Dispute with Siblings over How to Split Price of Gift

LSenorUmberto on 21/12/2017 - 11:55

I am having a small dispute over the price of a gift, OzBargainers please weigh in.

My 2 sisters and I always give our parents a gift and split the cost 3 ways.

This year I was responsible for purchasing the gift and bought an item from JB Hifi.

I had recently taken advantage of the 15% off gift card offer - I had bought 2 $100 gift cards for $85 dollars each.I had intended to use these on personal items for myself, but as I was purchasing the gift from JB Hifi, I thought I may as well use it on the gift.

Either way I will save $30 by using them and there was no point in saving the gift cards for another time.

I requested that each of my 2 sisters transfer my 1/3 of the full price of the gift before the gift card discount was taken into account as the gift cards were my own business.

What happened next is one sister read the receipt and saw that I had used the cards. After explaining to her my discount she is refusing to pay 1/3 of the full price and wants only to pay 1/3 of the price after the gift card discount. I feel this is unfair as I bought the gift cards to advantage myself.

What does Ozbargain think is the right thing to do? Stick to my guns or relent?

Poll Options expired

  • 49
    Insist on splitting the full price
  • 1118
    Share the bargain and collect only the reduced price
General Discussion

closed Comments

  • obiwanmy on 22/12/2017 - 08:12

    I am glad i am not your sibling OP - or your parents. Whats the point of buying a "gift" for your parents if you are not willingly share the bargain with your closest family member and seriously needing to profit over $30 ? I am truly glad my parents brought me and my 2 siblings up learning to give and share.

  • Lavec on 22/12/2017 - 08:18

    Your receipt would still show full price of gift though. Unless you purchased the gift cards at the same time in which case you got 15% off the gift on the spot. It doesn’t make sense you sister saw the discount on the receipt. Or maybe you had already told your sister you had discounted gift cards to use, and there lies your problem.

  • MisterX on 22/12/2017 - 08:25
    +1

    I hope this post is troll.

    WTF did I just read?

  • freeizgood on 22/12/2017 - 08:36

    Show your generosity and you will get more than a bargain

  • dr on 22/12/2017 - 08:46

    You are not OzBargainer, you are cheapskate and a scrooge!

  • lddv04 on 22/12/2017 - 08:55

    The mob have spoken…

  • WaywardOne on 22/12/2017 - 09:07

    It's very risky when trying to save money on behalf of others. In my experience always pay full retail price for someone else. It avoids arguments. Don't even collect reward points if you really want to avoid an argument.

    • blawler05 on 22/12/2017 - 09:41
      +1

      Thing is. OP isnt trying to save money on behalf of others. OP is trying to profit off his family.

      Example. Retail price of gift is $300 dollars. Each would pay $100

      OP paid $250, OP wants his sisters to still pay $100 each and he only pays $50. So not trying to save money on behalf of others.

      • WaywardOne on 22/12/2017 - 10:08

        I'll remove the names so I hope this can be anonymous.

        Person A buys bottles of soft drink at a corner store for $4
        Person B (sibling of Person A) offers to supply soft drink at $3 a bottle (and buys in bulk for $2 a bottle)

        Is this a legitimate strategy? Person B's suggestion was shot down - 'you can't profit off family members'.

  • skhan86 on 22/12/2017 - 09:13
    +5

    I…I can't believe this is a thread.

    I was expecting something a little pricier.

    OP should've used the gift cards for himself on a separate transaction that was personal. If you're trying to take financial advantage at an opportunity where you are not alone - then you should be either ultra-discreet or just plain avoid it in the scenario. Unless you have sociopathic issues.

    • Quantumcat on 22/12/2017 - 10:06
      +1

      Or even better, being delighted to use the giftcards with this present and telling their sisters because they love their family and want to help them out wherever they can….

  • wog_ta on 22/12/2017 - 09:16
    +2

    In before disabled user…

  • [Deactivated] on 22/12/2017 - 09:16

    Are you really trying to make money off your sisters. Jeez…its xmas.

  • mrtal92 on 22/12/2017 - 09:18
    +2

    I would absolutely hate to be OP's sister. Try to be more loving and generous with your siblings mate, because this is just really sad.

  • Melong on 22/12/2017 - 09:20
    +2

    Attempt to exploit family for money…. you are a class act

  • blawler05 on 22/12/2017 - 09:33
    +1

    I just dont want to believe this is true.

    but in case it is.

    1. They are family, never let something so trivial get in the way of family.
    2. When Splitting the cost of something, it is exactly that, SPLITTING THE COST. You are trying to profit of your sisters.

    If this is true, you are a horrible human being. And If i were your sisters, next year I would refuse to go in the gift with you.

  • Ozpit on 22/12/2017 - 09:39
    -1

    Why don't you just kill your parents and get a refund for the present. All siblings win. Heaps to save in presents down the track too.

    • pegaxs on 22/12/2017 - 09:43

      They stitch each other up over $30 saving. Imagine the shit fight over their parents estate… I would buy tickets to watch that!

  • dbun1 on 22/12/2017 - 09:40
    +1

    Geez…I know this is OzB and everyone is trying to save a dollar, but ripping your siblings off by not passing on the discount is a bit rich.

    OP is the problem here and was hoping to find support by creating the thread.

    Trying to profit from family….that's a new low.

    OP must be constipated with an ass so tight.

  • Neptunesblood on 22/12/2017 - 09:45

    Tight arse

  • Quantumcat on 22/12/2017 - 10:05

    By ripping off your sisters you might save $30 now but if you lose your job, get kicked out by your spouse etc etc who is going to be there to help you out? It won't be your sisters if you tend to treat them like crap (as you attempted to do here). You'll be losing a lot more than $30. You can pick your friends but you can't pick your family. They are going to be around for the rest of your life. A good relationship with your family is second only to a good relationship with your spouse in terms of importance for long term happiness. I would question whether it is worth fighting over $10,000, let alone $30!!!!

  • malouphix on 22/12/2017 - 10:11

    OP, you received a 15% discount on the gift cards, great - well done

    But you are charging both your sisters full price.

    If you are unable to see what's wrong here, you will have a life full of conflict.

    Evaluate yourself and your priorities. And perhaps seek some help for yourself.

  • Krankite on 22/12/2017 - 10:11
    +1

    Follow up question, my family does a $50 secret Santa, I've gone into bargain mode and through the use of newsletter signup vouchers and price matching will be gifting $95 worth of Lego. Is it ok to use the methods to"win"secret Santa

  • ChaLuo on 22/12/2017 - 10:21

    This is just sad…

    I pray you will make amends with your siblings

  • xuqi on 22/12/2017 - 11:03
    +1

    Petty idiocy!

  • Levathian on 22/12/2017 - 11:22

    .. are you really arguing over $20??

  • [Deactivated] on 22/12/2017 - 11:24

    Perhaps OP should only accept the discounted amount if they also agree to purchase him a $10 gift card each. Just shafting them both in a slightly different way.

  • smashed on 22/12/2017 - 11:24

    Do you not see the irony in giving your parents a gift yet denying your siblings the same deal that you found for yourself?

    Would you offer your siblings other items at full price that you pick up on OZB on offer?

    Delusional.

  • blehgg on 22/12/2017 - 11:25

    Share the bargain and collect only the reduced price <— clear winner in the poll.

    You should have had a 3rd option. Buy another set of gift cards and split the cost there if $30 really meant the world to you.

    edit: $30 could be alot if you're under 18……

  • punk000 on 22/12/2017 - 11:29
    -4

    Its not the amount, its the principle of fairness. You have done the hardworking, why are your sibling expected to share the spoil ?

  • bqjt on 22/12/2017 - 11:31
    +1

    The true colours have come out for $30! Imagine the time when you have to divide an estate left by your parents!

  • Munki on 22/12/2017 - 11:35
    +4

    If you're living paycheck to paycheck, stop buying shit like games.

  • follow on 22/12/2017 - 11:40

    Man you are one tight motherfuxker. Fact of the matter is, you choose to use the gift card for the present, entirely of your own volition. Your sister is right.

  • SenorUmberto on 22/12/2017 - 11:41
    +32

    Thanks for your responses, I've read every one.

    After a bit of thinking I've sent my sister an apology just now and let her know I did the wrong thing and I will be happy to accept the lower amount.

    • search on 22/12/2017 - 11:50
      +11

      That's good OP. Except, I will be happy to accept the lower correct amount.

    • dj69 on 22/12/2017 - 11:54

      Well done.

    • John Kimble on 22/12/2017 - 12:05
      +2

      Booooooo! haha, pick your battles I guess. :p

      Merry Xmas!

    • foxmulder on 22/12/2017 - 12:55
      +2

      Good for you OP. I suggest you treat them for lunch or something to make things up. Family is very important.

      • Rick Sanchez on 23/12/2017 - 10:45
        +4

        Pay for lunch? You trying to give OP a heart attack? Baby steps :)

    • legionarypullo on 22/12/2017 - 13:06
      +2

      Good to hear. What was most annoying through all of this, is that despite all of the comments, you stayed your ground. You didn't appear to be open to changing your opinion. What's the point of asking other OzBargainers what they think? But credit where it's due with this comment.

      • picklewizard on 23/12/2017 - 10:19
        +1

        Because he asked the question expecting validation, not backlash.

    • Rick Sanchez on 23/12/2017 - 10:49

      This is like the Ozbargain ghost of Christmas story. Well done OP :) and merry Christmas! Hodl your bitcoins and hopefully you won't have to worry about $30 again.
      (and only put in what you're willing to lose!!)

  • grimo82 on 22/12/2017 - 11:46
    +4

    This is awsome, hahaha cheap as hell but an awsome laugh of a discussion topic.

    Adding to the fire, who even bothers showing siblings receipts? What a call or SMS of 'your cut is $xx, flick me some moolah whenevs' doesn't cut it? 🤔

    • SenorUmberto on 22/12/2017 - 11:49
      +7

      We have a habit of scanning receipts and sending them via group chat. Maybe a sign of cheapness in our family.

  • manbearpig on 22/12/2017 - 12:16
    +2

    My only theory is that OP is a teenager so the savings matter more. In most cases, when siblings become adults they stop fighting and became more generous and caring to each other.

  • GangGang on 22/12/2017 - 12:18
    +1

    I've done this before….with someone I disliked. Not my family.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/12/2017 - 12:29

    I'm amazed that at the time of writing, there are 30 people who voted for the world to burn.

  • ausmomo on 22/12/2017 - 12:47

    Your agreement is that you each pay 1/3. She should only pay 1/3, not 1/3 PLUS 50% of whatever discount you secured. If you get a discount (haggling, staff discount, whatever), great!. Next time I suggest you discuss this with your sisters before using the cards.

  • banzini on 22/12/2017 - 12:49

    "I might save $30 by coordinating this purchase, even though it cost me $170.00 from my pocket. I will ensure they pay an extra $15 each"

    /shitmove

  • champ21 on 22/12/2017 - 12:49

    Your squabbling over paying for a present for your parents? i mean seriously this is pathetic, unless you are on minimum wage and your sisters earn alot more then you. I really cant understand how some people can be so fickle with money.

    I dont know how bad your financial situation is but arguing on such a small amount money is quite sad. Better yet dont buy any presents if you cant afford them.

  • sjj89 on 22/12/2017 - 13:02

    Dude, that is a douche move to do to your own sisters. They have every right to be salty and want to pay THE SAME AMOUNT YOU DID. THATS THE WHOLE POINT

  • cintamami on 22/12/2017 - 13:07

    This is a gift for your parents yes? I would have bought them a separate gift and if any of my siblings wanted to get something big, then I would just chip in to the full price as advised, if my brother and sister wanted to make profits on it, consider it my gift to them.

    1. You are trying to fleece $20 from both of your siblings ($30, so split 3 ways, you actually only profit $20), strike one;
    2. You get caught by them trying to cheat them, thats strike two (or perhaps you go straight to strike 3 and your siblings will never trust you again, and they should rightfully always doubt you over money now);
    3. The fact that your siblings even bothered to check/request the receipt to ensure that she pays only her rightful portion probably means that you guys arent even that close or they dont even trust you to begin with.

    This is just very sad and what's worse, you even went to the length of posting your story here…. lol…. new level of sadness.

  • Deadalready on 22/12/2017 - 13:22
    +1

    You're not saving money here, you're profiteering off your family.

    You've spent X dollars on the gift, the agreement was splitting the cost of the gift, NOT the normal price.
    If you agreed to get the gift, it is in your court to get the best possible price anyway, then split the price.

    Your strength of character, trustworthiness and respect is worth more than a few dollars, especially in the eyes of your family.

  • catgirl on 22/12/2017 - 13:24

    Dude, do you know how ridiculous you sound. Be the bigger man. Suck it up and stop being a dodgey witch.

    The only way you can crawl yourself out of this pettiness, is telling your sisters not to worry about chipping in and the card will still have their names in it. Maybe next year your sisters could do the same.

    It's the goddam thought that counts. Happy festivus.

  • doodlebug on 22/12/2017 - 13:57

    Sisters are right 100%
    You bought an item on discount for you but full price for them!
    For example, if you had a $100 gift card at Jb Hifi and decided I will buy a $300 item from their. Basically you making them pay for the gift. You chose JB coz you could pay less and more over you chose an expensive item.
    It is not fair on them.

  • pformag on 22/12/2017 - 14:01
    +1

    You are asking Ozbargainers if you should not share a bargain. What a Bastard

  • Davo1111 on 22/12/2017 - 14:03
    +1

    you profited from the situation, that's not an even split.

    After explaining to her my discount

    self incrimination.

  • Bargaingeek on 22/12/2017 - 14:04

    Lol good luck when it comes to your inheritance you guys are going to have a hard time.

    You should have used gift card for your own purchase another time, or in the future everyone should just get their own gift if your family is so dysfunctional

  • dji1111111 on 22/12/2017 - 14:16
    +1

    Certainly glad he's not my brother lol

  • FW190 on 22/12/2017 - 14:21
    +2

    IMHO, all three people involved should get a slap on the back of their skulls.

    OP - should've just kept the discounted gift cards for yourself, it would've made you look bad if you did not pass on the discount (as you have found out already)

    sisters - for fussing over $10, just think of it as petrol money for the OP to pick up the gift on their behalf, I bet they don't work for free either

    next year, you three should just get your own separate gifts.

    • harley on 23/12/2017 - 15:33

      Agree. I would be happy to forgo $10 for the time required to choose, research best price, buy, pick up, wrap and deliver. But of course, the other person needs to be upfront about it.

  • DevilsPredicate on 22/12/2017 - 14:27
    +5

    People seem to have turned against you. I kinda sympathize with your situation. Here is a personal example that seems comparable.

    When I was a kid, sometimes there was a left over doughnut. In my dads house, you only got one doughnut because the leftover doughnut always caused fights. If I was smart,I would ask for the last doughnut when my siblings weren't around. My Mum would say "ok, but you have to share it with whomever catches you eating it". If one caught you they would yell out and guaranteed you'd be sharing with everyone.

    Looks like you got caught eating the last doughnut. Be more careful next time.

  • EteLXX on 22/12/2017 - 14:30
    +2

    OP is 100% in the wrong and has plumbed new depths for selfishness and greed IMHO.

  • lusicul on 22/12/2017 - 14:39
    +2

    My younger brother is living with me rent free and I buy him food often. I don't get why some people would be so tight with family members.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/12/2017 - 14:59

      As odd and sad as it seems. I've seen siblings drift apart/fall out simply because it is easier or more convenient to become negligent than maintain the effort or love that is usually required to keep people close.

  • MakkhiChoos on 22/12/2017 - 15:04

    Looking the votes - the people who insist OP splits the full price, you just like to watch the world burn don’t you :)

  • AjsGuns on 22/12/2017 - 15:24

    lol, idk why you're arguing over such a trivial amount. Just split the $170, you shouldn't of used the discount card if you wanted to keep it for another purchase. I'd be pissed if I was your sister, this was a massive tightass/douchebag move.

  • Shwayne on 22/12/2017 - 15:41

    Ask your parents for ethics advice, I'm sure they hope they didn't bring you up to rip your siblings off when trying to save money buying them a present.

  • boondocksaint on 22/12/2017 - 15:45

    Sending OP some ointment for this major burn.

  • animal on 22/12/2017 - 16:21
    +1

    Stick to your guns and charge them the $66.67 (rounded up of course) and make sure you only have to pay $36.66 (rounded down).
    Just say that you will write your name half the size as theirs in the card (since they paid ~40% each of the total to your ~20%).

  • goosegog on 22/12/2017 - 16:21

    If you really wanted the gift cards why didn’t you keep them for future use? & just buy the gift at full price? Problem solved - no family arguments & everyone would be happy.
    Now you have caused unrest between you all as they think you are trying to “ pull a fast one” on them.
    Apologise & put it right before it escalates into a full family feud- which many of us know can last for a looooonnnggg time.
    Which is more important- $ 15 worth of gift cards, or the relationship with your siblings?

  • jasecutler on 22/12/2017 - 16:57

    Without assuming what your relationship is like with your siblings, you should share your actual cost. They're your family. Why would you want to cause issues (which can inflame into bigger issues), and waste time, for such a trivial things as a few dollars?

    I recommend that you take some time to travel, see the world. That should put your life and 'issues' into perspective.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/12/2017 - 17:51
    +3

    OP, are you the middle child?

    • mskeggs on 22/12/2017 - 17:53
      +1

      Harsh but fair.

  • centrelink on 22/12/2017 - 17:56

    In my opinion, just never talk to your sisters again.

  • badg3rz on 22/12/2017 - 18:35

    Isn't Christmas all about giving?

    Share the joy.

  • jonathonsunshine on 22/12/2017 - 19:23

    I can really sympathise with the guy, it's something I would easily rationalise away but you goofed it when you got caught.

    I'd have shrugged it off and conceded the moment someone bought it up; now you've lost your discount AND damaged your standing.

  • BumbaT on 22/12/2017 - 19:52
    -1

    Merry christmas uncle scrooge.

  • pkisok on 22/12/2017 - 20:50

    Sad…

  • Ziggy28 on 22/12/2017 - 21:58

    Imagine what will happen when the OP's parents write out the will

  • gimme on 22/12/2017 - 22:13
    +1

    I don't know what's sadder. The question or the fact that 770 ppl read and voted on it. The world is f'd.

    • John Kimble on 22/12/2017 - 22:32

      What's saddest is you commented on it, even though it's "sad". You're like the people on the news articles that comment "don't care/why is this news/what a waste of time" on trivial news articles…

      • gimme on 22/12/2017 - 23:18
        -2

        Please delete your account.

        • John Kimble on 22/12/2017 - 23:19

          Make me ha

        • Rick Sanchez on 23/12/2017 - 10:46

          Sorry I'm out of downvotes. IOU?

        • gimme on 23/12/2017 - 11:57

          @Rick Sanchez:

          Running out of downvotes is a symptom of much deeper issues lol. Good thing the next dominos voucher might cheer you up.

  • GourmetFoodie on 22/12/2017 - 22:33
    +2

    Wow, glad you are not my brother. Selfish!

  • dlakers3peat on 22/12/2017 - 22:41
    +1

    This experience shows exactly what type of person you are. If you treat your siblings like this I hate to imagine how you treat people outside your family.

    Christmas is a time of giving, so show some love to your family.

    • ozzyoi on 23/12/2017 - 01:34

      Good advice there

  • VTS160 on 22/12/2017 - 22:44
    +1

    Poor parents. They receive a materialistic gift just for the frkin sake of it….

  • IWoNdEr on 22/12/2017 - 22:53
    +1

    Why do you explain about the gift card discount to your sister?

    It's only logical to expect her to feel gutted to pay 1/3 as she's essentially subsidising your gift card purchase.

    Have you not thought of that before bragging your 15% ozbargain deal??

    True ozbargainer shares deals, but don't brag about it to others who miss out the deal.

  • Suspect420 on 22/12/2017 - 23:10

    Happy Hanukkah

  • bobbified on 22/12/2017 - 23:12

    Can I ask how old you and your sisters are?

    • freelife on 23/12/2017 - 08:13
      +1

      He's 4 and they're 20. I think they're being irresponsible sending their tiny little bro go to the Westfields on his own

      • Davo1111 on 23/12/2017 - 10:31

        4 - physical or mental age?

  • jaypick on 22/12/2017 - 23:45
    +1

    This guy is definitely going in the ozbargain hall of shame

    • greatlamp on 23/12/2017 - 08:34

      I didn't think someone could top refunding a plastic bag that they intentionally ripped, but here we are

  • rotoclock on 23/12/2017 - 00:19
    +2

    I can see where both of you are coming from. But I suspect your sister looks at it this way. You bought those gift cards at a 15% discount. If your sisters both pay equal shares of the full price, your share of the remaining bill is $38, which is around 42% less than you're asking them to pay. So it "feels" like they're subsidising your discount.

    End of the day. The strictly monetarily 'fair' option may be for your sisters to pay a share of the full price. But the socially correct option assuming you want to maintain a relationship with your sisters is to suck it up and share your discount with them (and no, you shouldn't give in to the complaining sister and stooge the non-complaining sister either). It is not worth it for $10.

    And in future buy separate gifts.

  • harthagan on 23/12/2017 - 00:47

    Wow this whole dispute is beyond crazy. I can see the logic you are trying to use about it being your gift card and you can decide on how to use it. Unfortunately that doesn't apply when you are splitting the cost of a gift.

    It's like let's say you buy something and split the cost 3 ways and it comes with a bonus gift card. But the other parties are not aware of that and so you decide that it's fine for you to just profit on your own. It's the same principle in effect.

  • ozzyoi on 23/12/2017 - 01:33

    Lol. Really??

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