I would respond to this by saying:
"Before we answer your inquiry you or begin any correspondence, you must properly introduce yourself".
"Thank You"
In reality though - this person isn't really serious about buying it, because if they were they would have made a proper introduction and established some kind of relationship.
The odd exception is that they are serious, but because they lack consideration in the first place - they could be such a pain in the ass to deal with as a regular customer, that you should not bother at all.
Personally I expect politeness from everyone I have to deal with - family, employers, colleagues etc.
If their is no attempt at cordiality, then there is no relationship.
On Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 7:36 PM, tronbros
<tronbros@aol.com> wrote:
Dear All,
I recieved this message:
<<What is the dollar value of the Mellotron mkII #∗∗∗? I may be interested in purchasing it.>>
That's it. Where are the common courtesies of hello, please and thankyou? I am fucking well fed up with the lack of manners in emails, sadly eminating from the USA in almost every instance. People want our help but can't couch it with any grace or politeness. This person can get well and truly stuffed. So, to my esteemed US friends, what do you think?
Best,