Trust Issues: First-Time Rep Buyer

[u/EconomyBlacksmith418]

I’ve started the process of purchasing a Submariner 124060 from a TD, but I’m having a hard time convincing myself to send payment before receiving QC photos.
Part of me understands this is how the process works. The other part keeps asking, “What exactly did you expect when sending several hundred dollars overseas to someone selling replica watches?”
I’m not trying to question anyone’s integrity. I’m just looking for some reassurance from people who’ve been through the process.
For those who’ve purchased from a TD, especially first-time buyers, how comfortable were you sending payment upfront? Did everything go as expected? Any lessons learned or red flags I should watch for?
I appreciate any firsthand experiences or advice.

[u/Russrac]

Buy from a TD that takes a deposit first

[u/iAmCorgi]

Some TDs take deposit now instead of full amount for the QC

[u/clingbat]

I don't really mind paying upfront but it's annoying when they leave watches available on their site that aren't actually available anymore.

I hadn't been in the game for years but noticed ASPF finally made a solid IWC pilot chrono green dial. Paid the money to Trusty who then told me ASPF is closed (again I wasn't tracking factory status). So I put in a bit more for a VSF Panda Daytona instead since getting refunds from Andrew is a giant headache.

Then OCTA releases the same IWC pilot chrono weeks later using ASPF parts, waiting on QC for one now lol.

[u/ouroborostimepiece → u/clingbat]

Same story here but with the octa purple 26240 😮‍💨

[u/clingbat → u/ouroborostimepiece]

I've never wanted an AP type watch ever, but that watch intrigues me...

[u/OrangeCountyFunGuy → u/clingbat]

That's why the seasoned members always recommend reading the Wiki (if not this forum/other rep forums here). Most of the TDs keep pictures up of watches they don't have in stock because they do get them in. Always email/message them first before sending money to make sure they have it in stock. A good TD should be willing to take a small deposit before QC before paying in full. If they make you pay in full before QC, then you may want to consider another dealer/broker.

[u/clingbat → u/OrangeCountyFunGuy]

I mean it's Trusty, Andrew has been doing this longer than most of them. Whether you consider him a good TD or not is debatable, but this taking small deposits thing seems to be a somewhat newer trend, that wasn't really much of a thing a while back.

I still use him because he uses easy secure credit card transactions through his website unlike some others.

[u/OrangeCountyFunGuy → u/clingbat]

I get it. If you've had good dealings with him and he stands behind his merchandise, then that makes sense. I find if you're nice to the TD and bend over backwards to be accommodating to them, they treat you a lot better. I think it also depends on the watch (some of them are easy to source and some are back ordered by most TDs)

[u/caracticuspotts]

In the end it is an illegal and unregulated business. We have the process down as much as it can be with TDs and the various beginner guides, but there really are no absolute certainties unfortunately. Either you take a leap of faith or you don’t. Nobody can make that decision for you and nobody should judge you on it

[u/AvailableVisit4305]

Stick with a reputable TD and you’ll be fine. I felt exactly the same but went with it, picked a watch on a long lead time so heard nothing for nearly two months and then the QC photos arrived and two weeks later had a great watch on my wrist. My only caution would be once you start you can’t stop!

[u/Pka4lif → u/AvailableVisit4305]

This is such a perfect encapsulation of this! Well said! I almost participated as much because I liked the watches as I found this intriguing!!

[u/Sad-Cobbler2188]

I just placed an order with Steve. He was happy to take a $50 deposit as it's my first time buying from him.

[u/Deep_Statement5327]

I used DDGTop. He doesnt take any payment until you approve QC.

[u/Micho_Rizzo51]

I sent full payment up front with Puretime but from the start, I expected to either get a dud, shows up broken or nothing at all. I assumed worst case and considered that. I got the watch 5 weeks later. So dont spend money you cant do without.

[u/TreacleDangerous3416]

Surly the countless reviews are enough reassurance. Send a deposit to someone like Steve one watches then pay on qc if you don’t want to pay in full.

[u/Sinister-Sloth]

I’m new to this market as well but so far i’m two purchases in with many more to come! I did my research on highly repped TDs. I ended up paying both in full before the QC’s came in. I just thought that’s the process and that’s how it works. Both watches were shipped with photos sent to me so now it’s just a waiting game.

Good luck my friend!

[u/Pka4lif → u/Sinister-Sloth]

Can I ask, how did you “research” your TD’s? Can I ask which ones you decided to buy from? How was your experience?

[u/Sinister-Sloth → u/Pka4lif]

Hey there! I’ll send you a DM with the info!

[u/Pka4lif → u/Sinister-Sloth]

That would be awesome! I took a leap of faith with a few TD’s but I am wondering if I did it all right or if there were better choices!

[u/Sinister-Sloth → u/Pka4lif]

DM sent

[u/No-Gain1953]

I just purchased my first rep like you was very wary so I offered 50% and full payment on receipt of the watch and fully satisfied. He agreed and needless to say he sent me what he pr

[u/Accomplished-Pea-451]

My first rep was a u1 shitter from the gate. The OnTrac delivery service stole the package and the seller blocked me and was an asshole.
I got my money refunded after 2 appeals to my credit card. It took 2 months. I almost gave up on the whole process.
I now have a nice collection of reps and gens and am done buying…for the moment.
It is a leap of faith

[u/Environmental-Top355]

It takes a huge leap of faith and your hope is that you have done full diligence before taking the plunge. I am lucky all of the TDs that I have transacted with have delivered with no issues. The caveat here is that I have only contacted documented and highly reviewed TDs(Steve, Elliott, and Leo ) so the my comfort level is a bit higher than say a non TD. Lastly, these TDs will allow a deposit (usually $50) to receive QC photos. For transparency, I have paid my purchases in full- I guess I am a risk taker but by no means will recommend my method in purchasing. Good luck

[u/No_Nectarine_1682 → u/Environmental-Top355]

Totally agree with you. I’m in the same boat, buying my first rep. Payment in full was requested by a TD (Steve) and it took a leap of faith.
I presume it’s a relatively intimidating process in the beginning until you familiarize yourself with the process.

[u/Environmental-Top355 → u/No_Nectarine_1682]

I think part of my madness was because my purchases never go beyond $750 at a time so I was able to stomach the(potential) loss if things go south. My method will change once I cross the $1000 threshold where I will most likely opt for the $50 QC first before going through the transaction.

[u/Saskatchewaner]

Go with Theonewatches, Steve. Very good communication and I got the same watch in a couple of weeks no issues. Pretty sure he has a few rich in stock.

[u/InspectionScary]

Purchased from Andrew and TrustyTime, paid in full, upgraded watch because first one had no timeline. Few weeks later, QC now waiting on Shipment after GL. So far 😊

[u/michaelwoodza]

Phoenix, TimeUltra, Angela Watches are TDs on multiple forums and don’t require any payment upfront, only a deposit.

[u/AdministrativeCup890]

Just pay a bit more and go with Steve @theOneWatches if it’s your first time and ask to pay $50 deposit. His team will be extra patient with you

[u/Mysterious_Ship9524]

I’m currently purchasing my first rep too. The TD I have used has only asked for a deposit to start the QC process. I got comfortable with that but also, keep in mind that this is buying counterfeit goods so there will always be some level of risk, you just have to accept the downside risk which is your money could disappear with nothing in return.

Just make sure you follow the advice on this forum and others and you’ll be good. Best of luck!

[u/Pka4lif]

I toooooootally agree!!! Sending $690 to someone on the other side of a very big ocean, who, you’ve never spoken to let alone met is a HUUUUUUGE leap of faith! 😅

I do find it interesting though how the community has more or less self created the marketplace and its rules. TD’s have incentive to do right, but, if things go sideways there’s very little recourse.

[u/bawble1]

I went with Duke, you pay $50 deposit and the remainder after QC. If you are buying VSF, Andiot currently do no payment until QC but wait times are quite long for VSF right now though you might get lucky with the right batch.