General honesty of the population

[mahogany]

So we were also getting rid of some stuff on Craiglist. And of course, we're totally busy running last minute errands, so hubby and I laughed that instead of waiting around for the persont that was supposed to show up, we should just leave a note that the item was around back, and if the person liked it, they could take it, and slip the payment through the mail slot.

My guess was that nine out of ten people would probably pay up. Hubby figured seven out of ten. So, dear eljay, how many people out of ten do you think would pay in this situation?



[Poll #1489989]

Comments

[capricious05.livejournal.com]

my 7 was supposed to be an 8... :-o

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

Higher, I think, if you make them do something like go into your yard, open a gate, suchlike. It'll make them feel more committed and like they need to do something in case anyone is watching. If it's just sitting on the step I'd bet it'd be more like 6/10.

[mahogany.livejournal.com]

So you figure that six out of ten would pay because they're all round honest people, and two out of ten would primarily pay because they're more concerned about getting caught stealing, but they would probably steal if they thought for sure for sure they would get away with it?
Come to think of it, that's probably about right.

[daisan.livejournal.com]

The key is that they were expecting to pay for it. So in their minds they have already paid, they've got the money, they have no reason NOT to pay except that they are HUGE assholes. So I think everybody would pay in that situation. Leaving something on the street with a sign "FOR SALE, please pay in slot" well...that's probably going to net you some theft.

[mahogany.livejournal.com]

Yep. I totally agree. If we were to leave it on the street, with a sign up, I think we would still get about six to eight people paying, just because it's such a great little neighbourhood. But then again, maybe I'm totally naive.

[freakykitten.livejournal.com]

I can't vote! I don't know! I know I would put the money in the slot.

I also know I've always had good luck with Craigslist, and the honesty of people. Once I paid a woman for a stroller and she came running after me because I'd given her $20 extra, even. *shrug* So maybe my experiences aren't indicative of the whole?

[mahogany.livejournal.com]

Well, my experiences also support yours. I've had really good luck with the honesty of people too, so I tend to have a pretty optimistic view of humanity in that regard.