Well they went quick

[OldHooky]

Less than a minute for the Gilt!

[RLE]

Did you manage to grab one?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cypermethrin]

Thats twice I have missed out on an Everset - completed sale and entered details within 2.5 minutes - out of stock

Gutted - was supposed to be for my son’s 18th...

[TheGent]

Less than a minute for the Gilt!

Wow! Hope they don’t all end up on eBay, there are a fair few on now!


T.G.

[jason.humphrey.180]

Gilt was in my cart and then not...all within a minute...maybe next time

[TheGent]

Thats twice I have missed out on an Everset - completed sale and entered details within 2.5 minutes - out of stock

Gutted - was supposed to be for my son’s 18th...

Gutted for you. Start a thread in WTB, you never know…?


T.G.

[OldHooky]

No. I was completing within 60 seconds and the a pop-up said out of stock. Real shame. Missed out every time.

[theflyingfisherman]

I’m just happy I was able to pick a brand new unworn smiths up on here from another user. Try the sales corners guys, there are many honest sellers on here who don’t want to make anything but just cover costs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cypermethrin]

Good shout - will try that as this seems to be futile

Gutted for you. Start a thread in WTB, you never know…?


T.G.

[sish101]

I've got the whole family on standby for when the Caribbeans come up for sale. I might get none or nine!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

[oca9i]

Missed it again..

Sent from my MI MAX 2 using TZ-UK mobile app

[lexminute]

Dang, this is like the selling out of Rolex and Patek steel sport models but in a lesser scale.

I'm happy for Eddie's success but can be quite disappointing to the unlucky hopefuls.

[number2]

The great thing is there's no favouritism, no matter how many you own everyone has a chance.

[Finkaudio]

The great thing is there's no favouritism, no matter how many you own everyone has a chance.

...yeah, but I just want to buy a watch, not play the lottery. I was there in time, but my credit card wanted a second authentification and that means I had no chance. Guess the same will happen with all the next new watches and I'm buying watches for my personal pleasure and I'm not looking for adding frustration on my weekends.

I'm not in a queue in front of an Apple store to buy the latest iPhone and I'm not paying double the retail price for a Daytona just to have one.

And yes, I am frustrated now.

ATB KH

[Finkaudio]

...I just counted and I found 25 watches that I bought from Eddie. Three are with other people, so makes 28 watches alltogether.

[EBB21]

...I just counted and I found 25 watches that I bought from Eddie. Three are with other people, so makes 28 watches alltogether.

Did I miss a 2 for the price of 1 offer?

A lot of good watches there

[nickyboyo]

Indeed, hats of sir, great collection

Sent from my IN2013 using Tapatalk

[Spy]

They are available here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353581309706

As there are scum that now make a business of Eddie’s watches, I suspect they are using bots to buy on the opening times. The bots are way faster than a human and will secure the stock long before us mortals have had a chance to go through the purchase process.

This practice is rife with online sales of limited edition sneakers.

[SplitSecond]

They are available here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353581309706

As there are scum that now make a business of Eddie’s watches, I suspect they are using bots to buy on the opening times. The bots are way faster than a human and will secure the stock long before us mortals have had a chance to go through the purchase process.

This practice is rife with online sales of limited edition sneakers.

I assume that this listing should be pulled as it misrepresents the warranty. That now applies only to the original purchaser, i.e. the seller on Ebay, for the first year.

[Finkaudio]

.....I don't think that the warranty thing makes a difference. Under EU law, it would be completely impossible to restrict responsibility to only the original owner. OK, UK is out, but did they change those laws already? And in fact, the new owner is suffering, not the greedy seller.

However, Eddie decided to do it that way, because he is free to do so and I'm free to decide if I want to accept that or not. Having only a limited no. of a product is a marketing tool that has been used before and it attracts buyers who are not just looking for a nice watch but trying to make some money. That even works with coffee grinders (Niche Zero).... the same principle. They are always sold out and so you have to buy one for double the price from Ebay if you want one. I bought another model that was even more expensive, but this was not a question of money, but choice.

However, I'm not complaining.....it's only stopping me from buying those watches. But that does not hurt anybody, because there are never enough available anyway.

Best regards

Karl-Heinz

[snowman]

I'll be honest, I would really like a Caribbean, but I don't think I'm interested in taking part in the Sunday gamble.

Usually I have better things to do on a Sunday than hover over a keyboard hoping against hope that a load of eBayer sellers don't beat me to it.

I've had a few TF watches (and still have a couple) and they've all been very good, but the current buying process is very off-putting to me.

I'm sure it doesn't matter to Eddie, as he's clearly doing good business, but other Microbrands with similarly chaotic buying experiences have looked at alternatives (eg waiting lists).

There doesn't have to be (indeed, should never be!) a Rolex AD pecking order, but the current system seems to favour eBayer profiteers over enthusiasts (or at least, make no distinction).

M

[Kingstepper]

.....I don't think that the warranty thing makes a difference. Under EU law, it would be completely impossible to restrict responsibility to only the original owner. OK, UK is out, but did they change those laws already? And in fact, the new owner is suffering, not the greedy seller.

However, Eddie decided to do it that way, because he is free to do so and I'm free to decide if I want to accept that or not. Having only a limited no. of a product is a marketing tool that has been used before and it attracts buyers who are not just looking for a nice watch but trying to make some money. That even works with coffee grinders (Niche Zero).... the same principle. They are always sold out and so you have to buy one for double the price from Ebay if you want one. I bought another model that was even more expensive, but this was not a question of money, but choice.

However, I'm not complaining.....it's only stopping me from buying those watches. But that does not hurt anybody, because there are never enough available anyway.

Best regards

Karl-Heinz

In the UK, any warranty is only for the original purchaser. Doubt it's different in the EU.

How would it even work for an eBay purchase? You wouldn't necessarily know the original purchase date.

[ralphy]

However, Eddie decided to do it that way, because he is free to do so and I'm free to decide if I want to accept that or not.
That's life, as they say.

Having only a limited no. of a product is a marketing tool that has been used before...
Do you think that this is what Eddie is doing?

R

[Mr Porter]

After loitering around this forum for a while I have been undecided about buying an Everest until I saw the gilt dial version and then my mind was made up. I then saw it as a personal challenge to buy one from Time Factors so on Sunday afternoon at 2 minutes to 2pm I was in a routine of

Click on the watch, back to the Smiths menu, refresh the page
Click on the watch, back to the Smiths menu, refresh the page
Click on the watch, back to the Smiths menu, refresh the page
Click on the watch, back to the Smiths menu, refresh the page

I reckon the "Add to Basket" button popped up at 10 seconds to 2pm and by 15 seconds past the transaction was complete. The watch took a couple of weeks to arrive and I have been really happy with it, (love the boobies)

[neilF183]

Had an expedition in my basket briefly at 14:00 but decided against it in the end, I'm not regretting that decision

[Finkaudio]

In the UK, any warranty is only for the original purchaser. Doubt it's different in the EU.

How would it even work for an eBay purchase? You wouldn't necessarily know the original purchase date.

It is a bit more complex......and yes, you are right, it is possible to have the warranty only for the original buyer. However, it does not really help to make customers happy.

Best regards KH

[jason.humphrey.180]

If bots are getting them. A bit like the craze with trainers/sneakers maybe something (to check we're human) can be put into the purchase procedure

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[Sunnie]

I want to buy the Mission Timer when it comes out. However, if I have to become an online click warrior for a Sunday afternoon, well…I’m not sure I can be bothered to do that. It’s the purchase of a tool watch, not a Supreme drop.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sweets]

It seems that the tiger that Eddie has by the tail is a little too feisty.
Quite a few desirable models (current and upcoming) with zero stock mean that lots of people are checking for all sorts of models, all the time.
If they see an opportunity for something in the TF window, something equally rare but not what they intended, the temptation is there to buy and sell on, perhaps that is why we see all the immediate eBay sales (and, by comparison, very few forum sales of TF watches).
Shame for us, although I grant you it makes no difference to Eddie.
A fixed window of 2pm on Sundays would not be my choice either, but i see the logic. I am just likely to be out and about, that's all.
There are a few things in the pipeline i would love to buy, especially having been part of the discussions finalising designs. But even if i concentrate very hard, the chance of me succeeding on one occasion (let alone any more than that) is very slight.
I can see that inputting payment details alone (for many) may well take longer than the opening window, if it's only a minute.
Dave

[Sunnie]

Maybe those that have been part of the discussion thread for a new design should get some kind of priority then. It’’s as good a way as any of bypassing speculators and scalpers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[neilF183]

When I got my Everest I had the page loaded up on my phone well before Sunday and then refreshed the page a few times at 14:00 until add to basket was there. I found that worked well and could check out quickly with google pre-populating a lot of fields for me

I was a bit gutted not to pick up an expendition but since Sunday I've picked up a baby dreadnought from eBay with a voucher so it was a good price

[abraxas]

...

A lot of good watches there

Yes there are. I've had four of that bunch, and one I still have. Finkaudio, you need some version of the 36mm PRS-25. The 39mm doesn't count.

[pauliewalnuts]

Been a happy Everest white dial owner since October 2020. I don't remember if there was ever a Captcha challenge as part of completing a sale. That might be one way to slow down the bots if not out right exclude them.

Another way would be use different store opening times instead of only 2pm GMT. 2pm GMT might be convenient for people in UK or Europe, but it is 6AM on the US West Coast and even earlier in Alaska and Hawaii.

I am not a prolific poster. I doubt whether I'll ever accumulate a post count that will be enable me to view the Sales Corner.

Every sales process has its pros and cons, but if I were to own my business, I would consider every option to make the process more inclusive.

[Finkaudio]

Yes there are. I've had four of that bunch, and one I still have. Finkaudio, you need some version of the 36mm PRS-25. The 39mm doesn't count.

.....yes, but again, I'm not fighting with people who are trying to make a quick $$.

I'm even thinking to make a watch myself. I got 30 vintage ETA movements sitting here and cases can be sourced in Asia. I just need to design a dial and have it printed. That could be drawn by my graphic designers here.
I own a few A/M ATP watches to get inspiration. Flume is 2 minutes walking away from me and they have a huge inventory :-)


I also got own at least 2x Smiths original W10 and replacement dials.....I could use the one with the more tired dial to repaint it in white/beige and make it a one-off.

But in fact, I would prefer to press a button and buy a watch from Eddie....but that does not work :-( any longer.

Best regards

KH

[jason.humphrey.180]

It seems that the tiger that Eddie has by the tail is a little too feisty.
Quite a few desirable models (current and upcoming) with zero stock mean that lots of people are checking for all sorts of models, all the time.
If they see an opportunity for something in the TF window, something equally rare but not what they intended, the temptation is there to buy and sell on, perhaps that is why we see all the immediate eBay sales (and, by comparison, very few forum sales of TF watches).
Shame for us, although I grant you it makes no difference to Eddie.
A fixed window of 2pm on Sundays would not be my choice either, but i see the logic. I am just likely to be out and about, that's all.
There are a few things in the pipeline i would love to buy, especially having been part of the discussions finalising designs. But even if i concentrate very hard, the chance of me succeeding on one occasion (let alone any more than that) is very slight.
I can see that inputting payment details alone (for many) may well take longer than the opening window, if it's only a minute.
Dave

I vote for Eddie to give preferential treatment for the man who named the 'Commander' to be able to buy one ;-)

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[davidzet]

Ming's sell out in minutes. They have this system (IIRC):

(1) Prior buyers can sign up to buy in a pre-sale

(2a) New buyers compete with what's left in a 10 minute (more like 30 second) window (LE's)

OR

(2b) Ming takes as many orders are come in during a 15 min window (say n-orders), then build n pieces.

(3) As an economist, I'd add the "compete to buy with 100% success" auction model (extra money to Eddie's retirement? To a good cause?) for some % of pieces, as plenty pf people are willing to pay more than list (see eBay)

Just a few thoughts, as the current system is driving many people mad...

[swanbourne]

Ming's sell out in minutes. They have this system (IIRC):

(1) Prior buyers can sign up to buy in a pre-sale

(2a) New buyers compete with what's left in a 10 minute (more like 30 second) window (LE's)

OR

(2b) Ming takes as many orders are come in during a 15 min window (say n-orders), then build n pieces.

(3) As an economist, I'd add the "compete to buy with 100% success" auction model (extra money to Eddie's retirement? To a good cause?) for some % of pieces, as plenty pf people are willing to pay more than list (see eBay)

Just a few thoughts, as the current system is driving many people mad...

I thought I was already operating on (2b). A couple of things to note:

I am not supposed to take payment until the day I ship the goods.

I have 7 days to take payment before the authority to take it expires.

Ergo, the number of orders taken does not exceed the number which can be shipped in 7 days.

I can restrict the number of orders by releasing small batches of the popular watches which will inevitably sell out in seconds or I can just flick a switch when the desired number of orders has been received.

Pre-orders are no different to actual orders, they just mean the less stock is available when the site opens and I then need to take fewer orders (in order to ship them in 7 days) which means a shorter ordering window.

My turnover in the last financial year was double that of the previous year and after just 4 months of this financial year, turnover is more than 50% of last year. That's where the problem lies. I shipped 2800 watches last year, I'm on target to ship a thousand more this year.

At least moving to Shopify has stopped the overselling experienced with RomanCart.

Eddie

[Finkaudio]

I thought I was already operating on (2b). A couple of things to note:

I am not supposed to take payment until the day I ship the goods.

I have 7 days to take payment before the authority to take it expires.

Ergo, the number of orders taken does not exceed the number which can be shipped in 7 days.


Eddie

Hi Eddie,

I don't have a problem if you take my money immediately......I'm pretty sure you are not running away with it and it avoids frustration and in the end, it means less stress for you AND me.


ATB KH

[sweets]

That is very impressive growth, especially given that the income is limited by the intermittent batched nature of the stock and also by the limitations of order fulfillment the restrict the opening hours, even when there is/was stock.

[Plissk]

...I just counted and I found 25 watches that I bought from Eddie. Three are with other people, so makes 28 watches alltogether.

Which gets the most wrist time?

[Plissk]

Less than a minute for the Gilt!

Ditto!

[jason.humphrey.180]

Uhhhh. Tried again for the gilt. Was logged in. Google has my card details. Boom...back out of the cart within a minute and sold out. :-(

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[oca9i]

Missed it again...

Sent from my MI MAX 2 using TZ-UK mobile app

[TheGent]

Judging by the huge number of gilt dial ones that end up on eBay I wonder if Eddie hiked the prices up then he would sell less to people trying to make a quick £££ and more to those of us who genuinely want them.


T.G.

[gerrudd]

Judging by the huge number of gilt dial ones that end up on eBay I wonder if Eddie hiked the prices up then he would sell less to people trying to make a quick £££ and more to those of us who genuinely want them.


T.G.

Based on Eddie’s last post why would he change anything. He has his GTM down to a T. The system is fair and transparent and most importantly, successful.

[TheGent]

Based on Eddie’s last post why would he change anything. He has his GTM down to a T. The system is fair and transparent and most importantly, successful.

Be be honest, my question was more rhetorical/hypothetical. And I agree the system is fair, albeit sometimes frustrating.


T.G.

[Spy]

Eddie, when are you expecting the Gilt Everest to be back in stock ?

[swanbourne]

Eddie, when are you expecting the Gilt Everest to be back in stock ?

Not for at least 3 months.

Eddie

[neilF183]

Eddie, are there many expeditions left in stock?

[number2]

Eddie, are there many expeditions left in stock?

How many are you interested in?