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Post by craftedbys on Mar 20, 2020 18:54:46 GMT
Wanted to ask the Peas what y'all thought. I was reading some comments online (I know, big mistake) and some people were saying that those who were buying things they don't need are assholes. That if you don't have children you have no business buying stuff likes diapers or baby wipes.
However, what if you are buying it to donate to a local food bank or to give to someone in need? Is it wrong to buy several boxes of a staple like pasta or rice as long as you don't clear the shelves?
Won't need to go shopping until next week when the toilet paper starts running low, so I am not going to make a special trip to the store, but is it wrong to pick up extra while I am out? I see so many people on Facebook who are being laid off and will be struggling soon.
Thankfully, my DH works in logistics as part of the supply chain (his company sells/distributes safety equipment so they are working stupid hours) so his job is considered essential, so we won't be without a paycheck and an extra cart of groceries to give to a food pantry won't hurt us.
So, is it OK to buy extra for this or would it be considered assholian to buy things that I don't need for personal use?
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scorpeao
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Posts: 4,521
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Mar 20, 2020 18:57:42 GMT
I would say if you were buying them for someone in need it's not an assholian thing to do. An asshole buys them with the intent of making money
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Post by lucyg on Mar 20, 2020 18:59:02 GMT
No, it’s fine to buy extra to share with another family or to donate. It’s fine to buy a little extra for your own needs, considering how hard it’s been to get our hands on basic household staples. Two boxes of pasta when you might normally only buy one.
The problem lies with people who are buying a store’s entire stock of products everyone needs. Or dozens, when a couple would suffice. Whether it’s to hoard or to sell.
That is my opinion ... others may feel differently.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,175
Location: Western Illinois
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Mar 20, 2020 19:02:49 GMT
My brother and his wife bought a package of diapers for their grandson. I bought more eggs and meat than I need - to give to my brother who is a dialysis patient and needs a high protein diet. I gave a container of Clorox wipes to my niece with two young kids, a container that I already had. I have baby wipes because I use them in crafting - enough that I could give some to people who need them.
I think it’s really easy to make negative judgments in these high stress times. And we need to keep in mind that more able, generally healthy people may be shopping for multiple family members or neighbors.
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Post by pierkiss on Mar 20, 2020 19:03:10 GMT
I think it’s fine if you are buying things you don’t personally need but will be donating to an organization or to personal individuals. I think it’s a very lovely thing to do if you are able to. 💖
What is not fine is buying 30 packages of diapers to then sell for inflated prices on amazon or eBay or craigslist. Those are the assholes.
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Post by roberta on Mar 20, 2020 19:03:36 GMT
I think that buying to donate is noble! As others have said don't clear out the store just buy a little over.
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scrapngranny
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Only slightly senile
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Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
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Post by scrapngranny on Mar 20, 2020 19:05:50 GMT
Picking up stuff to donate or for someone else is fine. To sell is ugly! Picking up ONE extra package is fine, taking 5 or 6 packs is selfish and unnecessary. People were only buy what they would use in 2 weeks, there would be plenty for everyone.
This hoarding mentality is what is causing all problems. We need to think of the majority not just ourselves. We are all in this together.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 11, 2024 11:29:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2020 19:09:57 GMT
If you are buying things you don't need to donate, then you are fine. If you are buying things you don't need to resell, then you are an a$$hole. Keep in mind that not everyone shopping is reselling or hoarding. I went shopping this morning and an older gentleman in front of me made a comment that he couldn't understand why people are buying so much. I wanted to respond that it's because I have a household of 5 adults and an extended household of 2 seniors that I'm providing for. I can easily blow through what's in my cart in a few days, which then requires me to venture out much more frequently than I care to. I'm glad that stores are enforcing limits now though.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Mar 20, 2020 19:10:14 GMT
Did I understand this correctly that Amazon has stopped individuals from selling through Amazon?
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Post by Scrapper100 on Mar 20, 2020 19:14:12 GMT
I saw someone post that she was so happy to get a bag of rice at Costco online. She was called out seriously. She bought a 25 bag but that was the only rice available it’s not like she went to the store and bought 5 5 pound bags. That’s how we normally buy rice. It lasts us maybe 6 months. If people are buying multiple packages from the shelf yes but to just grab a few unless it has a limit and you are trying to buy more I don’t see an issue. I haven’t been to Costco in over a month but I have not seen people hoarding here at all just people doing regular shopping maybe trying to get a week or two worth of stuff. I hear about it happening but haven’t actually seen it.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with buying a few extra to give away. As long as you aren’t clearing shelves.
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Post by Scrapper100 on Mar 20, 2020 19:15:29 GMT
Did I understand this correctly that Amazon has stopped individuals from selling through Amazon? Yes just for a while while they work on getting essentials and medical supplies out. I think it’s until April 6th. They are trying to hire more workers.
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johnnysmom
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Mar 20, 2020 19:16:25 GMT
Buying one or two or three....no big deal. Beyond that, I think it's assholian even if you're donating it. Hear me out..... I just came from the store to pick up a few things (things we could live without but right now I can go out so I'd rather not get down to the emergency standpoint just yet). I took a few pics which I'll add from my phone in a minute, but I almost burst into tears in the middle of the pasta aisle. I have a very picky, underweight 9 year old (we've talked to doctors, therapists, etc....another story for another time, right now it is what it is). He eats basically the same things every day. Brown sugar poptarts for breakfast (sold out), fruit/nuts/crackers for lunch (all in stock), noodles (sold out) or rice (sold out) with butter (limited options), protein shakes (low stock), popcorn (totally sold out). Now I had semi stocked up a week ago and we have enough stuff on hand combined with stuff he'd prefer not to eat but will if he has to to last awhile. And there are other stores I could shop at. I have that luxury. But in that moment, in the pasta aisle, it hit me what if I couldn't feed my kid? What if I hadn't been able to buy a bit extra last week and the week before? So, sure, buy a little extra for the people who can't afford food. That's very nice of you. But don't forget those people who can afford groceries but simply have no where to buy them. And just because you're not clearing the shelf doesn't mean there will be enough for everyone.
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Dani-Mani
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Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Mar 20, 2020 19:19:49 GMT
Our food bank said they prefer you NOT donate anything but money at this point. I agree with them. Their point is if you’re self isolating and you don’t NEED food from the food bank, you’re just adding to the number of people possibly spreading the virus by showing up with your donation. Financial donations allows their staff to buy what they need and keep the spread of the virus at a minimum.
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Dani-Mani
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Posts: 3,706
Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Mar 20, 2020 19:21:01 GMT
Our food bank also noted they know what they need and don’t and donations sometimes give them too much of items they can’t use.
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pancakes
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Feb 4, 2015 6:49:53 GMT
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Post by pancakes on Mar 20, 2020 19:22:14 GMT
Buying one or two or three....no big deal. Beyond that, I think it's assholian even if you're donating it. Hear me out..... I just came from the store to pick up a few things (things we could live without but right now I can go out so I'd rather not get down to the emergency standpoint just yet). I took a few pics which I'll add from my phone in a minute, but I almost burst into tears in the middle of the pasta aisle. I have a very picky, underweight 9 year old (we've talked to doctors, therapists, etc....another story for another time, right now it is what it is). He eats basically the same things every day. Brown sugar poptarts for breakfast (sold out), fruit/nuts/crackers for lunch (all in stock), noodles (sold out) or rice (sold out) with butter (limited options), protein shakes (low stock), popcorn (totally sold out). Now I had semi stocked up a week ago and we have enough stuff on hand combined with stuff he'd prefer not to eat but will if he has to to last awhile. And there are other stores I could shop at. I have that luxury. But in that moment, in the pasta aisle, it hit me what if I couldn't feed my kid? What if I hadn't been able to buy a bit extra last week and the week before? So, sure, buy a little extra for the people who can't afford food. That's very nice of you. But don't forget those people who can afford groceries but simply have no where to buy them. And just because you're not clearing the shelf doesn't mean there will be enough for everyone. I agree with this but would take it even further. Why buy extra of stuff to donate? I would rather give money to an organization that needs it (like the food bank) and can maximize my dollars by buying bulk straight from a supplier than to take away goods from a shelf from someone who might actually need it because that's one of few places they can access to purchase it. If you're giving to someone SPECIFIC who actually needs it, that's a different story. Like you know there's a struggling family on your block. But if you're just donating to a larger organization, I think it's great that you're doing so, but you might be causing unintended negative consequences to other people in need.
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julie5
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Jul 11, 2018 15:20:45 GMT
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Post by julie5 on Mar 20, 2020 19:33:24 GMT
I would say if you were buying them for someone in need it's not an assholian thing to do. An asshole buys them with the intent of making money This. And I try to keep my eyes on my own cart. It’s nine of my business what you’re buying, crisis or not.
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NoWomanNoCry
Drama Llama
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Jun 25, 2014 21:53:42 GMT
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Post by NoWomanNoCry on Mar 20, 2020 19:46:34 GMT
There was a guy here selling toilet paper in WM parking lot for $5/roll... oddly enough people where buying it. IMO he’s an asshole.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Mar 20, 2020 19:53:52 GMT
Did I understand this correctly that Amazon has stopped individuals from selling through Amazon? Yes just for a while while they work on getting essentials and medical supplies out. I think it’s until April 6th. They are trying to hire more workers. Well, hopefully this will cause a problem for hoarders trying to make a huge profit.
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muggins
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Post by muggins on Mar 20, 2020 20:01:09 GMT
A few weeks ago, just as the stockpiling started, I bought a box of 12 bottles of hand sanitizer at Aldi. I donated them to my Son’s middle school along with clorox wipes and Lysol spray. Hundreds of kids were going to different classrooms every hour and not able to wash their hands. I don’t consider myself an asshole (generally!)but those who clear the shelves to make a profit or stockpile for themselves are greedy assholes.
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Post by craftedbys on Mar 20, 2020 20:06:35 GMT
Thanks for all of the input. I will most likely do a combination of donations.
I have a friend who helps stock some neighborhood Littly Pantries. We have a small food pantry at my church that relies mostly on donations from parishioners to keep the shelves stocked.
I have a friend who I know struggles and lives paycheck to paycheck. She moved last year and isn't local anymore. I wish I had a way to help her out, but I know there is no way she would take cash from me, and I don't know her address to order something and have it shipped.
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Post by myshelly on Mar 20, 2020 20:50:03 GMT
Here’s the thing.
I used to work on the board of a homeless shelter and this was a HUGE problem for us.
When there is a disaster, people want to help and that’s admirable.
But money helps. Things don’t.
Donating things creates a need for more infrastructure. Infrastructure costs money and takes workers.
Don’t buy things to donate right now. If you want to help, donate money and leave things on the shelf so people can find what they need where it’s supposed to be.
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Loydene
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Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jul 8, 2014 16:31:47 GMT
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Post by Loydene on Mar 20, 2020 20:54:51 GMT
We can't know why someone buys something. As an example - I suggested DS get some "panty liners" to use inside a bandana -- since his fire department, where he is a paramedic, doesn't have any masks. The "make-shift" would be **something**. I would be prepared to go all mean bitch on anyone who suggested he shouldn't be buying panty liners ......
We must work together now .... we must find a place of compassion and grace for each other - and patience. And just really hope the Karma truck parks on the stupid selfish ones faces!
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Post by ntsf on Mar 20, 2020 21:02:28 GMT
I had stashes of TP in my basement cause I always do. was happy to give my son a couple of packages.. when he went to shop none available and they were down to 3 rolls.. I will buy it now if I see it.. but not mass quanities.
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Post by Really Red on Mar 20, 2020 21:13:10 GMT
We just all have to do what helps. Sometimes what helps one person isn't what helps another. If what helps you is buying extra diapers, than YAY for you!!! I think that the bad people are the ones who profit or the ones who buy so much they can't use it all.
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tincin
Drama Llama
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Jul 25, 2014 4:55:32 GMT
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Post by tincin on Mar 20, 2020 21:19:55 GMT
When I venture out I ask family and friends if they need anything. Why have 3 or 4 people visit a store if one person can grab everything. My last trip to Costco, my sis met me there, we purchased stuff for 7 families. We had two carts full. Judge me if you want but if I can keep multiple people from exposure by looking greedy, I’m good with that.
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Rhondito
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Jun 25, 2014 19:33:19 GMT
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Post by Rhondito on Mar 20, 2020 21:34:48 GMT
When I venture out I ask family and friends if they need anything. Why have 3 or 4 people visit a store if one person can grab everything. My last trip to Costco, my sis met me there, we purchased stuff for 7 families. We had two carts full. Judge me if you want but if I can keep multiple people from exposure by looking greedy, I’m good with that. I think that falls in the category of buying for specific people, which is great. But I'm in the camp of don't buy just to have things that others might need; there are too many people who come behind you that DO need those items and the shelves are bare.
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,544
Jun 26, 2014 1:20:09 GMT
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Post by Just T on Mar 20, 2020 21:41:40 GMT
My brother and his wife bought a package of diapers for their grandson. I bought more eggs and meat than I need - to give to my brother who is a dialysis patient and needs a high protein diet. I gave a container of Clorox wipes to my niece with two young kids, a container that I already had. I have baby wipes because I use them in crafting - enough that I could give some to people who need them. I think it’s really easy to make negative judgments in these high stress times. And we need to keep in mind that more able, generally healthy people may be shopping for multiple family members or neighbors.
I admit, a week ago, I totally judged a lady who had half her cart full of frozen veggies. I couldn't imagine why one older lady needed so many bags of frozen veggies. Then, others on the thread mentioned several reasons why one person would need to buy so much, so I am trying to keep that in mind. I felt myself feeling a bit judgy yesterday at Aldi when I saw a gal literally pick up boxes full of frozen yogurt and just dump them into her bag. She literally took every single container of yogurt that was there. I tried to tell myself there was probably a very good reason why...
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Mar 20, 2020 21:52:53 GMT
When it comes to what is in my cart, I think others should just mind their own beeswax and just stop judging. Before all this hit the fan with panic shopping (like a day or two before and they had just announced all the schools closing in my state) I had to go out to purchase soda and water and coffee stuff for a funeral luncheon. I had 12 cases of sodas and 4 cases of water and a bunch of coffee and creamers in my cart and there was a lady who made a comment to me about stocking up, which caused others to turn around to look to she who she was trying to shame. I stated that yes, it was very unfortunate that I had to be out shopping for a funeral when everyone else was trying to stock up on stuff. I said it calmly and nicely, and she was like "oh...." It seemed to deflate her sails a bit. I wasn't hoarding, and I did not care if she believed me or not. I was respectful of the limits on the water so I was within my right to purchase what I did.
Now, I am not a shelf clearer or hoarder, I did not do any massive shopping at the local stores or anything like that either.
I think it is smart of stores to put limits on the much needed items, like hand sanitizer and wipes and toilet paper.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jul 8, 2014 16:31:47 GMT
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Post by Loydene on Mar 21, 2020 1:34:43 GMT
We can't know why someone buys something. As an example - I suggested DS get some "panty liners" to use inside a bandana -- since his fire department, where he is a paramedic, doesn't have any masks. The "make-shift" would be **something**. I would be prepared to go all mean bitch on anyone who suggested he shouldn't be buying panty liners ...... We must work together now .... we must find a place of compassion and grace for each other - and patience. And just really hope the Karma truck parks on the stupid selfish ones faces! Can you breathe through pantiliners? Not a clue -- but it was what I could think of -- an acrylic sheet, attached to an elastic band to be in front of his face -- SOMETHING for God's sake ......
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Dallie
Full Member
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Feb 25, 2020 16:33:25 GMT
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Post by Dallie on Mar 21, 2020 1:58:15 GMT
I am not sure, honestly, why anyone would let the opinions of online strangers affect their desire to do a good thing.
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