Unable to audition used speakers a problem

I agree.

I audition all the equipment I sell locally to avoid problems in the future.

Lots of reasons starting with privacy/security, lack of front end gear, not wanting the hassle of tire-kicking fruitcakes coming around, and simply wanting a quickly transacted sale. Your reservations are noted but it is an agreement between two parties that constitute successful sales.

Many spkrs have enough reviews and internet buzz that you pretty much know what you're getting before the fact. And how many dealers let you take valuable stuff home [and off the sales floor] for an audition? Sure, you can listen in the store with unfamiliar equipment in an environment almost guaranteed not to be anything like your own room, and with unfamiliar material if you didn't bring your music. Yes, lots of pitfalls in the spkr buying game. One recourse: after you buy, break them in, tweak and listen for awhile, you acclimate to the sound and often end up liking what you bought, albeit in a back door kind of way. Good thread.

I understand what you are saying, but most sales I have encountered here on agon always required shipping.
Think about this:
You buy a new set of floorstanders to replace the old ones.
Do you really think you have room for 4 speakers in you living/listening room?
Then there is the fact that you have twice as many speakers (4) & probably more boxes (6) & you better half is on your case.
Good point on the privacy issue, but not a issue for me - but space is!
I just pack them up, put them in the garage & save twice the room & they are out of the way until the phone rings or a serious e-mail comes along & my wife is happy.
Always best to do your research/auditioning first & then jump on the right choice @ the right price & take 'em home - but do take them out of the boxes & check out their condition first.
Since the seller is local - Have him/her agree that if there is a problem or serious issue - He will take them back within a 3 day period.
I have shipped (sight unseen) to California, Maryland, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy & Spain with no problems & 100% positive feedback.
Hope this helps in your quest

So if I have (wich I do) a pair of Innersound Eros with an outboard crossover/bass amp that I replaced with a VMPS speaker wich also has a crossover and needs a horizontal biamp why would I want to take the difficult task of re-installing the Innersound for a "possible" purchase?
Many sellers pull a pair of speakers and hang onto them for sometime before the are comfortable with letting them go to a new home, so they get boxed up for safe storage.
I see nothing suspicous in this pratice and Tripper has got some great points, ask questions, get answers, try it and if you buy used then sell them if they dont live up to your expectations for little or no loss, just be sure you leave then ready for another guy to audition. :)

Thanks to all. All good points. This gives me a different perspective and is very helpful. Space issues, spouse issues, tire kickers, etc. I agree.