Is It Rude to Ask for Money Back?

Updated on August 19, 2009
S.L. asks from Sandy, UT
29 answers

I have been researching slides for my twins babies that are turning 2 next week. We decided to buy one used as it is much cheaper. I have been watching KSL classifieds for weeks and the prices for the 8 in 1 Little Tikes climber were going for around $225. So Saturday we found one and bought it for $225. I came home and was heart sick to find one that sold (while I was gone picking up mine) for $50! Today I looked and two more sold yesterday for $95. I don't know why all of a sudden they are being priced lower. I feel jipped and would like to call the guy back and ask him to refund at least some of the money, but my husband said we agreed to pay that so we are stuck. What do you think?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Denver on

I think the idea is that you paid what you thought it was worth. Timing is everything and you can't really blame him for charging you an amount that you thought was ok at the time. The other ones might not be in the same condition either.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.T.

answers from Denver on

Hi S. - I dont think it's ethical to try and renegotiate the price after the sale is done.

sorry.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Yes it is very rude and absolutely out of the question. You just made a poor decision. Live and learn.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.W.

answers from Denver on

Your husband is right. You made an agreement and you need to stick to it. I doubt the guy was trying to jip you, he probably, like you, just sold it for what he thought it was worth and you bought it. He probably never even looked at other prices to compare.

We just sold our trailer to the first person that made an offer and over the next couple of days we were offered $200+ more dollars for it by several people. We had no idea it was so valuable and my first thought was to not sell it to the first guy. Ethically, we kept our agreement with the first guy and sold it for a few hundred less than we could have.

Keep your word and just chalk it up as a learning experience. = )

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.F.

answers from Pocatello on

Once you agree to a price and purchase the item it is really too late to decide that the item was priced too high. If you had bought it at a store it would be different, you could return it for a refund or store credit. But since you bought it from a regular person unless there is something really wrong with the item you really shouldn't ask for your money back. YOu should also consider the idea that maybe the playsets that are selling for so much cheaper are in worse condition, it would make you feel better about your purchase if this is true!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.A.

answers from Denver on

sorry I think your stuck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Boise on

I wouldn't demand the guy to give you the money, but you could leave it up to him. For example I bought a violin from someone and after I got it home I researched the information on it and found that it was only worth $50! I called up the guy and said that I researched and found that I could by the instrument new for $50.00... so he said he would give me some of my money back. If he hadn't of done that there was nothing I could have done except just eat the money I paid out. Give the people the chance to possibly give you some money back, but if they choose not to, you are as your husband says "stuck".

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Unfortunately, since you already agreed to the price, you should stick to it & keep what you've got w/o asking for your money back. That's the downside of buying from a private seller & not a store-no money back guarantee.
Stop looking now because it's just going to continue to make you feel bad. If your girls love it, it's worth the price you paid for it.
Happy birthday to your babies!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I have to agree with Ginger, and also add...what if you had sold the product--priced it out at fair market and someone bought it from you then called you up and said I found it these other places I want some money back. I know I would say um, no. we agreed on this price and I gave it to you for a good deal. Go with your husband on this one.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I think you probably have two options here. You can buy another one at a cheaper price and try to sell the one you have at a higher one. You may not be able to sell it for $225, but you may get some of that money back.

Or you need to stop looking at the classifieds on that specific item. We watch for sales, too, but follow the advice of my father in law: "once you buy it, stop looking. There's bound to be a sale someday that is better and it will just make you unhappy to know you could have saved more if you waited longer."
You bought something great for your kids and I'm sure they'll love it and it will be well worth the money.

Either way, I think the man who sold it to you should be left out of the picture. He was probably watching the ads to see what a fair price was, too.

Have fun playing with your kiddos on your new toy! My twins will be two in November; it's quite a ride isn't it?:)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Boise on

I agree with your husband. This is what you agreed to pay. The seller may have been able to get $225 from someone else, but has now missed that opportunity, and you may have aso not been happy with the condition of the $50 one. Either way, it's what you agreed to at the time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.G.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Ginger's got a good point - maybe those people who sold for $50 are kicking themselves! Or they were in crappy condition, or missing parts, or a farther drive...it's not the seller's fault (and not a matter of whether he's 'honest' or not as one person said). He's doing business - he knew the market value of what he had and if you hadn't bought it, someone else probably would have. I went through the same experience with train tables on KSL and ultimately paid a little more than I wanted, but it was worth it not to have to be glued to the computer and phone and be continuously disappointed about missing the cheapest one. At least you didn't pay full retail!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Denver on

On a private sale, I really don't think it's right to ask for a refund. That's why you do your research up front...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Denver on

Suck it up and accept this as a lesson to either wait a bit longer or to accept that that's the way those things work. The seller sold it at the going rate or at the price he though fair and you bought it. You do not know the condition of the other sets, so maybe you really did get the better deal.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Denver on

I think your husband is right on this one. You made an agreement with this guy and you need to stick to it. Sometimes we pay more than something is worth -- and sometimes we get lucky and get a real bargain. Maybe next time, you'll get lucky. I recommend that you stop looking at the other ads - it's just going to keep you from enjoying what you have.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Denver on

There can be a big difference in the quality of the slides. Maybe some of the cheaper ones sat outside and are faded. Guess you should consider whatever the retail is to determine if you got an OK deal. I tend to agree with your husband. You paid the going rate at the time and obviously thought it was in very good condition. I'd stop looking at the solds now because it will only frustrate you. Just be happy you got a good deal at the time. Someone might price something low just to get rid of it. It is just a chance you take when you buy used items. Enjoy the twins - mine have grown so fast!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.M.

answers from Pocatello on

I would say chalk it up to a poor decision. If the tables were turned, say you found them priced at $500, you wouldn't call the guy and offer to pay him some more would you? Sometimes we make good deals and sometimes we don't. I'll bet your kids have more than $200 of fun with it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Provo on

Yes. It is extremely rude. You might feel jipped, but you called the man and agreed to pay that amount. In fact, you thought you were paying a fair price until you found someone else that was more desperate to sell. You're making yourself crazy by even looking at what they sell for after you bought one. As someone who has sold stuff on KSL, I would think you were crazy for asking for a discount AFTER the fact.

R.A.

answers from Great Falls on

Asking for your money back is out of the question. You should have waited if you weren't willing to pay that price. You agreed to it and the deal is done. I would laugh at you (no offense) if you called me and wanted some money back. You should have kept looking even if the prices were always 225. A deal is a deal.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.F.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Holy harsh, people! Geez! I agree that you're stuck with what you bought. But some of these responses are so condescending! I would agree with the one who says to try and get one of the cheaper ones if you can and sell one to recover some of your money if possible, and if you're willing to put the work into it. But I've been looking on the KSL classifieds in that section as well (for a swingset, not a climber) but have run across the climbers for mostly around $225. I don't think you were ripped off according to what has been going. However, every once in a while someone puts something up there for dirt cheap just to get it gone. That's not the norm. It's the exception. And I would venture to guess that if you called on any of the three you mentioned for less than $100, you wouldn't have gotten them anyway. They go really fast, and usually are taken by whoever lives closest. So. Try and get a cheap one and sell one if you wish, or just live with what you bought. After all, you were willing to pay $225 up until you saw the other cheap ones, right? So unless you're willing to wait FOREVER for the deal that's just right and the luck of being the first caller/person to show up, just decide what you're willing to pay for something and pay it! Be happy. I'm sure your twins will enjoy it just as much for $225 as they would for $50. And who can put a price on a child's happiness, right? ;) Best of luck KSLing in the future!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Denver on

Chances are that the one that you have is in much better condition than the other ones. I know from experience that those outdoor toys can often have a horrible cat pee or stagnant water smell that is terrible. Just enjoy the one that you have and you'll be able to resell it yourself in a few years.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Denver on

it is worth a shot !! what will it huert to just ask. if he is an honest guy he should not have a problem.
i think that you need to have an idea of how much you want back 1st. like 50% sounds fair. but even a $100 sounds good too.
try it ... all he can do is say no.
and in the long run it will be well worth the childrens fun to be had!! if you expect him to say no he will. think positive and positive will happen. maybe he wont give you $$ but he might have other toys or merchandise you can have as well !!
good luck and god bless!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Denver on

I think ALL classified sales, including Craigslist, are final. That's pretty muich understood. YOu could buy the cheaper one, and then try to sell the expensive one on classifieds and see if you can get some of your money back.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I would bet that the person who listed the 8 in 1 slide watched the prices too and priced it where the others were. It couldn't hurt to ask, but I don't think the guy was trying to take advantage of you...Good luck!!! I paid $400 for a brand new one several years ago and it was totally worth the $$. I wish there would have been ksl.com where we lived at the time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.E.

answers from Denver on

Sorry to say but your husband is right. Not the seller's problem that you are now finding the product for less. Personally, he was lucky to have sold it for close to what he paid for it...and I'm sure he knows that. Lesson learned, shop around a little more and a little longer next time. Enjoy what you have now!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.W.

answers from Boise on

You agreed on the price and now you are stuck, especially since it was just from some guy instead of a store.

Sorry! I know it's frustrating.

Marci

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from Denver on

From the store, I think it's fine to go back, but in that situation, probably not.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hi S.,
I hate it when those things happen...but they do. You felt good about the $225 initially so I would just stop looking at current prices and enjoy your purchase. Who knows, the others could be broken or in really bad shape.
Take care,
B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I think you're stuck. It's the end of summer and that's probably why the prices are going down. It's like garage sales. if you purchase something for a certain price then see it at another garage sale for cheaper- you can't go back and get money back. Just as if you were to purchase something at walmart and then it went on sale- you can't go get your money back. Those are my two cents at least hope it helps

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions