I've traded several times with Barlows and even though my tractor is located either 2 miles (business location) or 7 miles (home location) from their dealership they have never went and looked at my trade in.
Never even provided them pictures, they just delivered my purchase and picked up my trade in. I have always told them if there are any parts damaged or missing that I knew about and mine were always dirty (unless it had rained recently)when they picked them up.
I've also traded vehicles with mine sight unseen a few times in the last few years. Course I trade alot and go to the same sales people if I can. I describe the vehicle I'm trading and tell them if it isn't what I'm describing then don't trade.
It is actually done a lot with vehicles, there are wholesale buyers that get calls from dealers (usually new car dealers) Wholeseller then calls other dealers that buy certain priced vehicles and the transactions are completed all on the phone, sight unseen.
A certain model tractor of a specific Brand with a specific number of hours and specific attachments/implements that is rated average condition for the hours and years has a range value. Not being a dealer, I'd at least want pictures or know the seller before I'd make an offer.
Also talking to people can give most of us a sense of honesty or not to know whether to let the deal go or to try and make the deal. Some times we get burned but I believe most people are mostly honest with just a slight bit of larceny in their heart.
I rent property and sometimes I just tell people I don't have anything to rent them because their story doesn't add up after talking with them for awhile about lots of different subjects. One major flaw with most liars is that they forget what they said so when you come back with the same question later asked from a different direction the liar forgets what they told you the other time and you'll get a different answer. Also, by asking even unrelated questions instead of letting the crook/liar/con lead the direction of the conversation will throw their spiel and their dishonesty become obvious.
Again, I believe most people are honest and will tell the truth if they are asked. Some won't contribute any more info than asked so one has to do alot of asking to cover the bases and years of experience in the/any business will let the business owner see more bases he/she needs to cover during the questioning process. Often times this "bases exposure" comes at a cost which makes these lessons more memorable. If you've been burned or learned at a price, you know what I'm talking about.
It's good to take a wise and experienced buyer with you when buying items from the guy down the street or on the side of the road. Dealers "usually" have to be a bit more honest with unasked disclosure if they want to stay in business long term.
Any way, yes it is not uncommon to trade sight unseen for tractors, implements and attachments and also cars and trucks.
