So if i want to buy something from you or any other seller, what should my first contact be?
"Is it available" may not be to your liking but it starts the conversation & is not really a reason to ignore a potential buyer. Cutting off your nose to spite your face, comes to mind.
Saying that, I'm pretty sure Gumtree use a bot to occasionally ask if an item is still available.
First contact is, "Hi there, I'm interested in your <insert item name>
<Ask a specific question if you have one> (ex. Does it come with a memory card as I see it in your photo but you haven't listed it)
I am free most evenings to collect or can do weekends.
Please let me know what works for you and would you prefer cash or bank transfer.
Best regards
<Insert name>"
This is the format I follow if I want to buy something . It shows I have taken the time to read the blurb and see the photos, shows I'm serious and all the info a seller could possibly need without the seller having to type out the same info AGAIN.
If you as a buyer cannot be bothered to do the basics, you are not my kind of buyer and saves me the hassle of dealing with a person who hasn't done the bare minimum. As a result, I have sold the items to people who are genuine, didn't have a problematic buyer, generally like minded people (who agree my approach and share the same passion for the hobby and the quality of social interaction) and sometimes even make a good acquaintance or a friend (multiple examples of that)
I have had people follow this format. I have also had people who have the audacity to just write a price (generally around 30% of what the asking price is and put a question mark <£30? On a £100 item with no other character used>, who just get blocked)
So it's not cutting my nose off or anything, it's just being selective for the right reasons.