When I first heard about WDG (Watch Dealer Group), it seemed like an exclusive club I'd never get into. Two years and over $5M in trades later, I want to share exactly how I made it in—and how you can too.
My Background Before WDG
I started dealing watches part-time in 2020, buying and selling through Instagram and local connections. My monthly volume was around $50K—decent, but nowhere near the big leagues. I knew that to scale, I needed access to better networks.
The First Rejection
My first WDG application was rejected. Here's what I did wrong:
- Applied without any references (big mistake)
- Had minimal online presence
- Couldn't prove my trading history
- No formal business documentation
The rejection email was polite but firm: "We require references from existing members."
Building My Foundation
After that rejection, I spent six months preparing:
1. Created a Dealer-ID Profile
I set up a verified Dealer-ID profile documenting my trades and collecting reviews. This became my "dealer resume" that I could share with anyone.
2. Networked Strategically
I attended two watch meetups and connected with dealers on Instagram. I didn't ask for references immediately—I built genuine relationships first.
3. Documented Everything
Every deal I made, I documented: screenshots, shipping receipts, customer confirmations. I built a portfolio proving my trading volume.
4. Got Professional
Registered my LLC, got business insurance, and created a simple website. Small investments that showed I was serious.
The Successful Application
Six months later, I reapplied with:
- Two references from dealers I'd traded with multiple times
- My verified Dealer-ID profile with 15+ reviews
- Six months of documented trades ($300K+ volume)
- Professional business presence
The application took two weeks to process. I had a brief phone call with an admin who asked about my business and verified my references. Then I was in.
What Changed After Joining
The impact was immediate:
- Access to 1,500+ verified dealers
- Better pricing than I'd ever seen
- Pieces I couldn't source anywhere else
- My monthly volume tripled within 6 months
My Advice for Applicants
- Don't rush — Build your foundation first
- Get verified — Dealer-ID or similar platform
- Network genuinely — References come from real relationships
- Document your trades — Proof matters
- Be patient — The right network is worth the wait
WDG changed my business. But the foundation I built while preparing is what made me successful once I got in. Start building yours today.