I love snagging a bargain, which is why I often browse local buy and sell groups on Facebook. Especially when I’m on the hunt for baby gear or furniture, it’s always worth checking out what’s available before heading to the store.
If you’ve never explored these groups, they function like virtual garage sales. People sell everything from used clothing and baby items to home decor and tools, often at fantastic prices. Plus, most sellers are open to negotiation! Everything is local, so you can easily arrange a pick-up. It’s usually straightforward: once your offer is accepted, the seller will meet you in a public place or, my personal favorite, offer “porch pickup,” where the seller leaves the item on their porch, and you leave the cash under the mat, avoiding any awkward small talk with a stranger.
While I genuinely appreciate these groups, they do have their downsides—mainly the “buyer/seller beware” aspect. If you’re engaging in these platforms, it’s important to be smart about meeting others, keep transactions cash-only, and avoid being the type who leaves others hanging.
So, why am I bringing up buy and sell groups now? Maybe it’s always been this way, and I’ve just started to notice, but the behavior of some members can be downright rude. I don’t know what it is about social media that seems to bring out the worst in people. Sure, trolls are nothing new, but these groups are designed to connect honest buyers and sellers to help each other out—and yet, the trolls still appear.
It’s baffling. On any given day, I witness adults in my local groups behaving like bullies towards one another. Grown adults. That’s what frustrates me the most: seeing adults act like they haven’t learned the golden rule of treating others how they wish to be treated.
Come on, folks! Criticizing what someone is trying to sell online is basically the grown-up version of mocking a classmate’s outfit in school. I can picture these commenters as part of a mean girl clique, tearing others down for their own amusement.
For instance, one person criticized someone selling a used recliner. Sure, it might not be in perfect condition, but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless. The passive-aggressive remarks are equally cruel.
I’ve seen a FREE jungle gym post attract a slew of negativity, with one commenter suggesting, “It’s okay to just throw some things away.” Really? The seller was simply trying to help others!
Unfortunately, I could share countless more examples. I’ve seen moms trying to sell large lots of used baby clothes at a steal only to be publicly shamed because one or two items had stains. All I can think is that these clothes could be a lifeline for someone in need. That mom might really require that $10 to buy her child a new outfit. But the trolls continue to troll.
Please, I urge you—don’t be that person. Mean behavior is unacceptable, and it sets a terrible precedent for everyone involved.
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Summary:
Local buy/sell groups can be great for finding bargains, but they often attract rude behavior from some members. It’s disheartening to see adults bullying one another over minor issues, especially when these platforms are meant to facilitate helpful exchanges. We should strive to support one another and avoid negative comments that can discourage others from participating.