Local pickup for speakers - should I let the buyer in the house or use the the garage?

How about you taking the speakers to the buyers house?

I assumed it’s a pick up deal.

There have been more than a few times I’ve had to lug gear to deliver it to buyers just to make a deal and would charge a nominal delivery fee, usually just my gas and toll expenses.  Sometimes I got a deposit, although more often not.  I always believe there’s a certain honor amongst audiophiles and I’ve been doing it long enough to not get into messed up situations.  Each situation is different, I’ve had a lot of colorful experiences (as mentioned above) and have met a lot of great people that end up becoming friends.

One such occasion, when I purchased a Muse 100 amp and rare 2 piece Muse Model 1 preamp, I became very friendly with the seller and every few months we would have a gathering, usually at his home, where several people would bring a piece of gear over and for hours, we would mix and match components for a very extended listening and socializing session amongst audiophiles.  We’d get dinner delivered and before you knew it, we’d be there for 8-10 hours.  Now, that I no longer live in the area, I miss those gatherings.

Last year I sold a pair of speakers online. The buyer was about 40 miles away. We agreed on a price and a date and time. I hooked them up just before he got there just so he could see that all the drivers worked and they were functional. I had them set up very close together and haphazardly placed on the inside of my new speakers. He sat down to listen and after about ten minutes said "Boy I'm glad I got to hear these, they are so congested". Then he got up, said thanks and left.

Damn, if I had known it was going to be an audition, I would have taken greater care to set them up. That's what I get for not asking for a deposit.

If anything he will be slightly geeky, will talk to much and if you start talking a tweaks you will never get rid of him. 

I've never had a worrisome experience. Lengthy yes, and I agree with the above, he might decide not to buy if you hook them up to your 80's Onkyo.