Normally, this is a fine way to conduct business. People have something they don't need, they offer it at a fair price and then someone who has the money and could use it barters for the item. Usually, both people make out pretty good - the item has been marked down considerably so the buyer gets the item for a good price and the seller gets some cash in their pocket.. But, for some reason, that's not the case on Edwards.
For some reason, many people mark their items up considerably. I once saw a pair of shoes that were purchased on Shoedazzle.com (when all their shoes were originally $39 with free shipping) that someone was selling for $60. Like somehow, by adding their foot funk to the shoes, it increased their value? Many times you can look for the exact item being sold on websites like Amazon and purchase the item brand new for the exact price as what someone on the yard sales site might want - sometimes much cheaper. In other words, you're trying to sell something used (which many times is in less than stellar condition) for the exact retail price that it would cost new, in pristine condition? Where is the logic in this?
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| For Sale: IPAD 2nd Generation. Slightly used. Paid 600, asking $550. Message me if interested |
But then, you have the complete opposite side of the spectrum. Someone honest decides to sell their item for way lower than what its worth. They post pictures and you can tell the item has been taken care of and in great condition. Maybe the object is $100 new, they've had it for a few months and they're asking $50. A great deal, right? But, no, you start seeing everyone start lowballing their offers. "Will you take $10?".. I remember once a used grill, the woman wanted $80 for it, it sold new for over $200. Someone offered 5 bucks. Seriously? I would have been insulted.
We talk about wanting to support each other as wives. Each of us understands the hardships we sometimes face by being military and by being stuck in this crappy base to begin with (I think I saw one person today refer to it as an Armpit?). So why do we insist on screwing each other over? Sometimes I get the feeling you take your husband's Star Card to the BX, buy something and then turn around and sell it to make money because there's several days left before payday.
Now, I should point out, this isn't ever seller on base. There are plenty of very honest people who aren't looking to screw you over. But I'm always shocked at how some of these sales go down.
But what really burns my biscuits is when I see someone selling something I know they picked up at the Airman's Attic for free. The Airman's attic is a blessing for many of the younger families who are just starting out, lower ranked Airman who make barely enough to get by on what the government pays then while supporting their families. People generously donate items to this program in order to help other families and those who make use of the program are expected to pass on the goodwill that others have shown by re-donating the item (for free) when they are finished with it. Instead, people go and pick out good quality items knowing they do not need it but knowing they can sell it and make a ludicrous amount of money off of it. It goes along the same lines of those who get WIC and turn around and sell the formula or breast pumps that they are given - if you don't need it, don't take it. Save it for someone else who does need it.
On another note - today is Memorial Day. The day when everyone should take a moment to remember those who have falling serving this country.
Sorry so short and sweet tonight but its been a long day at work. So
Until next time...
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