eBay

wastingtime101 · ‎01-31-2021

Did you ever notice that the buyers who need a big discount because they're a [insert: disabled senior on a fixed income buying something for their neighbor that's the widow of a vet and needs to be cheered up] almost always have between 50-200 buyer FB in just the last month?

GLORIOUS!

lja440 · ‎02-01-2021

I don't get them often but when I do it is ALWAYS a want item and not a need item, if you know what I mean.

Some times I ignore and sometimes I answer with my own sob story. You know poor widow woman left to raise her 2 daughters and care for her somewhat addled in-laws. All true but actually I do OK, though at this point (61 at the end of this month) my side hustle having several side hustles of it's own is getting rather overwhelming. Anyway when I want to I can spin a sob story back on these types that usually shuts them down.

*madison · ‎02-01-2021

I think most of the sob story tellers are lying.

But even if they weren't lying, I still wouldn't give a discount because I really can't stand sob stories..And I really can't stand sob stories on a tv talent show. Just before the performance, they come out with a massive sob story. 🙄 Very boring.

However, if someone is after a discount, and they don't come out with a lame sob story, and they just simply ask straight up for a discount, I might consider it...It depends how long I have been trying to sell the item.

vintagecraze50 · ‎02-01-2021

Sob story usually equals someone trying to get an item to resell at a bigger price. If truly in that bad a shape financially do not buy.

jayjaspersgarage · ‎02-01-2021

Yep, you would think they see us as a garage sale. Oh oh, my username has the word Garage in it! What have I done? lol

Same types of stories from the oldsters everywhere.

Back in the mid 1980's a neighbor and I would have numerous garage sales every spring & summer. All the regular chiselers were at the door ten minutes before opening asking for a first look and discounts. I enjoyed the banter the first few years until one year a family arrived with perhaps seven people. I had a friend posted outside the garage nearby observe the adults creating a visual shield while their younger children started pocketing several items. Turned out to be a band of Gypsies I tell you keeping faith in the human race got much harder that day.

Almost forty years later I am smart enough to keep the small stuff in locked cases BEHIND the tables and the cheap stuff larger than a bread box near the street.

1grandmashope_1 · ‎02-01-2021

@lightlily_arts

Yes, but what I was addressing was the bigger picture, for me, anyways.

Unfortunately, we all are very much aware of people that try to cheat.

G.

maxine*j · ‎02-01-2021

I admire your attitude.

For myself, I sell nothing that anyone needs, nothing that is essential, and my prices are fair, so I have no reason to take any "sob story" seriously.

If I sold anything related to life's necessities -- to food, clothing, shelter, transportation, personal or medical care, et cetera -- my approach would be different.

I don't like people who prey on others, even in small ways, or over silly matters, and I try not to encourage or enable it.

1grandmashope_1 · ‎02-01-2021

@maxine*j

I respect your views, but I don't feel that people and their personal stories are silly, even when they don't have to do with their essential needs.

We all feed ourselves in different ways at different points in our lives.

I too don't care for people that "prey" on others. And as far as being an enabler or someone that encourages such behavior, a bit cliche and definitely not what kindness is to me.

Grandma

maxine*j · ‎02-01-2021

And I respect your point of view; indeed, I said I admire it.

No one has a lock on kindness. Different life experiences lead to different definitions of kindness and to different ways to practice it.

funkyfreshmike.2013 · ‎02-01-2021

I got a bunch of those - very entertaining..

iart · ‎02-01-2021

This is especially annoying for those of us who actually are disabled seniors on fixed incomes buying something for our neighbor that's the widow of a vet and needs to be cheered up.

my-cottage-books-and-antiques · ‎02-01-2021

I focus on the dollar figure of their offer, just as with any other offer. Depending on the amount, I either decline or counter-offer, usually without any message referencing their circumstances.

bigdeals.etc · ‎02-01-2021

@*madison wrote:
..And I really can't stand sob stories on a tv talent show. Just before the performance, they come out with a massive sob story. 🙄 Very boring.

OMG. I thought I was the only one that felt that way. I admit to like watching AGT... for the talent. Total hat's off to the contestants who had some big obstacle or adversity to overcome AS WELL AS having great talent.

But there have been many on that show that just bank on tugging on your heart strings for votes and have no business being on that show... at least not at the same level of the "good contestants." And yes, I'm aware that the producers most likely called the shots and chose specific contestants to "cheese it up" for the viewers. But I guess I'm in the minority who doesn't eat that up.

Still, it's a good show. Terry Crews > Tyra Banks all the way.

mobley120 · ‎02-01-2021

Past reflections: I've never really had any sob stories come my way, but I sold my items dirt cheap anyway. Although, I had received emails from other sellers, saying "per sa" you're low-balling and screwing up...

Individual Empathy doesn't hold a seat at the corporate board meetings. So, why should an individual seller entertain Individual Empathy.

lightlily_arts · ‎02-01-2021

This is actually not a bad time to do garage sales. They recommend limiting the number of people on your property to keep social distancing guidelines intact. Depending on your yard size and number of helpers but no more than ten. Buyers have to wear masks and gloves It means they have to wait in line which in turn helps you monitor people more closely.

Last yard sale I had two women who brought large bags with them and I caught them stuffing pairs shoes in them. They made a real scene when I confronted them as they tried to leave my yard. Fortunately I had some nice large adult boys helping me that day and handled them for me by telling them to pay or leave them behind. They also mentioned the policeman who lives across the street.