Disillusioned with Freecycle.

SpendlessKaren

I used freecycle and hated it. I found most of the people collecting stuff were what I call "the anything for nothing brigade" and were downright rude ..
I'd rather take something to the tip now than put it on there Shame really but I think some people just abuse sites like this

Bitsy_Beans

I am quite lucky with my local site, always had lovely genuine people.
If someone was trying to get me to deliver something though......jog on I say. Some people do have brass balls to take the p!ss but stick up for yourself. If they wanted it that much surely they have a friend that can drive <rollseyes>

FatVonD

We had one woman who turned up to collect something, didn't say thank you and then asked for directions to where she was going next!

I confess to being a bit disillusioned with it all, I still use it for big stuff and electricals but anything small goes on ebay or to the charity shop.

Ben84

It's good and bad, but certainly not the only way to pass on items.

For small items like clothes, books, plates, I'd stick with charity shops, it's quicker and easier really. If you have a large number of items boxed up some charities collect, as well as a few specialised charities taking furniture too. Might be worth telephoning around a bit.

I've also had good success with placing items on the driveway with a "please help yourself" tag.

eBay is good too, I've made decent amounts of money on there in the past. However, I've also used it to sell items I just didn't want to throw out (too good condition and too bulky for the wheelie bin) for token prices. When the local council tip is two expensive bus rides and a fair walk each way then eBaying items for token prices so I can just take them to the local post office five minutes away is a good choice. There are also a good number of people taking advantage of buyer collect auctions in their local area for bigger items like furniture. You could put an item up for £5 just to get rid of it and chances are good in my experience that your buyer will make the effort to show up as they're paying for it.

patricia50

I am inclined to agree with some of these posts. I have not yet offered anything or recieved anything from freecycle but get e mails with things offered or taken. Some people sound like they are putting in a shopping list. One recently was for someone who was moving. They wanted a corner suite,dish washer, washing machine and a whole list of other items which had to be "in good condition" Its fine to request one or two things you may need if you dont have the money but its not there to furnish your house at no cost.

elsien

If I'm offering anything I make it clear that I expect people to collect. I also have a "timewasters" list, and anyone who doesn't have the courtesy to ask nicely doesn't get anything even if they are the only taker - I've had a few replies just saying "phone me to say when I can collect" who stand no chance.
It is annoying though when people offer things within 1o minutes of posting, or say "must go today or it's going to the tip". Nothing you can do about it unfortunately/
Having said that, I've had a few nice bits and bobs myself, and I've had some very appreciative replies after collection which is lovely. There are idiots in all walks of life and freegle/freecycle is no exception - if they annoy you then just retract the offer, you're under no obligation.
I agree with the other poster who doesn't wait in - I leave things in my front porch if they're small enough to people to collect when it suits them.

mttylad

I make certain stipulations such as:

Do not email me your mobile number - if I wanted to pay to give something away I'd use ebay.
NO traders or resellers, ask only once and use the email registered with the group.

So what happens - I get several emails with mobile numbers in "call xxxxxx and I'll have it", they get ignored, I get emails from non member email accounts - they get ignored too.
I get emails from people who have constantly posted for everything with jam on.
I get emails from someone who lives many miles away.

All ignored.

However, I may also get an email from someone who has given away their entire loft/attic/spare room in the past 12 months, and lives locally, perhaps smeone that actually gave something to me.

What goes around comes around, they get considered.

Boodle

I think Freecycle is a great idea. I would much rather deal with someone who was a bit less than courteous than send something to the tip. For me that seems to be the point in freecycle: less waste. There are people who lack social manners in all walks of life so I wouldn't let that put me off joining or giving something away.

Unfortunately, Freecycle declined my request to join (twice in a row) so now I just give stuff away, charity shop or Ebay it.

moneysaverboy

I always put a little paragraph at the bottom saying something like: Please leave me a polite message including your phone number so I can arrange collection. All messages along the lines of 'I'll have it' will just be deleted! Cheers!

It does seem to deter some of the more awkward people. I have been asked if I could deliver before and my answer is almost always no sorry if you can collect we can arrange it now, if not I'll offer it to someone else. (If I send the message by e-mail I always put please reply by x time so that I know when to move on to next asker as it were). One fella who lives just round the corner from a friend of mine and is disabled I *have* delivered to a couple of times, but he's very polite when he explains he can't drive and always offers to pay petrol.

valentina

There's a thread on the ebay board about freecycle if you fancy a read - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2471643