Buyers and Sellers ever Speak by Phone Anymore?

When I first starting trading here, I liked to talk to the other party, but not so much any more. If the ad is thorough in its description of the item and has good photos, and assuming the seller has a good feedback history, I generally don't have any need to speak to the other party in most cases. Certainly, if a buyer/seller wants to speak to me, I'm happy to accomodate.

I prefer e-mail as everything stated is in writing. Usually if there are phone calls the agreement facts can get fuzzy.

Great thread. Can we make this a sticky? [Member of other forums!]

This is my first post. Didn't read all the posts in this thread, but I'll give my 2cents. For high-ticket items, phone calls are essential, short of a plane ticket!

As others have posted, e-mail is great for basic q&a type stuff, also to send pictures, links of reviews and other empherma.

You wont hardly catch mr buying or selling without a phone call. If somebody refuses that small gesture (on my dime and at their time) thats a huge red flag for me.
Sure an album, cable and such doesnt warrant it but for most any component a call is required or I bolt. There is never a valid reason for a buyer or seller to flat out refuse to even entertain a quick phone call at minimum.

I once had a seller call me; he'd never sold on Augiogon before, and since I was planning to pay via PayPal, he was a bit concerned about potential chargebacks from dishonest buyers. I think speaking with the seller helped to reassure him that I'm a reasonable person, rather than someone looking to run a CC scam.