What is the safest way to do a private face-to-face transaction?

[GRabens]

Looking at doing a face-to-face deal. Given the current state of affairs, I am a little concerned to bring cash to meet someone I haven't met previously. I'll do my best to vet them ahead of time, but appreciate any guidance / recommendations.

My initial thought is to meet at a bank.


Thanks,

Guy

[zjd168]

police station or big bank branch

[peterpl]

Originally Posted by zjd168

police station or big bank branch

Yep - just call your local police station first and ask them if they would accommodate you doing a large transaction there for safety.

Otherwise if you work in an office environment I would feel safe if I did it there. The guests all have to sign in with ID and everything and all doors are open with passes.

[Bigblu10]

police station is safer than a bank. People have been robbed in a bank setting. Remember, with everyone wearing masks, identities can be concealed. A mask, baseball cap, fake glasses, you and the camera will never see their true appearance.

[enjoythemusic]

Police station and be sure to be near video cameras. Also, first ask for their ID and take a photo of it before then showing / selling the timepeice.

[SpeakWithMichael]

ID’s can be faked. Security doors can be held open by an accomplice. Be inside the police station already, don’t meet and shake hands out in the parking lot.

[dddrees]

Don't

When you avoid something potentially unsafe that is the safest possible approach you can take. Typically if there is reason to be concerned why would you want to go there in the first place? I know common sense isn't?

[Watchflair]

I just have no interest in this - if I don't know who I'm selling to example someone with references on TRF and a good history I wouldn't do it. I'd take the hit and sell to a dealer otherwise- is it really that big of a difference? Too many of these stories gone wrong.

The extra money going private party to an unknown buyer just isn't worth the risk to me.

[rootbeer7]

Can you find a friendly jewellery store? That way cash can be left safely prior to transaction and if a deal is done, the watch can remain in place in case you feel uncomfortable. I do this if I don't already know the person. It can also make a nervous seller feel more comfortable. I always do this.

[Danny83]

Meet inside of a restaurant

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

I just have no interest in this - if I don't know who I'm selling to example someone with references on TRF and a good history I wouldn't do it. I'd take the hit and sell to a dealer otherwise- is it really that big of a difference? Too many of these stories gone wrong.

The extra money going private party to an unknown buyer just isn't worth the risk to me.

Above all, this.

[Duey]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

I just have no interest in this - if I don't know who I'm selling to example someone with references on TRF and a good history I wouldn't do it. I'd take the hit and sell to a dealer otherwise- is it really that big of a difference? Too many of these stories gone wrong.

The extra money going private party to an unknown buyer just isn't worth the risk to me.

X2 here.

People have asked for a FTF when I've listed watches up for sale and every time I tell them - They have to bring the full amount in cash we then have to count and verify the cash first before they can see the watch. I say that's to protect me. And every time they say no thanks

[michaelodonnell123]

Originally Posted by zjd168

police station or big bank branch

Lol...police station. Nobody in the waiting area is going to put down their coffee and donut to chase some clown who ran off with your watch.

[330ci]

people on here make me realize why anti anxiety meds are so popular in the states.
Never thought I’d see the day people trusted shipping something to strangers over meeting in person.


Best way to FTF? I enjoy meeting up for coffee, sitting in a secluded section of a coffee shop to discretely count cash and allow the buyer to view the watch.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by 330ci

people on here make me realize why anti anxiety meds are so popular in the states.
Never thought I’d see the day people trusted shipping something to strangers over meeting in person.

It's all fun & games till someone loses an eye.
dP

[77T]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

It's all fun & games till someone loses an eye.

dP

Yep - nice way to put it. I can’t believe some of the comments - blithe disregard for personal safety.

I agree with those who say sell only to well-vetted buyers In safest place, a police station.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by 330ci

people on here make me realize why anti anxiety meds are so popular in the states.
Never thought I’d see the day people trusted shipping something to strangers over meeting in person.


Best way to FTF? I enjoy meeting up for coffee, sitting in a secluded section of a coffee shop to discretely count cash and allow the buyer to view the watch.

Well, all I can tell you after more than a few transactions with highly reputable people both here and on another site I have yet to have any issues yet.

If I ever did FTF the very same would have to be the case.

Established reputations don't come easy and they actually do matter.

[ABrolex]

Police station, Bank or hotel lobby

[AzPaul]

Best thing to do is bring your own muscle.
I'd recommend Luca Brasi but he hasn't been around lately.

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

Best thing to do is bring your own muscle.
I'd recommend Luca Brasi but he hasn't been around lately.

There's a reason for that. Luca was a little slow when chasing was needed.


OP, First you should consider if you really need to do this in person. If you do then the 2 generally safest places are banks and police stations. Neither are foolproof. Both have good camera systems so somewhat equal on that note. It would take someone with big balls to pull off a robbery in a police station however you could easily get paid in counterfeit paper. Banks can get robbed but if you have your buyer hand the cash to a teller who checks it. counts it and deposits it in your account your covered.

First choice should always be only do business with people you trust.

[Burlington]

Typically when buying things from a private sale I will go to their house.

[Chewbacca]

Prestigious car dealer customer lounge area.

You can see where they park, there’s many cameras, dealer employees eyeball anyone walking in, and employees will quickly intro themselves or reception will log them in as they walk in.

Keep your phone on mute so you can study them before asking if they’re ‘Keith’.

If there’s a driver waiting in the car, and it’s parked for quick exit, be cautious. Because we like to say it’s a ‘watch’ deal but it’s no different than a transaction worth thousands if not tens of thousands.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

Lol...police station. Nobody in the waiting area is going to put down their coffee and donut to chase some clown who ran off with your watch.

[vh2k]

Maybe you should re-watch Scarface first. That will adjust your priorities.

[Jocke]

Is it possible in US to use a police station for private deals?

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by Danny83

Meet inside of a restaurant

It's easy to say for a guy in your size. 😂😂😂😂😂

[donas]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

Lol...police station. Nobody in the waiting area is going to put down their coffee and donut to chase some clown who ran off with your watch.

This is a valid point for reasons other than being lazy. More than likely the only person you will see behind the glass isn't even an officer. The few officers at the station will be out of sight and busy; you will be robbed and no one will know.

I know my agency would not babysit a sale just because someone called and requested it. Unfortunately, that is a civil matter....once you're a victim then call the police.

This was such a common request, my department set up sale areas in each bureau. This is a marked area in the parking lot that is video recorded 24/7.

[shaunylw]

I’ve met in person before, but now i just say no. I’ve missed a ton of buyers that wanted to meet locally, never cared. The one i did meet in person, was at a Starbucks. Both of us were carrying things that we don’t speak of here, legally of course, and it went great. Great guy, super nice, but too risky.

If someone robs me of the cash or watch, i really can’t do anything. My life is likely not at risk so i can’t really defend myself.

Ship the watch always if you are selling. If you are buying, pay more and buy from someone that’s trusted and have them ship to you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GSDLover]

I make this suggestion with trepidation that I may be punished for this idea, but it will help a number of people who have access.
I have done a number of transactions at my gun club.
NO ONE is going to mess with you when you are surrounded by a bunch of armed friends.

[cm10005]

Banks get robbed everyday. I’ve never heard of a police station being robbed. That should give you an idea of where I would pick