Feel friend is taking advantage

[hedgehogcrochet]

Trying to limit details as could be outing.

DH and I are friends with another couple who have had bad luck with work and have often been unemployed recently. Friend A was trying to sell things to make money and I felt pushed in to buying something. Friends seem to think I earn loads of money due to my qualifications but in fact I work in a badly paid profession. Anyway, I agreed to buy the object to help her out and it was something that I would potentially use.

Her partner, Friend B accidentally just mentioned that the item is in fact broken and a repair company says nothing can be done to fix it. I realise I was naive and stupid to assume it worked but now what do I do? I really want to get rid of said item as DH has just been made redundant so need any extra money. However I've had a look on EBay and working items are selling for less than she asked me for. I know there is nothing I can do but AIBU to be pissed off to feel tricked into to buying something that is broken? I suspect I am and need to learn from the experience. I feel cheated though

Has any money actually changed hands yet OP?

Sadly yes. I had no reason to think said item wouldn't work. She just said she wanted me to buy it as she knew I would look after it

You have been tricked. Why would you pay over the odds for something that doesn't even work. Have you handed over the money? If not, I'd back out.

Just return it to her husband and say that it still doesn't work. Can he give it to his partner for you. Don't mention the money but hopefully they should give it back.

I would definitely talk to her about it. Perhaps don't tell her upfront what the partner has said.

Cross-post. She purposely misled you. Give it back and say you want your money back. It's not your job to finance your friends just because you chose to study.

these people are not your friends

If you've brought it and she knew it didn't work you need to request your money back.

If she is decent she will and no harm done.

If not, chalk it up to experience and back off the friendship.

I've asked her to take it back but she says she can't give me the money back. I feel so let down but I guess I've just got to chalk it up to experience. I've contacted friend and husband to clarify on the situation but both have suddenly gone quiet. I'm such a fool. I've had a nagging feeling for a while that friend A seems to expect me to pay for things, e.g. Coming over for dinner and never bringing anything or reciprocating. I get it I really do, I've been out of work. But there has been the odd comment along the lines that I have a good job so money isn't a problem for me. If only they knew

So you've just paid money for something that isn't even working and you call this person a friend. They most certainly are no friend to you and i would ask for my money back as she had no shame on cheating you out of your money

These are no friends. They have scammed you. I'd make that clear to them and cut my losses. With friends like that....

"She just said she wanted me to buy it as she knew I would look after it"
Why would she want the item to be looked after?

OP, it would be a lot easier for us to offer advice if you just said what it is and how much.

Hedgehog they have treated you very badly and i'm annoyed on your behalf.
These people aren't friends but users, you definately need to back off from this friendship

What is this item?

They are not friends. I'd take the item back to them and say I want my money back it doesn't work and you knew this beforehand. Don't start an argument about it. Walk away.
If they pay you then take it. If not, lesson learned, delete and block them and get on with your life without these users.

Ok, it's a sewing machine. She asked for 50 pounds. I've now looked on EBay and working versions are selling for about 50-40

I don't think she will take it back (he might) but I feel that it is time to walk away sadly. It's quite telling that she is no longer answering my texts

She's not your friend. She's tricked you. I would drop her, I don't think tgere is much yiu can do.

If she was desperate and honest then I would have tried to understand. Being tricked is unforgivable sadly

It is shitty. Very shitty

I don't think you were naive to expect it to be in working condition. She is a scammed and not a friend!

She has shot herself in the foot though, as you definitely won't be helping her out again.

You're right, that's unforgivable.

If the friendship does survive then at least you have got her birthday and Christmas present(s) sorted for the next couple of years!

Unless she gives you the money back, I'd never see or speak to her again.