Get the kettle on. Err no

[Weloveoptimus]

Said to me on the phone by the bloke coming to collect an item he’s buying from me through EBay.
He’s coming round this morning.
I don’t want to put the bloody kettle on! Is this normal?
I wouldn’t dream of asking this of someone I’ve not met.

[ShumpaLumpa]

You have a vagina, it's your duty to serve him, no?

[MyPatronusIsABadger]

So rude! I hope it was a joke or him meaning he’ll be round exceptionally soon.

[LeighaJ]

Nope not normal. I've collected loads of things I bought on eBay and never expected to be offered anything to drink nor was. It's not the same as people working in your house fixing stuff for the day.

Keep an eye out for his car and when you see him take the item outside closing your door behind you.

I would be creeped out if someone expected to come in my house and have a cup of tea under those circumstances and I sell things on gumtree.

[PsychoPumpkin]

I’ve always taken that to mean ‘i’m On my way’

[RiverTam]

Yes, I think it’s a clumsy way of being friendly and saying I’m on my way.

[teaandtoast]

Maybe he wants to negotiate the price = thinking he'll be there long enough for tea?

[Weloveoptimus]

I must admit I was taken aback. I’ll have my eleven yr old with me and I’m quite glad about that.
Really didn’t seem to joking no. Weirdorama.

[Shitonthebloodything]

He's just being friendly. If you think he might want to stay too long answer the door with your bag on your shoulder and say you're on your way out.

[YeTalkShiteHen]

If it was friends or family I’d be fine with it, but a random stranger coming to collect something? I’m with you!

[NataliaOsipova]

Yes, I think it’s a clumsy way of being friendly and saying I’m on my way.

I agree. I'd roll my eyes, but probably wouldn't take offence.

[Weloveoptimus]

Yeah I think I’ll put the item inside the garage then he hasn’t an excuse to come in.
Shumpa I did think that!

[pieceofpurplesky]

It's just a way of saying I am on my way where I am (NW). Nothing sinister

[GreenTulips]

’ve always taken that to mean ‘i’m On my way

Me too! He was probably not thinking and it slipped out as you would with family and friends.

It's not an insult at all

[Claw001]

Strange thing to say!

[Broken11Girl]

Weird. Leaving outside is a good idea.

[Claw001]

What kind of item is he collecting? Anything that will take a long time to collect? Needs to see working or requires dismantling etc?

[BetterEatCheese]

Definitely another way of saying he's on his way

[RiverTam]

Leaving it outside is pretty rude IMO. He’s simply letting you know he’ll be there in 10 minutes, that’s all.

[Weloveoptimus]

When he said it it was last night when he rang me.
He’s coming this morning and it’s a small TV.

[summerFruitPudding]

I've always thought it means 'see you then'.

Of course there's always someone who makes it a feminist issue

[Aragog]

Maybe he was just joking and being a bit 'friendly' but misjudged it. He'd probably be really surprised if you actually did make and offer him a cuppa.

It's the type of phrase many people say round here when talking to friends, and usually is just used in way of saying 'I'm on my way' or 'I'll be arriving at that point.'

I do think you're probably reading way more into it than there is. Hopefully that's the case.

[cheesefield]

FUCK THAT.

[KinkyAfro]

We use it all the time here...to friends and family. Bit over familiar from a stranger though

[supersop60]

I say it as a jokey thing (sorry). Eg if someone puts a pic of their new sofa on FB, I'll say it. I have no intention of actually turning up!

[theOtherPamAyres]

Watch out. It's a power thing. He expects you to be nice to him and roll out the red carpet. I find that men who say this are usually thick as pig's poo, are chancers and fancy themselves.

Don't let him inside the door. This isn't friendliness, it's creepy. He's not entitled to anything from you - this is strictly a business transaction. Keep it business-like.