On Thu, 26 Oct 2000, Andrew Fildes wrote:
> I now face a serious ethical dilemma. The uncle of a friend died recently.
> He had collected about 50 cameras, I'm told - I have been asked to come
> over and assess them for the family as they know I have some knowledge. How
> do I act - as a friend? As a dealer? If there's Oly gear there do I buy
> cheap and resell to you guys below market? Hmmmm. It's probably a box full
> of old, rusty, Kodak folders but....
IMO, is a simple question, ethically speaking. You are acting on
BEHALF of a friend, not on your own interests, or anyone else's.
It is not your property to dispose of according to your whim, but
a duty of friendship to do your best for these people, who, BTW, are
in bereavement, and in obvious want of the money.
If you want anything for yourself, you should say so openly. There
is no question that you should act as a friend to your friend's
family. If you were to "buy cheap", you'd be acting on your own
best interests, NOT those of the people who have placed their
trust in you.
If you are unable to do this, you should attempt to find a superstring
of loyalty and regretfully (yes, fake it) tell them that
your avarice exceeds your concept of friendship and loyalty.
Don't even THINK of comparing this to the sordid discussion that
has taken place here. There is a world of difference between pricing
your OWN property and someone else's. Geeeez.
If you wanted to be a friend to your friend and his family,
acknowledge that you're not an expert in this field, and assist them in
finding someone who is.
*= Doris Fang =*
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