Is it worth wearing back a watch from US to flip for profit?

Tommymcsh

Hi All.

I'm in the states next month and I'm picking myself up an Oris, really like the look of them. Just thinking is it worth while buying a 2k ish watch while I'm there to sell on when home? Going with friends so watch can be worn back, no Vat?

Thanks ðŸ‘

Trigger Happy

I doubt it. You lose value when you leave the store as the watch will essentially be second hand.
And at that price anyone buying the watch from you will essentially see it as second hand especially as it will be pre-worn.
And then add in to that will be the fact that they buyer will be depending on manufacturers warrenty and not a store one.

Tommymcsh

Trigger Happy wrote: »

I doubt it. You lose value when you leave the store as the watch will essentially be second hand.
And at that price anyone buying the watch from you will essentially see it as second hand especially as it will be pre-worn.
And then add in to that will be the fact that they buyer will be depending on manufacturers warrenty and not a store one.

Thanks for the info. Was thinking that.
How about buying a nice second hand one over there? Is there a scope to make on them re selling back here.

dudara

Will you be able to bring back home all the packaging, box, papers etc?

Homer

The dollar has rallied a little over the last 12 months compared to its lowest point but we are still a long way from the glory days of $ vs € so factor in the exchange rate, always add local sales tax to any price you see online and then you will realise while there might be a saving on buying a watch for yourself, there wouldn't be enough differential to make money flipping either new or secondhand in my opinion.

Tommymcsh

dudara wrote: »

Will you be able to bring back home all the packaging, box, papers etc?

Was going to post home boxes etc and get watch carried on board

Tommymcsh

Homer wrote: »

The dollar has rallied a little over the last 12 months compared to its lowest point but we are still a long way from the glory days of $ vs € so factor in the exchange rate, always add local sales tax to any price you see online and then you will realise while there might be a saving on buying a watch for yourself, there wouldn't be enough differential to make money flipping either new or secondhand in my opinion.

Thanks for the reply

Frankie5Angels

dudara wrote: »

Will you be able to bring back home all the packaging, box, papers etc?

Tommymcsh wrote: »

Was going to post home boxes etc and get watch carried on board

Sorry to hijack, but a related question:

I bought a couple of watches in NYC in 2016. Stuck the boxes, papers etc in the bag and wore both watches through security and on the plane home, through customs and so on.

Was I lucky that I got through without having to pay a few quid more?

I plan to visit NYC or possibly California at some stage this year and had thought of doing this again if it was ok, but maybe I'm being naïve!

Eoin

The current FX might make it a bit more attractive, but I remember looking up second hand watches last year and I didn't see a ton of bargains, especially if the sole reason is to flip it for profit.

Was I lucky that I got through without having to pay a few quid more?

I travel to the US 4 or 5 times a year with work, and I have not once been stopped at customs.

unkel

Trigger Happy wrote: »

I doubt it.

HDMI will disagree with you. He does it all the time.

I did it myself once about a year ago. Bought a heavily discounted Seiko diver PADI in Macy's in New York (of all places) and sold it on a few months later for a bit more than I bought it for.

Lorddrakul

Why not buy there, post home the packaging and tags individually and wear the watches?
Best of both worlds.

Have seen this done with guitars. carry on luggage in a hard case, home from the states.

HDMI

unkel wrote: »

HDMI will disagree with you. He does it all the time.

:eek: :eek: Secrets out

I've never been stopped coming through for watches. My most recent trip I had 3 of my own that I brought with me and coming back probably about 6-8 more. A new Steinhart that my wife had bought, shipping it to the US saves a bit and no taxes. Bulova lunar watch and various other watches. Big boxes in main suitcase and watches in small watch pouches in carry on.

My case was opened, imagine my embarrassment when all they wanted to do was check my many many bags of jelly beans and other sweets for drugs. My kids always get me to bring back loads of sweets but they are heavy in your checked luggage so I put them in my wheeled carry on. I think I would have rather have paid duty than have all the junk food lined up on the table for everyone passing to see, totally mortified.

Buying pre owned from sellers on watch forums can give some big savings. Online sellers you can save an extra 6% by shipping out of the state that the seller is based in. Jomashop is New York based so we ship to North Carolina and if you can get a sale watch again big savings. Ashford is another good option.

If you buy online from JCpenney or Macy's you will always pay taxes because they are based in every state so sales tax has to be paid. If you have the option of a local address or friend try get a JCpenney card the discounts can be crazy and sometimes your card can get you an extra 40% off. Also they allow you to use multiple coupons at the same time, we have had up to 80% taken off at the till.

Honestly buying/selling for profit is risky. I prefer to buy cheaper in the US and wear for a bit and sell for what I paid for it. You get to have a constant flow of watches but you never suffer the depreciation, kinda like free ownership.

Camera gear can offer big savings, a quick example. My wife wanted a new camera for Christmas, $800 in the local store. I went to Canon USA online and bought for $400 instead. A lens that she wanted locally, we saved $300 by signing up for an Amazon USA prime account free for 30 days and then bought one of their open box deals.

The US is crazy but you have to find it, silly example couldnt sleep one night so was just googling. We were looking for a new bed frame. I found one discounted from $400 to $35 and it was shipped free by fedex and arrived the next afternoon.

mad m

My brother in law has dual citizenship. He is opposite, finds he gets better deal here when buying watches. But that's when it was nearly parity I suppose.

When I'm over there I love walking around Costco or Sam's Club, they can have some great deals.

HDMI----Couldn't sleep and bought a bed frame:pac:

HDMI

mad m wrote: »

HDMI----Couldn't sleep and bought a bed frame:pac:

I hope your not thinking I bought a bed frame to bring home :rolleyes:

mad m

HDMI wrote: »

I hope your not thinking I bought a bed frame to bring home :rolleyes:

It wouldn’t surprise me what happens in this place.