sth5591, when I find something a ways away that I am interested in there is a process I go through.
I talk over the phone, not email back and forth. I play "Columbo" (from the TV series). I ask a lot of questions, like I don't know anything.
How long you owned it? Why you selling it? Does it run? Has it had regular maintenance? Does it need anything to be put to work? Any questions you see from pictures posted. Wear them down with questions. Write down the answers. Ask where are you located? Get into a discussion about how far it is from where you are. What is the easiest way for me to get there?
Now, if I've got enough information to want to possibly buy the item I ask, if I come down there with a trailer, cash in my pocket, what is your bottom dollar? If I can live with that amount, I tell them if it's as you represent it I will come down there and their will be no negotiating. Repeat the amount agreed upon. I insist I have "first refusal". I tell them I don't need any practice driving. I don't want to get there and find someone else walking around looking at the machine, waiting for me to make a decision, or already made you a offer, or bought it.
If they don't agree to these terms I am not hooking up a trailer and going on a road trip!!
Refine it to suit your personality, but have a pattern and stick to it. You'll get better deals with less stress while driving there.
