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AIBU?

A Rug Saga...AIBU?

18 replies

JoySzasz · 22/06/2011 02:53

Last year I sold my V.expensive rug to my good friend for much less than I could have got for it ( had I flogged it in my Yard sale) she knew this when I gave her the deal. With her having a limited income (as do I) I wanted to help.

Fast forward this year ...my friend has decided to put the rug in my yard sale as she no longer likes it. (I let her put some things in ,always do)

I knowsuspect she will try to get more than I let her have it for ($50) it is worth a few hundred at least...

As I type this, I realize I sound petty,but could she not have waited till I was back in the UK? or put it in her own sale?

I know I sold it to her,I know it is hers to do what she wants with ...but,its not good form is it?

I lost out in making more money...she is aware I did her a favour... It just doesn't sit right with me (ethically)

So...MN jury...AIBU :)

OP posts:

Report

JarethTheGoblinKing · 22/06/2011 03:01

She's selling it in your yard sale? Technically it's a sale on your property. If it goes for more than she paid you, give her a refund. Sounds like she's pulling a swift one.

Give her back the money she paid for it the second it gets sold.

JoySzasz · 22/06/2011 03:03

Jareth I like that.

I am wondering if I am brave enough to carry that out though?

Thank you :)

OP posts:

BitOfFun · 22/06/2011 03:27

Split the difference?

izzywhizzyletsgetbusy · 22/06/2011 03:31

Mmmmm....not too sure where I stand on this one - but obviously not on the rug.

Put it this way, if I'd bought your rug at a knock-down price because of your kindness and subsequently decided I didnt like it, I'd offer to sell it back to you before giving any thought to selling it to someone else.

Being me, I'd offer it to you for a few $ less than I'd paid to reflect the fact that, in using it, I'd contributed to general wear and tear.

Also, being me, I'd tell you I was planning to redecorate and your lovely rug wouldn't fit with my proposed new colour scheme - I wouldn't baldly tell you I didn't like it because that might imply that I didn't think much of your taste in rugs.

Did your friend initiate any conversation about her decision to sell the rug before announcing that she was putting it in your yard sale, and have you considered buying it back for $50 so that you can make a profit?

izzywhizzyletsgetbusy · 22/06/2011 03:44

I like Jareth's idea, but will your friend be present when her things are being sold at your yard sale? forsees unseemly tussle over proceeds

At the time your friend bought the rug was she short of cash, and did you make it clear that it was worth considerably more than $50 and that you were, in effect, helping her out of the goodness of your heart? Has she done a similar favour for you that involved money?

iscream · 22/06/2011 04:44

Cheeky thing to do that! Tell her she can sell it at your yard sale if she splits the profit with you.

iscream · 22/06/2011 04:45

Profits over the 50.00 that is.

NunTheWiser · 22/06/2011 04:56

Give her the 50 and buy it back from her "to save her the hassle of the yard sale" and then keep whatever you make from it. Problem solved.

monkeyslut · 22/06/2011 05:00

At least she didn't pee on it...

JoySzasz · 22/06/2011 11:58

Tomorrow is D day...I will find out exactly what her proposals are.

izzy yes,she knew that it was worth a lot more (as we had taked about it together) and I told her I initially was going to pop it in the sale for a couple of hundred ...if it didn't sell,local Ebay ... blah blah :)

As I am typing this,I realize she has done this to me with other things...not re-selling -more getting a very nice deal from my shabby chic collections

I can be very firm,but ...I also know I am weak when it comes to stipulating prices with friends. I have not been on the receiving end of any 'bargins' with her- kindness but not financial.

I only found out about the selling of the rug through her husband,he was delivering the tables to set up...in the back of the pick-up was the rolled up rug! It was him that explained what would be happening.

Thank you all for your help, excellent ideas:)

OP posts:

MumblingRagDoll · 22/06/2011 12:05

If you're sure it will go for more...then hand her 50 at the start and say "I have decided to buy it back"

ANd then sell it for 150.

PaperView · 22/06/2011 12:06

Is it a red one?

[nothing helpful to say]

wordsonapage · 22/06/2011 12:14

Monkeyslut heh heh

we,re talking about unchecked aggression here...

JoySzasz · 22/06/2011 12:20

paper it does have red in it :)

I have to have complete confidence it will sell for more...it is a massive great thing -it will take up the whole shed if I get stuck with it?

And we are leaving this annoying little town in the new year...

OP posts:

izzywhizzyletsgetbusy · 22/06/2011 13:47

I know what you mean about not being able to be firm with friends, but you have an advantage as you'll soon be out of there and won't need to stay in touch with any of the residents unless you particularly want to.

Was the rug dropped off with the tables? Or is your friend planning to bring her sale items on the day?

In any event, once the rug is back on your property, tell her you've missed it so much and you're so pleased to have it back in your life*, and give her $50 before dragging it into your shed and locking the door.

Don't sell the rug at your forthcoming summer yard sale - if you wait until the beginning of fall when folks' minds start turning to warmth and comfort during the winter months, I suspect you'll get a lot more for it on local eBay or at another yard sale - if your friend makes any comment simply say that, sadly , you've realised that it's not practical to ship it to the UK with your other wordly goods.

If you haven't sold by the time you gleefully depart for pastures new, either gift it to a deserving family/charity or leave it for the new occupants of your house - i.e don't give it back to her.

*falling on rolled rug, stroking it, cuddling it, and telling it how much you've longed to see it again, praising it's beauty etc, is optional but it's what I'd do if that's what it took to gain the moral high ground and prevent her making a profit out of my generousity.

WhereYouLeftIt · 22/06/2011 14:44

Ooh izzy - you are good!!

JoySzasz · 22/06/2011 15:13

izzy I don't know what to say?

Thank you so much.

It was a treat to read that... I really hope to implement some of your wonderful suggestions!

She will be bringing it back later btw I am anxious to see how she will word her cunning plan...

I really don't know what makes folk tick sometimes!

OP posts:

izzywhizzyletsgetbusy · 22/06/2011 15:14

Thank you kindly, WhereYouLeftIt but perhaps a more apt word is bad?

Of course, my concern is for the rug - imagine being sold for considerably less than your true worth by a formerly loving owner only to be told you weren't likeable by your new owner. That poor rug deserves all the cuddles it can get, and may need trauma counselling before it is re-homed.

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