When buying a luxury watch, it is natural to want to get the best possible deal. Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous vendors out there who will take advantage of unsuspecting customers with subpar products at knockdown prices. This article details all you need to know about replica watches and how to avoid being conned by one. It may seem like an obvious point, but even if something looks too good to be true it probably is. To help you see through these dishonest sales tactics and make an informed decision, we have outlined some Do’s and Don’ts when buying watch replicas.
Don’t Buy Without Seeing the Product First
Buying a replica watch is the same as buying a knock-off handbag or pair of sunglasses. That is, there is absolutely no way to be sure of the quality before seeing the item in person. Don’t expect to be able to return a replica watch or ask for a refund simply because it isn’t ‘as advertised.’ Buyer protection laws only cover products that can be proven to be faulty. Not being able to return a product is a surefire sign that it is counterfeit. A reputable seller should be happy to let you try out their products before parting with any cash.
Don’t Pay in Advance
If a vendor asks you to pay them in advance of receiving the product, they are almost certainly a scammer. Many replica watch vendors sell on online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon. While these sites have some trustworthy vendors, they also have a lot of fakes. If a vendor on one of these sites asks you to pay for the replica watch in advance, end the transaction immediately. Some scammers will even request payment in Bitcoin to avoid being traced.
Do Check the Warranty and Returns Policy
If a replica watch vendor has been in business for any length of time, you can be sure that they have dealt with customer complaints and issues with defective products in the past. With that in mind, always check a vendor’s returns policy for signs of a scam. If they are extremely reluctant to take back faulty products or offer a refund, steer clear. A genuine vendor is happy to take care of their customers even if it costs them some money. You should never buy a replica watch from someone whose only concern is making a quick buck.
Do Conduct Extensive Research Beforehand
Conducting thorough research can help you identify a replica watch before you buy it. If a vendor is offering an ‘Extremely rare Rolex Submariner at an unbelievable price,’ slap on your skeptical hat and dig a little deeper. A quick Google search of the model number will likely reveal its true origins. If you can’t find any information on the replica watch (or if the images you find are of the wrong watch), move on.
Buying a replica watch is a difficult decision. You know full well that you are buying a knock-off that is unlikely to last as long as a genuine product. At the same time, it is an incredibly affordable luxury item and a great first watch for someone who is just getting into the hobby. With that being said, be sure to follow these tips to make sure you don’t get scammed by a dishonest vendor. With a little bit of research, you can find a replica watch that is both high quality and extremely affordable.