The internet has revolutionized the way we shop and exchange goods, but it has also created new problems. One of the most frustrating issues is the entitlement of some individuals when it comes to free items. These entitled individuals are colloquially known as “choosing beggars.” Here are two stories of online freebies that went awry.
The story begins with a person posting on Reddit’s r/ChoosingBeggars subreddit about an encounter they had when they placed an ad for a free bed. The seller warned that a second person was needed to assist with lifting the bed up a flight of stairs, and gave plenty of warning about the pickup time window. A choosing beggar showed interest in the bed, but asked for more concessions such as delivery and assistance with the lifting. The seller declined and requested that the bed be collected by the person themselves.
However, the choosing beggar was unable to pick up the bed within the seller’s timeframe, prompting the seller to give the bed to someone else. The choosing beggar became angry and sent unhinged texts claiming ownership of the bed and guilt-tripping the seller. Other Reddit users reacted with shock and anger towards the choosing beggar’s behavior.
In another story, someone received a text message offering a free double bed. The recipient confirmed that it was in good condition but needed to be removed as they were moving out. The person receiving the message asked for delivery, but the recipient declined due to a lack of transportation. The person receiving the message then offered to rent a van to pick up the bed the next day in the morning.
The recipient warned that their flat was down a steep flight of stairs and required two people to carry the bed up. The person receiving the message messaged the next day, setting a pickup time. While on their way, they asked the recipient to carry the bed up the stairs for them, but the recipient declined, saying it was too heavy for one person. The beggar insisted that the recipient should try harder, but the recipient informed them that they needed to arrive before 11 AM and carry the bed up the stairs themselves, or it would be given to someone else.
The choosing beggar became upset and demanded their bed back, but the recipient declined and said it had been promised to someone else.
These stories may seem amusing, but they highlight a growing problem online. Choosing beggars behave this way because they feel entitled to free items and believe they are doing the seller a favor by taking the item off their hands. They may also be looking to resell the item for a profit. Whatever the reason, their behavior can be frustrating and even scary for those on the receiving end.
If you’re looking to give away free items online, here are some tips for dealing with choosing beggars:
- Be clear about the pickup time window and any necessary assistance needed for lifting or moving the item.
- Don’t be afraid to say no to requests for delivery or other concessions.
- If someone is unable to pick up the item within the specified timeframe, consider giving it to someone else rather than dealing with an entitled individual.
- If someone becomes aggressive or threatening, block them and report them to the appropriate authorities.
Online freebies can be a great way to give away items you no longer need or want. However, be prepared to deal with entitled individuals who may try to take advantage of your generosity. By setting clear boundaries and being firm in your expectations, you can avoid becoming the victim of a choosing beggar.
