Informal Italian Questions (e-commerce)

[Citroënbender]

I’m wanting to write fairly informally - much as one might in English - to an Italian broker of NOS and overstock parts.

I need the article - especially as it’s a killer price and long out of production - but don’t want to sound like a Nigerian scammer.

Basically to check the availability and (automatically) estimated shipping cost of an item, before throwing my money into cyberspace. Kind of like this:

Hi,

Can you tell me if this is still available, and is your shipping estimate correct?

Thanks, (first name)

Is it these days acceptable/normal to initiate contact with “Salve” - or only when returning prior correspondence?

If I want to be polite, do I say “please advise” or “advise, please”? As in, does the per favore come first or second?

For the meat of my inquiry, Google offers:

…questo articolo è attualmente disponibile e la stima della spedizione in Australia è corretta?

Is it just me, or is this a bit clumsy?

Also, for signing off an initial enquiry, what’s the most “everyday” salutation?

Advice received gratefully.

[whitelion65]

I don’t see how you’ll get anywhere without a little bit of gesticulation!