Commissions and time wasters

I’m seeking testimonies from others artists who might have experienced the same scenario because even though I’ve been practising for over 20 years now, it still baffles me.

I’m a professional painter. Whether it was 20 years ago when I was still learning and a bit gauche, to now having worker for brands, been in the papers… I’ve always experienced a frustrating phenomena: 95% of the people who contact me for work have zero interest in hiring me. I’m not talking about bots but genuine people. They seem to love the idea of it, the thrill of asking, saying they have some amazing idea they’d love to commission me for. But the moment I respond they disappear. I’ve learnt to spot them over time since their requests are always vague, short and unelaborated. They seem to get a dopamine hit from simply getting in touch and receiving a response back. I can tell them apart from real enquires which are elaborate, professional and precise.

Anyone else?