Buying From Overseas Forum

[Jules Vega]

Hi All,

I am a noobie as far as buying from overseas forum is concerned. I tried to find some thread here in MWF on pointers from members for such purchase but can't find any. If there is already a thread, my apologies and I would be grateful if you could point me to it.

Few things I am unclear about:-

1. If payment is by PayPal, how much is the trasaction cost? I see that who bears this is a negotiated position.

2. If areowned watch arrives from overseas, would there be customs issues for the buyer? Would the parcel arrive at the buyer address or would it terminate at the customs office for buyer to pick up?

3. What is the customary period for parcel delivery if it comes from the US? Any major difference to the delivery period between a commercial courier and USPS?

4. Any other local regulatory issues that can come up from an overseas purchase?

Many thanks in advance to any member who can help me out on these questions.

4. As international delivery cost is also a negotiated point, any idea what the cost is like?

[Aero100]

me too interested in knowing this... cos i saw few watches in wus n fell in love with its price

[hanz079]

Hi All,

I am a noobie as far as buying from overseas forum is concerned. I tried to find some thread here in MWF on pointers from members for such purchase but can't find any. If there is already a thread, my apologies and I would be grateful if you could point me to it.

Few things I am unclear about:-

1. If payment is by PayPal, how much is the trasaction cost? I see that who bears this is a negotiated position.

2. If areowned watch arrives from overseas, would there be customs issues for the buyer? Would the parcel arrive at the buyer address or would it terminate at the customs office for buyer to pick up?

3. What is the customary period for parcel delivery if it comes from the US? Any major difference to the delivery period between a commercial courier and USPS?

4. Any other local regulatory issues that can come up from an overseas purchase?

Many thanks in advance to any member who can help me out on these questions.

4. As international delivery cost is also a negotiated point, any idea what the cost is like?

1. Paypal fees are around 3-5% depending on seller. Some sellers will ask you to top up 3% some 5%... negotiate. Paypal exchange rate are also unfavourable to you. It's always slightly higher than market exchange rate.

2. No issues. Watches are tax free. But there are circumstances when parcels are open for random inspection and they just want to tax the croc strap that the watch comes with. How much? Up to them.

3. USPS or any other courier service is traceable, if USPS International Express, a week maybe? Fedex will take 3-5 days.

4. See answer no 2. Shipping rates are normally in the bicinity of usd60-100 based on my own experiences.

Always always beware when buying from open forums. Do your due diligence and ask for references.
If feel uncomfortable, it's always ok to back out of a deal.
Good luck.

[tonykpk]

Hi . To me, pre owned great condition and beautiful watches  doesn't come cheap . Its better to deal f2f or buy the seller cause we have plenty of them in our very own MWF. Do you think pay pal will refund you after receiving something that is not to your satisfaction? Always remember not to be taken in by prices to good to be true.Like the saying goes : if you pay peanuts you get monkeys >> regards tony

me too interested in knowing this... cos i saw few watches in wus n fell in love with its price

[Jimmy Wong]

Hi . To me, pre owned great condition and beautiful watches  doesn't come cheap . Its better to deal f2f or buy the seller cause we have plenty of them in our very own MWF. Do you think pay pal will refund you after receiving something that is not to your satisfaction? Always remember not to be taken in by prices to good to be true.Like the saying goes : if you pay peanuts you get monkeys >> regards tony

me too interested in knowing this... cos i saw few watches in wus n fell in love with its price

Jules

Tony KPK have excellent points . About 10 years ago, I have bought Golf Equipment from US.
No doubt their price is cheaper but a lot happened during my purchases. I am talking New
Equipment and not used or Preowned.

1) Make sure you ask them for for details. Verify with them. Keep all correspondence email etc.
You will need them if there is any problem with the purchase.

2) Check the price of the shipmment. They will charge you for every individual item and then
send everything in one box. They wont refund after I complaint to them when I rec the golf club
thoughI have asked them to put all the items into 1 box and they say no, its company policy
but when I received the equipment its all in a box

3) I had 1 case when the seller send the Golf Iron 3 weeks after I paid through Pay Pal. Its wasnt
until I complaint and reported the problem to Pay Pay and Ebay. I received the Golf Iron 6 weeks later.

4) Packaging was good but during transit from US, the Corrugated Boxes get stacked on, squashed
an there was 1 case where the Wood Club Head got dented and there was no refund so far..
That was about 10 years. Then there was a case where the iron set as in loose pieces and no more
in a box when I received it.

5) There was 1 case from NYC where the Golf Club (sand wedges) never arrived and there was no refund
from Pay pal. This was what made me think twice about buying from Overseas.

A good friend of mine told me very nicely this,
"What can you do, go all the way to US to claim from the seller? " I felt like 

I do buy things from overseas when I go there or when my family goes oversea whereby we can check
out the item before buying them.

Good Luck and this is my 2 sen worth

Jimmy Wong

[Jules Vega]

Dear Hanz, many thanks for the pointers. They are invaluable . You seem to have a lot of experience on these type of transactions. Did you have any unpleasant experience? Also, would you think that Customs would be more diligent when GST kicks in? Also, why is there a difference in PayPal fees between different sellers?

[Jules Vega]

Dear Tony, many thanks for the word of caution. I am treading carefully. And you are right, the range of preowns is getting very extensive on mwf and thus attractive. The weakening ringgit is also discouraging. The overseas forum's attraction is not so much price but rather the range, including difficult to find models.

[Jules Vega]

Dear Jimmy, many thanks for sharing the anecdote . Am sorry to hear of the untoward incident . I can understand if it puts you off overseas online purchases. Anyway it is difficult to resist the instant gratification of in person retail purchase with all of its attendant buying experience .

[tonykpk]

Good luck to you Jules,If possible request a  hd photo of watch to be taken on top of front page newspaper of the day ( that is with date shown). regards tony

[JeepWH]

Always be on the alert when buying online, the best is face to face purchases in shops and AD's.

[1to12]

I personally prefers to search and hunt in the virtual world. At my own sweet time and leisure. No distractions from sales guys (or gals  ) and one of the main benefits is that the "shop" is still open after 10pm which is when I have some "me time".

I normally check a few regular sites but will sometimes do a search/google and see where it leads me to. But I always do some background checks e.g. preference are given to those with bricks and mortar shops as well, testimony/references, or regular contributors who are known to others. For e.g. one of my sellers turned out to be Head of a Library in an European country.   

I usually pay via bankwire transfers or credit cards. But if you're uncomfortable, Paypal could be a safer option.

Delivery is quite fast using Fedex or UPS (usually 2-3 days) and even USPS is not bad (ard 1-2 wks). Except during the major delays at the end of last year. You can try to nego for pricing inclusive shipping charges.

Good Luck and enjoy the journey!

[alucard1]

The risk is relatively higher than buying it outright from a shop. If you are getting a really high-end watch, it's much wiser not to get it online. Just my 2 cents 

[JeepWH]

The risk is relatively higher than buying it outright from a shop. If you are getting a really high-end watch, it's much wiser not to get it online. Just my 2 cents 

 

[dpkong]

The risk is relatively higher than buying it outright from a shop. If you are getting a really high-end watch, it's much wiser not to get it online. Just my 2 cents 

I bought a half-gold Daytona from the USA so it all depends who you're buying from.

[JeepWH]

The risk is relatively higher than buying it outright from a shop. If you are getting a really high-end watch, it's much wiser not to get it online. Just my 2 cents 

I bought a half-gold Daytona from the USA so it all depends who you're buying from.

Wah, so adventurous of you. If me i wouldnt dare la. 

[sari]

I started with Ebay. UPS and Fedex is my choice of shipping. EMS is Ok but higher risk. I have experience with vintage watches with parts that were held together with super glue .
One more thing, anything above RM500 will attract KDM attention . but since watches and clock is tax free I have never experience any problems with KDM.

[dpkong]

The risk is relatively higher than buying it outright from a shop. If you are getting a really high-end watch, it's much wiser not to get it online. Just my 2 cents 

I bought a half-gold Daytona from the USA so it all depends who you're buying from.

Wah, so adventurous of you. If me i wouldnt dare la. 

The hardest part is actually the declaration on the wire transfer form...

[jetstrim]

Always pay with PayPal and file a case within 45 days,no more, if there is any issue....non receipt,item not as described,shortchanged etc.

I had two cases opened whereby the watch never arrived.Paypal intervened and I got every sen back. Way to go PayPal .Never wire unless the seller is of good repute.Then again,stil not the best way

[JeepWH]

Always pay with PayPal and file a case within 45 days,no more, if there is any issue....non receipt,item not as described,shortchanged etc.

I had two cases opened whereby the watch never arrived.Paypal intervened and I got every sen back. Way to go PayPal .Never wire unless the seller is of good repute.Then again,stil not the best way

Yeah totally agreed.

[hanz079]

Always pay with PayPal and file a case within 45 days,no more, if there is any issue....non receipt,item not as described,shortchanged etc.

I had two cases opened whereby the watch never arrived.Paypal intervened and I got every sen back. Way to go PayPal .Never wire unless the seller is of good repute.Then again,stil not the best way

That is the very reason why some asked to be paid by paypal as "gift" as you can't file disputes for "gift" payments.
Can't blame the sellers though as ppl have been abusing the paypal system for ages.
I sent my item out, together with consignment form and all... buyer filed... got his refund anyway.
Try this... buy any item and pay using paypal, wether you receive it or not, file a report and escalate to a claim... 99.99% you will get your money back... I doubt paypal even investigates claims...

[watzisname]

Always pay with PayPal and file a case within 45 days,no more, if there is any issue....non receipt,item not as described,shortchanged etc.

I had two cases opened whereby the watch never arrived.Paypal intervened and I got every sen back. Way to go PayPal .Never wire unless the seller is of good repute.Then again,stil not the best way

That is the very reason why some asked to be paid by paypal as "gift" as you can't file disputes for "gift" payments.
Can't blame the sellers though as ppl have been abusing the paypal system for ages.
I sent my item out, together with consignment form and all... buyer filed... got his refund anyway.
Try this... buy any item and pay using paypal, wether you receive it or not, file a report and escalate to a claim... 99.99% you will get your money back... I doubt paypal even investigates claims...

What the? That means you get both the item and the money? How does one sell overseas then?

[Jimmy Wong]

Always pay with PayPal and file a case within 45 days,no more, if there is any issue....non receipt,item not as described,shortchanged etc.

I had two cases opened whereby the watch never arrived.Paypal intervened and I got every sen back. Way to go PayPal .Never wire unless the seller is of good repute.Then again,stil not the best way

That is the very reason why some asked to be paid by paypal as "gift" as you can't file disputes for "gift" payments.
Can't blame the sellers though as ppl have been abusing the paypal system for ages.
I sent my item out, together with consignment form and all... buyer filed... got his refund anyway.
Try this... buy any item and pay using paypal, wether you receive it or not, file a report and escalate to a claim... 99.99% you will get your money back... I doubt paypal even investigates claims...

Hanz079,

If what you said is true, I think I will order quickly order 1 PP and 1 AL from Ebay and pay through Paypal and make a claim of not receiving the 2 watches and then expect Paypal to refund me for the "Non Delivery" of the 2 watches after I receive the 2 watches. 

We can go  .....

I dont think they will pay so easily. I have not received my Sand Wedge till now and also no refund from Paypal from my experience.

Jimmy Wong

[hanz079]

Always pay with PayPal and file a case within 45 days,no more, if there is any issue....non receipt,item not as described,shortchanged etc.

I had two cases opened whereby the watch never arrived.Paypal intervened and I got every sen back. Way to go PayPal .Never wire unless the seller is of good repute.Then again,stil not the best way

That is the very reason why some asked to be paid by paypal as "gift" as you can't file disputes for "gift" payments.
Can't blame the sellers though as ppl have been abusing the paypal system for ages.
I sent my item out, together with consignment form and all... buyer filed... got his refund anyway.
Try this... buy any item and pay using paypal, wether you receive it or not, file a report and escalate to a claim... 99.99% you will get your money back... I doubt paypal even investigates claims...

Hanz079,

If what you said is true, I think I will order quickly order 1 PP and 1 AL from Ebay and pay through Paypal and make a claim of not receiving the 2 watches and then expect Paypal to refund me for the "Non Delivery" of the 2 watches after I receive the 2 watches. 

We can go  .....

I dont think they will pay so easily. I have not received my Sand Wedge till now and also no refund from Paypal from my experience.

Jimmy Wong

Sorry, I left out an important detail.
When you buy overseas, use a non traceable postage option... the the seller would have no way of proving your receipt of the item... And you will get your refund.
If the package is traceable and it shows package delivered, that's it... there's no way for a refund even if it's defective...

[jason_recliner]

Always pay with PayPal and file a case within 45 days,no more, if there is any issue....non receipt,item not as described,shortchanged etc.

I had two cases opened whereby the watch never arrived.Paypal intervened and I got every sen back. Way to go PayPal .Never wire unless the seller is of good repute.Then again,stil not the best way

That is the very reason why some asked to be paid by paypal as "gift" as you can't file disputes for "gift" payments.
Can't blame the sellers though as ppl have been abusing the paypal system for ages.
I sent my item out, together with consignment form and all... buyer filed... got his refund anyway.
Try this... buy any item and pay using paypal, wether you receive it or not, file a report and escalate to a claim... 99.99% you will get your money back... I doubt paypal even investigates claims...

Hanz, I hope you are not being serious. 

If you make a false claim, and receive a refund from PP, then PP has assumed the innocent, honest, and unsuspecting seller is guilty and will go after him and blacklist him.  All so you can get a free watch.  That is lower than low, and I would expect MUCH better morals and behaviour from the moderator of a watch forum.

Please explain.

[hanz079]

Always pay with PayPal and file a case within 45 days,no more, if there is any issue....non receipt,item not as described,shortchanged etc.

I had two cases opened whereby the watch never arrived.Paypal intervened and I got every sen back. Way to go PayPal .Never wire unless the seller is of good repute.Then again,stil not the best way

That is the very reason why some asked to be paid by paypal as "gift" as you can't file disputes for "gift" payments.
Can't blame the sellers though as ppl have been abusing the paypal system for ages.
I sent my item out, together with consignment form and all... buyer filed... got his refund anyway.
Try this... buy any item and pay using paypal, wether you receive it or not, file a report and escalate to a claim... 99.99% you will get your money back... I doubt paypal even investigates claims...

Hanz, I hope you are not being serious. 

If you make a false claim, and receive a refund from PP, then PP has assumed the innocent, honest, and unsuspecting seller is guilty and will go after him and blacklist him.  All so you can get a free watch.  That is lower than low, and I would expect MUCH better morals and behaviour from the moderator of a watch forum.

Please explain.

I guess u must have misread my comments.
Lemme elaborate.
My ebay account is set up since 2001.
Have been an active ebayer for more than 10 years.
These are all based on my own experiences and from reading from paypal scam sites. Do a google search.

1. Once I bought a pair of shoes on ebay... waited 5 weeks. Never arrived... Shoes are posted using Royal mail ground (from UK)
I filed for item not received... escalated to a claim.
Seller have no proof item have been posted as the service is untraceable.
I got my refund.
After another 8 weeks... I received the shoes... box is all crumpled.
I sent an email to the seller saying I will pay him back as the shoes got to me in the end.

2. I sold some jerseys via ebay as well.
Buyer paid in full, I sent using poslaju (back in the day, poslaju international tracking is almost non existent)...
After 4 weeks, buyer filed item not received claim. I got an email from paypal asking to assistance.
I furnish paypal with the necessary consignment form.
No use, buyer got his refund anyway. Reason given to me is that the package is not traceable hence it is decided that the item did not reach the buyer.
Now wether the buyer got his item in the end or not is only a guess on my part.
But I am down both in funds, and a jersey. Bummer.

3. Bought a jersey. Size XXL.
Seller sent me wrong size... L...
So I asked if he can send me the correct size and I send him the wrong one back?
OK he said... he can only send a correct one if he received the old one back.
Fair enough... I sent the jersey back using poslaju (yeah... choices are not much back in the days and international courier using private companies are costly)
Waited 4 weeks. Still no feedback wether he got the hersey back (guessing games at this point as well)
Since time is running out, I filed for a claim and the same thing happened.
Seller can prove that his item reached me and I can't prove the return reached him.
Same story... I am down a jersey... and funds...

4. Ordered a used electric guitar effects pedal.
Received a box of rocks... yes... a box of rocks.
Filed my claim... can't get my refund as well. Why, solely because I can't prove it.

After all these experiences, I searched around and see if there is anyone with the same predicament, which to my astonishment, ppl shared stories about loopholes in the paypal system and how to get around it.

Regarding that box of rocks... Online community told me the only way to prove u receive a box of rocks is to go to the post office to collect the package and open it in front of the post office staff, take a video if necessary... and send it to paypal... go figure...

That is why sellers started asking payments as "gifts" and various countermeasures.

One bad thing when ppl asking for "gifts" as paypal payment is that you can't escalate a claim.
So, sellers have the upperhand.

I am sure for a watch purchase (high value especially), sellers would have had sufficient paperwork to prove item have been sent. (wether the item is true to the description is an entirely different story)

And also take note of 1 thing, ebay nowadays are no more like it used to be.
Individual sellers are squeezed out by the high fees and those occupying the ebay marketplaces are registered merchants solely because individual sellers and buyers are causing so much problems.

Wether you judge me as immoral by sharing information that is available if you just do a simple search... I leave it to you.
Have I taken advantage of the loophole? I find it unnecessary as like I said earlier, when you buy high value items, sellers have already taken all precautions.
If a seller is still willing to post items to you using standard mail, then it is small items or cheap items... and if you think ppl stoop so low as to con an USD3 hdmi cable... then it's their choice...

I am not advocating these type of actions... just letting you guys know it is there.

Deals can go south sometimes and when entering a deal online... it's better to know the ball is in the buyers' or the sellers' court...
Anyone can con anyone if they want to... there are no guarantees.

I do apologize if my comments sounded like I am "teaching" guys here how to scam.