I keep seeing sellers all over Reddit complaining that they keep getting messages from people asking for 100% free merchandise and, here at BigBrandWholesale.com we get these same messages too. And YES, it’s super annoying! I have never been able to figure out why people think online SELLERS want to GIFT their INVENTORY. Perhaps people assume online selling is some kind of fun hobby? Or some kind of charity? I sincerely have no idea. But here’s 7 ways you can POLITELY reply:

1. I can’t give this away for free but I do ship for free / have lesser priced items / have a sale coming up (turn the negative situation into a self-promotion)

2. I’m sorry, I already maxed out my charitable donations for (2021 / 2022 / whatever the year is)

3. I’m sorry but I am not in the financial position to give out inventory for free at this time. Maybe in the future!

4. Unfortunately I am unable to give this away free of charge but I hope you are able to find a different seller who can. Best of luck!

5. You can ask them to send their 501(c)(3) paperwork.  This is the paperwork that shows they are an actual charity. Since they're not an actual charity they won't be able to provide you with this.  You can then politely explain that your accountant requires that you only donate to tax deductible charities. By blaming the accountant you remove responsibility from yourself. 

6. Tell them it's not your item; it's your sisters / friends / cousins and you're helping them out by listing it. Sometimes it's easier to diffuse the situation by removing yourself from it completely. 

7. Turn the tables: This isn’t the best option, but it might make you smile. If you’re feeling really frustrated by the stupidity of their question and they hit you with a sob story, you can reply with a bigger sob story. For example, if they tell you they need the headband for free because they just got out of the hospital, you can tell them you can’t gift it for free because you're drowning in college debt and your dog just died.