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

It appears to be an issue with the bobbin. After the machine is threaded the bobbin seems to spin round and get caught up. It then snags on the material and gets caught up. Bless DH, he had spent all day watching YouTube videos and working out how to use it

contessa thank you, it was a poor choice of term and I had no idea of its connotations, I shan't use it again. As a heads up I've seen similar reactions to your phrase of "ripped a new one".

They've done you a favour as cutting ties now will probably save you money in the long run!

Minty what is the connotation of 'ripped a new one'? That phrase has always baffled me

Rusty, It's a variant of the American "tear a new one", i.e. to tear someone a new arsehole; to give them going over, usually verbally.

Ok, that sounds fixable. Possibly fairly inexpensively. try describing the problem to a repair centre and see what they say.

I will ask DH to stand down with the toolbox for now. Sadly I have learned a valuable lesson. Thank you everyone for the good advice (still tempted by the bunting though )

Olympia Sewing Machines in Hammersmith might do the trick if that's anywhere near you OP.

Hi. Reply i got was:
Tony's sewing centre on fortress road, Kentish Town. Or Maury's on Cambridge Heath rd

Hope that helps .

Thank your the links to repair shops.

I'm dithering over whether to press send on this message:

I'm sorry but the sewing machine can't be repaired as far as we know and I feel that I bought it under false pretenses therefore I'm hoping that I can return it to you and get my money back

I'm such a fool

I just know that she will say no and will try and guilt me in to giving up

This is not because she's out of work. I've been out of work and benefited from help and generocity from friends but reciprocated in other ways like babysitting etc.

If I had no money to bring something when going to a friends for food I'ld make sure I did all the washing up or some other token instead.

This friend will not return any of these favours if they fall on their feet financially and your situation gets worse

Rusty you're not a fool you're someone who tried to be a supportive friend and got taken for a ride.

Now I hope it's not too late to say don't send that email! Sorry but it's a bit weak. I think you need to decide what outcome you're aiming for here and then be firm in what you expect from her.

Tinsel I've had periods of unemployment and so have other friends but we have all taken it in turns to help each other out. This friend is a relatively new friend but I considered her to be a good friend

I haven't sent the message. I'm just so annoyed and had to type it out on here before sending something I might regret

Yes I can understand not wanting to send a message in anger either. It's just what you wrote "I'm sorry, I feel, I hope". Firstly you have nothing to apologise for! Secondly you did buy it under false pretences if it doesn't work - not a feeling a fact. And if you're only "hoping" to get your money back I think hope is all you'll have...

I would certainly be sending a much more firm message saying it doesn't work so I'm returning it and requesting my money by x day. If you don't feel able to be firm then it might be best to accept it was a £50 lesson learned and draw a line under this friendship.

Your so called friend is a fraudster and a scam artist. You'll be lucky to get your money back, but you can chalk it up to experience and content yourself with the thought she'll never have the opportunity to cheat you again, or trespass on your good nature. I'd wash my hands of the pair of them. (I like Adish's robust response!)

I suspect that I need to forget and move on. I just can't help feeling bitter and we could really use that money right now. CantSleep, thank you for 'holding' me back. Thank you everyone for all the advice

Bloody hell what a cow

Re the sewing machine itself, it might be worth asking on the arts and crafts board for advice