I'm in 224 area code. I'm trying to buy something in 616 area code. The guy didn't like it that I didn't have a local phone #. Does it matter as long as I show up and pick it up paying cash? I have made sales to people who have 918, 313, 779 numbers, etc. I would estimate that a very large # of my sales are to those that doesn't have "local" area codes. Have they ever heard of tourists who may be traveling for the day or the week? I hope people aren't prejudiced to those that don't have "local" or else they'll fold faster than the time it takes a Cobra to do 0-60!!!!
I haven't turned anyone away for living out of town, but I can understand the concern.
I have had non-local people come for an item I had advertised cash only and then tell me that they don't have cash on them and their bank is out of state and could I take a check (no) then later they email me and say they still want to buy it but feel that I should lower my price because they have to make this long drive (again, no).
I have had annoyingly long conversations about a high-end item, talking to someone from out-of-state, and after going out of my way to accommodate this person, they ask me if I can meet them half way (which would have translated into driving over an hour with an unnerving setup for transporting the item) - again no.
People will ask you to ship something after you've been clear that you're not willing to ship. People will ask for all kind of garbage *after* you've settled on a price that would need to be lower if you were going to further accommodate them.
You're not one of those people, I know. The problem is that there are alot of people out there either using the out-of-the-area whine as a scam, or legitimately trying to buy, but sort of being irresponsible about how they conduct themselves. Either way it's a pain in the tush and functions as a red flag for some sellers. Probably depends on the sellers' (good or bad) experience.
People can, of course, be irresponsible and frustrating locally too. But being from out of town (or saying they are) creates more opportunities for it. Again, not your fault - you're paying because alot of other people have taken advantage.
Finally, sometimes I really just want to sell locally. One time I sold a bike and the guy had a problem with it shortly after buying it. It was something I could have remedied really easily, because I have the tool for it. But it's a weird oddball tool that most people don't have, I only have it because I'm a tool freak, so this guy had to go to a bike shop. If he'd been local I could have done this for him. And knowing that (in general) makes me a little more confident in my price for local buyers.
