Aussie Shopper Confronts Scams on Facebook Marketplace: ‘Just say what it is’
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Rules are straightforward at the Seniors Discount Club: we make no exceptions when it comes to a good bargain and always nose-dive into the underbelly of any 'too good to be true' discounts that cross our paths.
An Australian shopper named Bec Brewin has caused a stir by confronting sellers on Facebook Marketplace.
She accused them of selling Kmart items at inflated prices which sparked controversy and caught people's attention.
Ms Brewin presented a series of conversations where she pushed sellers to verify their item brands.
Upon feeling all was not as it seemed, she threw open the same items listed on Kmart's website at much lower prices.
Sellers, on the back foot, responded with denial or a swift block.
'It's fine to sell Kmart products, it's fine to buy them on Facebook Marketplace, just say what it is, say where it's from,' said Ms Brewin.
She argued that people deserve a fair deal, especially when the world is being rewritten by economic drama encircling our everyday lives.
'People go to Facebook Marketplace for a bargain, especially in this current economic climate. To lie that an inexpensive Kmart item is from West Elm or Early Settler is dishonest and taking advantage of people,' she huffed.
Her exposé divided opinions, as online shopping can be unpredictable.
Many people related to her experiences, sharing stories of questionable trades, including a funny incident of a seller trying to pass off the paint by numbers as an 'original masterpiece'.
One stated, ‘I did the same during lockdown—someone tried to sell a framed painting as an original that was a paint by numbers!’
Another vented, ‘The amount of f****** clowns I've seen on Marketplace selling their second-hand product for more than the new price is astounding.’
Then, some saw the grey area where the desire to sell meets the need to buy, stating, 'It's a free market economy, and everyone has a choice to buy or not.'
‘I feel for these people. They're just trying to make a dollar. Things are tough now. Don't buy it if you don't want to pay that amount,’ one commented.
Nothing like the difference in opinion to stir up a hot shop debate, eh?
Watch Ms Brewin’s video here:
Regardless of your preferences, this story is a reminder for all online shopping enthusiasts.
While online marketplaces offer convenience and a wide range of choices, they can also be tricky waters, concealing the actual value of our purchases.
Ms Brewin isn't alone in her detective work.
Earlier in the year, a Reddit user shared a similar warning, advising buyers of a simple rule:'If the brand isn't listed on Marketplace, it's probably from Kmart or IKEA at a cheaper price.'
So, what can we do to save ourselves from a bad bargain? Here are a few pointers to avoid the bait:
Amidst shopping lists, sale alerts, and one-click purchases, let's give a nod to Bec Brewin for reminding us to be more careful with our online purchases.
She reminds us that it's okay to hit the pause button, sift through the shiny facade, and demand transparency. Happy savings, and remember, every dollar counts!
Members, where do you stand on this issue? Do you believe sellers should be allowed to set their own prices in a free market economy, or do you think there should be more scrutiny to protect buyers from potential overpricing or deceptive practices?
An Australian shopper named Bec Brewin has caused a stir by confronting sellers on Facebook Marketplace.
She accused them of selling Kmart items at inflated prices which sparked controversy and caught people's attention.
Bec Brewin exposed Facebook Marketplace scammers. Source: TikTok/rebeccabrewin0
Ms Brewin presented a series of conversations where she pushed sellers to verify their item brands.
Upon feeling all was not as it seemed, she threw open the same items listed on Kmart's website at much lower prices.
Sellers, on the back foot, responded with denial or a swift block.
'It's fine to sell Kmart products, it's fine to buy them on Facebook Marketplace, just say what it is, say where it's from,' said Ms Brewin.
She argued that people deserve a fair deal, especially when the world is being rewritten by economic drama encircling our everyday lives.
'People go to Facebook Marketplace for a bargain, especially in this current economic climate. To lie that an inexpensive Kmart item is from West Elm or Early Settler is dishonest and taking advantage of people,' she huffed.
Her exposé divided opinions, as online shopping can be unpredictable.
Many people related to her experiences, sharing stories of questionable trades, including a funny incident of a seller trying to pass off the paint by numbers as an 'original masterpiece'.
She discovered that bargain lamps from Kmart were being sold at a higher price by these sellers. Source: TikTok/rebeccabrewin0
One stated, ‘I did the same during lockdown—someone tried to sell a framed painting as an original that was a paint by numbers!’
Another vented, ‘The amount of f****** clowns I've seen on Marketplace selling their second-hand product for more than the new price is astounding.’
Then, some saw the grey area where the desire to sell meets the need to buy, stating, 'It's a free market economy, and everyone has a choice to buy or not.'
‘I feel for these people. They're just trying to make a dollar. Things are tough now. Don't buy it if you don't want to pay that amount,’ one commented.
Nothing like the difference in opinion to stir up a hot shop debate, eh?
Watch Ms Brewin’s video here:
Regardless of your preferences, this story is a reminder for all online shopping enthusiasts.
While online marketplaces offer convenience and a wide range of choices, they can also be tricky waters, concealing the actual value of our purchases.
Ms Brewin isn't alone in her detective work.
Earlier in the year, a Reddit user shared a similar warning, advising buyers of a simple rule:'If the brand isn't listed on Marketplace, it's probably from Kmart or IKEA at a cheaper price.'
So, what can we do to save ourselves from a bad bargain? Here are a few pointers to avoid the bait:
- Check the brand and price: Make sure the product's brand matches the listed price. Verify the price on the official website of the brand or store.
- Read seller reviews: Look at the reviews and feedback from previous customers to gauge the seller's reliability.
- Be cautious with vague descriptions: Watch out for phrases like 'high-quality replica' or 'just like original', which might indicate a fake product.
- Trust your instincts: Take a step back if something feels off about the deal. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Amidst shopping lists, sale alerts, and one-click purchases, let's give a nod to Bec Brewin for reminding us to be more careful with our online purchases.
She reminds us that it's okay to hit the pause button, sift through the shiny facade, and demand transparency. Happy savings, and remember, every dollar counts!
Members, where do you stand on this issue? Do you believe sellers should be allowed to set their own prices in a free market economy, or do you think there should be more scrutiny to protect buyers from potential overpricing or deceptive practices?
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