Money Moral Dilemma: Should I share the cash I get selling the hand-me-downs my friend gave me?

Philycheesesteak

How is this a dilemma, she's your friend and you're profiting from her donation to you. 
Of course you should give her some of the proceeds. Ok not 50% as you have the hassle of taking photos, posting the items online, dealing with bidders etc but definitely there should be something back to the source of the clothes you've sold. It says she's not got a lot of cash and clearly not good with online selling.

I am a little concerned for society as so many people seem to think you keep the money. Is the world that greedy?

Pollycat

MSE_Sarah said:

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My friend gave me a big bag of clothes her daughter had outgrown. My daughter wore and loved them all, and has now outgrown them herself. My friend said she didn't want them back, so I'm planning on selling them. But should I give her half of the profits? She's not short of cash and doesn't use second-hand selling sites, so wouldn't see I was selling them.  

I sell on eBay and know how time-consuming it can be.
I list stuff that I think will sell, anything else goes straight to the charity shop.
If stuff doesn't sell, I end the listing and it goes to charity.

I currently have 2 big bags of stuff that is listed on eBay and one big bag that is going to charity this morning.

By the time you've photographed, listed, packaged up, paid for packaging and taken your time into account, I doubt there'll be much profits from second hand kids clothes anyway.

Chris_Jay

As a young mum, with two children, girl and boy, and my friends also young mums with children either side of mine in age, we swapped clothes between us as our collection of children grew in/grew out of their existing wardrobes. Money didn't come into it, and the important thing was that the clothes were in good condition, so our children weren't embarrassed to be seen in them. None of us had money for both clothes and shoes, so we concentrated on shoes, as more important to have new. This was in the 70s, so very different times, and very different attitudes to giving and to taking money for second hand, or third, and just occasionally fourth hand garments. 
When you're all on the same level financially, an offer to pay can change the way that the group functions together.
My daughter was tiny, and often at the end of an item's wearable life, but never shabby; my son, on the other hand, was tall and broad for his age group, so his were often the first bought clothes, and it balanced out well.

I'm sure the OP will work it out the best way for herself, and there's a lot of good suggestions already on here, and no doubt there'll be more added over the next few days.

Agent57

These "Dilemmas" are all getting a bit samey so will give a similar answer.

A gift is a gift. - It is yours to do with as you wish. 

squirrel59

We've had this same dilemma posted many times already. Given that the clothes were a gift and are therefore yours, you needn't share the proceeds. That, however, is not saying that you should not WANT to do something for your very kind friend. Buy her some flowers, or a drink, to say thank you very much again.

DAN56

Personally I would pass on the goodwill your friend showed to you by donating the clothes to a charity shop.

Shell1989

Once someone gives you something, it's up to you what you do with it, including selling the gift. Keep the money for yourself

Jordlincs

Yes, it is a gift and yours to do what you will with, but it was given for free in hopes to help you not have to buy them. The nice thing to do would be to pass on that favour and re-donate to someone else who could use them.

If you do opt to sell, I’d agree with the calls to take your friend out for lunch or give them some sort of treat rather than making it a financial transaction

Babsiebaby882

CapeTown said:

I gladly gave it to her.

Gladly given as a gift…. Yet you obviously are salty she mad a profit. Not so generous now are we? I’ve never know anyone having to refund money made on a gift before!

natalie2709

Selling second hand clothes is hugely time consuming. You should keep the money for your efforts. If you did not have them your friend would be taking them to the charity shop I expect. Don't feel bad about keeping the money!