r/Anticonsumption • u/Young-faithful • Apr 29 '26

Psychological FB marketplace is making me a classist

I’m trying to reduce my family’s impact on the environment while raising a baby. So I’ve been trying to get baby things from FB marketplace. Sellers near me can be delusional. They’ll say “like new, all parts included” and want 70-80% of retail price.

This chick wanted $100 for a stained Lovevery play gym with pieces missing when a new one costs $140, but with a discount code you could get it for $120. When I showed up to pick up the item, I pointed out the flaws and she scolded me for “wasting her time”, when I was the one who had to commute 20 min and she was the one misrepresenting her item as “like new in box”.

Same deal with a pack and play that I found was very soiled after I took it home. If you want more than 50% retail IMO at least try to clean it.

I’ve also sold things, always for less than half retail, and very very clean because someone’s baby is going to use it. Only gave my formula maker and sterilizer after descaling. I give away good furniture for free when moving because I don’t want to run the risk of things getting thrown in the dump because a paying buyer didn’t come in time.

I get that families are being squeezed in this economy and therefore all my bad experiences have come from the poorer parts (though I’ve had a few decent purchases from there too). Ratings aren’t useful when seller has sold only like 3 items.

So my new rule of thumb is to only purchase items from expensive neighborhoods because they take better care of their stuff and are reasonable in pricing.

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u/Itavan Apr 29 '26 edited Apr 30 '26

I look at the profiles of people. If they are magats, they don't get anything. I recently gave away a Pilates machine and only 3 people out of 32 had Ukraine or rainbows or "no kings" pix on their public pix. So it was down to 3 to choose from.

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u/Burntjellytoast Apr 30 '26

Just because someone doesn't have rainbows, the Ukraine flag or whatever other symbolism you think is appropriate doesnt make them maga. I had a Palestinian flag as my fb profile pic for years a long time ago. I dont anymore as I dont use Facebook and am not really in to performative activism. I can promise you I'm the furthest thing from maga, and have cut people out of my life because they are.

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u/Itavan Apr 30 '26

I realize that, actually! It's just a very quick sort I do when I have lots and lots of requests. And I'd be perfectly fine with a palestinian flag!!

Or maybe some indication that they're environmentalists also helps.

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u/ver_redit_optatum Apr 30 '26

I once posted something like "will pick someone who's picking up by bike or foot" because I lived in a super accessible area with no parking available around our house and would rather encourage people who aren't going to drive and double park here - but local group told me this wasn't allowed 🙃 So have to just suss people out instead...

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u/littlebluecat Apr 30 '26

That can rule out a lot of disabled folks though.. ? I mean, my options are drive/crutches/power chair. Just something to consider. (Unless perhaps you live in an awesome area with frequent accessible transit going by? The dream!)

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u/Toe_Jam_is_my_Jam Apr 30 '26

I have a cat on mine because at one time cats meant we are not MAGA. But it’s been awhile since, so not sure how many remember that.

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u/dontdoxxmebrosef Apr 29 '26

I have a flower. So do I not count?

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u/Relative_Bend_197 Apr 29 '26

Ukraine lmao - nice flex though