How to reply to "is this still available?"
"Is this still available?" is the default first message on Facebook Marketplace and a common one everywhere else. Most sellers reply "yes" and wait. A better reply answers the question people were about to ask next. This guide gives you replies for every situation, a worked example from first message to collection, a simple stock note for your AI agent, and the safety habits that protect you as a seller.
The short answer
Say yes or no in the first word, add the one or two facts people ask about most, and offer a next step: a viewing time, a link to buy, or a hold. If it has sold, offer something similar.
Replies you can adapt
Change the details to match your business. Names, prices and times are examples.
| When | Reply |
|---|---|
| It is available | Yes, it is still available. It is in great condition and collection is from Leeds city centre. Would you like to see it this evening or tomorrow? |
| It has sold | Sorry, that one has just sold. I have a similar one in blue for £40. Would you like photos? |
| Someone else is interested | Yes, it is still available. Someone is coming to see it tomorrow at noon, so if you would like it first, I can hold it for you until then. |
| They ask for your lowest price | The price is £120, which already reflects the condition. I can include delivery within 5 miles. Would that work? |
| It is reserved | It is reserved for someone collecting tomorrow at 10am. If they do not come, I will message you first. Would you like that? |
| They ask about delivery | Yes, it is available. I can deliver within 10 miles for £15, or you can collect for nothing. Which would you prefer? |
| They make a low offer | Thanks for the offer. I cannot go to £60, but I could do £85 if you collect this week. Would that work? |
| They want more photos | Of course. Here are photos of the back, the drawers and the one small mark on the top. Would you like to come and see it? |
| A shop item on Instagram or WhatsApp | Yes, the green linen shirt is still in stock in medium and large. Here is the link to order: [link]. Would you like me to check your size? |
What to avoid
- Replying only "yes", which forces another round of messages.
- Saying it is available when you are not sure.
- Inventing other buyers to rush people.
- Sharing your exact home address before arranging a time.
What to tell your AI agent
- Connect it to your live stock list so "available" is always true.
- Give it the facts people ask about: condition, size, mileage, collection area.
- Tell it to always offer a next step and two viewing times.
- Tell it to say a person will confirm if an item is not in the list.
When a person should take over
- Price negotiation beyond the limits you set.
- Viewings at your home, which you should confirm yourself.
- Buyers who seem suspicious or ask to pay in unusual ways.
Why "yes" is not enough
The person asking is usually looking at several listings at once. They tap the quick message button on each one and wait to see who answers first and best. A plain "yes" puts you in the queue. A reply that also answers their next question puts you at the front.
Their next question is almost always one of these: what condition is it in, where is it, can I see it, and will you take less. Answer one or two of them in your first reply and offer a time, and many buyers will simply say yes.
A worked example
This Messenger conversation is for a used bike listed on Facebook Marketplace. The seller's AI agent answers from a short stock note. Names and details are examples.
| Who | Message |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Is this still available? |
| Seller | Yes, it is still available. It is a medium frame, serviced last month, with new brake pads. Collection is from Headingley. Would this evening at 6 or tomorrow at 10 suit you? |
| Buyer | Would you take £150? |
| Seller | The price is £180, and the service alone was £60. I could do £170 if you collect this week. |
| Buyer | Ok deal. Tomorrow at 10? |
| Seller | Great, I will pass you to Chris to confirm the address and time. |
| Chris | Hi, Chris here. Tomorrow at 10 is fine. I will send the address in the morning. Cash or bank transfer on collection both work. |
The agent stayed inside the price limit Chris set and handed over before sharing the address. Chris confirmed the viewing himself, which is the safe way to arrange a visit to your home.
The stock note your agent reads
An AI agent can only say "yes" truthfully if it knows what you still have. Keep one list, update it the moment something sells, and give the agent the facts buyers ask about.
Stock note, updated 4 November
Oak chest of drawers: £120, AVAILABLE. Good condition, small mark on top. 90 x 45 x 80 cm. Collection Leeds LS6. Lowest £100.
Road bike, medium frame: £180, AVAILABLE. Serviced October, new brake pads. Lowest £170 if collected this week.
Blue armchair: £40, RESERVED until Saturday 10am.
Grey sofa: SOLD. Offer the blue armchair instead.
Rules:
- Start every reply with yes or no.
- Give one or two key facts and offer two viewing times: weekday evenings 6 to 8pm, Saturdays 10am to 2pm.
- Never go below the lowest price. Pass bigger discounts to Chris.
- Never share the full address. Chris confirms every viewing.
- If an item is not on this list, say Chris will confirm today.Selling safely
Buying and selling with strangers is mostly fine, but a few habits protect you. Give these rules to your agent as well, so it never shares too much.
- Share your full address only once a viewing is agreed, and confirm it yourself.
- For valuable items, meet somewhere busy or have someone with you.
- Be wary of buyers who offer more than the asking price, want to pay in unusual ways or ask you to click a link.
- Wait until the money has arrived before handing over the item.
- Keep the conversation in the app so you have a record.
By channel
| Channel | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Facebook Marketplace | Messages arrive in Messenger. Buyers often use the quick "still available?" button, so give them more than a yes. |
| Buyers usually ask about a post or story. Mention the item by name and include a link to buy if you have one. | |
| Often used by repeat customers or local buyers. A photo and a collection time work well. | |
| Common for larger items or trade buyers. Include the key details and a clear next step. |
Spaces paces Messenger carefully, with at least 20 seconds between messages and up to 40 messages a day per account. Replying to buyers who message you fits well inside that for most sellers.
If this happens, do this
| If | Do this |
|---|---|
| Two people want the same item | First to agree a time gets it. Tell the second person you will message them if it falls through. |
| A buyer agrees and then goes quiet | Send one reminder. If they do not reply by the time you set, offer it to the next person. |
| The item sold on another channel | Update your stock note straight away and offer something similar to anyone who asks. |
| Someone asks for your phone number or email | Keep it in the app unless you are happy to share. A person decides. |
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to mark items as sold, so the agent keeps saying yes.
- No lowest price in the note, so the agent cannot answer offers.
- Answering only in the evening, when buyers have already found something else.
- Pushing buyers with pressure they can see through.
Sum up and next step
Start with yes or no, add the one or two facts buyers want next, and offer a viewing time or a link. Keep one stock list up to date and set a lowest price so your AI agent can answer offers within your limits.
With Spaces, your AI agent can answer these messages on Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp from your own accounts. Read the Messenger notes above first, because automating a personal account carries risk.
Pricing
FAQ
Can an AI agent answer Marketplace messages?
Marketplace messages arrive in Messenger, so an agent can answer them on the Facebook account you connect. It needs your stock list and rules to answer accurately.
What if I sell on several channels?
Connect each one, and keep one stock list so the agent never says yes to something that sold elsewhere. Update the list as soon as anything sells.
Should I hold items for buyers?
Only for a short, stated time. Tell the agent your rule. A hold until a set time is fair to both the buyer and anyone else who is interested.
Should my agent negotiate on price?
Only within limits you set. Give it a lowest price for each item and tell it to pass anything below that to you. That way it can answer most offers without giving too much away.
What is the best first reply?
Yes or no first, then one or two facts such as condition and collection area, then a choice of two viewing times. It answers their next questions before they ask.
What if a buyer seems suspicious?
Stop and let a person take over. Be wary of overpayment offers, unusual payment methods and requests to click links. You do not have to sell to anyone you are not comfortable with.
Is it fine to tell a buyer someone else is interested?
Yes, if it is true. It is honest and helps people decide. Making up other buyers to rush someone damages trust and often backfires.