Online Watch Shopping Dos and Don'ts

Online Watch Shopping

Do:

• know your financial limits
• consider everything you are going to use your watch for before purchasing
• buy from an authorized dealer, or have your sale authorized by a valid agency
• check the security of an online vendor's server with Thawte.com (or any U.S. equivalent)
• check the online vendor's privacy policy with Truste.com or a U.S. equivalent
• check a vendor's ratings with a registered safe shopping site, like ePubliceye.com or a U.S. equivalent, and make sure that there are many good ratings
• make sure that you know and understand all charges before completing your order
• buy from a U.S.-based importer who has already taken care of customs and other international trade hassles
• check the website for your brand of choice for authorized vendors
• shop with extreme caution, both in the real world and online

Don't:

• ever buy a new watch without a warranty
• purchase from any vendor who does not offer a 30-day return policy
• deal with any vendor who has a bad rating with the Better Business Bureau
• purchase from a company without valid contact information
• buy any watch without thoroughly researching it on the Internet
• assume your "water resistant" watch will live up to its name in any situation
• buy a watch with leather strap if you spend a lot of time outside
• buy from a site where many of its "name brands" are unfortunately "out of stock" (they're only trying to lure you into settling for second-rate)
• purchase without thoroughly reading the links nearby, including our FAQ, Spotting Fakes and Buying Watches Online
• buy from an unauthorized dealer unless you're willing to gamble.