Crazies on auction sites/freecycle...

suited-aces

I hate to say it, but you know where part of the blame lies...
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/columnists/martin_lewis/585468/Easy-freesy-Martin-Lewis-Britains-money-saving-expert-Get-stuff-free.html

suited-aces

I started a rant about freecycle on another forum I post on. I'll just copy or paste some of the best "wanteds" I've got

WANTED: need a mens bike (belfast)
WANTED: WANTED: Treadmill / running machine - belfast (East belfast)
WANTED: small dish washer (belfast)
WANTED: Washing Machine (Lisburn)
WANTED: Waterbed (water bed) King/Queen size (Banbridge)
WANTED: 6 Seater Table & Chairs (Belfast)
WANTED: looking for a good pc (belfast)
WANTED: Wanted: boys bicycle for 7-10yr old ( east belfast)
WANTED: wanted suite of furniture (lisburn)
WANTED: Garden Shed (East Belfast)
WANTED: Wanted: Surfboard (Belfast)

jamespir

i dont think martins to blame at all

rebeccauk

I've got no experience of freecycle and the like but the type of person that I am (over panicky) I'd be really worried about people tracking me and having a go because they didn't get the item. I'd think it was safer just to give to the first person that replies then you can't be accused of choosing because of any prejudices against other interested parties (although in complete fairness if it's your item to give away you should be absolutely able to give to whoever you like for whatever reason you choose). Interesting thread - has certainly opened my eyes!

piratefairy

Have listed a few things in the past, mainly furniture, which I had major problems with. I had two different people fail to turn up after arranging to collect things, and in the end went and dropped off to the next person on the list.
That said, I have received a few items and have had very good experiences too on the whole.

pulliptears

Not one, but TWO DS Lite's wanted on ours today!

madrhino

I tend to offer items to people who DON't give me a sob story. I think that people who just ask nicely with a valid reason probably don't get that much stuff offered to them, so I'll give them my stuff.

gallygirl

I've never seen any extreme requests on my site. When my mum died I gave away all her house contents, mainly to 2 single parents. TBH I did get a kick out of it, they were so pleased and even wanted stuff I'd been going to chuck out. I remember when my marriage broke up many years ago & I was given a sofa & freezer by colleagues, I was so grateful (& 13 years later freezer is still going strong!), nice to give a bit back. Also given away 2 wardrobes recently with no problems.

I offered a security timed light once & had no takers - later sold it for £12 on ebay

GKWelding

Come on, surely somebody else must have encountered the odd bunny boiler or two on these kind of sites?

pitkin2020

GKWelding wrote: »

Come on, surely somebody else must have encountered the odd bunny boiler or two on these kind of sites?

TBH by waiting to decide you leave yourself open to these "Bunnie boilers" as they are aware you are going to decide who gets it, so they are going to keep pleading their case.

As for checking their history thats fine, but there will be people who are in dire need but have never posted an OFFERED, someone who has just broke out of a marriage for example and maybe in need of furniture but maybe a new member. As for dealers selling on what ever you offer there will be nothing you can do about it, you will never who is really coming to collect your goods.

The main thing is to deal with people who are polite and courteous, don't make demands and it doesn't cost you anything to get rid of your goods.

If it makes you feel powerful holding a list of names in your hand and deciding who is more worthy thats your choice, but I wouldn't tell potential people that as you will end up with the same scenerio as in post #1 where you will start to get hounded by everyone as to the reason why you should give it to them.