This is a great question, and for some time we were concerned about our low-end competition. So we started buying their boxes to look at them and we stopped worrying. Wal-mart and K-mart have done very well selling cheap goods to the masses, but ‘cheaper is better’ mass-market consumers are not our target audience. The cheap products we found online were just that --- cheap! A cheap price for a seemingly attractive but very flimsy product. We were surprised since the pictures looked OK.
A cliché or two comes to mind about shopping online. The price was "too good to pass up", but we found out it was "too good to be true", followed by "you get what you pay for!. OK, enough clichés! Most of the watch boxes we purchased broke within a short time if they were handled at all. Plus we received an education in Fraud first hand from our own experiences and from customers who made the switch to our authorized dealer retail web site! Many of these so called "retail stores or auction sites" are not real, they are simply "Identity Thieves and Credit Card Harvesters", usually based in a foreign country with a fake name etc...Many are not in the business of selling products, they are selling ads for search engines.
Why aside from fraud is there such a drastic price difference? Several factors affect price and the rules are not "in stone" but here is a short lesson. 1. The Hinge, or lack of a hinge. The retail value of a quality hinge is about $10 ( $20 for 2). 2. The Pillow Construction. Cheap flimsy pillows or too hard pillows are cheap to make. Solid quality pillows that flex "just enough "cost more, much more! Retail of a quality hand made woman's size watch pillow is about $5.00 each, or $60 for a dozen pillows made in volume. Cheap, flimsy, fall apart, pillows can be had for less than $1.00 each. 3. The size of the pillow. A man's watch is about 3 times larger than a woman's watch. This means a pillow costing 3 times more! A case is useless if your watch does not fit and you have the hassle of returning it. None of the cheap cases we bought allowed our larger
watches to fit.
4. The size of the box itself, a big pillow means you need a big box to hold 12 of them! 5.The Quality of the materials used in construction. Leather versus faux leather. Cheap leather can cost as little as a few pennies a yard, while high quality Italian Leather can bankrupt you! Glass versus cheaper Plexiglas versus high end plexiglas. All three have their price issues. Glass is great but the potential breakage during shipment makes it cost prohibitive. Plexiglas of Glass Quality costs an arm and a leg! 6. A quality Lock or Latch or no locking mechanism at all can affect the price by up to $50 retail. The mechanism might sell for $5.00 wholesale, but the tools and skills needed to install the mechanism makes the price soar! 7. Simples things like the shipping box makes a huge price difference. 8. Ironically. Expensive cases actually tend to have a smaller profit margin than the cheaper products, but we refuse to sell cheap merchandise! We neither apologize for nor cower about the value-based
products we offer, simply put, the cases we sell are a good value for the job you need done. That job is to protect your valuable Luxury Watches from dirt, dust, and possible pilfering fingers! Surely you exaggerate the pricing of "parts"? I mean I can buy an electric mixer for under $20 at Walmart! Yes, Walmart has great deals on everything made in volume. They sell something like 200,000 mixers a year. We sell less than 100 of any one style of watch boxes in a given year. This means our products cost more per unit to make. As an example the JE12 Large Watches Watch Case was re-designed this year (March 2007), the only change was the addition of 2 high quality hinges, and our cost went up over $30! (Not all of the price increase can be applied to the hinge, overall raw materials are rising due to the rise of China and its consumer market, but....) Economies of scale do not apply and that is why costs are so high. Cheap small mass produced watch boxes can be found for $30, the cost of our hinges, but then the only watches that fit are the $10.00 cheapo watches being sold at any airport gift store now a days!
How can I evaluate the "reputation" of an Online Store? Why buy from WatchCases.com?
What is most important aspect of choosing a watch box or watch display case?
Getting the size right. Not just the number of watches it will hold, but the size of the watches that will be placed inside the watch box case. Watches over 45 mm are usually referred to as "Jumbo" Watches or "Statement" Watches. Most watch boxes on the market are made to hold
watches measuring from 20mm- 40mm in diameter. But collector watches start at 40-45mm in size. Most Rolex watches for example measure 45mm, where most Breitling measure 50mm and most Panerai watches are in excess of 50mm. Our watch boxes are bigger and therefore more expensive. Wrist Size also affects if a watch box will work for you or not. Wrist size is typically only an issue for very small writs or very large wrists. Here is a guide to wrist sizes.
The majority of Watch Boxes and Watch Display Cases for sale today are too small for most of today's watch collectors. The reason they are too small is price related. Most watches made are small and fit into a small case, but a large case is more expensive and therefore harder to sell. Many small cheap cases are for sale online today, but such small cases will not work for most real collectors! The cases we sell actually will hold your collection. We understand the collector, since we have the same disease! (Watch Collecting) click here to see Donald (WatchCases.com President) at the opening of Vacheron Constantin in Beijing earlier this year.
Most cases only hold tiny watches. However a good sized watch case which holds a few Jumbo and a few normal sized watches is our 12 Watch Display Case. This case holds 12 watches, but the jumbo watch in your collection will overlap and use up 2 or more pillow spaces and therefore this 12 watch box will not hold 12 Jumbo watches. Jumbo watches will not fit along the edges of the box and the large dials overlap the adjacent pillows. Extra thick watches also might not fit, since this box is 1/2 inch thinner than our Jumbo Watch Box.
It will easily accomodate a dozen 45 mm watches or 4 Jumbo (50 mm or more sized watches) and a few smaller watches.
Jumbo sized watch boxes and locking display cases tend to cost more money since they use more materials and are not sold in large numbers. If you think he has Jumbo watches he probably does and the simplest thing to do is buy the Jumbo Watch Cases we suggest. Our specially made case has adaptable pillows so it can also hold smaller watches too! The key number to look out for is watches in excess of 45 mm. Click this link and wait for a new page to open, it is a pdf file so it is slow, but it has a sizing chart, print it refer to it. Venlo also offers a very nice $800 Watch Case for Jumbo watchesVenlo's case is considerably more expensive, but it is truly a luxury item. If you like nice things it is worth the extra money!
Venlo offers a Watch Box
which holds large watches.
If you prefer a wooden case a good inexpensive candidate is the Mahogany 12 Watch Display Case. This Watch Case will not hold truly Jumbo Watches, but it will do fine for very Large Watches! Jumbo Watch Wood WatchCase alternatives:
If you do not want a leather watch case and instead prefer wood. We have a new entry in the Jumbo Watch Case niche. Venlo Company has made a series of Watch Cases which can hold any size watch. We have yet to find a watch that will not fit.
These watch cases are more expensive than most wood watch cases on the market because they are larger than most wood watch cases on the market and they have pillows specially designed to adapt to differing sizes of watches and band lengths. The pillows are large and expensive. (Measuring 60 mm across.) So you get what you pay for. Your options are the more expensive Burl 12 Jumbo Watch Case or the more affordable Yacht 12 Jumbo Watch Case both are beautiful watch cases and excellent gift choices.
What should I do if my friend whom I want to give a watch case to has very odd sized wrists? Too large or too small?
Well you need to determine the wrist size. Measure the actual wrist at the bone with a string wrapped around the wrist, mark the string then use a ruler to measure the string. Or measure the inside dimensions of the watch and band, do not measure the outside! Need more information with respect to wrist size? Read this . Most of our boxes can hold the watch of an average sized man or woman, but if your friend is above or below average you might consider a specially made larger or smaller box or cushion set.
What suggestions would you make for Large Jumbo Watches?
If you don't know the measurements of a watch look for the paperwork that came with the watch or do a google search for the name of the watch. If you find any information you will notice Luxury Swiss Watches are measured in metric mm and cm, not inches. If you find nothing online, then get a ruler and use the metric measurements side. You only need to measure the largest watch in the collection. Measure across the face of the watch from stem to stem, or mark a sheet of paper and measure that.
I do not have a ruler or access to his watches, what should I do?
Basically you want to simply pay attention to and think about the average watch you have seen people on the street wearing now a days. Is your friend's collection larger than this mental average? If so, stick with one of the cases we recommend which are built for oversized watches.
Ok, I have a ruler, the big case you suggested are pricey, maybe we can "get by" with a smaller case?
Ok, I hope you can get by with spending less. Here is what you should do: get our your metric ruler. This a ruler may save you some headaches in avoiding return issues. Measure the diameter of the face of the watch. Plus include all protruding dials as part of your measurement since the whole watch goes inside the watch box you have to take into account every protruding part of the watch. Then make note if the watch is worn on a large or small wrist. Typically fitting small watches and small wrists is easy. Large wristed men wearing large watches are who our primary market is directed since the mass market does not sell watch boxes for them!
Why not buy a Cheap Watch Box being sold on ebay and other such websites?
Cheap 12 watch boxes sold on ebay and other sites (those selling for under $150) are made for the mass market. Typically they are small and made for small cheap watches. The Boxes tend to be small since the watches they are made to hold are also small. Sometimes the boxes are large enough, but when you put the watch in you find out the pillow is designed wrong and the watches do not fit.
Most modern watches do not fit in such cases. We know, we have tried them all! The appeal for cheap watch boxes is the price, but they simply do not hold nice watches. Cheap tiny watches fit no problem but not real watches. Save yourself the time and hassle from returning such a product and buy a watch box or watch case we recommend. If your time is valuable the few extra dollars these nice cases cost will be worth every penny spent!
What do you recommend for Jumbo Sized watches like Panerai and Breitling?
(Paneristi.com is a great site for reading about Panerai watches. Panerai makes what is considered to be the largest watches, though recently other manufacturers have made some very large watches!)
Penerai sized watches will not fit inside any of the low end watch cases and boxes being sold elsewhere. In fact we only have 2 Watch Boxes large enough to hold these style Large Watches and Jumbo Watches. Panerai Watches are so large you must purchase a watch case large enough to hold such large watches. Mass market watch cases are made for simple quartz watches like Timex watches. If your collection of watches consists of $20 watches, any cheap watch case sold on ebay will work, most of our cases are more expensive because they are made in small numbers and mass factory lots! Small numbers mean more expensive products.
Large Swiss watches must be stored in custom made cases, like those made by Venlo, Orbita, BSD Enterprises, Rapport and WatchCases.com exclusives. These cases are expensive because they are produced in low numbers.
The literature on the watch will simply list the diameter of the watch face and this is not enough information. You must also check the protruding dials and other issues like the wrist size of the person wearing the watch. Watches often do not fit inside watch cases of smaller construction. Many cases are being sold in the market place and only WatchCases.com is carrying cases for the large and Jumbo sized watches popular with serious collectors. (Case for Panerai Watches) Cheaper cases are made for cheaper small plastic watches. Jumbo watches measure from 45 mm to 65 mm (Or even larger! But we do not have cases for the 65 mm plus monsters sorry, not enough market demand!) For a nice collection of larger watches the Venlo Teakwood 12 Case is a very good choice or if he likes style and money is not object then the 12 BurlWood Case is the choice! Pillows are lare enough as is the head room in the case.
How are watches classified in terms of thickness?
For Americans the watch industry is hard to work with. Why? Well, it is all in metric. But of course it is dominated by the Swiss and so here is a "guide" to assist you in coming to terms with your watches size: This information is from Lussori.com. Get out your metric rulers.
As a guideline for watch thickness and matching that with a size reference.
Thin 4-6mm
Average 6-12mm
Full size 12-14mm
Statement 14-18mm
When we talk of Large or Jumbo watches we are talking about watches that are both thick and with large diameter watch faces...Their is really no formal industry standard with regard to size classifications as there is with types of watches.
What cases can I buy for Deployant Watch Band Watches?
Right now, only Venlo Company is making cases to hold watches made with these unique bands. Read the description and or email us and ask for a recommendation. If you have a Deployant Watch Band a normal watch pillow or contemporary designed case will not work to hold it, do not waste your time trying it. Venlo cases work because they are intricately designed for the real collector and they are expensive for that same reason. This is a small market, the economies of scale that Timex sized cases have is not able to be done with a luxury watch case.
How do I pick a Watch Case that is right for me?
Some quick pointers: Think about your collection, how you currently use it and how you would like to use it. Think about why you have a collection. Is it for the intrinsic value and joy of owning these pieces of art or is it for variety and fashion flare. Is it for future investment value or is it for fun? Do you want to display your watches or do you want a nice wooden box? Many people get a 12 watch case, but we also have available a very popular 8 Mahogany Watch Case.
Why is personal style and use an important issue?
Well, because if you answer the above questions the myriad of choices is narrowed down quickly and efficiently, otherwise you will go buggy eyed looking thinking you are just looking at "stupid boxes"! Your not, your looking for a home for your treasured watch collection , a home good enough for the watches your putting inside one of these beautiful boxes.
What is the most important factor to consider about a Watch Box or Watch Case?
What do you mean size of my watches? How do I measure size? Diameter? Thickness? Wrist size? What?
Size of 2 components is critical. The watch face and the band length and band style.(See deployant note above.) A third factor to consider is the thickness of the watch itself. But for simplicity for our purposes I consider only the first 2 factors. Size of face and band length. Simply keep in mind a very thick watch may challenge the fit into any normal sized watch box case. Most watch cases are built for the mass market, so if you know you are dealing with larger or smaller than normal watches or watch bands you will want to measure them first.
I have no idea if we are talking about Large or normal sized watches, can you guide me a bit?
The average man in the US is about 5'9" and the average watch woman is about 5"4" so the average watch box is made to fit "normal sized" watches these people would wear allowing a little fudge factor on either end. But if the person your getting a box for is smaller or larger than "average", you will want to adjust your search accordingly. Height is related to watch band size.
The average watch face today is now creeping toward the Larger sizes. 35 to 40 cm is a Large watch face anything in that range will mean you need a larger box. 45 cm to 50 cm are in the Over sized range and you need an Over-sized Leather Watch Storage Case.
What parts of the watch do I measure? You will want to measure the watch face, and band length or your wrist diameter. Measure the face, including the stems protruding from the sides and the watch band length (when on your wrist). So more accurately we should say measure your wrist diameter however if you are getting a watch box as a gift and do not have access to the wrist you will want to measure the band as best you can. I would not recommend asking him or her for his wrist measurements since he will assume you are buying him a new watch! He will be disappointed getting a box if he's expecting a watch! In fact you might be better of saying. "I am going to get you a watch box what size watches do you have?" Men are direct, they will be so taken aback they will tell you and they will look forward to seeing what you get!
I know he will love the box if he uses it for awhile, but how do I get him to realize he needs a watch box?
Some men are funny about watch boxes, (or organizing their toys!) they will think you "paid too much" for a "stupid box"! So plan to be firm. I find after the initial, "my sock drawer is fine" (these men hate change)that 99% of them love their new watch box. You also might even lie and tell him it is "not returnable", and see how he feels about it after a week of use. Again usually they love it, since a watch box makes us more organized and we tend to use more of our watch collection, it is really not about the box. These men will never love the box, but they will love you and the fact they are able to switch watches with ease! A nice note in the card when you give him the gift may seal the deal! An example: "Honey, I know how important your watches are to you and I wanted to give you something to honor your love for watch collecting. I would never dream of robbing you of the joy of buying a new watch so instead I bought you a box to store your watches in and make it easier to wear each and every one of them. Maybe it seems silly, but this is my way of saying I love you and all that you stand for..." You get the idea. Write your own note, I am sure it will be 100% more to the point. How can he send the gift back after reading such a note? (But if he really resists we do have a generous return policy.) Note: Some men are very organized and these stereotypical comments do not apply, however they tend to already own the watch winder and watch box and do not need one! Your job is to convince the unenlightened! Thanks for Shopping at WatchCases.com and thanks for spreading the word. I appreciate your business and your help in selling the concept of organizing ones collection!
How do I measure my wrist size or watch band length?
To measure the band length for yourself the easiest thing to do is to measure your wrist. If you have a tape measure simply wrap it around the spot you normally wear your watch, remove the watch first! If you do not have a tape measure and only have a ruler. To measure your wrist, take a string loop it around your wrist (where your watch normally rides) and then measure the string using a ruler.
How do I measure the size of my watches face?
To measure the Diameter of the Watch Face: Place the watch on a piece of paper. Mark the stem and then mark the other side of the watch face and measure the dots. You can "eye ball" it on a ruler, but since the difference between 45 cm and 50 cm is so small but in a watch box one fits and one does not therefore accuracy is critical!
How do I measure the thickness of my watch?
Wrist size and band length affects fit significantly as may watch thickness. However measurement of band length is complicated enough thickness is impossible due to the fact so many new watches are curved or have other complications. The best rule here is to just ball park it. If you wear watches thicker than what most people wear you should factor this into your selection process and go with the larger watch box. Since thickness is so hard to measure I will not even attempt to explain what to do. I will simply say you will know a thick watch when you see it!
I do not want to measure my watches do you have any rules of thumb to guide me? Yes, as a rule of thumb. Most watch box cases can easily accommodate watches with faces measuring 35 to 40 cm, (about 1.25" to 1.5" inches) however many new watches are larger than this. Most men's watches (and a few women's watches) are in the 45+ cm size ranges including the dial. These larger watches will not fit inside some of the cheaper small watch cases that are available for sale. Price is directly proportional to the size of the watch that fits inside a watch box. We have attempted to offer size guidance and help you to avoid the costly waste of your time dealing with returning a too small/large watch case. (But we do have a generous return policy since this often can not be measured precisely without actually placing the watches inside the box!) Another issue affecting watches fitting a given box is wrist size. If you have large wrists in excess of 7 inches diameter you will want to purchase a watch case designed for Oversized watches even if the face diameter is not that large the band uses up space. On the flip side of this discussion are people needing cases for smaller than normal wrist watches. Some people have small wrists and this presents an equal challenge. It is difficult to build a watch case that works for everyone, people on the extremes are often out of luck. If your watch band is extra large or extra small you will be forced to accept a case that is a compromise, the watches will not fit perfectly. The watch box/watch case market is simply too small for manufacturers to be able to make money making small, medium and large size cases. A fair "rule of thumb" is a person with a wrist of approximately 7 inches diameter will easily be able to find a good fitting case, if your wrist is a lot smaller or larger you may be forced to do with out or compromise.
(Typical wrist sizes range from 5" to 9" with 7" being about average.)
Remember it is not about the box, it is about what is going inside the box that counts and about you. Personally I think anyone who owns any of the top 10 luxury brands is being overly thrifty to purchase any brand watch case besides a Venlo Italian Leather Watch Case. However I also have noticed that not everyone is willing to spend the money these fine cases command and I therefore scoured the globe to find acceptable cheaper options. Venlo cases are without a doubt the finest best priced luxury cases. They are designed with the watch market as their focus, not as an after thought. That said, please keep in mind there is a correlation between price, value and quality. We sell cases that are more expensive than a lot of cases on the market and when examined up close side by side one can see why they are more expensive.
We have done the work for you. The cases we offer pass the test.
What is the biggest issue to consider when buying a Watch Case or Watch Box? I think the biggest issue to consider before purchasing a watch case is size.(No pun intended). There are basically 3 watch sizes on the market. The latest trend is super large watches. Basically there are Women’s traditional watches which tend to be small, less than an inch in diameter and medium sized watches (up to about 44 mm) and Large Watches. Large watches start at 45 mm and up, we identify cases as being excellent size for those which will fit most Larger Watches. Panerai makes really large watches and we specifically identify the cases which will work for these watches. Wolf Designs makes cases for the mass market and they tend to be smaller. They plan to introduce some large cases later in the season or next season, as of yet their cases fit mostly smaller watches unless the notes about the case indicate otherwise. Champ also makes watch boxes for the mass market and these tend to be smaller. The less expensive the case the smaller watch it fits in general.
Are Venlo Cases worth the money?
With out a doubt they are worth every penny! If you can afford a quality watch collection you will not be happy with any of the cheaper Chinese made leather products now flooding the market. Are luxury watches worth their price tags? Is a Rolex, or Breitling or Cartier worth the money charged? I happen to think so, however seeing the recent flood of cheap imitations not everyone agrees with me and the same holds true for the Watch Case and Watch Box market.
Italian Leather seems a bit over rated?
If your plan is to shove your collection in a dusty closet then yes the fine craftsmanship of Italy is not needed. However if anyone will see your collection and your storage case you really want to consider spending a few dollars for a nice case. The cheaper leathers look a bit like glorified vinyl in my opinion. People who can afford Venlo will not be happy with a card board and vinyl covered box.
Which is better Clear or Solid Top Cases? To get maximum wear & usage from your collection a see thru top is the best choice. Think of your watch collection as part of your wardrobe, and the ability to see all the choices is an important factor in maximizing the wear! Glass or Plexiglas will allow you to glance at your collection and see which watch will go best with your wardrobe or your business schedule. Golfing with an important client today? Your Rolex does the job. Lunch at the Yacht Club, the Breitling might be a better subtle power play. However some people do not want others to easily see their collection and prefer a solid topped case.
Surgery today? (Performing surgery I mean!) Hmmm, the Rolex is a better choice. Patience seeing this well known symbol of success will feel more at ease and hence have a better outcome.
Anniversary Dinner after work downtown? The A. LANGE & SOHNE is the best choice! You get the idea...
First and foremost answer the question:
Who is the gift for?
Keeping this answer always in mind look at all your options, and consider their needs. Foremost in importance is you have to decide why you want to gift a watch box. Maybe the sock drawer can work for the next 10 years just like it did for the past 10....
How do I pick a Watch Case that is right for my husband?
Please do not buy a watch box to impose your values on your husband, that will not work, he will send it back, guaranteed. He has not purchased one himself, because he does not perceive a need, your job is going to be to show him, he needs it! Simply handing it to him will not do that instead write or say out loud why you got him this gift.
Like what?
"I know how important your watches are and I see how busy you are. If you had the time I know you would have probably gotten yourself a case a long time ago and I thought you might appreciate being able to choose a watch to wear from a nice organized case. Sure it cost a few dollars, however honey, you’re worth it and besides these are nice watches, you should display them in something worthy of their value!" Note if your friend drives a 1970 rusting Dodge Dart, this is not the tact to take, but if he drives a relatively new luxury automobile, believe me this will work wonders!
But instead think about it from his perspective, yes, you might be imposing an idea, organizing this collection, but if you do so thinking about what makes him tick, you will be greeted with "Wow! What a thoughtful gift!" Not, "you spent how much on a stupid box?"
I would suggest you place the watches, at least a few if not all, inside the box when you gift it. Sometimes men are stubborn and they hate to admit the past 10 years were a mistaken way to store $100,000 worth of Horological masterpieces.
Is this a collection or is this a wardrobe?
This is important, and can lead you in the correct direction right off the bat. Why? Well a collection can be stored in a box, no need for a display window, and the materials generally can be cheaper. If you have a "wardrobe collection", that is your watches are part of your wardrobe as much as your tie or shirt and the watch box will hold watches until the next change. I would encourage the purchase of a see through display watch case and not a solid top case.
What do you prefer? Do you prefer a Wood Box or a Leather Case?
The next thing to consider is what type of Watch Box or Watch Case you prefer? You have the following choices:
How do I decide where to buy my new Watch Case or Watch Winder Box?
Since most jewelers carry few if any watch cases and watch winders the internet is your primary area of focus.
We have many internet competitors, some reputable, some not. How can you tell who is "safe" to buy from and who is not? (This advice is good for any internet purchase.)
Well, for one is the site hosted by a well known company and is it secure? We are hosted by Yahoo, and Yahoo is an expensive choice for hosting because of its reputation and security features. Many sites are hosted by sites that specialize in hosting personal WebPages and dirt cheap or free to host.
Does the site do well in "non-sponsored" (non paid advertising) searches in the major search engines? Google, Yahoo, MSN, AOL, etc... Anyone can pay to advertise, but only sites of long standing reputation and relavance tend to do well in all of the major search engines. Most search engines list sponsored searches above the natural search results. Google highlights 3 paid searches in blue at the top and then a list of sponsored searches down the right side of the page and the "natural" search results appear in the center. We tend to do well in both areas paid and natural searches.
Look for Sites with some form of Hacker Prevention and Monitoring service to assure you that no one has hacked the site and added spy ware which is dumped onto your computer when you click on the site. (Note: Do not confuse "cookies" with spy ware, try "cookies" are used to tracking information but they are not designed to "spy" they are designed to expedite communication between computers. Anti-Spy Ware programs identify cookies as needing to be removed in part to assist in sales of their software, since everyone has cookies on his or her computer, but few people encounter real spy ware.
I remove cookies regularly, they do eat up memory if not deleted regularly but they are essential to using the internet and e-commerce.) Real spy ware is often found on sites which have deals "too good to pass up". Why? Because these site make money by spying not selling merchandise!
I recommend Spy Sweeper, and Ad-Aware SE Personal for removing real spy ware also Spybot Search and Destroy. I like MajorGeeks.com as a secure source for downloads.
Do a domain search and you will find sites registered or hosted in foreign countries but claiming to be US based.
(Countries with a reputation for Fraud I mean, not Canada or the UK!) Some of our best competition is foreign hosted, but they do not claim to be hosted in the USA. They are honest and upfront and a pleasure to compete with. It is the "low ball" competition and "fraudulent sites" that hurt e-commerce.
People ask us all the time about such sites low prices. I ask them simply, what about other merchants? What are they selling the item for and the reply is "oh, about the same price as you maybe a dollar cheaper". Sometimes people are fooled into thinking the reason for the low price is the Web-Site must be a "Supplier". Well, suppliers can not cut throat compete with their retailers if they want to stay in business! Why? Suppliers might sell a few units direct to consumers, but suppliers make 95% of their money selling to retailers! (Go to Microsoft.com and then any retailer that sells Windows XP, it will be cheaper at the retailer’s site! Microsoft sells to retailers not consumers and they will never cut the legs off a retailer, no reputable company will!)
Retailers cancel product lines when they have to compete against the supplier on price, since this is impossible! Retailers must sell at a minimum profit to stay in business and so you should follow common wisdom when shopping for anything.
Get 3 quotes or at least find someone you trust and feel good about in terms of quality and reputation, don't just buy lowest price. Go with the company that makes you feel the most comfortable. Pay top dollar if it feels like the company is delivering better value. Go with the middle price if no one stands out head and shoulders above the others, but always avoid the "low-baller" he will cheat you every time! He has to! Otherwise he closes shop. The only businesses that get a price advantage over the competition are those who can sell huge volume like Wal-Mart. Others all have pretty equal costs and therefore pricing tends to be in the same "ball park".
However I was surprised to discover the other day when I bought a portable DVD player, Circuit City, Best Buy and Wal-Mart all had the same unit for the same price! This round I bought from Best Buy, and was pleased to see that Wal-Mart could not undercut the price. (Noticed the recent lawsuits in the news on wages and the like?)
No one has the unfair advantage they used to have anymore. Retailers of the same size tend to have to sell things at the same price because their costs are the same. I was not "shopping" for the best price by the way, I was in Circuit City and Wal-Mart after I had made my purchase and noticed the item. I am amused with a friend of mine. He spends hours shopping online and saves $10! My time is worth far more than a few pennies saved for the insecure ego of never paying more than the absolute minimum. Life is too short to waste time shopping price!
Don't get me wrong I am not a spend thrift. I have simply noticed we are in an efficient economy! Equal value at Equal stores sell at equal prices! Don't compare Apples and Oranges, and remember there is no free lunch!
I hope you find our advice useful and our site to your liking, let us know via email if you have thoughts to share. We appreciate your feedback. Have a nice day. As a thank you for reading this advice please enter the following coupon code into page two of the order form and get 6% off the cost of your purchase. 1 Coupon per order.
"HowToCoupon" enter the words howtocoupon with no spaces or quotes and get a discount today. Guaranteed availability today only!
Sincerely,
Donald Geib,
President,WatchCases.com
http://www.watchcases.com
P.S.
If you want to browse some nice vintage watches, check this site out.
We will exchange any imperfect item for the same item, we can not make refunds on damaged or defective items but we will gladly replace like item for like item.
(FAQ) Page with all details of our policies and procedures).
I have based my business and pricing practices on a trivial moment in my life which stuck with me. I had just graduated from college and I was shopping for my first real world suit. I was in the dressing room in the Young Men's Shop in Indiana Pennsylvania, and looking at the price tag of an Italian suit, thinking it was way over priced. I looked up and read a yellowing tag taped in the dressing room, it read.
"There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse, and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man's lawful prey."John Ruskin (1819 - 1900) Economist...I bought the suit. Since then I have maintained that simple guiding philosophy and it has served me well. I strive to deliver value, not simply low prices.
"The price is what you pay; the value is what you receive." Author Unknown.
If you seek value then we are your store. We promise:
See the Google Directory Listings under Watch Accessories and read what other yahoo shopping customers have said about WatchCases.com.
Questions? Call from 10am - 4pm EST or use our online email form. We will answer during normal east coast business hours.
