What am I doing/saying wrong??

top_drawer_2

hi,

I am a regular on Freecycle both giving and receiving but recently each time I have emailed stating that I would gladly have an item I dont hear anything further .... I am really frustrated with it now as this has been the case for weeks now. When I put stuff on to offer, I cant help but notice people are much less organised and polite in the emails I get.

examples of my would like to have email ....


(selection of matching bedding)

hello,

Please can I be considered for the bedding? It sounds lovely and I am in need of some new bedding.

If I am offered the items I would be able to collect after 2.30 on Saturday or anytime on Sunday.

Many thanks

(Corrugated storage cubes)
Large piglet, winnie the pooh and heffalump

hello,

Please can I be considered for these toys if they are still available. My nephew is obsessed with Winnie the Pooh and company and would dearly love and give them a wonderful home.

I can collect anytime tommorrow if I should be offered the items.

Many thanks

This is just two items I have emailed about .... what does everyone else put in their would like to have email? I find it hard to convey things in words as it is ...

DCFC79

To be honest i cant see anything wrong with them two, they both sound polite and not pushy or rude, you've even said you have even said you could collect. Maybe its because the first person who responded got them first and the giver hasnt replied to you saying that they have gone

flea72

tbh, most people on freecycle give to the first person who emails them, rather than have to trawl though everyones replies

also some people take offence at being told what time you can come and collect the item, or maybe the timeslot you suggested doesnt suit them. some people also dont like 'stories', so its best to just ask for the item, and not say why, or who it is for

but dont expect a reply, unless you were the successful person chosen to have the item

if they want you to have it, they will email you, if not they wont. but a 'taken' post should eventually be posted to the group, so you know now to keep holding out any hope

members of freecyle or freegle are a law unto themselves. you only have to read this

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2230421

to see how wrong things can go - espec when people, dont realise that most groups have 100s of members who could all be after some new bedding or WTP merchandise

sometimes you get lucky, but i find, on the whole, you dont (unless you are online 24/7, and can get in quick)

F

top_drawer_2

mmmm I was kind of hoping I was saying something really wrong .... emails I send are the way I would like to receive them IYSWIM. I know there are 100's of members but this last month or two I have had absolutely no luck!!

flea72

top_drawer wrote: »

mmmm I was kind of hoping I was saying something really wrong .... emails I send are the way I would like to receive them IYSWIM. I know there are 100's of members but this last month or two I have had absolutely no luck!!

honestly, it doesnt matter what you say - some people take um bridge no matter how polite you are

some dont give you the item if you put in a phone number in your request (what, you think im gonna ring someone who wants my item?), some dont give you the item, if you dont give a phone number (what, you think we are gonna sort out collection by email pingpong?) - you really cant win

if youre the lucky recipient great, but there is nothing you can do, that will improve your chances of getting an item - its just pot luck

F

soba

The only thing I can think of that might be wrong is that you're putting when you can collect. Maybe the 'offerer' won't be in at those times so has offered the items to someone who collect when they need the items going. Can't think of anything else though.......

incus432

When i offer stuff , I actually do read through replies (usually use the fair offer policy) and reject those who are rude, offhand, imply theyre doing me a favour by taking it off my hands, those i suspect are car booting, or who give no infomation about why they want them. In contrast I think your replies are fine!

Trinny

Hi there

I use freecycle - i find that sometimes its necessary to "re-offer" stuff and then at other times i get inundated.

When recieving stuff - i agree stuff often goes to those who reply first. Some people get irritable if you give them a time when you can collect, sometimes its easier to express interest, offer to collect at a time suitable to them, and follow up with an email a few days later - asking if the item has gone yet and if its still available.

Some items are so popular - the offerer is mobbed and cant possibly reply to all. I also find it takes a little persistance to get things given away. Not everyone will collect, or turn up when they say they will, most of the time, people are great, very generous or very appreciative.

If there is something you particularly want - EG winnie the pooh bedding, why not ask for it - it might work better than going for what is offered on the boards.

Trinny