ugh...freecycle and the people who use it.....

[linben]

When they posted asking for the item they should have said that they want it and also need it delivered. Freecycle is meant to be easy and not a hassle. 40 miles is too far to deliver. If it was closer a different story-maybe.

 

[mypicklebird]

So far I like freecycle, but have found more flakes on it that Craiglist. I use it mostly to get rid of extra edible fruit. My posts are very specific- BYO bags or buckets , YOU pick, you may have 2 bags or buckets, not for reselling, if I see you stripping my tree I will tell you to leave- ect. I have also posted to get rid of extra plants and bulbs- again with specifics- BYO pots and shovel, YOU dig, ect. So far I get about 50% of people who say they are coming that actually show up, but that is ok- as I have gotten used to the percentage- so invite 10 and get 5, or invite 20 and get 10.... I have not had anyone actually ask me to deliver free fruit or pick it for them. I think the wording of my posts weeds them out. Though most of the people coming turn out to be home canners and jam makers- so they tend to be pretty self sufficient types

Bonus is that I often get random jams and jellies and apple breads on my porch with thank you notes!

For stuff, I leave things at my gate, and if it doesn't disappear in the time frame I have given the person who wants it- I e-mail the next responder.

I have gotten a stack of egg cartons from free cycle, and a display stand- and had a good experience with those. I have found that a friendly request for the item and a thank you works pretty well to get the item- as well as being able to pick it up at the poster's convenience. Personally I do not reply to people who want my free item if their post is rude, or if it is so full of abbreviations that I can't understand it.

 

[PineappleMama]

I agree, if I can provide the item you can provide the gas unless I specifically said "I'll deliver" you shouldn't assume it.

Our Freecycle group always includes a zip code in listings... like OFFER: Carseat 76013... I think that probably helps a lot, or at least here it does because my town has like 5 zip codes so listing mine really narrows down the area... I guess if your whole county was one zip that might not help but...

When I cruise the listings and see one that's an hour away I weigh the costs... is a $5 item worth driving an hour for, the gas for? Naw, prolly not. But the same listing being one mile away, sure I'll be out that day anyways!

Also a LOT of the ads in ours seem to be "Porch Pickup"... meaning they'll put it outside (maybe before going to work) and YOU come get it, pretty clear cut. If you can't drive then don't bother emailing that person.

OR you can arrange to meet at a store or something... I've seen those too. Just depends on the person giving... whether they work, have a car, etc etc. But I'm with the majority here that if you're emailing them and asking for a free item you should respect their needs as far as transportation and whatnot go.

 

[fowler_chick]

still no responce from them...oh well. i did email the monitor who said that theses people are know for doing that...ugh, i stay away from freecycle around christmass, that's when the greedy really come out

 

[Stumpy]

Almost everything I give away gores to the thrift store and I avoid the hassle. That doesn't always work with plants, though.

 

[Ema]

for a while I was in a super tight spot where we had no money and had to resort to food banks. we don't have free cycle up here but something similar. anyhow I have to say I have gotten the oh you are giving me a sob story and if you want it you will come get it. In truth, I couldn't because I couldn't afford to pay for the car, so I had no insurance and no transportation. but thanks to kind hearted people who helped out a lot we made it through just fine.

Now that we are doing better, I take all the stuff my kids outgrow, or even us or things we no longer use and post them. I gave the whole nursery set away for free to a teenage mom, including stroller and highchair and all the high end baby clothes I had. If they say I have no transportation I am happy to drop it off.

Now on the other hand I have had the people who have cars and are perfectly fine and just couldn't be bothered to pick up the item, and that ticks me off, so I can understand your position...but to me if I want it gone I tell them, if I am going that way I will drop it off and will let you know ahead of time.

It makes my heart feel better when I know someone who really needs something has gotten it and they are happier about it. Its the knit wits that ruin it for those who truly need the help!!!!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I'vd gotten lots of things off freecycle and craigslist. 10x10 dog kennels 2 free, Kids playhouses, lumber, clothes, plants and seed for garden. I also get rid of a lot of stuff on there too. I don't want a lot of people wandering around my yard freaking out my critters. I have this thing about people in my house. Usually I'll collect stuff in boxes and they've got to take whatever is in the boxes, All of it. It's not junk at all, I just don't want it nor have time and patience for a yard sale.

I tell folks flat out, this is what I have, this is where it's at, give me a time that you can come, if you pull a no show you go on "The List" that I share with other member who ask for it. People don't like no shows! Once you are on the list you will basicly get blacklisted and banned from the group over time.