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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

or unethical to sell a book I've seen in a freecycle drop-off?

37 replies

Bennifer · 06/08/2011 13:50

At work we have a freecycle (where you can leave and take books, and donate whatever you feel is free).

However, I've seen a book in ours that is quite an expensive book. Would I be unreasonable or unethical to sell it on ebay (even if I split half the profits with freecycle?)

The value of the book isn't massive, but it would probably sell for £50 or so.

OP posts:
festi · 06/08/2011 13:56

yes it would.

MrBloomsNursery · 06/08/2011 13:57

Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers. Somebody parted from it and didn't know it's value. You do. This is how the world works. Have you never watched Bargain Hunt?

TheSecondComing · 06/08/2011 13:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

festi · 06/08/2011 14:00

maybe mrBloomsnursery someone gave it away for free in a charitable way and anyone exploiting that for thier own gain is unethical. just let someone have it for free.

HarderToKidnap · 06/08/2011 14:01

I think it's fine - you're not stealing from anyone. You're just being smart. I'd bung a tenner to charity I think just to salve my conscience, but really, life is about opportunity, here is one to make a few quid and nobody gets hurt.

Original poster
Bennifer · 06/08/2011 14:07

So far, this is one that splits the crowd a bit. I can't help thinking it is unethical, but I can see the 'business' logic behind it.

OP posts:
QueenStromba · 06/08/2011 15:10

How about you sell it and give half to charity?

BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 06/08/2011 15:12

I think it'd be unethical unless you give all profits to charity...

DizzyKipper · 06/08/2011 17:11

I assume you meant 'fair' not 'free', but I don't understand what your donations go towards, would it be a selected charity of the office's choice? It seems straightforward enough to me - you're allowed to take books but are supposed to donate what you believe to be 'fair' for the book. So if you want to take it on ebay and sell it for a profit be sure to donate what you honestly believe to be fair.

Original poster
Bennifer · 06/08/2011 17:29

Yes, I did mean fair, I'm going with it being unethical at the moment. Thinking along utilitarian lines, I think the best thing would be to sell it (at a lowish price), and split the profits with the charity. As it stands, someone could take it for 50p. If I were to sell it for £40, £20 would go to charity, and everyone's happy. It's not as if I'm desperate for £20, but it pays for a night out

Still, I might need to think about this a little more.

OP posts:
moonstorm · 06/08/2011 17:30

Time's are tough.... I would just do it Blush

moonstorm · 06/08/2011 17:32

But then you said you don't need the money, so not so sure (I've got £50 to last until the end of the month...)

southmum · 06/08/2011 17:33

Agree with moonstorm. I wouldnt hesitate but would stick some money in to the charity.

Original poster
Bennifer · 06/08/2011 17:34

well, i'm not swimming in cash

OP posts:
mayorquimby · 06/08/2011 17:40

Go for it. Literally can't see anything wrong with it.

MrBloomsNursery · 06/08/2011 17:43

Oh just do it bennifer. Give a few pounds to charity and keep the rest yourself. I personally don't see the problem. It's not like you're stealing it from someone and selling it illegally.

izzywhizzyletsgetbusy · 06/08/2011 17:55

As I see it there is a dilemma because you may know the colleague who didn't have any idea of the book's worth when they donated it.

I would take the book and leave a minimal donation (£5 or so) and then endeavour to find out which of my work colleagues (round robin email?) left it on the freecycle shelf.

If able to make contact with them, I'd say that I believe the book may have some value and that I intend to put it on eBay and will share the proceeds (minus ebay fees, p&p, initial £5 donation) with them without mentioning the amount the book may achieve at auction.

If I were unable to make contact with the donor, I'd sell the book and put 10% of the net proceeds into the works' freecycle box.

Northernlurker · 06/08/2011 18:01

What is the book?

LadyThumb · 06/08/2011 18:17

If someone at a car boot sale was giving books away for free, would you say 'no'? It's no different, really. Just sell it, give some to charity, and keep the rest!

Breatheout · 06/08/2011 18:25

That's fiiiinnneeeee! Jeez, people can be self righteous!

pranma · 06/08/2011 18:32

What book would sell for that price?
Honestly.....literally......sell it!

BahHumPug · 06/08/2011 18:36

Yup, it's unethical and to me it smacks a bit of greed. If you give some of the money to charity that would be better.

Tbh, the fact you've had to ask shows you had a pretty good idea it wasn't quite right. But it's your choice. I just think the person donated it with the hope someone would get a real thrill out of owning a book they love but couldn't have afforded otherwise. You're taking that pleasure away.

redheadbedhead · 06/08/2011 18:37

totally unethical!!! defeats the whole point (and loveliness) of Freecycle!

GrendelsMum · 06/08/2011 18:38

Sell it on eBay and give half the profits to charity. Everyone benefits.

Chandon · 06/08/2011 18:43

I want to know what book it is now....please?