How to Avoid Getting Scammed Buying Luxury Custom Watches on CustomMade

Navigating the Luxury Custom Watch Market on CustomMade Safely

CustomMade offers a unique marketplace for bespoke luxury custom watches, but like any online platform, it's susceptible to fraudulent activities. Understanding common scam tactics is crucial for safeguarding your investment.

Common Scams Targeting Luxury Custom Watch Buyers

• ✓ Off-Platform Deposit Request: Be wary of sellers who ask for deposits or full payment outside of CustomMade's secure payment system. This is a common tactic to bypass platform protections and disappear with your money.
• ✓ Indefinite Production Delay: Sellers might claim extended or indefinite delays in watch production. This can be a ruse to keep your funds longer or to mask an inability to deliver the promised custom watch.
• ✓ Material Grade Downselling: Some unscrupulous sellers may claim to use high-grade materials (e.g., specific precious metals, rare alloys) but actually use lower-quality alternatives. This deceives buyers about the true value and craftsmanship of the watch.
• ✓ Sourced-from-China Resell: While not all items from China are fraudulent, be cautious of sellers who misrepresent the origin of components or entire watches, especially if they claim exclusive craftsmanship that is actually mass-produced elsewhere. This can lead to receiving a lower-quality item than advertised.
• ✓ Fake CAD Rendering Bait: Sellers might present highly detailed Computer-Aided Design (CAD) renderings to entice buyers, but the final product may not accurately reflect the sophisticated design or quality promised by the rendering.

Key Verification Steps for Buyers

Thoroughly review seller profiles, including ratings, reviews, and past transactions. Look for consistent positive feedback, especially regarding custom watch orders. Be skeptical of new sellers with no history or those with vague or overly positive reviews.

Leveraging Safe Trade Services for Secure Transactions

For high-value luxury custom watches, particularly those exceeding $500, we highly recommend utilizing Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for robust identity verification of both buyer and seller. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that you are dealing with a legitimate individual.

For transactions of lower value, the Safe Trade Services' Basic Plan can still provide essential identity verification, offering peace of mind for your purchase.

Always ensure detailed communication regarding specifications, materials, production timelines, and return policies. Document everything through the CustomMade messaging system. If a seller seems evasive, rushes you, or requests unusual payment methods, it's a significant red flag.