maybe I am the "odd man out" here, but when I see a bike or other junk for sale I call if they accept phone calls, arrange a time and get there within a reasonable timeframe to buy or at least look at the item in question. 9 times out of 10 I am ready to leave when I call. only unexpected traffic will make me late. I'm single and have no kids I got to keep so my time is 100% my own other than work.
I have NEVER arranged to meet a seller and call them at the time I am supposed to arrive and say I am not coming. I tell them where I am coming from and check the google to see how long it will take to get there. it has become so bad that I think maybe someone is messing with me using multiple phone numbers. I brought 2 bikes and a frame to my work to accommodate a potential buyer a few weeks back and he cancelled on me never to be heard from again.
on a positive note I have never had a no show. they always TEXT, cancel and either never text back or text a week later.. had texts from 3 individuals for items for sale this morning and last night, not a one has arranged to meet me.
this is getting old, suddenly shipping a bike or parts (or assorted cool stuff) no longer seems like a pain in the butt.
my other selling rant here is texts. I am ready to only put my land line in the ads and have people call me and leave a message. which means I will have calls with no message left for a call back. not seeing how 15 texts over 45 minutes is better than a 5 minute phone call.
I have been a buyer/seller for a good 35 years , it did not used to be this way
maybe it's a Bay Area thing. how are local sales going for you guys?