IMO, there’s a difference between applying for a sit when requirements are not met and “applying” when they are not available for the dates.
It’s also important to notice that people who don’t get applications so easily, might be willing to compromise in order to get a sitter that is good enough but perhaps doesn’t tick off all the boxes.
Another aspect to consider is the tone, attitude and honesty in the message.
My experience:
- I was searching for sits in Brisbane and this sit kept coming up with no applications. They said they were interested in having a local sitter that could repeat sits. After a few days with no applications I decided to write, I started by apologizing because I would just be able to do that one sit and I then addressed all the other sit details. I got the sit and it turned out to be my most memorable experience in THS.
- A couple of months ago, I was tied up in a bureaucratic issue that kept being delayed, I was really frustrated that I couldn’t commit to any dates, I then decided to write some “applications” to desirable sits of easy access from home. I explained the situation, apologized for any inconvenience caused and, immediately after sending the message, I withdrew my application so that I liberated the spot. I also offered to do that or other sits at short notice if I was available. Funnily enough, I think I got more answers than I usually do. Everyone said it was no problem at all and most said they would consider me for future sits. A couple of them, actually wrote back later and offered me a new sit.