It happens quite often. Not everyone is like this, but there are a lot of tire kickers out there. Many people will make it sound like they're interested, just to get some info or even to chat just to satisfy some curiosity, and then never follow through. It's part of the process, not much you can do about it. Until someone actually writes "I'll buy it", you can't really get upset with them for backing out. But if they give you a totally firm and unequivocal commitment and THEN back out, you have every right to put it on their feedback. It won't do you any immediate good, but it will serve as a warning to others and might also get that person's attention that their word ought to mean something.
Am I the only one?
I have tried to sell one piece of equipment on audiogon. It has been up for a month, and just shortly I renewed my ad because it did not sell. My question is: how many people have had a buyer back out at the last minute? I only ask because this has happened to me three times while selling this one particular piece. It makes me question whether the audiogon buyers are really interested in things, or just want more information about products. The excuse from each buyer was the same. A situation arose, and they were not able to (at the last minute) not able to make the transaction. I get pretty bent out of shape when people say they are interested, ask me to take the time to figure out shipping to their area, and then say something has come up and they can't buy. Anyone else with this situation, or is it just me? What should I do about it?