Was this out of order ?

[LAURAMINIMAQ88]

So today was the first time that I have tried to sell something on marketplace.
I put a new rug that we bought 2 months ago, it is a beautiful rug and I have paid £110 for it however I have changed my mind now and decided to change the style of the room .
Rug is (was) in perfect condition.
I have put it up for £20 hence it was used for the last 2 months so it isn't new anymore but I just thought I would have some money towards something else that was on my mind.

I had few people interested.
One lady was very interested, asked for my address and told me she would pick up tonight.
Today after I have given her my address she asked me if I could deliver to her instead for free as she's a single mother and doesn't drive.
I thought- why not...
She didn't live far, well 15 mins drive from us.
Before I left the house she asked me again if I could accept £15 instead of £20 as that's all she has right now because she needs to buy a new pram for her daughter .
I agreed again because everything was already planned and I let the other interested people know that's its pending .

Anyways. I got there and shes opened the door , I have gave her the rug and then she tells me " can I please have it for free as I dont have must flooring right now and J have a baby"
Now , I was shocked when she asked me and how she asked me and I just said yes whatever just take it then and she didn't even say thank you just closed the door.

I dont know what I am expecting right now.
I am just surprised, is this normal behaviour ?
I basically wasted my evening delivering to her , agreed the lower price then gave it away for free at the end.
I didn't expect a big thank you and flowers or anything like that but I just feel that she was so entitled .

Was this weird. ?
AIBU ?

Everyone gets scammed this way once and so you're no different. It's a rite of passage!

Put it behind you and don't let it happen again and who knows, maybe she was in need. Don't dwell on it and don't feel negative about yourself.

My experience of FB marketplace is that this is very common behaviour. I have offered a few things for free recently and almost every single one goes:

Them: I really want it. You are so local to us, too
Me: Fine, when can you collect it - there's mostly someone in these days
Them: I work for the NHS, so I'll look at my schedule
Them: I really do want it
Me: .....
Them: I can't get over to collect it this weekend. Working shifts. Any chance you could drop it off?

Almost. Every. Single. Time

i mean she tried it on and she got away with it, these CF always do so they do it all the time.

I never do delivery, and never listen to sob stories. If they even start, I end the conversation. I would screenshot and warn the local groups she's a scammer. She's blocked you so she won't see it, but others will be aware.

It could have been worse . At least you'll never get caught like that again .

I sold sth for £30 and a guy turned up to collect and handed over a tenner. I was home alone with my two daughters and didn't challenge- also a mug. Put me off fb marketplace tbh

OK you've been scammed but you've got to think what on earth is their life like that they're doing this. I'd chalk it up as one of those "there but fir the grace of God moments" and move on. Don't beat yourself up.
It's like the phone scams. I always tell them I understand they've got to earn a living and wish them well before I put the phone down.
I cba to charge for stuff now as I'm too soft hearted but I only advertise on the village fb site to reduce my exposure to scammers like this.

She rude and played on your kindness shame on her

This will not be the first time she's done this and it won't be the last.

No everyone doesn’t get scammed 🤦🏻

Especially such an obvious scam, handing over something for free

OP, could you get friends of yours in the area who this cheeky cunt hasn't blocked to look out for the inevitable re-listing of the rug, and either paste a screenshot of your chat with her in response, so everyone can see what a con artist she is, or mess her about a bit? Agree to buy it and once she's taken the listing down not contact her again, ask for a price reduction and/or delivery, etc. Just to teach her a bit of a lesson.

Marketplace is on the whole a great place to sell stuff.

However, never offer to deliver…never buckle on price…and don’t fall for sob stories!! Be strong!

I’ve had sob stories galore…and whilst I am a very sensitive / caring person, I don’t let my natural feelings get in the way. I’ve heard all sorts…nhs staff / homeless / “my child really wants this item but doesn’t have enough money”.

Sounds harsh, but it’s all made up!

So lesson learned…move on and change your rules OP 😉

It was the slow creep of ill collect and pay fully price, actually could you deliver, now I’ve only got £15, in fact now you’re here can I have it for free that really shows it was a pre planned scam.

Lesson learnt though OP - I think you have to be very firm. No to all changes of plan once you’ve come to an agreement - even if it’s a faff to relist/ get back to people. That’s how they get you - they know you don’t want to have wasted your effort.