It must be a regional thing, I've had 0% success rate selling to people who texted or emailed about an item, yet every time somebody took the time to pick up the phone they ended up buying what I was offering. When I sold my 3 pth BH the guy asked me a few questions then asked what my lowest price was as he was about 3 hours away. We agreed on a price then he asked if I would take a check, it was Sunday and no banks were open. I agreed, then did an online search before he got there to make sure that he was who he said he was.
I guess you Maine folk are a bit more trusting than I am.
I bought my 2006
L48 TLB last June from a guy on Little Deer Isle (not that far from you I think)
I did not even see the machine (CL), but agreed on a price over the phone, after having a long ago engineering college classmate (he lives on Deer Isle), look at it for me.
I mailed the seller a bank check for 20% ($6,400), and agreed that I would bring a $25,600 bank check at pickup, in two weeks (350 miles away).
When I picked up the machine I asked if he had considered what might have happened if I had canceled/stopped the $25,600 bank check.
I could have picked up the TLB, cancelled the $25,600 check, and been 350 miles down the road with his $32,000 machine.
Tractors do not have titles.
All he really knew he that he had for sure was my $6,400 deposit.
He told me that he is a contractor (small time builder), and had only been stuck once.
Wow! Just the potential for a $25,600 sticking would be a bit worrisome for me!
All that said: He was a great guy, who now has Parkinsons disease, so could not use the TLB
Kubota
L48 had only 250.9 hours, 3rd function/diverter/hydraulic SSQA/3 rear remotes/11' backhoe/hydraulic thumb/QA hoe bucket, even a horn. He was the original owner.
I am now the 2nd owner.......a 79 year old very happy camper, with an absolutely delightful end of life toy!