5 Best Places to Sell Watches Online As A Novice 

Selling and reselling watches is one of those overlooked business areas that’s quite lucrative.

As an average watch salesman, you could earn as high as $37,000 annually and up to $150,000 for large dealers. 

But even with this potential, business challenges might be somewhat discouraging, especially as a novice.

Aside from dealing with established brands, proving authenticity, and handling shipping, there’s a bigger challenge of putting up your watches on the right platform to sell. 

Unless you’re planning on having only your family and friends as customers, finding the best places to sell watches online should be a priority. 

Good thing we’ve prepared a list of best places to sell watches online as a novice.

From this list, you’ll find platforms that allow you to list your timepieces and sell them for a premium, whether old or new. 

Why You Should Consider Selling Watches

If you’re considering entering the world of online retail, selling wristwatches can be an excellent choice. 

Here are four compelling reasons to consider selling wristwatches:

• Lucrative market opportunity: The wristwatch industry has high-profit margins, due to the constant demand for diverse styles, luxury brands, and collector’s pieces.
• Timeless appeal: Watches hold an everlasting appeal as both functional accessories and fashion statements, ensuring a consistent demand among consumers who appreciate the blend of craftsmanship, style, and functionality.
• Global customer base: Selling luxury watches online allows you to tap into a global customer base and reach interested watch buyers worldwide.
• Passion and interest: If you have a genuine interest in watches and are passionate about their history, designs, and technological advancements, selling wristwatches provides a unique opportunity to turn your passion into a profitable business venture.

Problems With Selling Watches

There are always challenges in every business, but identifying them beforehand can help you prepare better. 

Here are four challenges you might face when selling watches:

• Intense competition: The luxury watch market is highly competitive, with numerous established brands and online retailers vying for customers’ attention. Standing out among the competition can be challenging and requires significant effort and resources.
• Trust issues: Customers often have concerns about the authenticity of products, especially with luxury brands. Building trust with them can be a demanding task.
• Complex inventory management: Watches come in various styles, brands, and models, leading to complex inventory management. Tracking stock levels, managing multiple SKUs, and avoiding overselling or stockouts can be time-consuming and require careful attention to detail.
• Evolving market trends: The watch industry is subject to changing trends and preferences. Stay updated with the latest designs, technological advancements, and customer preferences. Keeping up with these trends and adjusting your inventory can be challenging and require continuous market research.

What You’ll Need to Sell Watches

To start selling watches, you will need:

• Inventory: Acquire a selection of wristwatches from reputable suppliers. Try choosing several styles, brands, and price points to cater to different customer preferences. Also, consider establishing relationships with authorized dealers or wholesalers to ensure authenticity and competitive pricing.
• E-commerce platform: Set up an online store with an existing marketplace to showcase your watch inventory. Choose a user-friendly platform that offers features for product listings, shopping cart functionality, secure payment processing, and customization options. 
• Professional product photography: Invest in high-quality product photography to visually showcase your luxury watches. You can hire a professional photographer to do the task. Ensure the photographs accurately represent the watches’ colors, textures, and features.
• Packaging and shipping materials: Obtain suitable packaging materials to protect the luxury watches you sell during transit. Things like sturdy boxes, cushioning materials (foam or bubble wrap), and appropriate tape will do. You can also add branding elements, like customized labels or inserts, to enhance the unboxing experience for customers.
• Shipping and logistics: Establish partnerships with reliable shipping carriers to handle the delivery of watches to customers. Consider shipping rates, delivery speed, tracking capabilities, and insurance options.

Where to Sell Watches Online

As a novice looking to sell a watch online, consider beginner-friendly platforms with a supportive environment. Here are the five best places you can try out:

1. WatchBox

WatchBox is a prominent online marketplace dedicated to buying, selling, and trading luxury watches and antique pieces, offering a global platform for watch enthusiasts.

What Makes This Option Great?

As a novice, using a platform that offers low-barrier entry and quick payouts is desirable. 

The WatchBox system and reputation make it easy to sell a used watch and get cash fast. 

• Fees/Commission: Commission rates on WatchBox can vary based on the watch’s value and specific arrangements made with the platform.
• Payment Methods: WatchBox provides secure payment options, including bank wire transfers and other mutually agreed-upon methods.

2. Bonanza

Bonanza claims to be the best online marketplace, and its user-friendly platform that allows you to open a fully-functional store and start selling online.

What Makes This Option Great?

Bonanza provides straightforward listing processes, customizable store layouts, and helpful seller tools, making it accessible and intuitive for beginners.

• Fees/Commission: Bonanza charges a final value fee based on the item’s sale price. Additional fees may apply for optional features and services.
• Payment Methods: You can receive payments through Bonanza’s integrated payment system, which supports multiple options like PayPal, Stripe, and Amazon Pay.

3. Etsy

Etsy is a marketplace focused on handmade, vintage, and unique items. 

It also provides a supportive community and tools for novice sellers.

You can use it to sell a variety of items.

What Makes This Option Great?

Etsy’s emphasis on niche and handmade products attracts a specific customer base, allowing you to showcase your unique watches to an engaged audience.

• Fees/Commission: Includes listing, transaction, and payment processing fees. Additional fees may apply for optional features.
• Payment Methods: You can receive payments through Etsy Payments, which supports various payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and more.

4. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace, integrated within Facebook, provides a familiar environment that allows novice sellers to reach a local audience and engage with potential buyers easily.

Sellers use this platform to advertise many different products, though some work better than others.

Check out the top-selling products on Facebook Marketplace here.

What Makes This Option Great?

Facebook Marketplace allows you to leverage your existing social network for sales.

• Fees/Commission: Facebook Marketplace charges a 5% seller fee for every transaction.
• Payment Methods: Payment methods on Facebook Marketplace can vary, including cash on delivery or digital payment platforms like PayPal.

5. Govberg

Govberg Jewelers is an authorized dealer focusing on pre-owned luxury watches, like Patek Phillip, Rolex, Hublot, etc.

It’s the premier place to start selling your pieces even if you don’t know how to sell a product online.

Govberg makes the process smooth.

What Makes This Option Great?

Govberg uses a simple four-step process for watch sales that makes it easy for anyone to sell their pieces.

• Fees/Commission: Govberg doesn’t charge a commission for selling your watch.
• Payment Methods: Govberg pays through bank wire transfer, direct deposit, or other agreed methods.

How To Sell Watches in 10 Steps: Step-By-Step Instructions

Things to Consider When Selling Watches

Here are some additional considerations to be aware of before selling watches online:

1. Market Trends

There are always releases of new models and trends in this line of business, so stay updated on current market happenings, popular watch models, and brands with high demand.

Understanding market preferences can help you make informed decisions on pricing and choose what to sell.

2. Watch Authenticity

Ensure the authenticity of the watches you plan to sell.

If you’re uncertain about a watch’s authenticity, consult experts or consider getting it authenticated by a reputable third-party service.

Selling counterfeit or fake watches can lead to legal consequences and damage your reputation as a seller.

3. Build Trust and Reputation

As a novice seller, building trust and a positive reputation is crucial.

Maintain clear and honest communication with potential buyers.

And provide accurate descriptions and promptly address questions or concerns. 

4. Warranty

If you’re selling a pre-owned watch, check if the manufacturer’s warranty is still valid or transferable to the buyer.

Be transparent about any previous servicing or repairs on the watch.

Such information builds buyer confidence and helps justify the asking price.

5. Fees

Familiarize yourself with the fees and expenses for selling watches on your chosen online platform.

Consider listing fees, transaction fees, and additional charges for optional services such as featured listings or promotional boosts.

Then, factor these costs into your pricing strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to a few questions we didn’t discuss in the article:

Similar Tutorials to Check Out

You might find these other tutorials interesting:

• How to sell furniture locally: Learn the ins and outs of making money through local furniture sales. 
• How to sell laptops: Selling gadgets is quite lucrative. Learn how you can earn fast cash from this side hustle. 
• The art of selling candles from home: Selling scented candles is becoming a trend recently in the gig economy. Read to learn how to do it. 

Wrapping Up

Selling timepieces requires less effort and has a high-profit margin, making it a desirable side hustle. 

While you can sell at pawn shops and offline stores, selling online on platforms is easier, faster, and more profitable, even for a novice. 

If you’re selling online, consider improving customer service and offering guarantees.

This way, you can inspire trust and increase your chances of making sales. 

We’d love to help beyond this article, so please, drop your questions in the comment section and share this guide if you liked it.