Many of the stitching message boards I read allow private individuals to post "for sale" notices. I don't have a problem with this at all. In fact, I've taken advantage of a message board sale on occasion.
What I do have a problem with is people announcing why they're selling something. "My kids need Christmas presents." "I need to fix my washing machine." "I got laid off and need cash instead of stash." "Baby needs new shoes." "My medications cost a lot these days."
Yes, these are all valid reasons for selling stash. But when this is the first thing I read before reading what the person is actually selling, it smacks of manipulation to me. "Buy from me because I'm manipulating your emotions into feeling sorry for me." It bothers me. And I usually read no further.
Maybe I'm overly sensitive to manipulative/guilt-tripping behaviour. Maybe I'm not. Anyway, just state that these items are for sale. Let the potential buyers decide if they want to buy based on the item's merit alone. Too much information is not a good thing, at least to this potential buyer.
4 comments:
I pretty much agree with you. For some of these big purchases that people need, I wonder just how much selling a few leaflets at just a couple of dollars each will really contribute, but then I am a known cynic.
Suanne
I wonder that too, sometimes. If you have a huge expense, how is $20 worth of leaflets sold going to pay for that? I am selling my excess, but my only sobstory is I don't want to haul it to the new house, LOL. Is that sufficient?
I find that type of information distasteful. I usually skip those, just like you!
Hey Lisa -- I'm selling some of my stash because my mother stole my frog fob. My prices will be three times regular retail because of my trauma.
Hmmm...that didn't work, did it?
LOL ;-)
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