird · 02-02-2012, 07:00 PM

after the transaction is finished if you refund the paypal payment don't they refund the fees? They used to, not sure if they do anymore.

Chocaholic · 02-03-2012, 04:22 AM

Just checked with PP and you're right. If payment is refunded in full, the fee is reversed also (less 30 cents). That might work.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 02-03-2012, 08:56 AM

There has to be a level of trust to be able to do this. I do with friends...

I like the idea of finding a Pelican you trust in the local area and using them to do the exchange. That way they can double check for you. Send detailed photos to seller and have them sent to you as well.

Just a question, how does the dealer make a buck on this? Is this where the dealer has very little in the original piece and a buyer for your piece? Might make better sense. Person to person is an easier to understand thing.