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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed at profit hungry ebayers?

138 replies

woopdiedoo · 27/10/2012 22:27

Grrrr!!!! I am doing some shopping online for Xmas and DDs 2nd birthday which is Xmas eve. She is mr tumble mad so I was really pleased to ding they did Mr T toys exclusively in tesco - except, they are currently out of stock.

Had a quick look on EBay and there are dozens and dozens of the same toys for sale at massively inflated prices! I know everyone has to make a living but I'm really upset by this!

I'm not sure what to do. Money is tight especially with a birthday and Xmas but I know DD would LOVE these toys. Do I just buy them off eBay and get them less or hope that tesco gets more in and I'm lucky enough to but one before the eBay vultures descend?

I feel like emailing the sellers and telling them that they are out of order. A few quid more I could accept but they are doubling and tripling the price in some cases. Sad Angry.

OP posts:
BadgersBottom · 27/10/2012 22:30

Their property and theirs to do with whatever they wish. Selling stuff on Ebay is all about making money, not supplying a service. It's not even November yet - I'm sure the shops will have more in but don't go messaging sellers and telling them off - you'll just look like a loon

JoanBias · 27/10/2012 22:30

yabvu

WorraLiberty · 27/10/2012 22:30

Don't email them, you'll sound silly.

This happens every single Christmas I'm afraid.

And it only happens because parents like yourself consider actually buying them at the silly inflated price.

I'd wait for Tesco to re-stock and have a look at some small independent toy shops too.

Good luck.

VirginiaDare · 27/10/2012 22:31

It's called capitalism.

JoanBias · 27/10/2012 22:31

Are you getting her a 'Shut up foo' talking doll?

Original poster
woopdiedoo · 27/10/2012 22:32

Yeah I know you're right, capitalism and all that. It just feels dishonest and greedy. It is obvious that the whole reason tescos have none in stock is because they are all on eBay. I don't know whether to risk losing out on getting the toys at all by waiting or 'wasting' money we don't have.

OP posts:
Hippymum89 · 27/10/2012 22:32

I don't think YABU...[smail]
Pisses me off too. Like ticket touts.
Especially mean cos it's kids toys, they know people will be desperate for them. Can you reserve one?

naturalbaby · 27/10/2012 22:33

out of stock in store or online? You could order online and collect in store.

there are notes up in Sainsburys limiting the amount of each toy customers can buy.

BeingBooyhoo · 27/10/2012 22:33

umm, you dont have a right to these toys you know. what makes you think you should be entitled to buy them for a lower price than they are being sold? these people can charge what they want. no-one is forcing you to buy the toys off them.

YABU

Hippymum89 · 27/10/2012 22:33

lol @ smailing

Original poster
woopdiedoo · 27/10/2012 22:34

Sorry, x-posts. I wouldn't actually email them - I'm not crazy - I just feel like venting! They are putting us parents in a shitty position.

OP posts:
Gumby · 27/10/2012 22:34

Order from tesco direct?
Have you tried amazon?
Tbh a preschool child does t really have a must have Xmas toy IMO
There's loads out there they'd love

BeingBooyhoo · 27/10/2012 22:35

BTW tesco already have a mark up on the toys. they make profit too you know. they dont sell them at cost price either.

Hippymum89 · 27/10/2012 22:35

I'm guessing a few MNers are doing the exact same thing [sceptical]?
Selling on Ebay at inflated prices I mean

Hippymum89 · 27/10/2012 22:36

Having a bad time with my smileys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Smile

Original poster
woopdiedoo · 27/10/2012 22:37

I'm not saying I'm entitled to them. Tesco sell them at a reasonable price and then they hike the price up to a ridiculous level. I know that's their right but I just want DD to be happy on her birthday and have something I know she will love but don't want to pay the ridiculous prices. I know people do this with next sale stuff but I think it's different when it comes to toys. Completely out if stock. Will try in store tomorrow.

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 27/10/2012 22:37

Actually your anger is better directed at the toy manufacturers who deliberately supply the shops with less stock than they need, to create higher demand and panic buying.

Cabbage Patch Kids or Buzz Lightyear ring a bell?

BeingBooyhoo · 27/10/2012 22:37

they're probably parents too trying to make enough money to pay for their own dc's christmas presents. there was nothing stopping you getting in early like them and making sure you had the toy if it was that important. no-one's putting you in a shitty situation. you dont have to buy that toy. there are millions upon millions of things to buy dcs for xmas.

BeingBooyhoo · 27/10/2012 22:39

sorry i see it's for a birthday rather than xmas. my point still stands. there are a million and 1 things you could get her for her birthday and she'd be happy.

HocusPocusPigInACaldron · 27/10/2012 22:39

YABU, ebay is a way for people to make money!

I sold a Lalaloopsy Tree House last week, i brought it last Christmas for dd2. It sold for more money than it costs in Argos at the moment.

One buyer actually emailed me to complain that she had been outbid at £24.00.

I started the bidding at 99p, what did she want me to do?

Shop around and buy wherever is cheapest!

Original poster
woopdiedoo · 27/10/2012 22:39

I realise that being but a £17 toy is going for £40 on eBay. I just don't think it's necessary to hike it up that much and seems very greedy. I know she doesn't know that she is missing out on this toy but its already hard enough to think of things to get her for birthday and Xmas and these toys would have been perfect Sad.

OP posts:
ExitPursuedByAaaaaarGhoul · 27/10/2012 22:42

People make money on eBay [hshock]

Roseformeplease · 27/10/2012 22:42

Buy two when they are next in stock and sell one on eBay yourself. If you can't beat them....

Original poster
woopdiedoo · 27/10/2012 22:42

I've only just spotted them being. I know where you're all coming from and I'm probably BU but doesn't stop me being pissed off about it. Just wanted to vent my frustration.

OP posts:
crackcrackcrak · 27/10/2012 22:42

Yanbu but they will have more after and possibly before Xmas. Just wait it out a while. I get where you are coming from about dd being excited but shed be just as delighted surely with a surprise gift in January Grin