Unable to audition used speakers a problem

Timrhu: Good question.
Prefer to buy locally as floor-standing speakers are the most susceptible to damage in shipping (size, weight) and can be more difficult to repair if damaged in shipping (assumption), especially if: manufacturer is out of business; or custom drivers; or cabinet is damaged (badly dented speaker cabinet not as easy to repair and likely effects performance more than a badly dented amp, assuming electronics are not badly damaged). I worry more about shipping speakers than other gear.
Prefer to audition because IMO speakers are more difficult to evaluate than other gear when they have not been heard. IMO, if electronic gear is scientifically sound, well built, and proven over time, then I have far more confidence that it will sound as I suspect and can therefore be purchased unheard. IMO speakers are infinitely more subjective regardless of their build and specifications. I have pursued used speakers I had never before heard, but only after a lot of investigation and only ones which meet my requirements. I'd rather hear them before I purchase. Hmm ... (self evaluating here) does that make me a tire kicker? After all, if they sound at all like they are purported or I suspect, then I'd buy them. So I don't think so.
So, personal situation and preference dictates much easier to bring into my home different electronics rather than speakers.
But I had not thought of requesting a three-day trial period. I think that is a very good idea. It would better prove to the seller that I was acting in good faith and not just a "tire kicker". Especially if they are holding my money. And if the speakers perform up to (agreed upon) par, then they're mine.

I can understand why buyers might want to audition, but for when I'm a seller it's a major inconvenience to offer an audition. A trail would be completely out of the question. One of the reasons prices are so low on Audiogon is because as private sellers we do not have to offer the services that a dealer typically provides. It cost serious amounts of time to provide an audition. Plus you'll always have those people who just aren't serious buyers. Why invite them into your house? If someone does their homework, it shouldn't be a big deal not to have an audition.

I guess another way to approach the issue is to acknowledge the market forces at play. If it helps make a difficult sale, then an audition may give the seller the edge they need to get the sale done. Alternatively, a buyer could use the audition as a opportunity to further negotiate the price. Lastly, if a buyer really needs an audition, they could always offer to pay a premium to get it.

You can certainly ask to audition, but based on the above it is legit to refuse. On the other hand, the seller sends the speakers out the door without the hassle of shipping them and wondering what might happen during shipment or what dumb thing the buyer does as he un-packs them and hooks them up.

I suspect a buyer with exceptional feed-back and thoughtful discussion forum comments should be able to talk his way into an audition as this would not be a total 'stranger' anymore.

As always, whatever is mutually agreeable to the seller and buyer is fine with us, but as a geneal rule "used" market is different.

It is a dealer's full-time job to wait for customers and provide them with auditions, to help them decide what they like. He also charges a premium for it. A private once-in-a-blue-moon seller is hardly equipped with time or resources to do so.

I can see an exception being made if I were buying/selling a very expensive piece, but in general I would neither offer nor expect auditions in routine transactions of used equipment.

Speakers are unlike a piece of furniture that you can inspect in a few minutes. Imagine what an imposition it is on the seller's family and their private life if each potential "buyer", often someone just interested in hearing that model, spent a whole evening listening to his favorite cd's in their living room.

So, no cigar. :-) I must tell you gently but clearly that you don't have a good case. If you want audition, find a dealer and pay the price. This is not a game to be played at the expense of a family's private life, already under attack in our soceity from jobs, schools, and many other demands.