Ref75se

Guess I should rephrase my question.

 I am curious as to why some units are for sale for a long time, like months.

 I know there are variables like local pickup no shipping,etc.

op

you basically answered your own questions

price, local sale only, no packing materials, availability of the seller (amazing how many posters of ads are very slow to answer inquiries)... not to mention usual issues of condition/history of unit and so on

no reason to be hesitant to buy if the seller is an established one with a good track record based on buyer feedback

Perhaps they were asking a ridiculous price for the amps  and thus, sat forever. 

I would personally start a back and forth with the seller and get a feel for him and the AR unit you are seeking, emails are fine but a phone conversation is better. You can tell a lot about someone and their for sale item by these conversations, could become very clear why it has been sitting for a while. Also it is a #s game with limited supply and limited buyers for that item and could be as simple as everyone that wanted one, except you, has bought theirs and look at it as a plus that there is one left for you. Good luck and enjoy the music

"...the search for exotica is much like hunting in a jungle....

I shopped for a particular piece of machinery a while ago.

Very difficult to find in the states.... Harder still, by what I was willing to pay.

Grew a brain, launced 2 seach engines.

Took 1 1/2 yrs.

Patience may be a virtue, but occasionally a necessity.

Good luck, J ;)