Freecycle Nusiance

kristi

I know what you mean about the 'wanted' emails, some people really do want everything for nothing. Even if someone was getting rid of a good laptop I'm sure they would want something for it. But laptops is also a big one in my group. Also there was a post for something the other day which the poster said she wanted to go as soon as possible and I replied saying that I would like the item and could collect that day, which was Friday. I was willing to go at anytime. I didn't get a reply and still haven't even though I have emailed back asking if the item is still available. Even if it has gone surely they could reply saying this!

I have only ever put one 'wanted' on and this was for a pair of bookends and the last couple of days have got rid of a few items. I really enjoy doing this and feel I am doing my bit for the environment

HugoSP

shelley_crow wrote: »

I've had people do the same thing as the OP, i offered a computer cabinet and a phone gadget. Both said they'd get it on a prescribed day, neither turned up. Both wanted me to leave items outside in the rain (!!!) but i didn't and they never turned up anyway. I didn't hear anything off one and got an abusive email from the other. I take everything down to the charity shop now. People have been advertising for Laptops, Wiis, leather sofas (MUST be cream and under 2 years old) - why can't they get real?

Give Freecycle anothe go but when offering politely say that you ask people to honour agreed pickup arrangements, and are surpised to have to point out that you will no longer tolerate rude or abusive communication of any kind.

Explain that one or two people have made it necessary for you to point this out and that this is not a reflection of the group as a whole.

HugoSP

fwor wrote: »

Freecycle is such a great idea that is occasionally spoiled by just a few people.

I know I really should get a life, but when offering items I've taken to checking my "Deleted items" in my mailbox, and if a requester has never offered anything to the group, I choose someone else.

But it's the Wanted ads that get me. The numbers creep up until we start getting more Wanted than Offered - then the mods tell people off and it just start over again...

But at least the underlying principal is good!

Deleted items folder only go back 1 month if that. You could be binning freecyclers who have been very generous 2 months age!

Also, I wouldn't turn someone down on the basis that they had never offered anything. Some people just haven't got anything to offer - that is life. It doesn't mean that they don't pull their weight in society. I know some very poor people who give several hours a week to help out the local community.

With respect, these people IMO are probably more deserving than the person who gives away the odd sackful of 2nd hand baby clothes.

I tend to go on how polite the e mail is and to a certain extent first come first served.

What did surprise me was that I had 3 people after a 2nd hand low level white toilet pan. I told the 2nd that he was number 2 and I would get back to him if the no 1 didn't show up.

He replied asking that we didn't talk about nos. 1s and 2s please :rotfl:

Ianna

How rude!!! I'm glad you she didn't get the item. I'd pass the info onto the mods just so they're aware of her. She may turn out to be a problem.

Now does anyone know where I can get rid of these 14 brand new laptops I have lying around? :rofl:

jiblets1

Our freecycle has recently done a poll of all members and decided that you can report no-shows to the mod, who will request a reason from the person due to collect. No good reason results in a temporary suspension, and several no-shows results in being removed from the group. I initially thought it was a little harsh, but in thinking about it since I've decided I think it's the right way to go. I think the people colloecting should really go out of their way to fit in with the "donor". They are getting a freebie after all!

Zazen999

Hi
I say this every time but don't let them dictate to you - in the last line of your offer ask them to detail the time/date that they can collect; and that if it is not in the response you will delete the email. Then - if it isn't - delete it.

Pick those that can make it when you are there; don't stay in for them, work them around your life.

Never had a no show with this method - those that ask for everything never
read until the end and get immediately deleted. Those that thought about it enough to write it turn up [well, they have for me'.

Also, put that if there is a problem, and they are going to be late and don't call; the item will automatically go to the next in line. That usually focuses their minds.

tigerlily

I am so fed up with freecycle, really its due to the rudeness of people. I have only ever placed offed ad's. I work on the principle that if people want to get rid of something they will offer it. All the people who post want's really do annoy me as the majority of them (as others have said) are for laptops, pc's, perfect condition white goods, perfect carpets and there was even one for a roadworthy 4x4 truck!!! I have no problem for wanted ad's such as fancy dress costumes or any old house stuff for someone starting out etc.
Also when I have offered stuff the vast majority of responses constist of text speak replies of "I'll have it, call me"!! Any like that always automatically get deleted.

barrymung

Sometimes, I think you are better off offering stuff for free on sites like: www.adtrader.co.uk

You seem to get less timewasters..

barrymung

shelley_crow wrote: »

Both wanted me to leave items outside in the rain (!!!)

I sometimes ask people to leave stuff out (Covered) if I can't make it round at a time when they are in.

Similarly, I have given stuff away and offered to leave it out so that the recipient can collect at a convenient time.

lightisfading

Offering to leave items out if you won't be in is dangerous as it advertises that your house will be empty at x time, please come and break in!

(Not that it seems to bother people, many local houses including ours have had their roof 'leading' stolen recently, often while the occupants were in and/or in broad daylight on a main road! but thats a rant for another time...)