Money Moral Dilemma: Is it OK if I choose to sell something to a woman rather than a man?

Gabbygolfer

You can obviously sell to whomever you want but if in doubt get a friend to be there when they collect. 

ripongrammargirl

I totally understand your dilemma as I also never deal with men. If it’s a man I get my husband to deal with them. I’m still not great dealing with ladies either as I have huge anxiety problems, but it’s a bit easier, although they can scam you too. Having tried to sell things online previously it’s amazing how many scammers there are. People are really interested and you give them your address etc and then they don’t turn up so you are then left wondering if you are being watched or about to be burgled- it’s a horrible world that’s been created. Ask someone to be with you for collection, never say you are on your own (always use the word “we”), get only cash upfront before handing over the goods, or arrange a convenient location for collection that is not your address  ( a busy car park etc). 

If this is all too much, see if there is a drama group/college etc that might be interested in buying (or more likely giving it away!) Good luck.

Gosportmum

You can sell to whomever you want, but don't put 'women only' in your advert.
You could end up selling to a woman, but it might be her partner/ male friend that collects it and you've no control over this.
Set a time for collection, in daylight, cash only and arrange for a friend/ neighbour to be there too. Have the laminate ready at your doorstep, so he doesn't need to come into your home.

leeg_2

I have a name that when shortened is male.  I always respond this way when collecting collecting items bought on line.  Its a 2 way security to apply the male name as ofen i have gone alone to collect items.  People usually surprised when a woman turns up.  LOL

Sleazy

"£100 worth of laminate flooring that I've put up for sale online cheaply to get rid of".

So you'll accept less than £100?  TBH, if you were my friend and that concerned, I'd suggest either not selling it or if you really want to clear some space in your house, leave it outside on a dry day with a 'FREE' notice attached.  You may be surprised how quickly somebody rolls up in a van and takes it away.

Your peace of mind is surely worth more than £100.

sclare

When did people become so fearful? 
Seriously, just sell it. There's no need to let anyone, male or female into your house. Just let the highest bidder have it and pass it through your opened front door. 

The chances of anyone using some laminated flooring as an opportunity to hurt you in any way are absolutely minuscule. For starters they don't know whether you live alone or have a burly husband. So betting £100 on you being alone would be insane. 

Perspective and logic are your friends. 

ambioni

This reminded me of the situation where people selling their homes do their own viewer show-rounds...when my partner and I (both of us males) were house hunting 9 years ago we saw a lot of houses where we were shown round by a woman on their own, in one case with a baby and in another the lady was in her 80s. I always hope they felt safe and secure and we always did our best to put them at their ease but it did cross my mind that this was a vulnerable position to put themselves in, because you never know who's going to show up and it would be easy to give a false name and details to an estate agent. I suppose if you were worried you'd have a friend or relative join you or ask the agent to do it.....chillingly of course we all know what happened to Suzy Lamplugh in this situation.

[Deleted User]

I see your point of view, and your friend's (it is hard on a potential male buyer, but you are entitled to do whatever you are comfortable with - and goodness knows it's a man's world in almost everything else ), and not everyone has someone willing and able to be there at the time a buyer is supposed to call, and wait if they are late.  Would you feel safe conducting the transaction outside, where people may be about, or tell a neighbour and ask if they could just keep an eye on you for the few minutes it should take?  Good luck, if possible stay where you can be seen and try to arrange collection during daylight hours! 

KenWDen

How would you feel if someone refused to sell you something you wanred but would not sell to a woman, accept it or think about reporting for sexual discrimination? If the latter you have your answer. For me it is unfair and going to increase sexual discrimination......

IvonH

I think it's not only OK to sell to a woman, but maybe even wise.  However, there are two points to consider.  How can you be sure it really will be a woman picking the flooring up?  And why don't you ask someone (a friend, neighbour, relative, colleague) to be there when the buyer comes to collect?  That way you can feel safe and you can possibly get more money.  
I believe your friend is very silly.