"It could do with a clean"

[Groupoff]

AIBU to think that if you're selling something on Marketplace, Gumtree, etc. you should clean it before the buyer collects?

The amount of posts I've seen where people are selling, for example, a mirror, plastic suitcase or child's toy and they state in the ad, "good condition, just needs a clean". Well f*cking clean it then! Even worse are the ones who don't say that it's filthy and you find out when you pick it up! I couldn't embarrass myself by giving someone something that was dirty. Even when I advertise things for free on my local Facebook page I ALWAYS make sure they're clean before giving them away. I don't understand why people wouldn't.

Sorry but I give away lots of stuff and I'm not spending time and energy cleaning something that I'm giving away for free.
If selling then yeah usually I will clean so it's more likely to sell but occasionally I have listed for a lower price and said it needs a clean. I just don't always have the time or inclination to clean stuff with lots of other stuff to keep me busy!

Well if you’re not buying them then why does it bother you? It doesn’t affect you at all 🤷🏻‍♀️

It depends. I've definitely listed things which have some marks or stains that don't affect use that I either couldn't be bothered cleaning, or didn't want to risk ruining the item by trying to clean it. Sometimes people are happy to have a marked or stained item that functions well.

But I'm always up front about the condition, that I have no idea if the marks will come off and it's buyer beware.

I couldn’t bring myself to clean other people’s skin cells, food splashes, kids dribble, etc. I definitely clean everything I gave away.

Ive seen some really caked on dirt on things outside peoples houses, like open fridges, high chairs and children’s toys. I’ve bought somethings from eBay that have had yellow crusty grime in the crevices. It makes me think what must their house be like.

See I seldom see items for sale that are minging and a massive bargain. Usually they are done in and well used. As well as filthy.

Why is the grass green and sky blue? To be clear, it just does!

I completely appreciate that! For instance, people who are selling kids clothes bundles and make it clear that "they'd be ideal for nursery as have some stains but lots of life left in them". That's fine, stains are different from dirt and if the seller is upfront about it then I have no issue with that (as long as they're clean).

Yep, it’s minging! I wouldn’t sell or give away something dirty, wouldn’t buy something like that either. I have given away things with marks/stains that have been clearly shown and described.

I completely agree with you OP. I’ve often wondered if it’s a posh person thing. I am in an affluent FB group and it’s always in that group that the object is filthy and high priced.

Even if I’m giving something away for free I make sure it’s clean.

I build the cleaning into the getting rid of process, but I realise I’m in the minority and maybe it’s just you and me OP.

Otherwise what you’re saying is I need this item out of my house but I can’t be arsed to take it to the charity shop/tip so I’ll charge you for the pleasure.

I have been know to say I’m interested and to let me know when item has been cleaned and I’ll collect then.

I'm disabled and have recently given away a load of stuff from my shed. I physically couldn't clean it. The people who collected were more than happy to clean the things themselves.

Just don't buy it if you don't want it. It's not rocket science.

This has amused me when looking through listings, especially when the seller says, 'It has a mark which will easily come out' & I always think, 'Yeah, right' because if it was true surely the seller would've done it themselves & carried on using it or sold it for a higher price?

It’s your choice. They are selling the item as seen, I imagine its cleanliness is priced in - or it just won’t sell. Same as houses.

So are you saying that if people don't have time to clean an item, that is still fully functional, they should send it to land fill?

What I'm saying is, stop using excuses for being a lazy, clarty git! I'm disabled, I'm a single parent, I work full time, I don't have time, etc....

As a PP said, so many people advertise things that are fit for nothing but the bin but they can't be bothered to take stuff to the dump so try to get someone to remove it for them for free. (or expect to be paid for the pleasure).

YES!!! To all of this!

I give unwanted things away on Olio, I'm just glad they've avoided landfill and someone can use them. Always clean the item though, so not sure it's related to price.

I bought a dress via EBay once, it was a second hand Next dress. When it arrived it smelled like the vendor had worn it to an all night disco before taking it off then posting it. Disgusting! She had the cheek to got narky about my searingly honest feedback. Yes, of course you washed it before sending it. Some chap at the sorting office obviously wore it before sending it on🙄

Not really. It's up to the seller to make that judgement. Clean items will generally be better presented and sell for more.

Your choice as a buyer which one you go for. If you are that bothered then buy new.

You'll give yourself an ulcer getting all worked up about things that don't affect you.

Unless you're just a really rubbish troll. The goady bit about disability being an excuse gives that impression a bit. I don't mind the funny trolls but this is really boring for a troll thread.

Tell me more Jackanory! I love a good story teller.

You should see the bike that my partner collected for me I was told it was in good condition loads of life left etc etc ,it's rusted, seat damaged basically for for the tip! He just collected it as asked, so wasn't aware that I was expected something in good condition, I repurpose things often so he doesn't look too closely at things he's gone for, on my behalf

If I'm selling I'm cleaning it.
If I'm giving it away I might give it a quick wipe over but you clean it,
If I'm asking for a tip run and you message me asking for the item, don't be mad at me when I say "you can have it but it's minging and I'm not cleaning it" I speak from experience

I bought a copy of my husband’s favourite mug this week. The seller had packaged it well in lots of bubble wrap and a cardboard box, but unwrapping it, I could smell the cigarette smoke. Even the mug stank! Horrible. I mean, keep your packaging material somewhere you don’t smoke!

Depends on the price, I guess. I can totally imagine knocking a bit off the price because I cba to clean something and it would otherwise go in the bin / to the dump.

I've had difficulty with people being flaky about picking up freebies (nice, clean stuff, I hasten to add)... I think people don't see it as a commitment that they have to collect when it's free. I've been advised to put a price on so people turn up.

So is there a chance that these people selling dirty stuff basically just want rid without wasting it, and are putting it on at a very low price?