Should i give my item away on freecycle

Bronnie

This is a new one on me.

I occasionally request items on freegle.

I could certainly afford to buy them but there are many items I prefer not to buy new now, if I can find something suitable second hand. I don't think freegle rules preclude people like me do they?

Do people really believe it is morally wrong to receive from freegle if you can afford to buy the item?


In the past couple of years I have received a cafetiere, 2 large houseplants, a slimming world handbook, a very old but serviceable hand mixer, a food processor and most recently an old standard lamp base. All put to good use at home. However I have also offered far more than I have received.

I don't think personal circumstances have anything to do with it, as long as the individual acts in the spirit of freegle.

jaibaby

I have so far only put one thing on there. A printer, which I don't know whether it worked or not. I had a few interested, but couldn't "judge" any of them, so gave it to the first one who asked. He turned up in a white van, with a "trader" look about him. (I have dealt with many traders before, so know what I'm looking for). That's the problem on there, too many traders looking for something to sell on. I would rather it went to someone needy.

Bronnie

jaibaby wrote: »

I
I would rather it went to someone needy.

Then why not take it to your favourite charity shop?

trukdiver

Bronnie wrote: »

Then why not take it to your favourite charity shop?

Charity shops are choosy about what they sell. Most of them won't take electrical goods (H&S) and a lot won't take furniture (too bulky). I used to work in a charity shop and I was horrified at some of the stuff they binned! It may have been useable or repairable but if it wasn't in perfect condition it wasn't considered to be sellable. A lot of the reject clothes could be recycled but everything else that was unsaleable was thrown away - and they had to pay commercial rates to have it taken away. Some people got quite stroppy when they were told we couldn't accept electrical items.

Also, a lot of the people who shop in charity shops are not poor either!

pinkshoes

I'm quite sure that 90% of the items "collected" on freecycle are actually sold for profit on ebay, rather than for someone in need!

Saying that, does it matter? The whole purpose is to prevent stuff being thrown into land fill/

Hermia

jaibaby wrote: »

I would rather it went to someone needy.

The only problem with that attitude is that it is sort of to blame for all the "woe is me" wants on Freecycle. So many people only want to give items to needy people that people now feel they have to come up with sob stories if they want any chance of getting anything. I'm sure a lot of thoroughly nice people miss out because they won't do this. I personally just choose the person who is polite in their email and gives me some indication of when they can come etc.

Bronnie

trukdiver wrote: »

Charity shops are choosy about what they sell. Most of them won't take electrical goods (H&S) and a lot won't take furniture (too bulky). I used to work in a charity shop and I was horrified at some of the stuff they binned! It may have been useable or repairable but if it wasn't in perfect condition it wasn't considered to be sellable. A lot of the reject clothes could be recycled but everything else that was unsaleable was thrown away - and they had to pay commercial rates to have it taken away. Some people got quite stroppy when they were told we couldn't accept electrical items.


Agreed! Missed the bit about it being a printer.

Also, a lot of the people who shop in charity shops are not poor either!

...But you are helping the needy via the charity

easy

I hate the "I'd rather it went to someone needy" apporoach - it's sooo 'Lady Bountiful' - Look at me, I'm helping the POOR.

I put stuff on Freecycle, and anyone who has the manners to reply politely, and can collect, can have it.

somethingsgottogive

I think changing your mind about gifting something to someone just because they live in a 'posh area' is terrible! Our postcode is technically part of an incredibly rich area; Our house is ex council. Also, so what if they're rolling in it - In my experience wealthier people seem to offer a lot more useful and potentially expensive items (a washing machine or hoover for example) so they'll be helping out a lot of people via freecycle when they have things to offer themselves.

warehouse

burtons wrote: »

There is someone asking for a item on freecycle but it's got to be in good condition, now i have the item that they want and i think it's in good condition, so i sent them a message and i get a reply saying they would have it and when could they pick it up, so i sent a reply saying when they could pick it up or if it's easier for them i could drop it off, now i get a reply saying i could drop it off at her house at a certain time due to she is in work, now the address she has given me is in a really posh area so i was wondering now if i should give her the item.

I see no reason to not give her the item. It's not being dumped which is the whole point.