Would this make you a bit suspicious?

[amzy]

If a dealer doesn't accept incoming calls on their landline, wont answer their mobile but will reply to emails quickly? Their reason being they are too busy but they will get back to you when they have time. They promise to exchange a horse within a few months if not suitable but not answering people unless they know who they are makes me a little wary. These are reputable dealers, going by my research, but I feel a bit put off since trying to contact them yesterday regarding going to visit them. They have always replied via email the same day when I have shown interest in going to meet their horses.

 

[Ziggy_]

Well, I do that because I'm shy and dislike talking on the phone but I would expect a dealer to be more professional I'm afraid. I would be suspicious too.

 

[jumpthemoon]

It wouldn't worry me too much if I had an address of the residence of the owner of the business and if it was established. So long as you know you can go and knock on their door I wouldn't be too worried.

If I didn't know where they lived or they hadn't been around for very long I'd be suspicious though.

 

[Silverspring]

I know a fair few dealers who are never near their landlines BUT they do give customers a mobile that they have on them and will generally answer. Maybe this guy has a blackberry and finds it easier to just type a quick response while going about day to day activities?

 

[abuela]

Yes!

Dealers who won't answer now are likely to be the ones who won't answer if you have a problem after buying.

A physical address is OK - but
(a) IF (and it is an if) the dealer is unreliable, who knows if the address is genuine

(b)who has the time and money to go travelling to sort out a problem,

(c)with no guarantee that said dealer will be there when you arrive.