Someone Is Reselling Items They Received — Is This Allowed?

Overview

Reselling items that were received through Buy Nothing is one of the most common and nuanced questions within the gift economy.

Buy Nothing’s Position: Gifting Is Unconditional

Buy Nothing communities operate as gift economies, grounded in the principle of unconditional giving. Once an item is given, ownership transfers fully to the recipient.

From the perspective of the Buy Nothing Project, the original intention of gifting—preventing waste and meeting a neighbor’s want or need—is fulfilled at the moment the gift is given.

Understanding the Nuance of Reselling

Reselling exists on a spectrum and can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• An artist selling work that incorporates gifted materials
• A neighbor reselling an item months or years later at a yard sale
• Use of a gifted item in a for-profit context (such as furnishing a rental)
• Immediate resale to meet urgent financial needs

Because circumstances vary widely, Buy Nothing does not prohibit reselling and does not seek to stigmatize participants who derive monetary value from gifts—particularly when that value supports basic needs.

Transparency and Community Trust

While reselling is not disallowed, transparency and communication are important for maintaining trust within a community.

Transparency (Encouraged, Not Required)

Participants are encouraged—but not required—to be transparent if they intend to immediately resell an item. Transparency allows givers to make informed decisions about where their gifts go.

The Giver’s Choice

Givers are always free to decide:

• Whether they are comfortable gifting to someone who may resell
• How they wish their abundance to circulate within the community

If concerns arise, respectful conversation is appropriate. Open dialogue helps communities navigate differing values and perspectives while preserving trust.

Summary

Reselling gifted items is not prohibited in Buy Nothing communities. Gifting is unconditional, and the use of a gift after it is given is up to the recipient. Transparency and respectful conversation help balance differing viewpoints while supporting the core spirit of generosity and mutual respect.