Every watch dealer WhatsApp group has written rules. But it's the unwritten rules that really matter. Break these, and you'll damage your reputation—or get removed entirely.
The Golden Rules
1. Honor Your Word—Always
This is non-negotiable. If you say "I'll take it," you take it. If you commit to a price, you honor it. In the watch world, your word is your bond. One broken commitment can follow you for years.
Pro tip: If you need to back out (emergencies happen), communicate immediately and apologize. How you handle mistakes matters.
2. Respond Quickly or Don't Respond
When someone messages about your listing, respond within minutes—not hours. If a deal is pending, the seller deserves to know where things stand. Slow responses waste everyone's time and money.
3. Never Undercut in DMs
If someone posts a watch for $50K in the group, don't DM them offering $45K unless they've indicated flexibility. Public listings deserve public respect. Lowball DMs are seen as disrespectful.
4. Post Complete Information
A proper listing includes:
- Reference number
- Year/condition
- What's included (box, papers, etc.)
- Clear photos
- Price (or "PM for price" if you must)
- Your location
Incomplete posts signal laziness or something to hide.
5. Don't Spam
Posting the same watch multiple times daily? Bad form. Flooding the group with 20 listings at once? Annoying. Space out your posts and keep them fresh.
Communication Etiquette
6. Keep Politics Out
Group chats are for watches. Political discussions, controversial takes, and off-topic debates have no place. Even innocuous comments can spiral. Just don't.
7. Resolve Disputes Privately
Had a bad experience with another member? Take it to DMs or admins. Public callouts damage everyone's trust in the group and rarely end well.
8. Give Credit Where Due
If someone helped you source a piece or taught you something valuable, acknowledge it. The community runs on reciprocity.
Trading Etiquette
9. First "I'll Take It" Wins
Not the highest bidder, not the admin's friend—the first clear commitment wins. "Interested" doesn't count. "PM sent" doesn't count. "I'll take it at asking" does.
10. Be Transparent About Condition
That "light hairline" you didn't mention? It will be noticed. Undisclosed flaws destroy trust faster than anything. When in doubt, over-disclose.
11. Don't Fish for Prices
Asking "what's the market for a 116500?" when you have no intention to buy is fishing. Do your own research. Groups aren't your personal pricing service.
12. Ship Fast, Communicate Faster
Once payment clears, ship same day or next day. Provide tracking immediately. Radio silence after payment is anxiety-inducing for buyers.
Building Your Reputation
13. Start Small, Scale Up
New to a group? Do smaller deals first. Build trust before asking anyone to wire $100K for a rare piece. Reputation is built one deal at a time.
14. Collect and Give Reviews
After successful trades, ask for reviews on Dealer-ID or similar platforms. And give reviews to your trading partners—it helps everyone.
15. Be a Resource, Not Just a Taker
Share information, help newcomers, answer questions. The dealers who give back get the best deals in return.
The Bottom Line
Watch dealer groups are trust-based communities. The unwritten rules exist to maintain that trust. Follow them, and you'll build a reputation that opens doors for years. Break them, and you'll find those doors closing fast.
Looking to join a group? Browse our WhatsApp groups directory →