EVERYBODY can help with this, please vote!

Davey · #1 12-14-2007, 12:41 PM

Ok, to cut a long story short, I used to play a lot of table tennis to a very high standard. I bought a table to get back into practice at the beginning of last year. Some here know that I live in a pub and now the area that I had this in is now a smoking area.

So...

I decided to put it on e-bay starting at 1p for 10 days, with the only catch being that the buyer comes and collects. I get an e-mail just a few moments ago that goes like this:

Quote:

Very interested in table. I need to get one for a church young persons group. As you can imagine we don't have alot of money. At this time of goodwill to men would you be willing to sell it to us, cash on collection at a good price. I could collect next week.
Glyn.

Now then, the idea I had in my head was that if the bidding wasn't over £50 in the closing hours of the auction, I would just pull it and donate it to a local charity of some sort. Now this thing cost me roughly £350 and I've already donated nearly £1000's worth of video games and consoles to charity this year and that's not to mention all of the clothes and stuff I donate throughout the year too (BTW, I'm not looking for praise here, I just think everyone should do their bit and this is my way of doing mine.)

The question is, do I give this guy the table?

He lives in Warwickshire so I'll never know if it's for a church or not since I never pass through that way. It IS a time for giving and goodwill to all men (though I haven't received much of it myself recently but that's another story.)

Tricky situation, please vote and give any comments

SeanB · #2 12-14-2007, 01:04 PM

I would at least want some money back seeing it is £350.
I would say give it to him, but take SOME money in return even if it isn't a whole lot. I think you've done your bit, you don't need to give everything away.

-Sean

TequilaKing · #3 12-14-2007, 01:08 PM

If you end up giving it away... I'd give it to a local charity / hospital / kids home / community centre etc at least then you *know* its gone to a good home. You may not make any coin on it but you'll feel good that someone needy gets to use it.

The guy may be legit but he also may be a leech trying to screw you out of your table by pretending he's something he's not.

That's my take on it anyway...

**jono** · #4 12-14-2007, 01:20 PM

Ask for references from the church in question, then see if you can talk with the vicar/priest/minister etc independently and see if he'll verify the story.

I have to say, for £350 I'd imagine most co artists would be more interested in a PS3 or something.

jemplayer55 · #5 12-14-2007, 01:30 PM

Giving to charity is a good thing. I say give as long as it's not cramping your lifestyle. As far as something like this table, if you've had many good times from it and don't plan on replacing it soon, then let it go. It's the memories that count not recouping a few bucks.

I agree with Juno..... verify where it's going though! Even if you have to go out of the way to do so. Heck, you could make a day trip out of it with some friends or family if it's not too far away. You know..... another adventure!

So I say give with vigilance! Not till it hurts!

Myst and rain · #6 12-14-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TequilaKing

The guy may be legit but he also may be a leech trying to screw you out of your table by pretending he's something he's not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jono

Ask for references from the church in question, then see if you can talk with the vicar/priest/minister etc independently and see if he'll verify the story.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jemplayer55

I agree with Juno..... verify where it's going though!

I agree with the above posts. Better safe, than sorry.

Alwin

yoyo1299 · #7 12-14-2007, 02:36 PM

do your research, then do what YOU feel is right, not others. It's your item, your concience etc. Are you trying to make money back? Do you care much about the table? Just some questions to ponder.

Davey · #8 12-14-2007, 02:38 PM

I wanted to make about £50 back as a token since I need someone to take it away. Anything more would've been a bonus but now I almost feel pressured to give it him and that's not charity.

You guys are right though, I should ask more questions about his church.

Davey · #9 12-14-2007, 02:40 PM

If baring in mind how much it cost me, how much would you guys charge him?

I'm thinking I might say £20 so I can cover my e-bay fees and buy a meal or something

jemplayer55 · #10 12-14-2007, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibanez249

If baring in mind how much it cost me, how much would you guys charge him?

I'm thinking I might say £20 so I can cover my e-bay fees and buy a meal or something

That sounds fair...... well maybe £30, you'll want a drink or two with that meal!

Davey · #11 12-14-2007, 02:52 PM

Good point!

bammbamm · #12 12-14-2007, 03:12 PM

Can you take a tax cut in donating it?
The way it works here is you get to write off the full amount of the item even if it is used. You paid 350, which is ultimately being donated to this group. Which helps you out more as you're helping them?

the.godfather · #13 12-14-2007, 03:20 PM

Yes, but get something for it. Even if it's just a small amount. And definitely get proof of his story, otherwise he might just be a guy trying to fish for a cheap/free table. If he's honest then fair play, but if he's a lying **** then tell him where to go.

I'd say £50 is reasonable considering the new price of them.

540s · #14 12-14-2007, 03:29 PM

I cant say weather or not you should dinate the table but I would definately verify the charity He claims to be representing if that is the plan.

There have been more fraud & deception commited under the guise of charity & religion than anything else.

Davey · #15 12-14-2007, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bammbamm

Can you take a tax cut in donating it?
The way it works here is you get to write off the full amount of the item even if it is used. You paid 350, which is ultimately being donated to this group. Which helps you out more as you're helping them?

It's not the same over here, but good thinking Bamm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the.godfather

Yes, but get something for it. Even if it's just a small amount. And definitely get proof of his story, otherwise he might just be a guy trying to fish for a cheap/free table. If he's honest then fair play, but if he's a lying **** then tell him where to go.

I'd say £50 is reasonable considering the new price of them.

£50 is reasonable I guess and he did offer to pay a 'good price.' I think I'm going to let this run over night and make my decision based on the thread tomorrow morning with the price I give him (if I give him) being based on what you guys think. Like Tequilaking said, I could just donate it to someone local and that'd be the same thing but at least I'd know for certain that it was going to a good cause.