Question

Do you moms notice some people buy stuff for cheap (or free) and then resell it at a higher price few weeks later? I’m sure it helps them making ends meet, but I feel like there are other people who are in need and could benefit more from having affordable toys/clothes, etc

Answer 1

I have heard of people doing this and it makes me sad. I give things away because I'm trying to help someone out who might really need that item. And yes, if they turn around and sell it then I guess I've helped them out in a different way, but it wasn't my intention. I would much rather someone say that they need items to sell and ask if anyone is willing to donate something to them than to turn around and see something they got for free being sold. Just my opinion of course.  

Answer 2

I noticed about two weeks ago but figured I wouldn't say anything because 1. I didn't need this item and 2. like you mentioned, maybe they are finding it hard to make ends meet

Answer 3

They could be honest about it when receiving something for free. Then the person donating can decide if she wants to give it away or not

Answer 4

@tildy  we were just talking about this

Comments

@frohman I still get upset about it. Lol

Answer 5

There are people who ask for clothing donations on FB or Nextdoor then theu resell it on Poshmark, Mercari, etc.  

Answer 6

Yes. It upsets me so much. I try to not let it but nope. I gave away things on this page to “in need” Mom and saw it was posted for sale like 2 weeks ago. I didn’t say anything but it made me angry and not want to give anything to them anymore. Paying it forward is how I see it. If I received something for free it continues to be free. If I paid for something and still choose to let it go for free I want to give it to a person who cannot spend the money on the item. But not take item to sell because they need the money. That’s not how it works in my head. It’s frustrating.  

Answer 7

There are things being given away almost daily on this page and I think that's a wonderful thing to do, but I also thing it's nice to "share the wealth" a bit. If you've already gotten something from someone then give someone else a chance to get it. Now if several hours have gone by and nobody else is showing interest then I guess that's different, but if more than one person wants something and you've already been given something then I think the right thing to do is pass to the next person and "share the wealth" a bit. Again, just my opinion

Answer 8

That maksa me sąd . I havent noticed t though.  

Answer 9

In my old neighborhood in Chicago we had a "freebox" group. The motto was "never buy what you can borrow, never sell what you can share. " There were mods and the #1 hard and fast rule was no selling. If you can't use something anymore, donate it or put it back on the box. I get that things happen. maybe something you got on freebox a year ago could end up in a garage sale pile. But to turn around and sell something there was not ok, because the idea was to share with parents who can use stuff to stop them from having to buy it. It created a really great community and there were real-life freebox "sales" of clothes -- bring a bag, take a bag type stuff. All that being said, it required mods working overtime to ensure fairness and proper decorum. I don't have the time to start something like that but I love the idea and wanted to share it here in case it inspires anyone!  

Answer 10

I'd consider not using FB and going straight to The Kids Pantry for any toys/clothing if you want your kids items to go to people in need. They are a great local organization.  

Comments

@impromptu that’s a great point!  

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I agree! There are so many local groups that focus on families to donate to. The Des Plaines food pantry sometimes takes kids stuff. Some Catholic Charities take children's stuff (call ahead - (773) 327-1605). The Heartland Alliance is another group that provides housing and can use most anything  
https://www.heartlandalliance.org/

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For furniture you can call  or the Brown Elephant.  
https://www.chicagofurniturebank.org/

Answer 11

Once you let go of an item it’s the other persons to do with what they will. What if they thought their child would really like a toy and they don’t? Should they keep it just because? Maybe they forgot how much they paid for it. or maybe they are just trying to make a quick buck. I get feeling scammed but you never know why someone does what they do. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I do not like dealing with selling things on here or even a garage sale.  

Answer 12

It doesn’t bother me. We are all just trying to do our best right now.  

Answer 13

Yes I have noticed. And you know what? It’s out of my house. God Bless them!  

Answer 14

Yup. Happened to me recently. And sorry but it DOES bother me a lot. I know it shouldn't affect me that much but I can't help it.  

Answer 15

Well, I think this is the business idea behind Goodwill donation center and similar stores like that.  

Answer 16

A week or so ago a lady came by and picked up a crib + toddler rail from me. I was going to reach out to her again to ask if she needed some bedding and a new crib bumper (cause I don’t need it anymore) and she BLOCKED me! I can only assume she did that cause she is posting the crib for sale somewhere ‍♀️ or she just really didn’t like me  In any case, oh well.  

Answer 17

My own friend did that to me twice.