Great answer thank you.

I have been hesitant to modify anything in the Google Places listing because I've read too many horror stories about listings disappearing for months from slight edits.

And have came across one client that had previously edited a listing and it disappeared.

I guess the best strategy is to be genuine and hope everything works out... which is my life motto anyway

I have a client transferring ownership of their service business (photo booth rental). The current listed address will change, so my main concern is preserving the rankings during the transition.

Should I change the Google Local listing to a new physical address, or change it to "serve a surrounding area"?

It seems best to set as "serving a surrounding area", but I know Google is really weird about making local listing changes. I've seen and heard about countless listings falling completely off the map after being updated.

Any advice appreciated.