Craigslist, FB or any pickup buys: Do you ask to test the CRT?

[Jon1967us]

Typically, the seller of a vintage TV is someone unfamiliar with electronics - maybe a storage picker, or selling something out of a deceased parent's attic. They will usually say things like "I'm scared to plug it in" and "don't know if it works or not", or "I don't have a power cord", "we haven't plugged it in since the '70s", etc, etc. So do you ask to test the CRT, and if they say no, do you pass on that $50 1949 Motorola?

I'm of the attitude that in these days of pandemic it's just not practical or safe to ask to test, so you have to simply "roll the dice".

My past 4 vintage TV purchases have been that way - total gambles. 3 out of 4 CRTs tested ok - one was a dud.

On the other hand, If a seller wants a pretty penny for that rare - in great condition set - I would generally want to make a CRT test happen, or no deal.

What are your experiences/thoughts?