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

[Bennifer]

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.

Ooh tricky one. Its not really in the spirit of the scheme is it but there are worse crimes. Are you going to read the book first? (I don't know why that would matter)... if it were me I would probably take it, leave a sensible donation, read it, then sell it and spend the money on something like a bill and not fritter it away on crap.

unethical

Can't see anything wrong with it. You're not stealing from anyone are you? Just do it!

I'm pretty amazed that anyone thinks that a second-hand book from a private seller will sell on eBay! I've never managed to shift mine, even new releases.

To avoid feeling guilty I'd probably keep a third of what it sells for, give a third to charity and spend the other third on topping up the book box at work!

It isn't unethical at all. It has been given away for free and is yours for the taking.

Just sell it on ebay or amazon. At least that way someone who really wants the book will be able to get it.

Mandy2003 It tends to be rare/older books which go for money on eBay rather than new releases... and first editions do quite well

OP, I agree that it seems against the spirit of Freecycle (and I love Freecycle), but I'd be inclined to sell it and split the profits with charity.

I agree Proudfoot, but as my Dad has masses of antique books that we've been listing for ages with no sales I am a bit doubtful.

What's wrong with it?
You've found a book nobody wants so you are going to sell it?

You probably won't get £50 anyway, ebay flooded with sellers right now and things are generally going for a lot lower than you'd expect.

You didn't steal it or con anybody out of it so what's the problem?

Mandy2003 my husband has made a lot of money selling second hand books.

Got £400 for one book.

Some books are worth a lot

Have you tried a specialist auction house or bookdealer Mandy?

Oh yes. Even to the extent of listing and/or photographing all the books, contacting dealers with the list, them saying they are interested and turning up at the house and then buying NOTHING, even though they said they wanted the specific books before they came

I would sell it if you want to- mumsnet is full of folks who claim to be 'more holier than thou' but real life isn't like that, some people make a living from buying stuff in charity shops and selling on ebay for more- what's the difference? Just because you will profit doesn't mean anyone else has lost- the people who gave it away will remain the same whether you keep it or sell it.