Gransnet forums

Chat

AIBU

(104 Posts)
Jeanlizzie Wed 24-Jul-19 13:33:06

I recently went to visit a friend for a week, the whole time i was there she was admiring my handbag , and kept dropping hints , so when i left i gave it to her , although i must admit i have regretted it ,
Fast forward 3 or so months i found the same bag on ebay for a fair amount of money , and wondered if i should buy it, then when i looked at where the seller is , and its the same town as my friend, AIBU to ask if its her selling it? I think i would be so angry if it was , but my DH thinks i gave it to her so she can do what she wants with it ,and i half agree, but i feel as if she's been very underhand about it all

SynchroSwimmer Thu 25-Jul-19 13:44:02

Probably too late....but can you get or take a screengrab to keep as evidence?

Blacktabby2 Thu 25-Jul-19 13:51:39

What is the ebay sellers name? Let me be detectivegrin

Mossfarr Thu 25-Jul-19 14:00:45

My ex daughter in Law used to do things like that to me all the time. As they didn't live close to me, it took me a while before I found out what she was up to.
She is the most mercenary person I have ever come across and has absolutely no scruples about using people.
I guess some people are just made that way.
I hope it turns out not to be your friend who is selling the bag Jeanlizzie.

Summerstorm Thu 25-Jul-19 14:08:17

Not quite the same but I gave away some furniture free because I thought I was being kind and helpful to someone in need and like you have recently seen most of it on eBay. It’s happened to me twice now and has made me am much choosier about giving things away since.

PopMaster34 Thu 25-Jul-19 14:33:33

Ask a friend who doesn't know this person to make contact and get the address, then you will find out if it is her.

Grammaretto Thu 25-Jul-19 14:46:54

Those bags do look gorgeous! We are all agog to know the outcome. I still say if you want it back do ask her for it.

Sometimes it's great to find something a good home. I just gave my DSister a beautiful velvet dress which is slightly tight on me but it's perfect on her and I wouldn't have worn it again. She was so pleased. Result!

Witzend Thu 25-Jul-19 14:47:40

I'd buy it back - just to embarrass/teach her not to try that again. Assuming it is her, of course.

Mind you, some people have such brass necks, nothing will ever embarrass them. So if she dropped so many hints that you felt you had to give her the bag in the first place, I suspect she's one of the brass-necked brigade.

NotSpaghetti Thu 25-Jul-19 15:02:08

I think she may indeed have admired it but genuinely found the bag didn't "work" for her after all.
I'm sure we have all had beautiful things that just were never quite right for us.
Clearly she isn't going to tell you this so maybe, if she's an Ebay person, selling is the obvious thing to do. It's generally when you want to sell something you check the price.

So, what to do? I would contact her (as usual) and ask how she's getting on with the bag. Then just say you have been missing it a bit (very good size, nice handles, convenient zips or whatever) and so are thinking of replacing it. Say you are happy for her to have it as she clearly loved it, but if she gets bored of it or it doesn't work for her, would she please consider you before it is "recycled" elsewhere.

It may be a relief to her to give it back (maybe not straight away but in time). It may have been withdrawn from Ebay because of misgivings about listing it (if indeed it IS her).

Then I'd keep an eye out for another bag you might fancy. Unless you want to pay £60 should it come up on Ebay again!

You won't be the first to give things you love away out of a generous spirit and you won't be the last. Just remember, whatever happens, it was a kind and loving thing to do and speaks volumes about the person you are.

Silverlady333 Thu 25-Jul-19 16:01:08

If you can go back to seller on ebay's site, go to their other items for sale and then on the left hand side then go to sold items and completed items (one at a time). This will give you an idea if it has sold or not. If it has not sold you can still message the seller (via another item they have for sale. You can simply say you are contacting to enquire about 'the handbag' plus description and ask if it is still available!
It may be that she realised it was you and has withdrawn it from sale. you can add her to your watched sellers and you will be able to see if she relists it a later date. I do hope it is not 'Your friend'. I know I would want to know either way!

Silverlady333 Thu 25-Jul-19 16:05:33

If you have lost her details simply put an advanced search on ebay so that anytime this particular sort of bag comes up for sale you will be informed!

Acer Thu 25-Jul-19 16:13:59

Think I would WhatsApp her saying, that handbag I really loved and when one I was happy to see your joy at receiving it I have misse it sorely. I have seen one on eBay, should you ever think of ridding it, I’d be happy to buy it back. I feel you will have been totally honest. Your ‘friend’ has the opportunity of saying, yes it’s me hadn’t realised how much it’s meant, I’ll post it back. What ever way, it does leave a nasty taste. Good luck would love to know the outcome.

blue60 Thu 25-Jul-19 16:24:36

Well if it is your friend, then you are not being unreasonable....but find out the truth first.

LizaJane24 Thu 25-Jul-19 16:56:51

excellent suggestion miss adventure

granny4hugs Thu 25-Jul-19 16:58:10

You gave it to her. Its hers. If you really can't let go of stuff don't give it away.
You did a nice thing. She may or may not have done something a little less admirable. That's her problem.

quizqueen Thu 25-Jul-19 18:03:32

Definitely tell her you've seen a duplicate bag on ebay and, as you wished you'd kept it, you are going to bid the top price on it. Then tell her that next time you meet up you can both go out with the same bag (like twins, for a laugh!) and see what she says. If she admits she's the one selling it, then ask for it back and end the friendship. Don't do nothing as you will always have doubts about her.

nana15 Thu 25-Jul-19 18:52:58

you are a kind softy. I agree face to face will be fun!!

Millie22 Thu 25-Jul-19 19:16:57

I'm really curious now! Will it turn out to be your bag or not. I have heard of people who sell on things from the various 'free' sites.

sharon103 Thu 25-Jul-19 19:42:09

I wouldn't think the bag sold on ebay Jeanlizzie. I've just had a look on there at Vera Bradley handbag for sale and the ones sold. These bags have had and there are bids starting from around £2.50. some with bids placed up to around £20.
One bag on Buy it now £28 and one other £38ish.
If it's any consolation they are worth on average to buyers approx £10. I can see that the multi coloured ones are the most popular but I would still doubt that an offer was made either unless it was a rarity.
You have a look on ebay and then decide if it's a lesson learned or the end of a friendship as only you know if this lady is worth hanging on to. All the best xx

sharon103 Thu 25-Jul-19 19:51:52

Having said that, have you looked to see if it's been relisted?

Buffy Thu 25-Jul-19 20:41:38

I think it was so kind of you to give the friend your handbag.
However, if she is now selling it on eBay that is disgusting.
She's not what I would call a friend.

Tangerine Thu 25-Jul-19 20:47:52

I wouldn't be pleased if a friend did that to me. As other posters have suggested, I'd buy it back or at least enquire about it so she knew I'd found her out.

She doesn't sound like a very nice friend at all.

Almostemptynesty Thu 25-Jul-19 20:54:38

So she knew
1) that you didn't realize the monetary value?
2) that if she admired it, you'd give it to her?

3) she's a user.

Get your purse back. Then drop her like a hot rock.

HazelG Thu 25-Jul-19 22:20:52

Ask your friend if you can borrow the bag for a special occasion as it matches an outfit and see what she says.

123kitty Thu 25-Jul-19 22:22:01

Sorry - you gave her the handbag so it's hers to do with as she wants.

Sara65 Thu 25-Jul-19 22:28:34

123Kitty is right, I don’t know what possessed you to give it to her, but you did, so now it’s hers

I agree, she sounds quite cheeky, and not a very good friend, but I think you just have to accept that you gave it away, without any conditions attached, so that’s that!