Expert: Melvin Mills - 3/27/2010

Question
Hi,

My mother has an old Rolex watch(25 years +) that she wants me to sell for her. Unfortunately, she no longer has the original box or any of the papers. It has a stainless steel case and diamonds around the face. I'm thinking about selling it on ebay. Can you recommend any steps I should take before I offer it for sale?

Thanks!

Answer
Paul,

Many people did not keep the box and papers.
People like to see them because it helps to paint the picture.  It
is additional confirmation that the watch is real.  Counterfeiters
don't counterfeit the paperwork, interestingly enough.

That is not a major problem.

You have to be willing to guarantee the watch is 100% authentic.
Give a return policy (ie 3-7 days).

If the watch has not been serviced in the past 4 years, you might
want to consider having it serviced.  Depending on where you live, this might cost
you $300-500 (also depends on watch model).  It will cost you the same if you don't have it serviced though.  People will not pay top dollar if they think the first thing they do once receiving the watch is to have it serviced themselves.

Give a detailed description of the watch.

Show many pictures:  dial, sides, back.  Make sure they are clear and close enough
to see the watch well.

Look at other watch sales from people with many sales and high feedback.  Look at there
ads.  It will give you a good idea of what you should be doing.