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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think you shouldn't try to make money off your own family?

39 replies

OhTheInsanity · 25/02/2012 17:44

If you had a toy you no longer used because your children outgrew it and someone within the family had a child that could use the toy, would you give the toy to them or sell it to them?

We are talking about nieces and nefews as close family.

OP posts:
TeamEdward · 25/02/2012 17:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

fbnomore · 25/02/2012 17:46

give

TheSinglePringle · 25/02/2012 17:46

I give toys and clothes away to my mum as she has 2 younger then my son. I wouldn't charge for them. If it wasn't that old but expensive my mum offers something or just buys my son something that he could use

troisgarcons · 25/02/2012 17:46

It would depend upon the value of it and the economics of the family wishing to dispose of the toy.

If it had a reasonable resale value on an auction site, then I would probably sell it. if it was just of nominal value I would give it away.

Are we talking a secondhand matchbox car or an xbox 360 here?

Jackstini · 25/02/2012 17:47

Give.
Caveat - unless you are desperately short of money and was planning to sell things on eBay and the relative offered to buy

bemybebe · 25/02/2012 17:47

I would probably give it away, but I would not expect to be given stuff.

CMOTDibbler · 25/02/2012 17:48

Depends doesn't it - a few cuddlies would be given, a big/expensive item would be sold

Jackstini · 25/02/2012 17:48

were planning, obviously, not was Blush

Original poster
OhTheInsanity · 25/02/2012 17:49

It is a toy you could buy new for 40 quid-ish. They want 25. I offered 10 initially as I know they could use the money......But 25?

Will wait to see what MN jury says before I get all shouty and stuff.

OP posts:
Eaglewings · 25/02/2012 17:50

Give.
Have given away bikes, clothes, toys even second hand cars as I hate eBay, car boots and asking for money
Have discovered we get given lots if things too, love it, not due to the value but because we have been thought about.

squeakytoy · 25/02/2012 17:50

definately would depend on the value of the item..

squeakytoy · 25/02/2012 17:51

doesnt matter what it goes for as new.. what is the second hand going price? If it is 20 quid, I would think it fair for a relative to give a tenner for it at least..

feedmefeedmenow · 25/02/2012 17:52

Give, you don't make money out of family

Bill are you listening !

cornsilkity · 25/02/2012 17:52

Depends on what they would do if you don't buy it
Will thy sell it on eBay or put it in the attic?
How much do they need the££££?
Wht would they get on eBay?

whiskyfudge · 25/02/2012 17:53

Give!

SparkySparrow · 25/02/2012 17:53

I would give most.
But it depends on the item value etc. I'm too skint to be giving away something that I can get £20 + on Ebay. (Although if I wanted £20 for something then i would probably just ebay it anyway without offering it to them)

Yes I am abut tight, but needs must.

Haribojoe · 25/02/2012 17:53

Give.

LikeAnAdventCandleButNotQuite · 25/02/2012 17:56

If I wanted money for an item, i'd ebay it to a stranger. If relative knew this, and wanted said item, and offered a reasonable amount, they'd get first refusal.

If it's something I wouldn't bother ebaying, or something I know their DC really wanted and or would really treasure, I'd give it.

BillyBollyBandy · 25/02/2012 17:57

Hmmm depends. I would lend something like a Jumperoo and then ask for it back to sell on. Have done that with a travel system and my niece.

If someone offered me something like that I would either give them money or ask to borrow it.

However if you were skint and could get money for it from ebay then I think asking for some money is acceptable.

LikeAnAdventCandleButNotQuite · 25/02/2012 17:57

OP just maybe say "£10 is all I really think it is worth, so if you want £25, may I suggest ebay? Put a tenner reserve on it, and if it doesn;t go, come back to me"

fuzzysnout · 25/02/2012 17:58

Usually give, however if they are very hard up and you are not, it would be kind to offer to buy it at the price asked.

troisgarcons · 25/02/2012 17:58

It is a toy you could buy new for 40 quid-ish. They want 25. I offered 10 initially as I know they could use the money......But 25?

tell them to eBay it - then bid for it Grin

Original poster
OhTheInsanity · 25/02/2012 17:58

Not sure what they would with it otherwise.

I'm in the category of giving away anything that might be useful to family. I wouldn't dream of taking money for hand-me-downs or kids toys.

Quite tacky tbh. Because, in the end, family helps each other out in so many ways that it all evens out eventually.

Fair enough if they need the money, but then don't bother asking me in the first place.

OP posts:
whoknowsme · 25/02/2012 18:03

Well, I'd give it because I can afford to forego the small amount it would presumably fetch second hand and hopefully it spreads good karma.

However, in your circumstances here's what I'd do.

Firstly check ebay to see what sort of price this toy can reach second hand.

Then if it is cheaper buying via ebay I'd do so and let them know "Oh thanks for thinking of us but we got a lovely one from ebay for £x(cheaper price than they are asking obviously).

Subtly lets them know they were being a tad mean and that you won't be bounced into paying whatever they ask, even if they are family.

troisgarcons · 25/02/2012 18:03

Do they >need< the money though?