A new player has entered the second-hand watch market, looking to shake up the status quo.
WatchTraderUK.com is the brainchild of director, Mark Elston, who believes that he is providing a service to the watch trade that wasn’t available before.
Speaking exclusively to WatchPro, Elston explains the concept itself, the reasons behind the idea, and what a real difference he believes it can make for watch retailers and traders out there.
"WatchTraderUK was set up because we, as a business, thought there was a gap in the market for a trading platform between watch purveyors," explains Elston. "Most content is being bought and retailed on auction websites and root websites by the retailer or the seller, which would mean that a regular consumer would need to look on many different websites to find the watch they are looking for.
"WatchTraderUK gives the trader access to a complete database of stock that could be offered to their own customers by all the traders and retailers that are signed up to the site," continues Elston.
One of the key elements of WatchTraderUK.com is that it operates a strictly trade-only policy, where only legitimate traders and retailers will be allowed to gain access to the website and database of stock that has been uploaded by other members.
Once approved on the website traders are free to upload their own content (which Elston claims takes less than two minutes on any smart device) and fully manage their own content, editing or deleting stock at the click of a button. Stock that is offered can be bought directly from the seller and no sales commission is taken on the purchase by WatchTraderUK.
"There are a number of features that retailers can take advantage of," enthuses Elston. "A ‘hide’ button is displayed on the advert page which could be used on the shop floor to hide the price of product." On top of this, he adds that a "print button is also available so retailers can print off adverts to display on the shop floor." Multiple users to the site can be registered under the same organisation at no extra cost, he also points out.
The website will offer luxury watches from both traders and retailers all over the country, giving them greater access to available stock. Retailers will be able to upload unwanted part exchanges or trade stock that isn’t working in-house.
Elston is confident that WatchTraderUK.com is a website that the watch trade will find incredibly useful. "This platform will help connect traders to expand their trade network within the industry.
Once the trial period ends there is no commitment to sign thereafter and subscription starts from as little as £1.00 per day plus VAT."
