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

lizzblue

I am on my own now too, but it does not stop me selling stuff to men. I have a good friend who comes and deals with it for me.He doesn't mind and is quite happy to help. I am sure you have somebody who would do so. Perhaps your friend has a husband who would step in. As for telling your friend to mind their own business, well that's just rude.

relishy57

I would ask your friend/ family member to be with you, this is helpful with larger amounts of cash as they can check it’s not forged and correct amount. In the past I have asked for daytime collection and have item in garage so there is no need to be in the house if no-one available to help, People got used to doorstep collection after the pandemic. 

ABea

I'm single (and old) I sell to anyone but always say 'we' rather than I.  Also have item ready at front door.  

Shortlands_Shopper

Flooring is not a light item to collect for a woman so please bear that in mind, even if you thought it was going to a woman she may send a man to collect. 

You can sell of course to whom you want ( please ignore friends comment is my advice 😉) but if sell at full price, I would suggest you could get money up front ( PayPal, I’ve even done this when selling via gumtree) ask your friend who gave you her advice to be there to support on collection if nervous. 

Or if having someone with you is not an option, then get them to pay up front, then to text when on route and maybe leave flooring on doorstep, just let them know you would like to do that. 

Robin_Banksy

MSE_Kelvin said:

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

I've £100 worth of laminate flooring that I've put up for sale online cheaply to get rid of. As the buyer will have to collect, and I'm a woman who lives alone, I've been reluctant to accept any of the offers I've had as they're all from men. I said to a friend that I hoped a woman would make an offer, even if it was lower, as I'd feel safer dealing with them, but my friend said that's unfair and I should sell to the first person who offered the asking price. Should I wait for an offer from someone I'm comfortable giving my address to or do as my friend says?

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Is it okay as a male to answer this question? 

You are free to sell to whoever you want to but worth bearing in mind that the biggest majority of gender searching for flooring will probably be male unless there is a mass of female builders/flooring contractors/DIYers in your local area.

It's a good idea to do what others have suggested and have someone with you when the buyer collects, that way you wont have to wait too long for a sale.

Kerienn

You would be discriminating men if you only sell women

Emerion

You’d have to be pretty hard-hearted to insist on equality when a lone woman is nervous of dealing with a strange man. So, of course, it is absolutely OK for you to want to deal with a woman. But the other comments about the husband being sent to collect anyway, and therefore needing to give the impression that you are not alone are all good ideas. You should do whatever makes you feel most comfortable, and ignore silly comments from clueless friends. 

dobbiesloan

Having tried to lift a pack of laminate flooring I doubt that a woman could carry and load the amount that you are trying to sell.

Ed264

The simple solution would be to have somebody there with you eg friend, relative or neighbour. You're not obliged to disclose to a buyer that you live alone.

confusedgranny

Ask  your friend if they are prepared to come round when the buyer collects, if they think you are being unfair
I found that people never came when they said they would anyway, yet wanted you to save the item for them.. Used to say that I would give them my address / directions when they rang to say they were leaving home, if the item was still available. Though they still could have been dodgy I suppose.