Yeesh, that sounds horrible. A jerk indeed. Some folks aren't nice, some folks are...but it's not just sellers. Sometimes potential buyers really turn off sellers.

Consider this story: the guy I bought my IJ from had it in his basement for like 13 years. It came with his house. Only machine he ever played. He posted it on CL, and was hounded constantly by people calling and then showing up only to offer way less than his (very reasonable I should add) asking price. Like half what he was asking. Or they'd want to do some wacky deal when the dude clearly stated cash only. Then they would harass him on the phone over the following weeks asking if he was ready to sell yet. I showed up, cash in hand, machine was as described, I bought it. His whole family was super nice, and I still communicate with them about non-pin topics from time to time. But the collectors that had showed up before me had given us all a very bad reputation in their view. And hearing their horror stories, I can't blame them.

I've found the BEST folks to buy from aren't dealers (though I had a nice experience with Trent), but folks here on Pinside. They are knowledgable, and the ones I've dealt with have been very honest.

And if they're not other folks will tell you.