A watch does more than tell time; it holds memories and reflects an individual’s personality. Whether you’re upgrading to a new model or raising some cash, selling a watch requires careful preparation.
To get the best price, a watch needs to be clean, documented and packaged properly. This article will cover all of these topics, and more!
Cleaning
A clean watch can make a strong impression on potential buyers. It’s one of the first things they will notice when inspecting a watch and will immediately draw their attention to a pristine dial and well-maintained bracelet or case. It’s important to remember that watches need regular cleaning. Not only does this remove the grime that builds up from sweat, but it also helps to prevent corrosion and other problems caused by dirt and moisture.
If you have a luxury watch that needs a thorough clean, it’s best to use an antibacterial wipe and cotton buds to get into the nooks and crannies of the case and strap. It’s also worth removing the bracelet or strap, if possible, to allow you to really get in there with the cleaner.
Once you have a good start, it’s possible to get more thorough with your cleaning by using a toothbrush or a special watch cleaning brush that can be found online at a reasonable price. Just remember that you shouldn’t use any hard metal tools on your watch, as they can damage the surface.
Lastly, you can use household products such as vinegar (never put it directly on the watch!) or tomato ketchup to help with more stubborn stains. Just be sure to test a small area first to make sure that it’s safe and doesn’t discolour or damage the leather.
It’s also worth adding a little dish soap to your water. This is a great way to break down grease and other materials that build up on the stainless-steel case, as it’s specially formulated to dissolve these substances. Be careful not to add too much, though, as the soap can actually strip the metal of its lustre, making it duller and less appealing. If this happens, it’s best to seek professional repair. In any case, you should always rinse your watch after washing it to remove the soap.
Servicing
For a watch to be worth the price it’s being sold for, it must have three things: a clean case, a clean movement, and a clean, undamaged dial. As a result, a seller should service their watch as regularly as possible, especially prior to selling it. This will ensure that the watch is in good condition and prevent any potential problems for a buyer.
In addition to ensuring that a watch is in excellent mechanical condition, regular servicing can help keep the movement lubricated and minimize friction, which can cause damage to a movement over time. Additionally, regular servicing can help identify and fix any minor issues before they become major ones. A watch with a damaged dial, hands, or crystal can be a deal breaker for a prospective buyer, so having these repairs completed is important.
Depending on the brand, most luxury watches are recommended to be serviced every 4-7 years. However, even if a watch has not been worn for that long, it is still important to have it serviced before putting it up for sale. This is because the pivots that connect the movement to the dial can easily snap off if they are not properly lubricated.
Watch buyers place a high premium on documents proving that a watch has been properly serviced. This is because a factory service sheet can be regarded as a warranty by watch buyers, and it will give them confidence that the watch they are buying has been properly restored, refurbished, and serviced by a qualified watchmaker.
In addition to preparing a watch for sale, sellers should also take care to create a professional-looking product listing that features high-quality photos and videos of the watch. Having these details in place can help make the process of buying a watch online a smooth and seamless experience for customers. It is estimated that eCommerce stores lose $18 billion a year due to slow or complicated checkouts, so making the checkout process as easy as possible is key to driving sales. Shopify, which offers a variety of market-leading features for building a luxury watch store, is a great option for creating an attractive and user-friendly website that will attract a large audience of prospective buyers.
Documentation
Whether on pre-owned luxury websites or in a boutique shop, the documentation and packaging of watches are critical to making strong impressions on prospective buyers. Watch collectors want three assurances when purchasing a timepiece: the first is that it is authentic, the second is that it is in good condition, and the third is that the seller can provide any original factory accessories, original case components, and post-sale service records as possible. Taking the time to carefully clean and prepare a watch for sale can greatly help owners meet all of these criteria and place their watches near the top of their market values. Having a high-quality website for your online store is another way to increase the visibility of your products and build an engaged customer base.
Packaging
If you are selling watches, it is important that they are properly packaged to make a strong impression on potential buyers. This includes using a box that is large enough for the watch and making sure it is padded properly to avoid any damage during shipping. High-quality photos and videos are also important for creating compelling product listings.
Finally, it is important to understand how different selling outlets work and their fees, commissions, and other additional charges that can affect the overall price of a pre-owned luxury watch. Additionally, sellers should be aware of taxes and customs when selling international watches.
Ultimately, a pre-owned watch is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, regardless of its history or value to the owner. That is why it is so important to ensure that a watch is in good physical condition, is authentic, and has all of the relevant documentation before it is put up for sale.
As you consider the best way to sell a watch, keep in mind that PageFly is a market-leading platform that can help you build an online store that will showcase your watches and encourage purchases. Our Shopify-based websites include features like a secure checkout that can protect your customers’ sensitive data and a business analytics tool that allows you to track sales trends over time. To get started, request a demo of our platform today!
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