Freecycle Etiquette

ladylouise62

I have an issue with people taking stuff to sell on without saying so because ss well as saving stuff from Landfill, it is a way of spreading stuff around to those who don't have much money (I, for instance haven't earned for 4 mnths and can't afford to buy anything at present)... and also, those who want to sell on are rarely polite or reliable.
Some of you say "don't worry, it's saving it from landfill" - don't kid yourselves - if it doesn't get sold it will be thrown away... so that's why I would prefer to give to those who want it for themselves.

As for manners - well, it seems to be a problem generally. I do look for politeness, and when I pick anything up myself I always try to leave something however small (with no money at present I would bring something along from my garden like some herbs or flowers), because although I may be helping them out in keeping stuff from landfill, they are helping me no end!!!!

anotherginger

i wish people would stop being so adamant about getting a landline number....i (and many other people these days) don't have one!

longtermlurker_2

I get rid of loads of stuff on there and there is one particular person who replies no matter what you are offering with " Yes I want it" The only time the message has changed was when I listed about 20 thing ranging from surround sound (very old) to baby clothes and the reply was "Yes I want it all" !!! They didn't get it.

The other one was a rabbit hutch I put on and one reply said "Yes please. Can you deliver it tomorrow to..." I didn't :rotfl:

Most people I have met have been lovely though and occasionally turn up with wine or flowers which is so nice.

katholicos

I just offered my first thing on Freegle. It was pepper plants. I had 4 responses, one person didn't get back to me when i mentioned the area i live in (though i had but the first part of the postcode in the original offer post) and another emailed me to say it was too far, but the two others have been fine. One chap lived on a road i passed most days so i actually offered to drop the plants off to him, he was appreciative and later emailed me to thank me once more...and today a lady called at the house to collect her pepper plants and i also gave her some cabbages. I would have had to put them on the compost heap otherwise, so i'm pleased they found a new home. As far as etiquette goes, i expect to be treated respectfully and would offer the goods to someone who appears to be in genuine need or who will keep the item and get some use out of it.

icelandic_queen

I got some great mirrored sliderobe doors that my daughter had been going on about for ages off Freecycle. I was polite and turned up when I said I would and also brought some flowers and chocs with me to the lovely lady who posted them. I truly couldn't have afforded to buy them new. If I don't need anything I don't reply and I always reply to the politest person who has replied to my offers. I'm starting to get a feel now for the genuine people and give nothing to those that reply to everything and anything regardless of what it is!! Know exactly what you mean longtimelurker!!

missychrissy

I agree you do begin to get a feel for the people. Personally I have never had any rude responses and I have never had anyone fail to turn up to collect. I only once had someone that expressed an interest in something then didn't call me when I gave my mob number.

I always try to remember the people that have donated to me and then if they respond to one of my offers then I know who to choose.

I love freecycle. I have acquired almost everything I need for visiting family with children from carry cot/ Moses basket/buggy/baby bath/toys/garden slide etc.

Yesterday I gave away a lovely old mirror backed sideboard that I have loved for years but it just did not suit my present house. I have to say I would be upset if it turned up on e bay but I think the lady really liked it. I could have sold it but I am grateful to freecycle for all of the generous people I have encountered on the site.

zippychick

Hi Janice

I've encountered some utter swines on freecycle! one particular man gave away tropical fish to my friend who was very pleased. I offered stuff up a month later and he asked for it - i responded saying i would gladly give him first refusal as he did my friend such a favour. He actually had the cheek to ask me to deliver it. He knew I didn't drive, and my friend said he drove a brand new BMW.... i actualyl found myself making excuses as to why I couldn't deliver it:eek:

I have also met some fab people - ialways give a gift and one lady was so touched and send me a really nice text. She said all the times she had gave stuff away, she had never ever received a gesture of thank you. I wouldn't dream of turning up without even a small thank you - home made fairy cakes, hand cream, wine etc - depends , the bigger the value the more i spend on the thank you.

I've merged this with the freecycle etiquette thread to keep the discussion together

Tips to help when using freecycle will possibly have some similar discussion in there as well

thanks
Zip

keld

tigs78 wrote: »

I've given away lots of stuff since then and just had people thanking me profusely. I always choose the nicest, worthiest email rather than the first person who replies 'I'll have it'. That way I always seem to have chosen nice people who turn up when they say they are going to and are polite enough to say thankyou.

I always make a point of thanking them too as quite often they have saved me a trip to the tip or some much needed space in the spare room!

Yes, I couldn't agree more.:) It's a great concept and both parties are getting something.

mlz1413

I have mixed feelings about freecycle.

It is a GREAT concept and I love the fact it has been created.

But some people are clearing trading and some people are plain rude.

But equally many people are lovely and genuinally grateful of the item for free.

Now when I offer something I will put in comments ie : needs collecting quickly or it needs collecting after 6pm. I also always say please leave contact details as I hate emailing my address and prefer to ring and discuss times for collection.

I have also made myself rules ie: any one who replies 'whats your address' is deleted, anyone who emails for than once in less than 24 hours is deleted. I remember offering a food processor and I had dozens of replies but only one that was polite - so guess who was offered that item!

I have never been offered a gift or offered one myself but I think the best thing is people who turn up on time and smile.

rubytuesday

Well I am feeling quite cross, as I offered an Ikea wardrobe on freecycle and my friend with a van and I delivered it yesterday, as the girl it was going to hadn't been able to get hold of anyone. I didn't even get a thank you text or email for our trouble! Obviously she said thank you at the time but I think that is rather rude as we did 'go the extra mile' especially as one lady even took the time to reply to thank me for letting her know it had gone! Oh well.