Freecycle Etiquette

Wingman

Hi

I am about to collect an item from Freecycle, (well someone who advertised it on Freecycle) I just wondered what the etiquette is, do you offer a fiver or something or give them a box of chocs, or just take the freebie Sorry for the quessies, just wasn't sure what to do??

Thanks

demented_2

Hi, The rules are do not offer money or gifts etc. So just accept the item, thats why freecyle was formed to save things being put into land fills or just dumped. I'm at work at the moment and shouldn't be on this website hence the clipped message.
demented.

ukbadger_2

It's up to you really - I don't think they will be expecting anything but if it's an item which has value ie they could have sold on , then maybe a little gift would be nice , chocs, bottle of wine or something for the garden ?

I think the most important thing is to tell them that they have really been kind and made a difference ie don't just turn up and take it !!

Not much help - sorry !!

Hayley

Lucie_2

It's perfectly acceptable to just offer your gratitude to fellow freecyclers. I'm sure no-one would refuse a small box of chocs, or a HM cake etc. Offering cash may be considered a bit vulgar. Remember, people have offered these items because they want rid, you're doing them a favour by helping them to de-clutter

Rachie_B

just a smile and a thank you is enough IMO

squeaky

There are rules which say that you cannot offer to buy, sell, trade, barter or swap.

That said, a small token gift, freely offered in appreciation and thanks, should you wish to, is not against the rules as far as I can find.

I've been looking through the moderator's files, which tbh are a pain to search, but nothing there. Many things are guidlines rather than hard and fast rules anyway.

weegie_2

Just a thank you is fine. I collected the other day and just thanked the person!

We are also about to offer a couple of things and I wouldn't be expecting anything for them.

jenniferpa

I agree, a thank you is just fine. The most important thing with freecycle is, if you say you're going to pick something up, PICK IT UP! Some people think that because something is free, it doesn't matter whether they turn up or not, which is very irritating.

tanith

A smile and a thankyou is all that is required... giving a gift defeats the whole object in my view and I would not expect or want it.. although it would seem churlish to just say no thanks....

katieowl_2

I have been given a box of choccies by somebody who collected something from me - I wasn't expecting it and it was very nice of them.

I requested a book I was desperate for and a Freecyler e-mailed me straight back to say she had a copy I could have...and I took her a bunch of flowers. That definately felt right.

I offered another item on Freecyle, and while I was sorting out addresses with the recipient she posted a request as to where she could give away some concert tickets she had, I asked her what they were for and she said I could have them. So I personally delivered her CD and she gave me her tickets. I thanked her profusely at the time, and e-mailed her next day to say how much we had enjoyed the concert. That felt right too.

Mostly though I have just thanked or been thanked and every body seems very happy I just love everybody I have met through Freecyle!!!

Regards

Kate

Baileys_Babe

I usually give thanks when I collect the item and then a few days later email them to say how useful/fun etc the item is. I have never felt the need to take a gift but I do like the idea of a HM cake, I'll save this for if I collect something expensive, like a climbing frame.