How do you approach potential sellers you don't know PERSONALLY?

this.

 

"hi, my name is mike, I am a friend of john smiths, he was telling me you may have some cars or parts for sale" that's what I would do, and as an owner of a lot of junk, I would expect the same from anyone looking to buy.

I'm not seeing where the difficulty is.

 

I like this answer, and even better if your old friend can introduce you as a friend who loves old cars and would love to see your collection....

And if you see something you like, not "are you interested in selling" but "I've always wanted to own a car like this..."

And of course leave contact info.....

 

Get the friend who knows him to make an introduction. After he has already told the guy that he has someone who would like to take a look at what he has and possibly make an offer on some of them and who is a real buyer and not a lookie loo. Just like any of us with cars to sell he would be a bit leery of someone showing up on the doorstep unannounced to bs about his cars.

 

Not quite a old fart at age 54,maybe just old gas at this point but the $30 offer on a $40 bike and being surprised the guy took it as a insult was hilarious.You wouldnt buy anything from me...ever. RobH hit the nail on the head about that.
My approach is like many others have posted.
You are building a relationship. I have spent hours listening to sellers talk about everything but the cars or about the memories they have for each vehicle and have bought stuff others couldnt get past the door to see.
You have to be able to read the person and the situation.
I still believe in a firm handshake and yes sir,no sir with my elders.

 

It's funny, at 44 years old, and even when I was in my 30's, most of my good friends were guys 15 to 25 years older than me. My two closest car friends now are 57 and 66. I think it's cool being able to hang out with guys who've been there, know the ins and outs, have stories and experience and just want to have a beer and shoot the proverbial $h!t. Even if I didn't buy anything from either of these guys, friendships are good enough for me...

As far as flipping, that's not my goal. I'm more interested in owning, building and enjoying.