For feeling ripped off

[UsuallyHappy43]

Yesterday, I advertised my old bicycle. It was in pretty good condition and I just felt someone else could make use of it with a few repairs and a service. I didn't want anything for it, so advertised it for free. A man came to take it away today and assured me he'd restore it and it would go to a good home. He seemed like a decent bloke. However tonight, there it was, advertised for £100 ono around 2 hours after he'd collected it from me. He hadn't even had the decency to leave it for a few weeks! I'm livid tbh. I mean, I know I didn't want anything for it but I feel my generosity has been thrown right back in my face. Lesson learned, don't give stuff away for free again 🙄😔.

Has he restored it or is he selling it in the same condition it was in when you handed it over?

Some people are utter arseholes.

It might not have needed much work. Sometimes just adjustment.

Pretty common when giving things away. If you want it to go to someone who really needs it rather than someone after a quick profit always better to donate to charity/organisations that can make use of it. There are plenty out there depending on what the thing is you are getting rid of.

We have two local charities that restore bikes and sell them on. I've donated/traded in with one of them. Maybe the man gives profits to charity, maybe he just supplements his income, who knows.

I’ll be honest, my teen DS does this quite often. He gets things free or cheap, does very little to them but takes much better photos and has the time to post on sale sites and haggle with buyers to make a nice little profit. I can’t say I encourage it or wouldn’t be a bit miffed if it was mine but equally not going to stop him using his initiative and making money.

How does it affect you though?
If you wanted to you could have sold it but you didn't so why does it matter if someone else did?

I have sympathy for your annoyance, but if you give something away that's the deal.

I find even a modest price deters a lot of chancers. You're still free to give it away if you like the person when they collect it.

Thanks everyone. I know I'll get over it but am just really pee'd off. I wish I had given it to a charitable organisation now. Hey ho.

You’re interpreting his actions like he’s some kind of scammer. He’s just entrepreneurial.
The money he makes is most likely going to a perfectly reasonable cause - paying his rent, feeding a family.
He made some money.
Someone else got a bike cheaper than new.
You had it cleared.
Win / win / win!

If it makes any different - he's not sold it... He has just advertised it (he placed a value on it that you didn't), the real loser here is the person who responds to the advert... if only they had seen your advert!

he's a cf... but he may end up being a cf who is stuck with a bike no one buys.. if only

I absolutely agree with Testina. It's a three-way win.

You got rid of something you didn't want without it going to landfill.

The bloke you gave it to has legitimately used his bike-fixing skills to make a bit of money. From what you have said in your post, it doesn't sound like he tried to deceive you into thinking he was going to keep it for himself.

Someone who needs a bike, but doesn't have much money is going to get a good bike for a lot less than they would have to pay for a new one.

I don't see a problem. That three people should be happy about one bike sounds like a good result.

But you didn't want anything for it, so what should he have done if he wanted to take the bike?
I can't see how you feel you've been ripped off if you didn't want money for it.

Two hours after...he'd have to be pretty quick to clean, paint, index gears etc

I know @G123456789 but I guess if the repairs it needs aren't visible he could advertise it as being in good order and then fix it up before anyone actually views/buys it...

True but he has been a bit cheeky don't you think even if he has to repair it

Thanks again everyone. I kind of agree with all you you, but in my naivety I thought it'd go to a good home for someone who'd be thankful and appreciate it. Not used as a money making scheme. Lesson learned.