'Up for grabs' but then asked for cash

[FireworkFran]

Someone I vaguely know has listed an item on a local group as 'up for grabs, on its last legs be quick'. I would be able to use the item, so PMed them to arrange to collect it. All good. However they've asked me to drop cash through their letterbox, if I feel like it, or just take it if now. I was expecting it to be free but now feel awkward just taking it. AIBU or are they?

We wouldn't otherwise be going to buy this, and the price they've asked for is only a little less that it would cost if I'd bought it new (rather than collecting something which is 'on its last legs').

That’ll learn ya.

I'd just say no thanks then.

Say: sorry I misunderstood, I thought it was free.

Just tell them you don’t want it anymore as you thought it was free and it’s not .

@Dreeple

That’ll learn ya.

Not sure what you mean? One of the reasons I was going to take it was so that they didn't need to dispose of it, and it wouldn't go to waste. What will this 'learn me'?

To me up for grabs means available for collection, not necessarily free?

I wouldn't have assumed it was free but I can see why you did

So they’re asking for a voluntary donation towards something which is in their words ‘on its last legs’? If they wanted money, they should have listed it for the price they expected. I don’t blame you for assuming it was free.

I would have assumed free. We call that "Bait and switch".

They are taking the piss. If it's 'up for grabs' and 'on its last legs', you're probably doing them a favour by taking it off their hands. tell them you thought it would be at no cost and if they want paying for it, you won't bother.

Just apologise and say you've changed your mind on reflection.

They are asking for almost 90% of what they say it cost. I feel really awkward about it now, as they are an acquaintance but it isn't something we would be buying currently, just thought we might as well have a go at using it, and if it doesn't work then no loss.

Who posts about something being on its last legs then asks for cash? YANBU.

"Just seen they're only £x new so we'll get our own."

If it's 90% of the original cost but 'on its last legs' I think you'd be justified in telling her you've changed your mind.

Was it not listed with a price? At what point did they say they wanted £x for it?

If its an acquaintance I'd just apologise for any confusion and say we won't be taking it after all. If I was being generous I'd say "oh no I feel so silly" just to be fake and soften the blow, even though it sounds like their fault and they're being cheeky

I’d tell them that on reflection you’ve changed your mind.

“Really sorry for the confusion.....didn’t realise how much they were new so will order one for a few quid more. Thank you”

Or

“Gosh this is embarassing, I thought it was a give away item. My apologies, I hope it finds a good home”

I think telling them that you've found a new one for roughly that price so you'll have to politely decline is fine. Or even just that you're sorry but you don't need it anymore so you're going to pass and let someone else take it. You've not picked it up or signed a contract, worst that can happen is they re-list it with a good passive aggressive "no time wasters please" message.
And fwiw I would've thought a listing with no price but and "up for grabs" was free too

"Sorry, I misunderstood. That being the case, I'll buy it new. Thanks though!"

Up for grabs means available.

Free to a good home means free.

It was described as "on its last legs" and listed with no price. YWDNBU to assume it was free.

YABU to go around collecting other people's crap to "save them a job" of binning it. Are you a hoarder or just too nice for your own good? Neither good.

Just say that you misunderstood and wish them well with the sale.
Please don't be a martyr and pay for it under sufferance, that type of Passive Aggressive stuff is unbearable.
Tbf, I would interpret 'up for grabs' as being given away too but it can just as easily mean simply 'available'.

Just say that you have managed to get it elsewhere and thanks for the offer.

Is it deliberately ambiguous? Whenever I’ve sold anything I’ve used phrases like ‘for sale’ and ‘£30 or nearest offer’.
The absence of clear expectations here, followed up with a request for cash, would annoy me and I would back out of the agreement.