MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Should Madge flog Harold’s stuff on eBay?

sluggy1967 · 21 February 2007 at 12:31PM

If I was Madge I'd tell Harold that the stuff he is throwing away might fetch money on ebay, if he then chooses not to act upon that, then it's fair game for her to.

As nearlyrich points out, not everyone can be bothered with the hassle of ebay, so Madge needn't feel guilty if she profits.

mogoot · 21 February 2007 at 12:50PM

Why doesnt she buy Harold a nice bottle of wine (or something else he likes) from the proceeds?

Daisies · 21 February 2007 at 1:11PM

I think, if I were Madge, I'd go and have a chat with Harold, ask if he would mind if I took some (all?) the stuff to sell on Ebay and suggest that we split any profit. It might emerge that he would be grateful for the help and has even more stuff to get rid of, thus helping Harold to get rid of the stuff, Madge to get some cash and they both gain a friendly neighbour. Getting on well with the neighbours is probably worth more in the long run than a potential ebay profit?

bye_bye_band_G · 21 February 2007 at 2:02PM

She should tell him its valuable and would make a lot on ebay.
And if he is not an ebayer himself, she should offer to sell it for him and give him the money.
Selling on ebay is easy and good fun, so she shouldn't expect much for her troubles other than a small thankyou from Harold.
This is her chance to do a good deed to Harold, and next month if she is ill and needs help with shopping, collecting kids etc, Harold will be front of the queue to help her.
I was very ill recently and my neighbours were a great help and I would help them out gladly if the roles were reversed.

jimieee · 21 February 2007 at 2:13PM

Although she owes him nothing, I think it's only fair to check with him. He is a neighbour and she'll have to see him everyday after all... Part of me still screams "Take the money, Take the money" though

Dr_Tom · 21 February 2007 at 2:42PM

I don't see anything morally wrong with selling items that would otherwise have been junked. It would only be fair for Madge to then split the profits.

However... Harold has left these items for the benefit of his neighbours. The neighbours must be given the opportunity to take anything they can use personally before Madge takes items to sell. After that the issue may be resolved.

Popcorn! · 21 February 2007 at 2:49PM

I think she should consider that if he saw her take a few things, and then asked her some time later if they have been useful to her, would she feel guilty telling him she sold them? She may feel she has taken advantage of him. He may not care what people do with the items, but I think it's better to be upfront, it prevents awkward situations later.

Sexy_Em · 21 February 2007 at 3:34PM

she should offer to list it on ebay for him and split the profits...

madkingsoup · 21 February 2007 at 3:34PM

He's chucking them out - I'd only say she should say something if she spots something of extraordinary value in amongst it all. I hope she edclares her extra income to the taxman, though...

Poorgirl_2 · 21 February 2007 at 3:39PM

I thought this was a website used by nice people - what's the matter with you. Harold wants these things to be taken by people without payment - Madge should leave them there for people to take. If it's likely Harold is unaware of the value of things then perhaps Madge should mention to Harold that some things are worth a bit and perhaps offer to help him sell them if he isn't into that sort of thing. That's all - then leave poor Harols alone to do what he likes with his own stuff.

MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Should Madge flog Harold’s stuff on eBay?

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