Money Moral Dilemma: Should I give my friend the cash I made selling her unwanted clutter?

Chrisgina

I think my answer is 'it all depends'. For many people times are very tough, and 30 quid can be a lot of money. I think I'd definitely tell her about the money made. If you're such good friends and one of you would really benefit from the cash, then each of you would know what to do. If I were told to keep it all (both being equally situated and not in dire financial straits), I think I'd ask if she'd like a 50:50 split. If the answer is no, I think I'd suggest if she'd like you to donate half to the charity of her choice. If she would still like you to keep it, then do. Hope this helps.

juliaw

It is up to you to set out the terms in advance. Easiest is to give friend a small amount of money before selling items, then they are your property and she has no argument in future.
She will probably be annoyed with you whatever you do.  A neighbour never forgave me for buying from her a table she was throwing away. I spent weeks refinishing it. When she saw the very nice result, she was furious.

Lakeland_Lass

If I was helping a friend who had decluttered loads of stuff and ‘couldn’t be bothered’ to sell some saleable bits, I’d simply offer to sell them for her. If she wanted me to keep the money, and I wasn’t in need, I’d donate it. Does seem to me, quite right to make money from a friend.

Some people are coping with an awful lot, may be bereaved or depressed: it doesn’t mean they don’t care about others or the environment, but it may be there are things we don’t know about. 

EasyLay

The money's yours, as she was happy for it to be thrown away. She didn't want to make the effort of selling it. You did, and you reaped the reward. However I'd offer her the money anyway, as it could damage your relationship is she found out you'd made money on the things she previously owned. If she's a good friend then morally she should let you keep it, or at the very least half of it.

koru

I think any amount from 0% to 100% is morally fine. But perhaps one factor that I don't think has been mentioned is to consider why you went to the bother.
I've done this with stuff at our scout group which was to be dumped. I went to the bother of selling it because I hate to see unnecessary waste (of both the goods in question and the money that could be raised). I would have been entirely comfortable keeping the cash, but I chose to donate it back to scouts, because I already got what I really wanted, which was the satisfaction of avoiding waste. (I use the cash to pay for things I buy for the group that I would otherwise have to submit a claim to have reimbursed, so it does at least save me a bit of hassle.)

squirrel59

You have to wonder about your friendship that you're even considering not telling your friend...

It seems to me that many, if not most, of these so-called 'dillemas' are from people hoping to be told that it's ok to be dishonest.

amandamac59

I'd keep the  money safe & COVID restrictions are lifted I'd take her out to lunch.

Gresp

Some important details missing. Did your friend know you took the items home and advertised them? Does she know you made a profit? How much do you need the money? (Clearly she doesn't.)

At least be open with her. But it seems entirely reasonable for you to keep some if not all of the money, seeing as (a) she'd already dismissed your idea of selling them, and (b) the profit is due soley to *your* efforts, without which neither of you would benefit.

If you're good friends, maybe do what others have suggested and have a joint treat. As you made it happen, you get to choose it.

Next time, agree something in advance.

virgolady10

No.  As it’s only £30, your friend was quite happy to throw it away, and you did all the work, I think you are entitled to keep it. You earned it. If I was the friend I would say good luck to you.  If you had raised a lot more though, then I would say you should offer to split it.

NBLondon

There's a missing stage between the 2nd and 3rd sentences of the original "dilemma".   Saying "OK - I'll try to sell them then..."  If the friend says "Whatever..." then the OP is justified in keeping any profit - or offering to split.