CHAT I'm through with helping people!

PinkRoses

Contributing Member
OK, I gotta rant...

I've always taken great pleasure in helping people in need in any way I can, but now with this whole entitlement society, I've had enough! Sure, times are tough, but unscrupulous, greedy people are taking advantage of those with a kind heart. I rarely go out anymore, but when I do I never fail to see healthy, able-bodied young people standing on street corners, begging for money - they'd rather stand outside in 90+ degree heat and beg rather than apply for a job at a time when almost every business is begging for help. When I was coming out of a store, a young man approached me and actually had the chutzpah to ask if I could spare five or ten dollars! I never give to panhandlers like them, although if they have a dog with them I'll hand them a few treats for the dog, because the animals are innocent and not in on taking advantage of people.

Just a few examples -

I listed a lawnmower on Craigslist for only $45. A guy asked me if I'd take $25 "because I live pretty far away and gas is expensive." Don't hold your breath, Bubba! (I ignored him, even though I was tempted to reply something like, "Oh, don't you want me to reimburse you for your driving time as well?)

Scammers and freeloaders are everywhere. I sell on Poshmark to supplement my Social Security, and I'm sick and tired of people who expect me to "sell" something to them for almost nothing (apparently they think I get the things I sell from the Free Inventory Fairy, and work for nothing), but this scammer really set me off:

So, a woman "liked" a bunch of my items, and then put one thing into a bundle. (If you bundle items, you only have to pay one flat postage rate.) It was a $69 Alfred Dunner sweater than I had worn once, had it listed for $25, and would have accepted an offer of $20. She sent me a message asking what was the best price I could give her. Well, I saw her avatar - it was a picture of a woman (I assumed it was her) with a cute dog prominently displayed in front of her (you saw more of the dog than of her) - and the dog was wearing a "Service Dog" vest. In other words, she wanted everyone to know that she was disabled. Well, I'm disabled myself and can empatize, so I told her I'd do $15. Get this... She then adds ALL the items she liked (about $300 worth of stuff) into the bundle and asks, "Is that $15 for the entire bundle?" :o I was so taken aback by her chutzpah I just replied, "Of course not!" She then tried to make ME feelguilty for making HER feel bad! In checking her purchases from other sellers, I saw that a lot of people had fallen for her ploy - her many purchases included a NWT Alfred Dunner suit for $5, three pair of brand new designer pants for $10, and much, much more. I did some invstigating, based on her name and the city she lived in. Disabled my a$$ - she paints murals on buildings, so she's out climbing a scaffolding in all kinds of weather, and making darned good money doing it!

Earlier this week a woman on Nextdoor, which I don't really use except to offer my Amazon and Chewy boxes free for moving boxes when they pile up, and sometimes I'll just scan the site to see what's going on. (Incidentally, someone wanted the moving boxes...but then refused them because they weren't broken down. Fine - go to U-Haul and pay $10-25 for each box!) A woman posted and claimed she was disabled, hadn't been approved for SSDI yet, and said she had nothing, just an apartment with a bed and a rickety table and chairs. She was asking for furniture, clothing, and housewares. Well, as I said. I'm happy to help someone in need, so I messaged her, told her I sell on Poshmark, and if she told me her sizes I'd get a bag together for her, which I did...along with a pile of other stuff, much of it new, including housewares, books (she said she liked to read), a case of cat food and even a (used) Coach purse, because I wanted her to have something nice; there was several hundred dollars worth of stuff. She came along with a friend to pick it up, then sent me a text...no, not to thank me, but to complain that things smelled musty and of urine - all total BS. Most were things I had listed for sale, and I'm a top-rated, five star seller on all platforms; everything was fresh and clean. She made some other wild and crazy accusations, and told me I'm "a nasty old woman," and added that I could be raped, even at my age! I ended up blocking that lunatic. (And before you ask, I don't allow strangers into my house - I met her on the porch, and my doors have signs warning people that I'm armed.)

These are just a few examples - but she was the last straw - I'm done. I'll happily help friends and neighbors, or people whom they know personally, but from now on if I have things I don't need I'll either take them to a homeless shelter or to a church that has an outreach program - let them deal with the deadbeats, the crazies, and the scammers! (Be aware that many thrift shops are for profit, a very small percentage of proceeds from donations actually go to the charity they claim to represent, and many Goodwill execs have six figure salaries.)

Incidentally, I was talking to a young man who's a cashier at Aldi. No matter what time or day I go in, he's always there. In a rare slow period we got to chatting, and I mentioned that he's the only cashier I ever see. He said that they can't find anyone who wants to work, and added that he moved here from Atlanta, but has friends there who are 26-27 years old...AND HAVE NEVER HAD A JOB OF ANY KIND!!!! I can't even imagine - at 26 I was a senior accountant at a major brokerage firm! What on earth is wrong with their parents????

Well, the Tribulation is fast approaching, and they're going to learn what tough times REALLY are - altlhough no doubt they'll be pushing to get to the head of the line to take the Mark of the Beast, because they'll probably get free stuff for doing so. When they start to get to me, I have to confess the thought of what they'll soon be going through makes me smile. (But my heart breaks for the good, decent people wh just don't know the Lord...)

Rant over...thanks for listening! :)
 

gunnersmom

Veteran Member
OK, I gotta rant...

I've always taken great pleasure in helping people in need in any way I can, but now with this whole entitlement society, I've had enough! Sure, times are tough, but unscrupulous, greedy people are taking advantage of those with a kind heart. I rarely go out anymore, but when I do I never fail to see healthy, able-bodied young people standing on street corners, begging for money - they'd rather stand outside in 90+ degree heat and beg rather than apply for a job at a time when almost every business is begging for help. When I was coming out of a store, a young man approached me and actually had the chutzpah to ask if I could spare five or ten dollars! I never give to panhandlers like them, although if they have a dog with them I'll hand them a few treats for the dog, because the animals are innocent and not in on taking advantage of people.

Just a few examples -

I listed a lawnmower on Craigslist for only $45. A guy asked me if I'd take $25 "because I live pretty far away and gas is expensive." Don't hold your breath, Bubba! (I ignored him, even though I was tempted to reply something like, "Oh, don't you want me to reimburse you for your driving time as well?)

Scammers and freeloaders are everywhere. I sell on Poshmark to supplement my Social Security, and I'm sick and tired of people who expect me to "sell" something to them for almost nothing (apparently they think I get the things I sell from the Free Inventory Fairy, and work for nothing), but this scammer really set me off:

So, a woman "liked" a bunch of my items, and then put one thing into a bundle. (If you bundle items, you only have to pay one flat postage rate.) It was a $69 Alfred Dunner sweater than I had worn once, had it listed for $25, and would have accepted an offer of $20. She sent me a message asking what was the best price I could give her. Well, I saw her avatar - it was a picture of a woman (I assumed it was her) with a cute dog prominently displayed in front of her (you saw more of the dog than of her) - and the dog was wearing a "Service Dog" vest. In other words, she wanted everyone to know that she was disabled. Well, I'm disabled myself and can empatize, so I told her I'd do $15. Get this... She then adds ALL the items she liked (about $300 worth of stuff) into the bundle and asks, "Is that $15 for the entire bundle?" :o I was so taken aback by her chutzpah I just replied, "Of course not!" She then tried to make ME feelguilty for making HER feel bad! In checking her purchases from other sellers, I saw that a lot of people had fallen for her ploy - her many purchases included a NWT Alfred Dunner suit for $5, three pair of brand new designer pants for $10, and much, much more. I did some invstigating, based on her name and the city she lived in. Disabled my a$$ - she paints murals on buildings, so she's out climbing a scaffolding in all kinds of weather, and making darned good money doing it!

Earlier this week a woman on Nextdoor, which I don't really use except to offer my Amazon and Chewy boxes free for moving boxes when they pile up, and sometimes I'll just scan the site to see what's going on. (Incidentally, someone wanted the moving boxes...but then refused them because they weren't broken down. Fine - go to U-Haul and pay $10-25 for each box!) A woman posted and claimed she was disabled, hadn't been approved for SSDI yet, and said she had nothing, just an apartment with a bed and a rickety table and chairs. She was asking for furniture, clothing, and housewares. Well, as I said. I'm happy to help someone in need, so I messaged her, told her I sell on Poshmark, and if she told me her sizes I'd get a bag together for her, which I did...along with a pile of other stuff, much of it new, including housewares, books (she said she liked to read), a case of cat food and even a (used) Coach purse, because I wanted her to have something nice; there was several hundred dollars worth of stuff. She came along with a friend to pick it up, then sent me a text...no, not to thank me, but to complain that things smelled musty and of urine - all total BS. Most were things I had listed for sale, and I'm a top-rated, five star seller on all platforms; everything was fresh and clean. She made some other wild and crazy accusations, and told me I'm "a nasty old woman," and added that I could be raped, even at my age! I ended up blocking that lunatic. (And before you ask, I don't allow strangers into my house - I met her on the porch, and my doors have signs warning people that I'm armed.)

These are just a few examples - but she was the last straw - I'm done. I'll happily help friends and neighbors, or people whom they know personally, but from now on if I have things I don't need I'll either take them to a homeless shelter or to a church that has an outreach program - let them deal with the deadbeats, the crazies, and the scammers! (Be aware that many thrift shops are for profit, a very small percentage of proceeds from donations actually go to the charity they claim to represent, and many Goodwill execs have six figure salaries.)

Incidentally, I was talking to a young man who's a cashier at Aldi. No matter what time or day I go in, he's always there. In a rare slow period we got to chatting, and I mentioned that he's the only cashier I ever see. He said that they can't find anyone who wants to work, and added that he moved here from Atlanta, but has friends there who are 26-27 years old...AND HAVE NEVER HAD A JOB OF ANY KIND!!!! I can't even imagine - at 26 I was a senior accountant at a major brokerage firm! What on earth is wrong with their parents????

Well, the Tribulation is fast approaching, and they're going to learn what tough times REALLY are - altlhough no doubt they'll be pushing to get to the head of the line to take the Mark of the Beast, because they'll probably get free stuff for doing so. When they start to get to me, I have to confess the thought of what they'll soon be going through makes me smile. (But my heart breaks for the good, decent people wh just don't know the Lord...)

Rant over...thanks for listening! :)
I am so sorry and sad that you've had so many bad experiences. There are takers everywhere. Please be careful and its always a pleasure to read about people who try to be good and kind to others. God will reward you.
 

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
OK, I gotta rant...

I've always taken great pleasure in helping people in need in any way I can, but now with this whole entitlement society, I've had enough! Sure, times are tough, but unscrupulous, greedy people are taking advantage of those with a kind heart. I rarely go out anymore, but when I do I never fail to see healthy, able-bodied young people standing on street corners, begging for money - they'd rather stand outside in 90+ degree heat and beg rather than apply for a job at a time when almost every business is begging for help. When I was coming out of a store, a young man approached me and actually had the chutzpah to ask if I could spare five or ten dollars! I never give to panhandlers like them, although if they have a dog with them I'll hand them a few treats for the dog, because the animals are innocent and not in on taking advantage of people.

Just a few examples -

I listed a lawnmower on Craigslist for only $45. A guy asked me if I'd take $25 "because I live pretty far away and gas is expensive." Don't hold your breath, Bubba! (I ignored him, even though I was tempted to reply something like, "Oh, don't you want me to reimburse you for your driving time as well?)

Scammers and freeloaders are everywhere. I sell on Poshmark to supplement my Social Security, and I'm sick and tired of people who expect me to "sell" something to them for almost nothing (apparently they think I get the things I sell from the Free Inventory Fairy, and work for nothing), but this scammer really set me off:

So, a woman "liked" a bunch of my items, and then put one thing into a bundle. (If you bundle items, you only have to pay one flat postage rate.) It was a $69 Alfred Dunner sweater than I had worn once, had it listed for $25, and would have accepted an offer of $20. She sent me a message asking what was the best price I could give her. Well, I saw her avatar - it was a picture of a woman (I assumed it was her) with a cute dog prominently displayed in front of her (you saw more of the dog than of her) - and the dog was wearing a "Service Dog" vest. In other words, she wanted everyone to know that she was disabled. Well, I'm disabled myself and can empatize, so I told her I'd do $15. Get this... She then adds ALL the items she liked (about $300 worth of stuff) into the bundle and asks, "Is that $15 for the entire bundle?" :o I was so taken aback by her chutzpah I just replied, "Of course not!" She then tried to make ME feelguilty for making HER feel bad! In checking her purchases from other sellers, I saw that a lot of people had fallen for her ploy - her many purchases included a NWT Alfred Dunner suit for $5, three pair of brand new designer pants for $10, and much, much more. I did some invstigating, based on her name and the city she lived in. Disabled my a$$ - she paints murals on buildings, so she's out climbing a scaffolding in all kinds of weather, and making darned good money doing it!

Earlier this week a woman on Nextdoor, which I don't really use except to offer my Amazon and Chewy boxes free for moving boxes when they pile up, and sometimes I'll just scan the site to see what's going on. (Incidentally, someone wanted the moving boxes...but then refused them because they weren't broken down. Fine - go to U-Haul and pay $10-25 for each box!) A woman posted and claimed she was disabled, hadn't been approved for SSDI yet, and said she had nothing, just an apartment with a bed and a rickety table and chairs. She was asking for furniture, clothing, and housewares. Well, as I said. I'm happy to help someone in need, so I messaged her, told her I sell on Poshmark, and if she told me her sizes I'd get a bag together for her, which I did...along with a pile of other stuff, much of it new, including housewares, books (she said she liked to read), a case of cat food and even a (used) Coach purse, because I wanted her to have something nice; there was several hundred dollars worth of stuff. She came along with a friend to pick it up, then sent me a text...no, not to thank me, but to complain that things smelled musty and of urine - all total BS. Most were things I had listed for sale, and I'm a top-rated, five star seller on all platforms; everything was fresh and clean. She made some other wild and crazy accusations, and told me I'm "a nasty old woman," and added that I could be raped, even at my age! I ended up blocking that lunatic. (And before you ask, I don't allow strangers into my house - I met her on the porch, and my doors have signs warning people that I'm armed.)

These are just a few examples - but she was the last straw - I'm done. I'll happily help friends and neighbors, or people whom they know personally, but from now on if I have things I don't need I'll either take them to a homeless shelter or to a church that has an outreach program - let them deal with the deadbeats, the crazies, and the scammers! (Be aware that many thrift shops are for profit, a very small percentage of proceeds from donations actually go to the charity they claim to represent, and many Goodwill execs have six figure salaries.)

Incidentally, I was talking to a young man who's a cashier at Aldi. No matter what time or day I go in, he's always there. In a rare slow period we got to chatting, and I mentioned that he's the only cashier I ever see. He said that they can't find anyone who wants to work, and added that he moved here from Atlanta, but has friends there who are 26-27 years old...AND HAVE NEVER HAD A JOB OF ANY KIND!!!! I can't even imagine - at 26 I was a senior accountant at a major brokerage firm! What on earth is wrong with their parents????

Well, the Tribulation is fast approaching, and they're going to learn what tough times REALLY are - altlhough no doubt they'll be pushing to get to the head of the line to take the Mark of the Beast, because they'll probably get free stuff for doing so. When they start to get to me, I have to confess the thought of what they'll soon be going through makes me smile. (But my heart breaks for the good, decent people wh just don't know the Lord...)

Rant over...thanks for listening! :)


The problem here is that these dishonest people have made you give up on helping the honest people, who really DO need help (and they are out there).

Thing is, those are the people generally who are too proud, too self-sufficient, or too ashamed to actually ask for help.

I have heard some say they'd rather be generous to everyone, even if it means in helping many they often get scammed by a few--but I do not hold with that, as it encourages entitlement, and worse, encourages LYING and STEALING [which is what both are--- "Thou shalt not steal" and "thou shalt not bear false witness"-- I know it finishes "against thy neighbor"--but doesn't Jesus say "love thy neighbor AS THYSELF? so, in a sense, lying about yourself is violating that command, too, because then you are being evil to yourself--if you're supposed to "love your neighbor as {you love} yourself"]

So how to find those truly in need--that God would have you help?

Ask Him.

And seek out reputable groups that help others (Angel Tree and Prison Ministry and Samaritan's Purse some to mind.)

And as far as business dealings--remember there is NOTHING wrong with you receiving the reward of your labor ("the laborer is worthy of his hire" and "do not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain") so asking a fair price and profit for your items is not wrong, just as it would not be for a businessman or any for-hire laborer. So don't let these people make you feel pressured, intimidated, or guilty. And try not to be too shocked at them--this is human nature--we are all sinful and "desperately wicked" in our natural state, without the new life Jesus gives us. Maybe these opportunities are opening up for you as a means to witness to what is righteous before these people--just as Lot tried to rebuke the evil of Sodom (even though he should never have moved there; still the New Testament says his "righteous soul" was "grieved" by all the evil he saw around him). Instead try to witness to them by your own actions of righteousness and by rebuking their unrighteousness (as it sounds like you have been). Your words may not prove to have any immediate results but anger (as was the reaction to Jesus and His disciples' messages), but you are "planting seeds."

Don't get discouraged--there are still people out there worthy of your help, who truly appreciate it!
 

ShadowMan

Designated Grumpy Old Fart
Up here on the mountain we've got one that sits on a bench near the local post office with a sign requesting help to pay bills.......

The true story on this well fed obese freeloading 50 something "wench" is that she's conned a local gas station to allow her to park her travel trailer behind the station for practically nothing. She's there on "her" bench almost daily begging....WHEN SHE'S NOT DOWN AT THE INDIAN CASINO GAMBLING!!

She's well known by the full time locals that she has a SERIOUS gambling ADDICTION, but the weekenders, part timers and Air B&B'ers just feed her addiction. Disgusting.
 

bracketquant

Veteran Member
I sometimes see the real needy. I'll be in a store shopping, and they will be in line, either in front of me or behind me. They have their head down, and are usually buying something like a 1 lb bag of rice, or a 6-pack of ramen noodles, and nothing else. It can be very difficult for them to accept a gift.
 

Wiley

Membership Revoked
People are getting bolder in demanding something for free. A couple of months ago, I was in Walgreens about to pass by a guy that suddenly reached up to grab a drink supplement for about 5 bucks, turned to look at me and said "Will you buy this for me?" I just said "No" and kept walking. He then says "WHY won't you buy this for me?" I replied "I'm not gay"... it was off the cuff so whatever falls out of my mouth, just falls out but it shut him up.

And I believe it's about to get much worse as the economy declines and the rule of law has no bearing with people anymore, they're just following the lawless democrats' lead.
 

summerthyme

Administrator
_______________
She is shades of the Former Betty Rose here Dennis. There are similarities.....
Er... huh? If you are referring to the thread originator, Betty_Rose is still an active member here...

As far as the rant... it's justified. Not everyone is like that, but it does seem the advent of SSI and SSDI has done more to turn people into self-entitled, ignorant users than anything else. Hubby and I often talk about how many people in our childhoods (1950s and 60s) hobbled around with severe lameness, twisted and knarled hands (often with a finger or two missing), yet still plodding through a 40 or 50 hour week, every week. (For the dairy farmers we knew, they were still working 90 hour weeks)

I've said for years that we gave up trying to give away extra produce, just for the picking. Oh, they'd LOVE some fresh sweet corn.. if we'd pick it and deliver it!

Not all is lost... DDIL asked for a bottle of Ouch! Liniment to give to a homeless man she passes frequently in the city. He apparently has very bad knees. Two days later, he brought her two small porcelain planting pots - to give to "grandma" (how she'd referred to the maker of the medicine!) as a thanks. DDIL says she hasn't got him figured out... seems educated, gentlemanly, etc... but lives under bridges. I said, "well, he's got a better social sense of obligation/gratitude than many folks, regardless of their housing situation!"

I'm going to venture a guess that while scammers and users are in every category, they are likely concentrated in the women's clothing, beauty and "wants".

Summerthyme
 

Blacknarwhal

Let's Go Brandon!
Pray for these people no more, neither weep for them!
~ some old Hebrew named Jeremiah

Some old white guy named Aesop wrote of the nature of scorpions and frogs... Pro tip.... DONT BE A FROG!

View attachment 356669

The "these people" in question are all dead, though. That doesn't excuse you from anyone today.

Love your neighbor as yourself.
--some Nazarene who died young
 

Squib

Veteran Member
I’ve been on eBay since 1999. I have a buyer score of 100% over 23 years.

Beat that….

Been on since May of 2001 with 100%…almost all is as a buyer though!;)

That’s with just under 400 transactions.

Im always more than fair with feedback and have almost never given a negative feedback…stuff happens, right?

As long as the seller is trying to make things right…don’t bust their balls.
 

Matt

Veteran Member
The "these people" in question are all dead, though. That doesn't excuse you from anyone today.

Love your neighbor as yourself.
--some Nazarene who died young
I once worked in a small county jail... had an inmate get all emotional about needing a Bible. I being relatively new to corrections, went out of my way to locate said Bible. About an hour later, I am drawn to his housing area by the smell of smoke. Said believer was smoking a hand rolled cigarette made out of loose tobacco he had obtained during his trustee duties and that excellent thin rolling paper the Bible was printed on.

You will know them by their fruit and Christ instructed us to get a sword for a reason. Enabling degenerates and thieves is not love!
 

Jeff B.

Don’t let the Piss Ants get you down…
If you can find someone that could use help (often times I find their not looking for a handout) it’s good to pass things onto them. Best is when you know they’ll put it to good use.

Case in point a guy I worked with had eight children. One special needs. I mentioned that I was going through my work clothes and had some stuff that didn’t fit me as I liked, too short, slacks, khakis, button downs and asked if he like them. He said sure… so a couple of weeks later when we were both in the office I brought the stuff down and handed it over in the parking lot.

He commented later that his wife, who did his alterations for him, said it all looked new or dang near new and they appreciated it. I told him that I appreciated him taking the things and putting them to good use.

There are folks that need and appreciate things. But as pointed out, there are far too many dirt bags out there that make things difficult and aggravating.

Jeff B.
 

Blacknarwhal

Let's Go Brandon!
I once worked in a small county jail... had an inmate get all emotional about needing a Bible. I being relatively new to corrections, went out of my way to locate said Bible. About an hour later, I am drawn to his housing area by the smell of smoke. Said believer was smoking a hand rolled cigarette made out of loose tobacco he had obtained during his trustee duties and that excellent thin rolling paper the Bible was printed on.

You will know them by their fruit and Christ instructed us to get a sword for a reason. Enabling degenerates and thieves is not love!

I heard about that too. Those Gideon bibles apparently make good hand-rolled cigarettes.

But you'd have to know you were dealing with a degenerate or a thief. And you're required to forgive them if they repent. You can't play the "not sincere" card either, because you have no way to tell.
 

PinkRoses

Contributing Member
The buyer scams are staggering in quantity and brazenness. eBay has become nearly impossible to sell big ticket items on.

It's not just big ticket items. I started selling on eBay in 1994, and quit about two years ago because of the scammers - and eBay almost always sides with them. Just two examples:

Someone bought a pretty, NWT blouse. Filed INAD with pictures. The thing looked like someone washed the car with it, and then washed the floor, claiming I sent it like that, BUT...incredibly although it was filthy, there wasn't a single wrinkle on it. Someone ran the pictures through a forensic database for me, and...they were Photoshopped! I won that one but ONLY because it was purchased by a forwarding company.

I had a NWOT Gary Fisher bicycle jersey. Someone bought it, and filed INAD immediately upon receipt, with pictures,
except the identical jersey in the pictures was covered with pulls and stains. Ebay said that I had to accept a return and refund his money. So, I messaged the buyer and told him I would be happy to refund his money as soon as I received the item back, but politely informed him that because of so many scammers my policy was to open returned packages in the presence of a postal employee while a video was made of my doing so. I assured him that I wasn't singling him out, I did it for everyone, as that made it easy to immediately file a report for mail fraud if there was an issue because although he might not believe it, there are actually dishonest people out there. I helpfully added the penalties for mail fraud for his information, and made a friendly comment about how foolish people are to risk steep fines and even prison over a few dollars. Well, surprise surprise - he decided he didn't want to return it after all, but eBay said he had to, and chastised me for "treating him like a criminal!" (If the shoe fits...) He returned the pristine jersey I sent him, which I then sold on Poshmart and got a five star review.

I'm going to venture a guess that while scammers and users are in every category, they are likely concentrated in the women's clothing, beauty and "wants".

For sure! Women will buy a dress or shoes or something for a special occasion, wear it, then file INAD (so the seller is stuck paying postage both ways), and 99.9% of the time eBay will side with them. I had one woman buy a NWOT skirt, wear it for almost a month, and on day 29 (it's a 30 limit to file INAD) claim that "it smells like it came from a thrift shop" (It was NOT from a thrift shop) and "the back is full of nubs." (It wasn't - it was NEW when I sold it.) The returned skirt was unsalable. So you get people like her who "buy" things, wear them for almost a month, then return them at the seller's expense, and the seller is out a new item and they have a "free" wardrobe.

When it was new, eBay was a real community and a joy to sell on. I started selling after my husband died, and to this day I have no idea of what some of his things that I sold were - I had only Web TV and no way to put up pictures so I described things as best as I could. I'd have a title like, "Electronic Test Equipment," then give the brand name, measurements, and describe the dials and gauges, explaining that my husband had recently died and I had no idea of what it was for but I had to sell his things because I needed the money. Whether the things were worthwhile or if people were being nice and wanted to help a new widow, I don't know -but every single item sold, almost always the first time around. (It was just auctions back then.) People paid by money order or personal check, and many even sent cash through the mail. I sure miss the old eBay! (Back then it was only 5 cents to list something up to a $9.99 starting bid.)

I understand the problem; but do not give up. Just use your increasing discernment. I am reminded of Jesus who healed seven lepers. Only one of the seven thanked him. If you get more than one out of seven to thank you; you are doing better than Jesus did.

Actually, that Scripture came to mind, but from now on I'll give to those I know or as the Lord leads. If I cast my pearls before greedy swine, I won't have any left to give to those who deserve and really need them. It's become a Romans 1 world for sure!
 

PinkRoses

Contributing Member
I once worked in a small county jail... had an inmate get all emotional about needing a Bible. I being relatively new to corrections, went out of my way to locate said Bible. About an hour later, I am drawn to his housing area by the smell of smoke. Said believer was smoking a hand rolled cigarette made out of loose tobacco he had obtained during his trustee duties and that excellent thin rolling paper the Bible was printed on.

You will know them by their fruit and Christ instructed us to get a sword for a reason. Enabling degenerates and thieves is not love!

EXACTLY!

Another thing I've sorry to say I've learned the hard way is to be a "fruit inspector" - I used to get all excited when I met someone who claimed to be a Christian (before I learned discernment), but have been screwed over by professing Christians too many times to count. Like the handyman I used for years. Why, he had to be a Christian, right? After all, he wore Christian t-shirts, a big cross around his neck, and had Christian bumper stickers on his car. Well, I was selling a car, and he wanted to buy it, saying he'd make payments. I told him I wouldn't turn over the title until it was paid for, but he asked if he could take it home and work on it, so I foolishly agreed. Well, he made a partial payment, and disappared...never to be heard from again. And get this - he didn't have the title, but went to the DMV with an old registration he found in the glove compartment, and they actually let him re-register the car in MY name, without ID of any kind, and he was driving it without insurance! (I raised hell with the Sheriff's department over that!)

Incidentally, I mentioned I'm disabled. I had an accident on some church property while out for a walk - I stepped in a small but deep hole that was covered by grass that needed cutting. Went out for a 15 minute walk, didn't get home for a month, and was in a wheelchair for months after that. I didn't want to sue a church, even though they preach a false gospel of works, so I called them and asked them to call their insurance company, which they said they would. When I didn't hear from them, and they weren't returning my calls, I sent them a certified letter - which they refused to sign for. OK, fine...I started calling lawyers. Each and every intake clerk got back to me, saying they couldn't help me, but wouldn't say why. I finally got directly through to a lawyer, probably because I was referred to him by a former client. Oh, he was soooo excited as I described my injuries - he probably had dollar signs in his eyes. The last question he asked was, "What's the name of the church?" I told him, there was a moment's silence...then he said, "Oh, we can't sue THAT church - a judge is a member there!" (I've since learned many lawyers are as well.)

So, I'm crippled, have thousands of dollars in medical bills I can't pay, my credit rating that I worked so hard on is wrecked, and yet that "church" teaches, "You can't go to heaven if you don't live a good Christian life!' My consolation is knowing they will face THE Judge at The Great White Throne - and it ain't going to be pretty!

Don't get me wrong - I truly love the REAL Christians, but according to a recent Pew survey although 70% of Americans claim to be Christian, only 3% of those have a biblical worldview and the genuine ones are few and far between. The rest, well.... they're in for a rude awakening. Sadly, I now don't trust anyone until they've proven themselves, because most people suck.

I hate what this world has become!
 

ShadowMan

Designated Grumpy Old Fart
I sometimes see the real needy. I'll be in a store shopping, and they will be in line, either in front of me or behind me. They have their head down, and are usually buying something like a 1 lb bag of rice, or a 6-pack of ramen noodles, and nothing else. It can be very difficult for them to accept a gift.

Had a lady in the check lane next to mine trying to pay for her groceries with small bills and a hand full of change trying to figure out what she could afford and putting things back. Really struggling. Nothing was garbage, all basics and essentials. Just as I started to walk out something....that small voice, hit me. So I turned around and walked back and handed the cashier enough twenties to cover the lady's entire purchase. She totally broke down into tears. She kept trying to hand me her own money and change. I just told her to keep her money and just "PAY IT FORWARD" when she had the opportunity and I walked away.

When the spirit puts it on me I answer the call. If not, I walk on by.
 

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
I tried to sell my motorcycle about 6 years ago. I asked $5000 cash. You wouldn’t BELIEVE the scammers that attempted to cheat me out of the bike. I pulled the listing, and when I reposted, I added:

“Face to face transaction only. Cash only. Sale will be completed in front of a bank where the money can be checked for authenticity. ID will be required from the buyer.”

I got ZERO nibbles with those conditions. Funny thing, huh?
 

Kris Gandillon

The Other Curmudgeon
_______________
When we downsized from our large 2-story home of almost 30 years to 1-story ranch last year, we decided not to even bother trying to sell the overflow that we no longer needed, used or had the space for at the new place nor the time or energy to load up and take to the donation centers. We posted it for free “porch or driveway pickup” on several local buy/sell/swap sites and Facebook Marketplace. We just wanted it gone as quickly as possible with the least hassle.

Gave away most of our yard tools, lawnmower, edger, weed whacker, hedge trimmer, rods and reels, tons of gizmos collected over the years but out of date, no longer used. Had a case of adding machine paper that someone came to pickup within the hour. Just tons and ton of “stuff” that accumulates over 46 years of marriage and 30 years in the same house. Thousands of dollars in original value, maybe tens of thousands. But one thing I enjoyed was the gratefulness I saw in the eyes of many for things like the power equipment, lawn mower, etc and the excitement in the eyes of the 5 children of the young family who came for my fishing gear.

Just giving it away instead of attempting to sell it gave us great joy, solved our problem of “too much stuff” and quickly eased one of our major burdens associated with our move.
 

anna43

Veteran Member
I give to my church which has a discernment committee that gives where they believe there is appropriate need. Pay a $500 medical bill or $500 for parents traveling to distant hospital with a child or pay someone utility bill.

I shop at three thrift stores one supports a domestic abuse shelter, second a homeless men's shelter and the third mentally disabled all local charities. I do not donate to Goodwill.

If I'm giving away an item, I give it freely and, if the person is scamming me, then that is on their head and karma will eventually get them.
 

SurvivalRing

Rich Fleetwood - Founder - author/coder/podcaster
The last thing I sold on eBay was a sealed box set of the entire series of Monty Pythons Flying Circus on DVD, for $60 and change, the same package was selling for $90 or more.

The pictures CLEARLY SHOWED it was still in its original cellophane wrapper, with a couple of very minor tears (less than an inch for each), and sold it within three days. This was back in January or February of this year.

The buyer address was in the Bronx, and the package was shipped priority mail. Once the buyer received it, he immediately requested a full refund, INCLUDING SHIPPING…both ways.

His complaint was that the boxed set was not as pristine as he expected. I was out over $30, for this eBay sale, and yes, eBay made it so super easy to file a complaint. Since I’m on SSD, this was a big, unexpected hit…

Dennis, I was on eBay in the late nineties, when things were much simpler, sales and auctions were trustworthy, and a sale was a sale…not an attempt to rip somebody off…and I’ve got 100% well for my username…

I’ve had some decent FascistBook marketplace sales, and I even sold a few things on Craigslist, including a 2000 Mustang GT that I bought the same day I bought my Xterra, from the same guy that…

==> worked at one of a dozen or more Fremont Motors dealerships in Wyoming.

==> I’d worked with him, while taking classes at Central Wyoming College, producing a bilingual radio show, that my radio professor had recommended me to work with…

==> had told me about this mustang of his, after I signed the papers on and paid cash for the 2000 Xterra, after my eldest son was heading back to Rawlins and his Ford F-250 blew the engine, heading up the 9° grade on the Beaver Rim highway. With three kids, he needed a working vehicle….and this Mustang would work his family for now.

==> a couple years later, we sold the Mustang on Craigslist…and got what we had invested in it.

In other words, what we were doing twenty years ago…won’t work now…because of dumb shit twenty-somethings, who when faced with adult issues, whine and bitch about it loudly and continuously instead of WORKING for it, and resolving their problems on their own.

It’s now a generational thing, with my generation, and maybe my kids, learning the hard way how to make a living with the sweat off our brows, and the calluses on our hands…
 
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SpokaneMan

Veteran Member
OK, I gotta rant...

I've always taken great pleasure in helping people in need in any way I can, but now with this whole entitlement society, I've had enough! Sure, times are tough, but unscrupulous, greedy people are taking advantage of those with a kind heart. I rarely go out anymore, but when I do I never fail to see healthy, able-bodied young people standing on street corners, begging for money - they'd rather stand outside in 90+ degree heat and beg rather than apply for a job at a time when almost every business is begging for help. When I was coming out of a store, a young man approached me and actually had the chutzpah to ask if I could spare five or ten dollars! I never give to panhandlers like them, although if they have a dog with them I'll hand them a few treats for the dog, because the animals are innocent and not in on taking advantage of people.

Just a few examples -

I listed a lawnmower on Craigslist for only $45. A guy asked me if I'd take $25 "because I live pretty far away and gas is expensive." Don't hold your breath, Bubba! (I ignored him, even though I was tempted to reply something like, "Oh, don't you want me to reimburse you for your driving time as well?)

Scammers and freeloaders are everywhere. I sell on Poshmark to supplement my Social Security, and I'm sick and tired of people who expect me to "sell" something to them for almost nothing (apparently they think I get the things I sell from the Free Inventory Fairy, and work for nothing), but this scammer really set me off:

So, a woman "liked" a bunch of my items, and then put one thing into a bundle. (If you bundle items, you only have to pay one flat postage rate.) It was a $69 Alfred Dunner sweater than I had worn once, had it listed for $25, and would have accepted an offer of $20. She sent me a message asking what was the best price I could give her. Well, I saw her avatar - it was a picture of a woman (I assumed it was her) with a cute dog prominently displayed in front of her (you saw more of the dog than of her) - and the dog was wearing a "Service Dog" vest. In other words, she wanted everyone to know that she was disabled. Well, I'm disabled myself and can empatize, so I told her I'd do $15. Get this... She then adds ALL the items she liked (about $300 worth of stuff) into the bundle and asks, "Is that $15 for the entire bundle?" :o I was so taken aback by her chutzpah I just replied, "Of course not!" She then tried to make ME feelguilty for making HER feel bad! In checking her purchases from other sellers, I saw that a lot of people had fallen for her ploy - her many purchases included a NWT Alfred Dunner suit for $5, three pair of brand new designer pants for $10, and much, much more. I did some invstigating, based on her name and the city she lived in. Disabled my a$$ - she paints murals on buildings, so she's out climbing a scaffolding in all kinds of weather, and making darned good money doing it!

Earlier this week a woman on Nextdoor, which I don't really use except to offer my Amazon and Chewy boxes free for moving boxes when they pile up, and sometimes I'll just scan the site to see what's going on. (Incidentally, someone wanted the moving boxes...but then refused them because they weren't broken down. Fine - go to U-Haul and pay $10-25 for each box!) A woman posted and claimed she was disabled, hadn't been approved for SSDI yet, and said she had nothing, just an apartment with a bed and a rickety table and chairs. She was asking for furniture, clothing, and housewares. Well, as I said. I'm happy to help someone in need, so I messaged her, told her I sell on Poshmark, and if she told me her sizes I'd get a bag together for her, which I did...along with a pile of other stuff, much of it new, including housewares, books (she said she liked to read), a case of cat food and even a (used) Coach purse, because I wanted her to have something nice; there was several hundred dollars worth of stuff. She came along with a friend to pick it up, then sent me a text...no, not to thank me, but to complain that things smelled musty and of urine - all total BS. Most were things I had listed for sale, and I'm a top-rated, five star seller on all platforms; everything was fresh and clean. She made some other wild and crazy accusations, and told me I'm "a nasty old woman," and added that I could be raped, even at my age! I ended up blocking that lunatic. (And before you ask, I don't allow strangers into my house - I met her on the porch, and my doors have signs warning people that I'm armed.)

These are just a few examples - but she was the last straw - I'm done. I'll happily help friends and neighbors, or people whom they know personally, but from now on if I have things I don't need I'll either take them to a homeless shelter or to a church that has an outreach program - let them deal with the deadbeats, the crazies, and the scammers! (Be aware that many thrift shops are for profit, a very small percentage of proceeds from donations actually go to the charity they claim to represent, and many Goodwill execs have six figure salaries.)

Incidentally, I was talking to a young man who's a cashier at Aldi. No matter what time or day I go in, he's always there. In a rare slow period we got to chatting, and I mentioned that he's the only cashier I ever see. He said that they can't find anyone who wants to work, and added that he moved here from Atlanta, but has friends there who are 26-27 years old...AND HAVE NEVER HAD A JOB OF ANY KIND!!!! I can't even imagine - at 26 I was a senior accountant at a major brokerage firm! What on earth is wrong with their parents????

Well, the Tribulation is fast approaching, and they're going to learn what tough times REALLY are - altlhough no doubt they'll be pushing to get to the head of the line to take the Mark of the Beast, because they'll probably get free stuff for doing so. When they start to get to me, I have to confess the thought of what they'll soon be going through makes me smile. (But my heart breaks for the good, decent people wh just don't know the Lord...)

Rant over...thanks for listening! :)
You are spot on and that's the way I feel as well. When you treat people that are down trodden with kindness, they might smile a little. Sometimes what comes next is completely unexpected. It's pretty easy having trust issues with anybody these days. There have been times where I offered a simple act of kindness, and they turn on you. Our society is extremely ill.

Good Rant Pink :)
 

helen

Panic Sex Lady
We had a suicide in the family earlier this year. Just couldn't take another minute. Veteran. I loved that young man and told him so every interaction.

The last thing I gave him was a full can of gas for an old truck the family had given him. He said, "You don't need to do this." I said I did need to do it, because I loved him. He hugged me. That was a big deal, because he didn't like touch.

After he died, we had to clean out his truck. There was the gas can, and I cried.

Not long after he died, some horrific things happened to his family, to my family but his immediate family. I was at a gas station thinking ... completely cut off from God and might as well go big on my way to hell.

A very poorly dressed man walked up and said he had no money for gas. I had no cash. The man was walking away. I heard my deceased soldier boy clear as a bell. He said, "Ask him if he has a gas can."

The man had a gas can. He brought it over to my pump. It was a five-gallon can, and he apologized for the size and said not to fill it all the way up. I said we were going to fill it up. He said, "You don't need to do this."

As he was carrying his gas away, he turned and said that he hoped everything would be better for me now. I hadn't said anything about my troubles.

And that is why I buy gas for anyone who asks at the pump. It always feels like a blessing. It always feels surreal. I hope my soldier boy is there.
 

JasmineAndLace

Senior Member
I've been a member on eBay since February, 2000 with 100%. I used to sell a lot but now am mostly just a buyer because of all the scams. I really appreciated the extra money I brought in but you can only lose so much money and merchandise before you decide it just isn't worth it.
 

marieb

Senior Member
I am retired and disabled from 3 recent open heart surgeries. I need to get a way to make a little extra money. But the recent and numerous complicated changes and significantly increased fees on eBay, and permanent banning for what may seem like minor issues, makes me hesitant to sign up with them. I don't know the particulars of why these others were banned.

But I know there are other groups such as poshmark, mercari, etc., I could join.

Could we set up a small group here to get help from all of the TB experts, people we trust?
 
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skwentnaflyer

Veteran Member
I started in 99 too. Asked husband to set up the scanner and listed a few pieces. They sold, so I listed more. About a week later checks and money orders started showing up in the mail. Husband was very impressed, he hadn't really heard of online auctions, but appreciated people sending us money.

The glory days were around 05-07, then the Chinese sellers and product took a bite out of our niche, and it went downhill from there.
 

Redcat

Veteran Member
I started ebay in February 1998, so over 24 years ago. I have over 4,000 transactions and 100%.

I stopped listing in March of 2021. As soon as ebay started requiring my ss # and they were going to hand out a 1099 for my family bits and pieces, I quit. I had three blended households to disperse over the years.

I figured they were going to tax me on something that tax had already been paid on, and I was going to get maybe 50% of original cost, if that. Nope. I was done.

Now whenever I have another clean out, things go to the SA or the trash. After I'm gone if anyone in my family wants the pink depression, green or carnival glass, have at it.
 
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