Is this an immoral way to make money?

[littlelamb]

I am having real money troubles at the moment and a friend has suggested I go to charity shops and buy thngs I know I can sell on ebay for a profit, to make some extra cash for myself. It does seem like a good idea, but I don't know if its right, IYSWIM. Once you buy something, it belongs to you so in your opinion is it ok to do this? I don't really know how to explain my hesitancy in doing this, as I can see it makes financial sense, I have sold a lot of my own things to try and get some money, and am always surprised by the amount of money some things fetch. I love charity shops, but it makes me a little uneasy to think that people see them in this way. Any thoughts?

My mil works in a charity shop and she says a lot of people do this. They also get stuff from car boots to sell on ebay too.

Not in the slightest bit immoral IMHO - stealing it then selling it would be immoral - but buying it is totally kosher !! Charity benefits and you benefit !!

It's only what traders do all the time - buy cheap (wholesale) and sell on at retail prices keeping the profit !!

Go for it and don't feel guilty !

well the charity shop are getting what they want for the goods - its then up to you what you do with them

I think the very fact that you are worrying about the morality of it suggests that you are a good person. I understand why you are a bit uncomfortable, but they would be your possessions once purchased and the charity would get the money they had asked for. You would be taking a risk on Ebay and wouldn't be guaranteed a good return, therefore if you make money on some items, great. Why not tell yourself that once you're back on your feet you'll give a donation to charity, or help out when you have some free time.

Remember, charity shops are not just to help the chosen charity, but are also to help the 'needy' who might buy from them (sorry to sound Victorian!).Besides, I think a lot of shops these days have an idea of what 'vintage' and collectables are worth anyway, and price accordingly. If you find a bargain there's no need to feel guilty imo.

If more people did it, the charities would get more money

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I think much of charity shop income comes from this type of trading and it's perfectly acceptable.

Bizarrely, I think traders also buy on ebay and sell at car boots.

What I think is unacceptable is to gain goods for free and immediately sell them, when the giver doesn't know that is your intention.

I've traded at antique fairs and the first hour fellow traders madly buy up stuff from other traders to sell on their own pitches (also popular at car boots and on ebay)

So provided you are not trying to do down the charity shop/stall then go ahead but bear in mind that you may not make a lot as charity shops now have quite astute commercial ways themselves.

Thanks for all the opinions. I guess its not wrong, it would be if I was stealing stuff, but I wouldn't be! Thanks for the idea about donations too that is a great suggestion, and definately something I will do. Provided I get enough money to pay dd's nursery bill, I will definately give a percentage back. What a fab thing to suggest! Right, now I'm off my moral high horse, I think my charity shop mission will start tomorrow!