Freecycle

[Petra]

The worldwide Freecycle® Network is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving ( getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is run by local volunteer moderators. Membership is free.

How does Freecycle work?

One rule: everything posted must be free. Whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, toys or an old door to be given away, it can be posted on the network. Or, maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself? Respond to the posting directly and you just might get it. After that it is up to the giver to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure.

www.freecycle.org

[princess_poppet]

A lot of us here use freecycle and freeko too Petra. Its a brilliant way of helping someone out and recycling at the same time.

I have to admit i have only offered things at the mo but it is nice to think they have had new life instead of ending up on EBay or at a tip!

[Petra]

A lot of us here use freecycle and freeko too Petra. Its a brilliant way of helping someone out and recycling at the same time.

I have to admit i have only offered things at the mo but it is nice to think they have had new life instead of ending up on EBay or at a tip!

I'm glad to hear others use it too.

I couldn't find it mentioned so I thought I would.

I have given loads of things so far and it is a great way to pass on some good things that will get used again.

I have had a few things too in the past but mostly I'm too slow if I do see anything offered that I could use:D

[princess_poppet]

I'm glad to hear others use it too.

I couldn't find it mentioned so I thought I would.

I have given loads of things so far and it is a great way to pass on some good things that will get used again.

I have had a few things too in the past but mostly I'm too slow if I do see anything offered that I could use:D

Yea i am the same things seem to go instantly but 1 day i might be quick enough lol :rolleyes:

Thank you for posting it tho Petra and welcome to the forum :)

[Cinderella]

you should chat with moonpixiewitch :) she seems very interested in freecycle also.
I use both freecycle and efreeko both gr8 innitiatives :)

only had one neg experience with both, out of several good ones... that's a pretty good ratio

[M3chanical_animal]

Thanks for posting Petra - I'll add this and Freeko to the useful websites thread in the Eco Forum ;)

[molly316]

I really use freecycle a lot and have registered on freeko, but not used that much

Ive managed to help a few people out that have been looking for things on freecycle though and been very lucky to receive things that have helped me out, letting the pennies I do have go that much further and saving things from the tip

M x

[moonpixiewitch]

Hi Petra
nice to see a fellow freecycle buddy on the site :clap2:
I have been a freecycle freak for some time time now , run my own group and moderate two others . I saved hundreds on my wedding by utilising freecycle , I also have a three piece suite from a kind freecycler and curtains . I have given away 3 pc's , a fridge , a garden bench and a camping stove to name but a few things.
I have only had a couple of negative experiences out of many many interactions and think it is the best thing (apart from pts :D )I have discovered on the net so far.
Long Live Freecycle! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

[mutley muppet]

I love Freecycle too. I've given away and recieved some great things. What a great idea it is. :D

[Angel]

Just wondering whether anyone here has successfully used Freecycle?

This morning I posted a request for a glass fish tank/aquarium, and within 15 minutes I received an offer from someone who lives only 5 minutes drive away from my home.

DH is collecting it this evening, we are looking forward to keeping fish again, and the person giving us the tank is thankful we helped him clear some of his clutter!

I think that was a very successful use of freecycle :clap2:

[glorious]

Yes i have a lovely lady gave me a dryer when mine died i couldnt thank her enough as times were hard

[whamfanuk]

i have given loads of stuff away including 2 playstations, tv, dvd player, video loads of toys but i have never recived anything

[siennahue]

I have cleared out my junk cupboard, giving stuff I don't use any more away and have received several things, the latest being a breadmaker. Freecycle is a fab idea only you do need to sit on the pc all day to get any chance of receiving things as I've found stuff generally goes to the first person who replies

[suesmith]

freecycle is fab

had a brand new ikea pax wardrobe for daughter, petrol lawnmower, books, slo cooker.... in fact lots more stuff.

also gave away loads of kids stuff- now that is popular, 100s of emails

i dont give away to the first person anymore as i found a lot of them just asked for everything then never bothered to collect, i wait 24 hours and then if there are lots i draw names out of a hat

[clareo122]

I have give away quite a bit of stuff and also recived a bit including a full set of wooden garden furniture and garden bench.
I have to agree some people do just ask for everything here too.

[sandhabibi]

I have shifted quite abit of stuff through freecycle and also received some stuff.

[Khufu]

Have given out loads of stuff on Freecylcle and recieved loads more - i think its brilliant. It is very frustrating when someone says they want something and never come though, but that is the exception rather than the rule

[Aardvaak]

I have been subscribed to Freecycle for sometime and am totally fed up with it - I have emailed people on many occasions to request the item and get collection details and not a single person has had the courtesy of replying.

It is a total waste of time.

[cat04]

We've had quite a few things from Freecycle, mainly for DD, and someone is coming tonight to collect an old TV from us - our first giveaway:)

It's great!!

[Angel]

A couple of days ago, the Cats Protection League posted on freecycle asking for unopened bottles of toiletries for a tombola as part of a charity event they are holding in August.

Hopefully with some help from Mr T I will be able to make a generous donation :D

[charlotsofun]

i have given lots of things away and recieved a couple of things and 2day i am going to drop an ironingboard off to some1 who requested 1 as they were going to come on the bus and they live on the way to where i am going . i also have had a video player deliverd by a very kind lady as they were passing my way i think its a great site but people should wait longer for replies and draw from a hat so to give a fair chance to every1.

[princessa]

I've just given away a twin pram which I had lying around. I hate getting rid of prams, felt a bit sad, lol. I gave it to the first person who asked and felt a bit miffed that she only had one baby and just wanted it 'incase she needed it' and I didn't find that out till she picked it up, plus she didn't seem at all grateful for it. Suppose I just had visions of someone really needy getting it. But hey ho, stopped me throwing it out.

[Irishsmurfy]

I'm obviously very dim but I can't figure out the freecycle site. I assume its Freecycle.co.uk? How do you know what to click on to locate local people?? I can only seem to see lots of adverts for other websites linked to freecycle so I'm obviously doing something very wrong!!

Any advice would be much appreciated!!!

[siennahue]

I can't figure out the freecycle site

Hi Irish

Try this http://uk.freecycle.org/ half way down on the left under 'groups worldwide' click on United Kingdom then find your county name and click on that, it should give you a list of the groups in your area.

If you find one you want to join click on Goto or Join.

Good luck

Sienna

[CharleneUK]

Just thought I'd share this with you guys, as it's funny how the smallest of things really make your day!

I gave away a Medela breast pump on Freecycle and the ladies hubby collected it just now.

He handed over a box of Roses chocolates! This was totally unexpected and I was really happy with the gesture.

I know it's small, but I've had not a great month with the death of my grandad anniversary just passing and other things, so this has really cheered me up! Either that, or I'm easily pleased! LOL.

I also felt really good about myself for doing it, and it was obviously appreciated by the recipient! :D

[tiger]

It's always nice to know when things are appreciated.

I hope that everything continues to improve for you. :)

[carolwat]

WOW you must have nice members on your freecycle. I give stuff away on there quite often and the last item I gave away was just 2 nights ago and it was a 2 seater leather sofa. I havnt even had so much as an email to say thank you, it fits in great or nothing.

That is a lovely gesture from the receivers of your item and it is obviously very much appreciated. Now sit yourself down and stuff your face with those chocs knowing you very much deserve them :)

[sandhabibi]

I gave the lady a box of chocs when I collected a highchair last year as it was like new. I've never been given anything though and give plenty away.

[shoppaholic45]

aww that is so nice, i gave away a tv and the lady was so pleased it was for her son, and i got a really nice email thanking me, i was so glad that i gave it to this lady

[ClaireDares]

I cant keep up with freecycle, i get far to many emails from them to even check

[Poundsinbucks]

I cant keep up with freecycle, i get far to many emails from them to even check

I look at Freecycle every now and again but have opted NOT to receive the emails as you get inundated. Just 'Edit Membership' if you don't want the emails :).

I went to pick up some Duplo not long ago and gave the Fellow-Freecycler one of my (many!) Delicious magazines :D. As it happens it wasn't Duplo at all but Megablocks, but never mind, it will find a good home.

Poundsinbucks x :)

[di90]

Apart from saying thankyou when i collect, I always email the person who has given me the item to say thankyou again.

[jenchin]

We had this on our freecycle at the weekend:D made me laugh

On offer is a rope light train. One wheel on the train doesnt light up
but apart from that it looks good and is in great condition....has only
been used a handful of times and was bought new for
£80.....PLEASE!!!!...NO war stories....This is given free to the 1st
person to reply and can pickup asap....none of this i will draw a name
out of a hat or the person who can come up with the most neady story
(unless it involves being abducted by aliens i aint interested)....also
I CANT DELIVER so please dont ask....if you arrange a time to pick it
up please people pick it up getting tired of people wasting our
time....Think thats everything covered MERRY CHRISTMAS BAH
HUMBUG..lol ;-}

[Dominic]

LOL at post 10!

We've given a bit of stuff away on Freecycle. One lady arrived with a beaten up old van and lots of fresh faced little kids, and was gushing with thanks at how it was just what they needed, gave me her life history bless her. They didn't seem very well off at all but were so thrilled by a fairly simple bit of furniture. This gave me a lovely warm feeling.

Another arrived in quite a nice car and was well dressed, was really polite and then produced a bottle of nice wine as thanks!

I never give anything away that is really worth mucking about selling, but the responses I have had have been really nice.

[dingaling]

I recently gave a load of stuff away including our car seat to a 68 year old man who had married a much younger woman and was now having his 2nd child with her, oldest child was 18m. So cute, but he did look knackered!

[Freebird]

Awww that is soo cute - I'd be all glowy inside too!!! :clap2:

I gave up on Freecycle too cos of the mountains of emails - and because the first thing I tried to give away was a 3 piece suite and this couple who wanted it asked if I could deliver. I said no. So then they said would it fit into a Ford Escort? Erm.....no. Well....can't I get a van and bring it to them? NO. Then they proceeded to tell me that I was bang out of order and unhelpful.

Reading all your lovely stories I think I just got unlucky! :D

[CharleneUK]

LOL, you guys do make me laugh.

Yes, I've had no shows recently, people coming and saying thanks at the time (obviously!) but I always email and say thank you, it's great or fits in really well etc.

Have only collected two things so far, but have given away loads! All in all, they are usually very good experiences.

I thanked the lady via email and she replied back thanking me too. Now I'm off to collect a new vanity case and alarm clock for my daughter on Saturday! :D

Freebird, you're not seriously!? Oh.My.Word is all I can say!!!!!

[bluwkd]

I gave away a nearly new metal framed high sleeper bed with a futon chair.. was swamped with requests for it.. some extremely rude and abrupt, anyway chose a person I thought would appreciated it from the email.. I wasn't in when they collected it and didnt expect anything in return, but a thanks would have been nice :rolleyes:

got a nice person who gave me an accordian for my daughter... its not in brill condition, but is far to large for her to play so not much good to her :D (did thank them profusely btw)

[pammy]

I have given and got a few things (inc my fab almost new lawnmower!) They said they would leave it in the porch for me and so I put a thank you card through the door. I was so pleased with it.
I also got another item although I was not the first to reply purely because he said I was the most polite in my request to have it. I dont see the point in rudeness when people are giving you something for nothing.
I have given away a few of the kids garden toys that they had outgrown and this lady was so appreciative, it does make you feel great. :D

What I cant believe is what some people request, We get a few people asking for motor cars and all sorts!

[99redballs]

I went to pick up some Duplo not long ago and gave the Fellow-Freecycler one of my (many!) Delicious magazines :D.

Poundsinbucks x :)

was that a delicious mag with holes cut out?:D

[99redballs]

i;ve given away a tv and even a huge tree trunk!!! - i had loads of wants for that!

[pammy]

You know what i never thought of putting them on there (or the DMs!) Better than recycling them.

[clareo122]

I have thought about asking for unwanted Tesco points vouchers thinking even if i couldn't use them sure someone here could.
I think un politeness comes with freecycle unfortunatly as I've got an item on offer at the moment, which I've said I will alloctate to someone tonight so others get a chance and I've numerous repies saying I want your item whats your address, no please no thank you, they have gone straight in the delted e-mails

[Poundsinbucks]

was that a delicious mag with holes cut out?:D

Heehee, yes one page with hole in and back page of calendar missing :D. But I am a dab hand now at getting the mag & calendar out of the plastic, cut out coupons and slide the whole lot back into plastic and sealing it back up. Friends, neighbours and relatives have all been receiving Delicious mags :). I wouldn't pay £3+ for the mag willingly, but it is very nice to receive as a gift with all the Christmassy things in it, so I am told :D.

Poundsinbucks x

[molly316]

flippin freecycle, is it just me? I dont want sob stories but Ive just had SEVEN replies to one offer and not one said please :mad:

Is it too much to ask?

[missstroppy]

I have given stuff away...very rude lady once insisting she came in for a cup of tea as she had had a long journey.....she was 2 1/2 hours late and in her want email told me she lived just round the corner!

I have only ever picked up once, and gave them a Thankyou card (they are so cheap these days and manners cost nowt!) Follow up with Thankyou email too.

[bargainsneeded]

this is one site i cannot get my head round i joined yahoo for it and all that and it just doesnt add up i put in manchester and it gives me all sorts of stuff to read but no actual link for manchester freecycle did my head right in:confused::confused::confused::confused::confuse d::confused:

[mutley muppet]

I always say please and send a thankyou email if I get something from Freecycle. So rude not too. :nono:

I recently put my (ahem) fairly large pile of stickers (that were from the Tesco quit packs) to giveaway on frecycle and I was inundated!! :eek:

Stickers are obviously popular!

MM. x

[mutley muppet]

this is one site i cannot get my head round i joined yahoo for it and all that and it just doesnt add up i put in manchester and it gives me all sorts of stuff to read but no actual link for manchester freecycle did my head right in:confused::confused::confused::confused::confuse d::confused:

If you are on the Manchester freeecycle home page, there should be the word "messages" on the left hand side of your screen? Click on that and it should show you all the local offers/wanted messages.
Did you definately join manchester one or national freecycle?
This should take you to it:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Realcycle-Manchester/

[welshgirl78]

I am feeling irritated by Freecycle today - listed loads of popular items earlier and was innundated... one has been picked up, one has arranged a time and the rest are yet to respond... seriously they practically broke the keyboard asking (6 hours ago) so why does it take so long to say "Thanks, I'll pick it up..."

Sorry, rant over but wish I had given stuff to nicer people who have responded to my sorry email... I will learn FreeCycle tactics soon!!

[mutley muppet]

I am feeling irritated by Freecycle today - listed loads of popular items earlier and was innundated... one has been picked up, one has arranged a time and the rest are yet to respond... seriously they practically broke the keyboard asking (6 hours ago) so why does it take so long to say "Thanks, I'll pick it up..."

Sorry, rant over but wish I had given stuff to nicer people who have responded to my sorry email... I will learn FreeCycle tactics soon!!

Send the time-wasters an email saying get back to me within the hour or I'm gonna pass it on to the next person.... thats what I do. Then after an hour contact the nice person you turned down and tell them they can have it.

[welshgirl78]

I'm going to do it!!! - will let you know the updates!

[molly316]

I am feeling irritated by Freecycle today - listed loads of popular items earlier and was innundated... one has been picked up, one has arranged a time and the rest are yet to respond... seriously they practically broke the keyboard asking (6 hours ago) so why does it take so long to say "Thanks, I'll pick it up..."


yep irritating indeed! especially when you respond to a want and they still dont come! Ive got 10 rubble bags of hardcore in response to a want, got them shifted ready & got a wheelbarrow already loaded up for a so called collection THIS MORNING. Did they come? nah, not even a response to the "are you coming today" mail I sent at dinnertime

Badddd crack. Now I have to get it all put back :(

[princessa]

I occasionally look through freecycle, have had people pick things up and not had a thanks. Ours is currently flooded with people asking for 'hand held consoles such as PSP or DS' and 'large widescreen tv wanted, 26" or above please!' and other things that would still sell for money so I don't know who'd give them away.

[molly316]

i saw one the other day.. wanted: a house. well Im not able to ever buy one and sick of living in a flat so someone out there must be able to give me one.... eh?!?

Another: bet me hubbie no one would give me a laptop. prove him wrong

More along the lines of want a laptop so I can sit infront of (prolly plasma) tv and surf.. more wtf

I offered one lady a pc trolley in reply to a want, reply? oh no I want a x desk of x colour to match me room!

I aint got a decent telly but mine works (admittedly only just but its not a high priority to me)! Wouldnt dream of cadging half the stuff on there, cheeky bints... and why does it have to be a 32" etc telly? surely if they need a telly ANY size would be ok?

Grrr some folks are just plain greedy, I know its all about keeping it out of landfill and not about giving it to deserving causes, but Ive just had another six demands... they can queue till I get a polite one!

<rant over> apart from that I wholly support swapping and exchanging and passing stuff along that can no longer be used and is just eating space in my house, lol!

[Poundsinbucks]

I recently replied to somebody's Wanted ad on Freecycle, they wanted a book I had lying around. Being cynical :o after reading about everyone's experiences, I wasn't going to stop in a whole morning to see if this person would turn up at the time THEY suggested, so I sent directions and left the book well wrapped on my doorstep. Never heard from them again and book was still there when I got back!! I thought about sending a stroppy message to this person who didn't show up, but have moved on now and didn't want to waste any more of my time.

But it is sooooooooooooooooo annoying. And bad manners too. :mad:

Thanks for reading, I feel better already :).

Poundsinbucks x :D

[bargainsneeded]

If you are on the Manchester freeecycle home page, there should be the word "messages" on the left hand side of your screen? Click on that and it should show you all the local offers/wanted messages.
Did you definately join manchester one or national freecycle?
This should take you to it:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Realcycle-Manchester/

ooooooooh thanku had a look and yep ur right now is there anything i should be clicking on besides messages to get the latest info and is it just trial and error if you see something as to wether its gone or not?:confused:

[molly316]

really they should post a TAKEN notice when the offer has gone (or STC - subject to collection) and the person that gets it should post a RECEIVED notice so if you see a OFFER you can search for a TAKEN or RECEIVED notice to give you an idea to see if its still there

It usually works - but obviously some ppl are far toooo busy to post a thank you, lol

[welshgirl78]

Hmm, most has been collected now - so I should feel full of joy!!

I've replied to everyone and put TAKEN things up... wow its hard work... amybe Ebay next time!! Yet to receive any thanks...

(Seriously I'm not usually miserable!)

[nettie_b]

Hmm, most has been collected now - so I should feel full of joy!!

I've replied to everyone and put TAKEN things up... wow its hard work... amybe Ebay next time!! Yet to receive any thanks...

(Seriously I'm not usually miserable!)

and Seriously you cant be miserable else you wouldnt be giving your stuff away!! your right some folks just pure unappreciative!!

[attilla the bun]

Tonight's Freecycle "wants" crop has brightened my evening, though
They want:
Baby hangars (:eek: how many babies have they?)
Piano/freezer (space-saving, anyway)
buffalo trainers (I can't get my buffalo to sit, either..)
and "an egg beater for cooking purposes". As opposed to one just for egg abuse, presumably

[molly316]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
and "an egg beater for cooking purposes". As opposed to one just for egg abuse, presumably

lol seriously nearly swallowed me spoon giggling there

thx 4 the laugh that will teach me 2 eat me brekkie while reading this lol

[zoot]

I know some of you use this a lot but I only registered at the weekend (took 5 mins max)
I had a double bed base which was going to go to the tip because i did not want it with moving house. it was going to cost me £12.50 to get the council to come and fetch it and they could not get it before i moved so i put it on freecycle.
i had 2 people reply straight away saying they would like it and the one i chose (1st to reply) came yesterday to collect. They were thrilled and i had a lovely email back from them thanking me.
Makes you feel all good inside for doing someone a favour.
i will certainly be joining at my new address and wont throw anything decent away without listing it here first now.

http://www.freecycle.org/

[chelseatom]

I gave away an unworking washing machine on there last week, and the man arrange to collect it i was on the school at the time, he was coming 10 miles I think he said, other half dealt with it, text me and said they have collected washer, 2 mins later the fella turns up for washer other half had given it to scrap man, omg how bad did i feel...

[hilmc]

Been with freecycle for two years now, it is truely excellent so long as its done within the remit and you don't get greedy people just wanting all the time. I've been very lucky with the people ive dealt with and they usually give you something to say thanks! Last was a dozen free range eggs for my old chest freezer!:clap2:

[rainbowhope]

..I have been on freecycle 4 months now..and have never been able to get one item...
because demand for ~everything~ is very high in my area...
but it is handy to get rid of the extras to people who want it..:)

[zoot]

Before I moved there were loads of emails with people offering things. now I have moved to a different area there seem to be a lot more 'wanted' messages then 'offering 'ones. Got rid of a headboard I did not need last week.

[moosey]

I gave away an unworking washing machine on there last week, and the man arrange to collect it i was on the school at the time, he was coming 10 miles I think he said, other half dealt with it, text me and said they have collected washer, 2 mins later the fella turns up for washer other half had given it to scrap man, omg how bad did i feel...

OMG I peed myself laughing at that .............

[chelseatom]

OMG I peed myself laughing at that .............

oi wasnt funny, i felt awful :eek:

[WELSH-DRAGON]

I joined it today, after a fellow PTS member pm'd me about a cat being given away on the site - as it happens they wanted another cat to go with it, and I think OH would have a fit if we ended up with 4 cats

welshy x

[Trolley Dash]

freecycle is a great place to give your piccallilli away:D irishmurfy please take note :D

[mhoc]

Its not only the good stuff that can find a new home on freecycle. I had a parasol for the garden furniture but it had a tear in it but someone came and collected it and repaired it, think the brother made sales for boats etc and I had a lovely photo sent of the repaired parosol in the ladies garden.

[Scottishnellie]

My new suite comes next Friday so I want rid of my old leather one on Thursday if possible. I've never used freecycle before. Is it too cheeky to only offer it to anyone who can collect it 8pm-11pm on the Thursday night?

Don't want left without a suite until the day before mine comes. And I don't want anyone coming to the house until my DH is home which will be 8pm onwards.

[Trolley Dash]

My new suite comes next Friday so I want rid of my old leather one on Thursday if possible. I've never used freecycle before. Is it too cheeky to only offer it to anyone who can collect it 8pm-11pm on the Thursday night?

Don't want left without a suite until the day before mine comes. And I don't want anyone coming to the house until my DH is home which will be 8pm onwards.

not at all cheeky - I have done exactly the same if somebody wants something for free they will fit in with your terms and conditions to get it

[Scottishnellie]

Thanks ali :)

I'm trying to join now - is it right that I join yahoo then join the local group through yahoo? Or have I missed something somewhere, and yahoo is just the chat bit of the group? I'm lost :o:confused:

[rainbowhope]

...I had my first freecycle give away today...I am replacing my suite..and the old suite was collected 15 minutes after posting ! JOY!

Never knew getting rid of stuff was so easy !

[Scottishnellie]

Well done! I've joined now and am waiting for the mod to approve it so I can get my suite put on. Hope it goes so I don't need to arrange something else!

[Trolley Dash]

I have never not had anything go on freecycle - I am sure you will be very happy with how quickly it moves.

[Scottishnellie]

I've just put the suite on it just now as had the application approved etc. My neighbour was saying she has never managed to get rid of anything (including her leather suite), and when I looked at other peoples posts there were a couple of decent looking suites that have been on there for a couple of weeks.

Maybe it's not that popular in my area :confused: Will wait and see....

[Scottishnellie]

Well so much for my concerns! Got 15 replies overnight agreeing to collect when suited me. It was horrible trying to decide so I flicked through the emails and my 5 year old daughter chose the 'man who wrote his in pink' lol!

So it's being collected on Thursday night as planned. Yay!

[Freebird]

I like freecycle too - usually don't get replies or manage to get anything but have had a couple of successes. My current office chair was from a really nice chap locally to me - gave him a bottle of T's glitch wine as a thank you - both of us happy :)

Mind you - I once tried to give a 3-piece suite away and the only couple who contacted me for it asked if I could deliver 25 miles away.....when I said no, they asked if it would fit in a Ford Escort......pmsl.

[Trolley Dash]

Well so much for my concerns! Got 15 replies overnight agreeing to collect when suited me. It was horrible trying to decide so I flicked through the emails and my 5 year old daughter chose the 'man who wrote his in pink' lol!

So it's being collected on Thursday night as planned. Yay!

Dont delete the emails from the people you didnt choose - just in case your 1st taker doesnt turn up.
Well done.

[connorsmummy]

i use my local freecycle a lot for getting rid of stuff i don't want but couldn't sell iykwim

one thing that annoys me though is that people are very 'grabby'- i advertised quite a few things a few months back- baby stuff, some kitchen bits, cuddly toy (generation game lol) and had about 10 emails just saying 'i'll take the lot, let me know when i can collect'. no please or thank you, and i just get suspicious of people like that- makes me think that they are just collecting stuff to car boot

having said that i got my suite from freecycle-cost me £25 for a man with a van so was a total bargain

[KAgirl]

I joined freecycle yesterday and got 70 e-mails of offered things - how can I stop that please?

[Scottishnellie]

I joined freecycle yesterday and got 70 e-mails of offered things - how can I stop that please?

I haven't figured that out either :o

[KAgirl]

I joined freecycle yesterday and got 70 e-mails of offered things - how can I stop that please?

Think I may have the answer - go into edit profiles and untick the e-mail me every time box and put read on web. Fingers crossed.

[Scottishnellie]

Well - I am now totally converted!

Got rid of my suite to a very nice man who was most grateful. Then put a 'wanted' on for a fridge freezer or freezer for in my garage (my existing freezer is tiny). I didn't think I stood a chance but nothing ventured....

2 days later got an offer to collect an under the counter freezer. Went off that morning to get it (with a bottle of wine as thanks) and after scrubbing with bleach and white vinegar it came up good as new. DH would not believe I hadn't gone out and bought one until I showed him the emails as proof! Very pleased with myself for getting it in and out of the car, scrubbed, into garage, settled and switched on before DH got in from work.

It's now sitting in the garage stocked full (using MOCs!) of lovely goodies for Christmas :D

[zoot]

Really pleased you had a good experience Scottishnellie. I guess you will be using freecyle a lot in the future!

[clockwatcher]

I'm going back to our old house this weekend to finish emptying it and have advertised all the remaining furniture on freecycle. It looks as if most of it's going to go, which is better than paying someone to take it all away.

[clockwatcher]

Update: GRRR!!!!

Of the 11 items I offered, only one has gone. And the dining suite that someone came to look at, was delighted with, and agreed to take, is now still sitting in the shed, where we manoeuvred it with great difficulty last Sunday, she's just informed me.

One thing that particularly narked me was that two people agreed to take things - one a wardrobe and one a desk (which I'd advertised as a "large, old-fashioned desk" - pulled out because their cars were too small. Why on earth did someone with only a Fiat Seicento agree to take a large desk? GRRR!!!!

OK, so I didn't expect to get rid of everything, and given what a short time I was around for, maybe I shouldn't have expected any more, but I had quite a lot of interest in the stuff I was offering and was disappointed how few expressions of interest actually followed through. :(

[joload]

I am moving on Saturday and have been having a clear out and offering items on freecycle - some kids games and a bunk bed

Firstly there is one requested who emails me every single time with "can i collect today please" everything I offered it was the same and I put at least a dozen items on today - I think she must have an auto response out - then there are the people without manners and the worst of all the people who don't turn up then make elaborate excuses as to why they haven't turned up....ok some of the excuses may be genuine but come on.......

Does anyone else have this.

Of course there are the nice bits and the warm glowwy thing you get for helping others out but the ones that take the Mick really do spoil it.

Sorry rant over.......

[suziq]

i've listed some stuff today, hopefully will be collected
never had a problem before, peeps have always collected, never seem to find anything i want tho lol!

[flufff]

Dont get me started on freecycle.Too many with no manners.Spent a saturday taking down a cabin bed for the woman to not turn up,hmm and ah for 3 days then not want it.
A bunkbed for another woman to turn up in a punto with baby and fat husband in who didnt get out but sat rudely belittling her.I even offered to strap it on the roof but she was worried it may dent the punto.The punto with the missin wing mirror and odd wing.I did email her she needed to sort the fat **** out.

My pc desk the freecycler ebayed.My storage boxes I saw at car boot.

Thus I dont freecycle anymore.

[addictedtosaving]

Dont get me started on freecycle.Too many with no manners.Spent a saturday taking down a cabin bed for the woman to not turn up,hmm and ah for 3 days then not want it.
A bunkbed for another woman to turn up in a punto with baby and fat husband in who didnt get out but sat rudely belittling her.I even offered to strap it on the roof but she was worried it may dent the punto.The punto with the missin wing mirror and odd wing.I did email her she needed to sort the fat **** out.
My pc desk the freecycler ebayed.My storage boxes I saw at car boot.

Thus I dont freecycle anymore.

LMAO. Brilliant.

[holliemon]

I am not a lover of giving anything away - I will give to a charity shop/jumble/church (they send clothing to Africa) etc but even on here I ask for a stamp and then hopefully the people that ask for the items really want them.

I think that if items are for free they will ask for them whether they need them or not

[pammy]

I do love freecycle, just recently got some hair curlers that me and DD have been messing around with.
there are some rude people and I never give to the first one, i give to the nicest one!
I always give clothes to charity as at least they can choose what they want and i know they wont get thrown away once sorted. Kids toys also went to charity. I do think some people just take to make money on them. some list with 'not for resale' but they can never really tell what the person is going to do with it.

[Becles]

I've had mixed responses. I had a seperate fridge and freezer on the list. No interest in the fridge but a few offers for the freezer. Picked a couple who seemed keen, but then they came up with various excuses why they couldn't come - she was ill, then he caught it and then the car broke down etc.

In the mean time, a man enquired about the fridge and I said he could have it. When he came round, he was ever so grateful and explained he was getting divorced and his wife had kicked him out so he was literally starting with nothing in a rented flat. I felt for him and asked if he would like the freezer too and he was absolutely delighted.

Emailed the original couple and explained, and they went absolutely crackers because I'd given away "their" freezer :der:

The best one was when I advertised a small hutch, and then got a thank you email written by the guinea pigs who were very happy in their new home :D

[rainbowhope]

I get mad at charities business (AND OTHERS ) that want to collect my things for RESELL....I was hounded all day by Help for the Aged....making money off my give-aways....fair enough- if I wanted to give to my favorite charity...but trolling freecycle for the money to be made.....I could have sold it on myself.

I make sure my items go to those I know would be of the most benefit...

[Beancounter]

I have had good and bad experiences with freecycle. I love the idea - keeping useable stuff out of landfill. But I do think a lot of people abuse it too - they see it purely as a way to get things for free or make money.

I've had people not show up. But I've also had genuine, nice recipients turn up on time and be chuffed to bits. And the only thing I've ever asked for (a travel cot for a friend) I got offered - it needed a bit of a clean and one of the 'slats' re-stitched, but it saved my friend from buying a new one and stopped the old one going in to landfil - the family we got it from were lovely and said it had just been taking up space in their home.

I think once you've been on freecyle a while, you get to be able to spot the auto replies. (Also, if people are rude, just don't offer them the item. I've done this before - I only got rude replies, so simply re-listed the item a few days later). You also get to know the people that post 'offereds' as well as 'wanteds' and the people that ajust seem to be grabbing everything. Don't forget, it's your item and you can offer it to whomever you want for whatever reason you choose.

Freecycle, I think, is like a lot of things, fabulous in theory, doens't always work in practice. But I keep going - baby with the bathwater and all that :)

[Mamzie]

I really want to declutter after xmas, am with Freecycle, just need to get the guts up to use it...

[Beancounter]

Mamzie, which one are you on? I'm on the Cardiff one, the Vale one and the Bridgend if you wanted any help/input?

[Deejay74uk]

I have registered ages ago but i'm a simpleton and not a clue how 2 use it !!! so 4 now i have give up again !

[Mamzie]

Thanks hun, I'm further in, I want to give thing away rather than chuck them, plus I think its gotta be easier than trying to boot it all. I'll figure it out in a few weeks, but will pick your brains if I can't.

[bibbly]

Can I just add something to this thread (I'm on here often, but I tend to lurk and not post - sorry!)

I have had mixed experiences with Freecycle. However, the best thing I've ever had from there is a boyfriend lolol! I put a single mattress on there in April 08 and when the guy came to collect it (he had a temporary lodger), he was lovely! I emailed him to say thank you for collecting so promptly, a few more emails followed and we've been seeing each other ever since!

So don't give up on Freecycle (especially if you're single lol!!)

xx

[Miss Wetwipe]

Can I just add something to this thread (I'm on here often, but I tend to lurk and not post - sorry!)

I have had mixed experiences with Freecycle. However, the best thing I've ever had from there is a boyfriend lolol! I put a single mattress on there in April 08 and when the guy came to collect it (he had a temporary lodger), he was lovely! I emailed him to say thank you for collecting so promptly, a few more emails followed and we've been seeing each other ever since!

So don't give up on Freecycle (especially if you're single lol!!)

xx

Awww - what a nice story bibbly. I've got a husband who I'll gladly get rid of for free if anyone is interested? Rather old, not in very good condition, smells a bit and has a few stains on the bottom - free to a good home!

[papworth]

I have had quite a lot of success with freecycle both with giving and getting things. The key with giving things away is not to jump at the first person who wants it but wait and evaluate all emails after a day or two. pick someone who seems keen and who has included a phone number so you can call and arrange the collection and someone who is eager to collect asap.
I just give a location in the general post and not the address but I find phone calls easiest to arrange the collection itself rather than emails

[icho]

i'm always grateful fot the things i've got from freecycle. I do email with reasons why i want the item etc but never leave my tel number. some i things i get some i don't but feel that's the luck of the draw.

however there are also people who offer things who are timewasters. i was once offered a coffee table and i emailed back saying how pleased/grateful i was and when would be ok to come and collect. they were not keen on me going to their house, did not want to drop off at mine so after numerous emails agreed to meet to give me said item. I waited and waited and they did not show. I emailed them, got no reply so emailed local admin with news. eventually they found out that they had given table to someone else!

don't get me wrong freecycle is great and i have introduced others to it. But like most things in life it does not always live up to expectations but better to have tried than not at all!

[suziq]

i'm never too keen on the actual 'exchange' find that a bit embarressing, not sure why!

[siennahue]

If I collect something from freecycle I always try to take a gift with me, something like a small bunch of flowers, bottle of wine or chocs.

[heatherks]

i used to freecycle to get rid off my tesco newborn nappies ...and had loads of replies for tehm ...usually charity that deals with young mothers/ parents ..which i didnt mind giving them to ... as no use selling them on ebay because of the weight and dont have a car to get to a car boot sale

but we also have one called Cheapcycle where i advertised the pampers/ huggies on ...just really to get rid of them as my cousin had a bigger baby than expected and didnt really ask much for them ...and only had 1 reply and she came three days after emailing me that she would be here next day

[joload]

Thanks for all your replies - I know I am not the only one and one guy came for a wardrobe today and he and his wife wee ever so nice and grateful - just using manners is all that is needed.

I do wait and read replies - no manners and it is straight away deleted.

I reoffered the bed - and when it was picked up he complained that I took too long to answer the door ???? I felt really uneasy and glad he went quick.

Love the way to meet up with someone ....hmmm now what else can I offer......

[suesmith]

i use freecycle a lot and have had good and bad - however the good makes it worthwhile.

i have had an almost brand new ikea pax wardrobe for my daughter but my best was when my washer broke i asked and someone offered me a washer dryer that was like new, i then freecycled on when i had finshed with it - the people came within the hour and were so greatful

however - my dh works with someone who asks for everything, then if she gets it carboots or ebays it (not short of cash as she owns a villa abroad that they paid cash for); when our washer broke she had a spare one sat doing nothing but didnt offer but was most miffed that i freecycled the one donated to us and she didnt get it!!!

maybe thats why she has what she's got and i'm scratting around for bargains

[rhubex]

hiya

mixed experience with freecycle too, but find that with most things in life - its the people who make the process work or not. Currently sitting with uncollected Friends videos, car seat for toddler and kitchen table (although table now out in garden!!)

will relist items this week.

G:)

[Floosy]

Well I was just taking a nosey on freecycle and will next week be picking up a newish bed with matress, because the woman cannot face having students this year. Told her I was getting rid of George's Thomas the Tank bed and thats why I needed single bed; Said woman is having George's Thomas bed for her 1 yr old grandson - Twas my first experience of swap!

[fluffybunny2]

i've never been on freecycle before. how do you search for things?

[suesmith]

you have to join your local group (if you haven't already) and then you either set your preferances to daily digest or individual emails - i have mine set to emails cos by the time you have got your digest a lot of the things will already have gone

usually not worth searching back more than a few days as most stuff goes quickly

[honeybunch]

Ive had mixed experiences too, had some people not turn up then some that are very grateful! I gave away a vtech walker. The man was so grateful when he picked it up and emailed whne he ot home to thank me again saying hsi daughter really loved it, made me fel all warm! Ive given away loads and recieved a lot too. :)

[Emmamed]

i will have a few things to give away soon, once i have sorted the garage out. i have read about these auto responses, how can u tell these ppl apart from the proper messages, where ppl have been bothered to type a message.

[honeybunch]

hiya

mixed experience with freecycle too, but find that with most things in life - its the people who make the process work or not. Currently sitting with uncollected Friends videos, car seat for toddler and kitchen table (although table now out in garden!!)

will relist items this week.

G:)

Do you live near me lol as I need a table and love Friends.:rofl::eyebrows:

[Emmamed]

though i would have a look, tried .com and co.uk but nothing, whats the addy pls, someone.

[Beej]

though i would have a look, tried .com and co.uk but nothing, whats the addy pls, someone.

It's .org Emma, try this link (http://uk.freecycle.org/). HTH

[princessa]

We've just bought a new electric fire, and are going to pull the old gas one out. Can it be freecycled, or is it best to scrap it? I worry about giving things like that away incase there's something wrong with them.

[fairygirl]

After me and OH moved in together on a very tight budget, I have been very lucky on freecycle and got some great furniture items. I'm always very friendly and explain that have just moved in with OH ect and make sure to collect at their convenience and for the larger items take a box of choccies or something, it's just about manners and coutesy....but i do laugh when i see some peoples wanted posts........consoles, pc's, Nintendo DS ect.....can't imagine many people would give those sort of things away to a stranger....there was also one woman who listed everything she wanted for each room in her house down to colour and make. Also the people that are rude in their wanted posts really bother me....had one a couple of days ago that simply said 'wanted - double bed. Not Divan'......no please, no thank you....i can assure that if i had a spare bed it wouldn't be going to them!

Sorry rant over!

[suziq]

lol, getting the jerk around about me old plates now, but picked up my first wanted today although didnt quite fit when i got it home, Oh had finished his tea before he noticed he was sitting on a new chair

[Emmamed]

just had a quick look, am i able to sign up to more than 1 local area??? as theres a few which are very local to me.

[Mamzie]

I did

[Emmamed]

grrr i need a yahoo id, used to have 1 ages ago then forgot the login, 2nd one i havent a clue. i hate yahoo.

[chelseatom]

today i advertised a loads of stuff on freecycle, 3 bin liners of boys clothes, 1 bag of boys shoes and footy boots, a brand new liverpool kit, 2 x box guns, 2 x box games, 2 brand new lamps in boxes

i said collection asap, everyone came and collected, not so much as a bottle of vino or a bar of choc for my trouble!

[Deejay74uk]

today i advertised a loads of stuff on freecycle, 3 bin liners of boys clothes, 1 bag of boys shoes and footy boots, a brand new liverpool kit, 2 x box guns, 2 x box games, 2 brand new lamps in boxes

i said collection asap, everyone came and collected, not so much as a bottle of vino or a bar of choc for my trouble!



They even took the liverpool kit ........ i wouldnt have that even for free :D !!! lol

[chelseatom]

How rude, one woman said can i deliver the item, only 27 miles away, no please no thanks cock all

[Deejay74uk]

How rude, one woman said can i deliver the item, only 27 miles away, no please no thanks cock all

pmsl @ u ........ i would of delivered it to get rid of it .............can you freecycle your oh whilst they r still wearing LFC kit ? lol

[Deejay74uk]

Ok this freecycle malarky is it a secret club or what ?? i joined (well i thought i had)then they emailed me to say they needed more info which i have sent back twice that was on the 8th of jan...............Still nothing :mad:. Is usual for it to take this long to join ???

Maybe its my postcode thats leeting me down lol :eek:

[fairygirl]

I've always been a fan of freecycle. In the past I've given a couple of things away and recieved plenty in return, but has anyone else noticed that since the group moved over to yahoo, you get nothing put ridiculous wanted emails....just in the last 2 days there has been requests for, amongt other things:

A laptop (had about 4 different requests for laptops in the last month)
An electric guitar (black or red only)
Another electric or acoustic guitar
Gold clubs,trolly and shoes
A king size bed (must be in immaculate condition)
A Volvo (for spares or repair)

I usually get about 15 - 20 emails a day and probably 2 or 3 are items offered. Me thinks people have somewhat lost the spirit of what freecycle is all about.....:(

[Deejay74uk]

I've always been a fan of freecycle. In the past I've given a couple of things away and recieved plenty in return, but has anyone else noticed that since the group moved over to yahoo, you get nothing put ridiculous wanted emails....just in the last 2 days there has been requests for, amongt other things:

A laptop (had about 4 different requests for laptops in the last month)
An electric guitar (black or red only)
Another electric or acoustic guitar
Gold clubs,trolly and shoes
A king size bed (must be in immaculate condition)
A Volvo (for spares or repair)

I usually get about 15 - 20 emails a day and probably 2 or 3 are items offered. Me thinks people have somewhat lost the spirit of what freecycle is all about.....:(


Me 2 fairygirl and i have only been a member for about a month ...... black or red guitar ???? so if it green its useless some people are nutz lol

[suziq]

i know, some 'wants' are crazy! we all want these things lol
recently some of my things havent gone, so off to the charity shop with them

[jacijim]

their isnt 1 any where near where i live :mad:

[Scrungee]

I now take any unwanted stuff (that's not suitable for charity shops) to the nearest recycling centre which sells it on very cheaply, and whilst there I normally get a few bargains myself.

[mhoc]

Having a moan about my local Freecycle group.

I've been having a sort out of the study which took days, got everything that I wanted to Freecycle arranged on the dining table and finally got to list them up this morning. I listed them all in seperate messages becuase its a a bit of a mish mash of items.

The iidea was that everything would be gone before lunchtime so we could use the table again for the 1st time in a week

All my messages I wrote up before 9 this morning but all had to wait for the mods approval. So far on my group nobody has had any new messages posted this morning and none of my messages have been listed, stiill waiting approval, 3 hours later.

So annoying, nothing I can do about it but I really wanted everything done this morning :(

[BritBrat]

Anyone got any tips on how to see what is on offer early?

RSS feeds would be great and I have had that working once but I think Yahoo T&C do not allow it.

At the moment I am using MSN live to notify me and I have rules to put offers in a offers folder.

Does anyone know of any tools to help/use with Freecycle?

[rainbowhope]

..Thanks for reminding me ...I need to put a fish tank on and 6 new chairs !...

I tried selling the new chairs cheap--but no one wanted them..: /

I probably cant give my stuff away !!!

[madline]

sit by the computer day and night....oh, we do already lol

[britchic4]

When you reply, make your message very polite.
You wouldn't believe some of them.

[Beancounter]

When you reply, make your message very polite.
You wouldn't believe some of them.

Bad spelling, text speak and bad grammar also tend to put me off, and automatically generated 'I am interested in your item' replies get deleted straight away.

I also personally don't like when people say stuff like 'I'm interested in your (whatever), please telephone me on blah blah blah as I don't check my email much, and tend to offer items to people who can/will correspond using email.

[rainbowhope]

....well, some of the 'not-so-well-off' often dont have those spelling, grammar skills..but have the most worthy need.

Cant tell you the amount of stuff I have given to needy single mothers with poor spelling.

I, personally, hate the ones trying to make money off my stuff...the resellers!

[Maverick]

I am the owner of my local freecyle or freggle as a lot of them are called now (big falls out with management) So get to see it all first ;O)
But yes agree with bean, i hate the ones that ask me to ring them, or ask for all items listed, for example I recently listed two lawnmowers, they wanted both. I allways wait a while now and decide who to contact and its allways the polite ones!

[Beancounter]

....well, some of the 'not-so-well-off' often dont have those spelling, grammar skills..but have the most worthy need.

Cant tell you the amount of stuff I have given to needy single mothers with poor spelling.

I, personally, hate the ones trying to make money off my stuff...the resellers!

I do know what you mean, bad spelling and grammer is a pet peeve of mine, I know it's not an 'indicator of worthiness' (if there is such a thing), it's just something that gets my hackles up sometimes.

I've struggled with spelling all my life (and get it wrong a lot too), so try to take the time and make the effort to ensure anything I write (be it a forum post, blog article, e-mail, etc) reads correctly and is spell checked. Because I do that myself, I guess it appears to me that the person sending me the email using bad spelling and grammer just couldn't be bothered.

I appreciate that this is just my point of view. But the OP asked for advice and I wanted to list the things that may put me off when deciding which person to offer an item to.

[BritBrat]

I am not trying to buy to sell and infact only looking for specific items.

I have a project I am working on and free parts would be great to test it, if then I am happy with it I will buy new parts.

Sorry for spelinz and gamma errors.

[Beancounter]

I am not trying to buy to sell and infact only looking for specific items.

I have a project I am working on and free parts would be great to test it, if then I am happy with it I will buy new parts.

Does your local group allow you to post 'wanted' ads? If so, it might be worth asking for exactly what you want rather than waiting for an 'offered' post.

[BritBrat]

Yes they do but others also keep asking and I think there is a permanent request.

[britchic4]

You may only be able to post Wanted when you have offered something, so might be worth offering something if you have it.
I don't mind bad grammar or spelling, but I don't like people assuming they have a right to my stuff or asking if I will deliver!!
There is no way to assess if people are 'worthy'. Whatever sob story you get could be a pack of lies.

[BritBrat]

I will tell you what I am working on.

I don't know how many computers you have in the home but here we have 5 and what I am trying to build is a system that will automaticly backup files from every computer and not duplicate any file twice, it will aslo let you restore lost files or a complete system from one central storage area.

Now would you not like that?

Maybe not untill you have deleted your photos buy accident.

You may only be able to post Wanted when you have offered something, so might be worth offering something if you have it.
I don't mind bad grammar or spelling, but I don't like people assuming they have a right to my stuff or asking if I will deliver!!
There is no way to assess if people are 'worthy'. Whatever sob story you get could be a pack of lies.


I gave somthing away last week it went in 4 mins and loads more wanted it.

[Beancounter]

Yes they do but others also keep asking and I think there is a permanent request.

What area are you in hun? If you overlap areas, is there another one you could join? (For example, I'm a member of both Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Freecycle groups).

[BritBrat]

Yes filtering 4 I think well at least 2, no I am sure its 4 :)

I think Cardif may be a bit far, I can see Wales from here.

[Beancounter]

Yes filtering 4 I think well at least 2, no I am sure its 4 :)

Wow! :D Good luck with your project.

[rainbowhope]

..I dont suppose you need a fish tank for this project ?...LOL

U could use the 2 large angelfish as guinea pigs !

[Maverick]

I would do a wanted ad......

[BritBrat]

I have managed to get two lots of computer parts so way on the way to doing what I wanted.

But this has given me another idea, I may keep it up and see if I can build free computers for the not so well off living in my area, they will not be the lastest high spec machines but they will be able to do word processing and web access.

May have to make their home page PTS :)

[Gizmos]

I have managed to get two lots of computer parts so way on the way to doing what I wanted.

But this has given me another idea, I may keep it up and see if I can build free computers for the not so well off living in my area, they will not be the lastest high spec machines but they will be able to do word processing and web access.

May have to make their home page PTS :)

BritBrat - I have a few spare parts here and things can lay hands on - memory / hard drives / keyboards / mice etc - let me know if I can help

[BritBrat]

Thanks I will keep it in mind if I get stuck for anything.

Nice offer.

It really annoys me when I go to local tip and see all these computers thrown away.

[Gizmos]

Thanks I will keep it in mind if I get stuck for anything.

Nice offer.

It really annoys me when I go to local tip and see all these computers thrown away.

you should be able to reuse most of the chassis - bit of CIF etc - also have tons of power cables

[heatherks]

I am not trying to buy to sell and infact only looking for specific items.

I have a project I am working on and free parts would be great to test it, if then I am happy with it I will buy new parts.

Sorry for spelinz and gamma errors.



what about putting a "Wanted " ad on freecycle

when i list anything its usually always the same people that respond first i used to think they had a n allert on their computer ...agree with a few of the other the ones who expect you to do all the running even had a few saying i'll take it if you can deliver also had one who was always asking for Silver cross ..baby and dolls prams for his wife ..sister , daughter etc ...even though he had thanked person for ones he got already ...now how many of these do you need in a year

[BritBrat]

I have had one computer running the last two days doing stress and memory tests.

It is not much good at the moment as hard drive is to small 1Gig only, a little more than the memory size but it is running well, it has XP Home activated as one I got had the key attached to case.

So for a week not a bad start.

I got the hang of this freecycle now.

[chrissy71]

Recently joined Freecycle and just wondered how other people go about replying to someones offer.
Is it ok ...... to reply as soon as i receive email that someones offer post is on the website or is it best to wait so it doesnt look like your desperate?
Should i supply a contact number and say when i could possible collect the item in question or is that too pushy?
I have in the past replied as soon as post was made available saying i was interested and could i been considered but havent had much luck.

[mhoc]

Recently joined Freecycle and just wondered how other people go about replying to someones offer.
Is it ok ...... to reply as soon as i receive email that someones offer post is on the website or is it best to wait so it doesnt look like your desperate?
Should i supply a contact number and say when i could possible collect the item in question or is that too pushy?
I have in the past replied as soon as post was made available saying i was interested and could i been considered but havent had much luck.

It does tend to be fastest fingers and its always a good idea to give your mob number and your landline plus your email address.

I dont think you are supposed to but I tend to be chatty and friendly and often give a reson for needing the item. personally I've been on the recieving end of dozens of "give it to me" emails which seem very grasping

[chrissy71]

It does tend to be fastest fingers and its always a good idea to give your mob number and your landline plus your email address.

I dont think you are supposed to but I tend to be chatty and friendly and often give a reson for needing the item. personally I've been on the recieving end of dozens of "give it to me" emails which seem very grasping


Yeah i have had a few strange replies .... peeps wanting our xmas lights and tree for their babies 1st xmas (do u think they will know what all the fuss is about - mine didnt lol)

Others we have seen included someone wanting a laptop for their 1yr old - must be a bright kid.

Does everyone use a sob story?

[grunnie]

Have been giving stuff to freecycle then freegle for ages. What really annoys me is people saying they will turn up and then nothing happens - you email again and wait in another day. Offered a dinner set ( 10 place settings ) and it has been sitting in my hall waiting for someone to collect it since Sunday. he didn't turn up again yesterday. What annoys me I had 4 replies and then I re offered it and he said he still wanted it.So my tip for freegle is turn up when you said you would. You get to know the local freecyclers and almost know what they like. I tidy out my makeup and skin care about twice a year and the same person is delighted to get it so now I just choose her when she replies.The best item I received was a trolley which holds all my pot plants:D

[Aardvaak]

My local one is just full of wanted requests

[suziq]

i got tha majority of my winemaking supplies from freecycle, and a ring to make my xmas wreath
i give lots away too and i would say be very polite, give a reason why you want it and turn up when u say u will
did you shift the chairs? i'm still on garden chairs at the dining table lol

[Gizmos]

are all wants etc on Freecycle moderated - I think they are but am disgusted to see this in WANTS - just feel its totally outscope of what it's a about and

Preferably 32" or larger. Required by 3 year old TV addict, who currently suffers from: a broken tv, terrible boredom due to cold weather outside and a daddy with an empty wallet!!

in the same way as well - if I was a moderator on freecycle would not allow this one either under OFFERS - how can you tell its going to a good home??

lush lionhead rabbit need a new home as i have no time for him now

[fairygirl]

are all wants etc on Freecycle moderated - I think they are but am disgusted to see this in WANTS - just feel its totally outscope of what it's a about and

Preferably 32" or larger. Required by 3 year old TV addict, who currently suffers from: a broken tv, terrible boredom due to cold weather outside and a daddy with an empty wallet!!

in the same way as well - if I was a moderator on freecycle would not allow this one either under OFFERS - how can you tell its going to a good home??

lush lionhead rabbit need a new home as i have no time for him now

I've posted a few times about the things that get listed in wanted, it really takes away the spirit of what it's all about, had one today asking for a laptop or iphone?! With regards to animals, it's in the T&C's that you must not list animals so some really bad moderating going on!

I've posted a few offers and been messed about with people expecting delivery etc, haven't bothered with it for a while now.....

[Dominic]

When giving stuff away I would always wait until I had had a reply that sounded genuine. I never used to look at the wants tbh, as most seemed in the league of those mentioned above, greedy.

I had good experiences from mine, think I said earlier inc a guy who gave me a bottle of wine and a lady who turned up with a battered van full of fresh faced and very polite kids and was lovely.

[Gizmos]

well i just gave away a tele and combi unit and jeez some of the replies were so rude - almost threatening

[Dominic]

You're joking Giz? Threatening in what way? Surely such users need to be reported?

cab you believe people would be anything but cheesily nice when asking for free stuff :der:

[Polo]

You're joking Giz? Threatening in what way? Surely such users need to be reported?

cab you believe people would be anything but cheesily nice when asking for free stuff :der:

No I cab believe :rofl:

(haha got you spelling police!)

Thats awful Giz - I've not used Freecycle, I'd like to but its stories like that that put me off.:behindsofa:

[Gizmos]

You're joking Giz? Threatening in what way? Surely such users need to be reported?

cab you believe people would be anything but cheesily nice when asking for free stuff :der:

well i gave it to about the third person who replied as they were nice and i wrote to the others and said sorry on this occassion you have not been successful but if the item is not collecte dby xxx wld be in touch

replies such as "wtf - I can collect it now and not <insert expletive> you about.

[Dominic]

Amazing aren't they! As if you'd go back to some pillock like that

[Gizmos]

forwarded the emails onto the mods

[suesmith]

i had one guy who had obviously set up an auto responder reply to everything i offered, emailed him back to ask why he wanted such a diverse range of items but never had a reply.

i did post a wanted when my washer broke and a very kind person took pity on me

i hate the "i will come now and take it off your hands" er no you won't

before christmas i put on our old christmas tree stating collection only, had a few replies and picked on that looked most worthy (a charity), got a reply back telling me where to take it as she worked and had no transport! neeedless to say she got a reply back telling her i also worked, also in a school and did not offer a delivery service, gave it to the next one on my list who came straight away and were so greatful.

[BritBrat]

Someone wanted some music for OH birthday, I seen the post and kept eye on it for a while but they never got any reply so I posted it to them (Royal Mail), they were so happy to get it and I also did MP3 files as well as a bonus. :)

I noticed they were always giving things away but not often requesting.

I have posted one wanted but never got it.

If anyone here has an Orchid Dialer they no longer use, well you know where you can send it. :)

This is what one looks like:
ebay.co.uk (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Orchid-Electronics-V4-Dialer-plus-%2F-V4-Dialler_W0QQitemZ220516108287QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq 20091126?IMSfp=TL091126151003r11448)

OMG they never cost that much from new.

[britchic4]

When I put our spare double bed on there with memory foam topper I had more than 30 replies but most were after only the topper. Of those that wanted the bed, only 1 had the means to collect it.

[princessa]

I've posted a few times about the things that get listed in wanted, it really takes away the spirit of what it's all about, had one today asking for a laptop or iphone?! .

I never understand why some people ask for such expensive things. If someone had laptops or iphones to get rid of, they'd either sell them, or give them to a friend/family member rather than some cheeky sod on the net. Surely they can never be offered the really cheeky stuff?

[mhoc]

When giving stuff away I would always wait until I had had a reply that sounded genuine. I never used to look at the wants tbh, as most seemed in the league of those mentioned above, greedy.

I had good experiences from mine, think I said earlier inc a guy who gave me a bottle of wine and a lady who turned up with a battered van full of fresh faced and very polite kids and was lovely.

Sometimes you meet some very nice people through Freecycle.

One lady I met when I was sorting m-i-ls house had come home from work one day to find her OH had left, taking almost every stick of furniture in the house, leaving her and teenage son with almost nothing. Through Freecycle she had got herself together again and as she replaced items the items she had got from Freecycle went back into the system.

My m-i-l had also collected a huge set of Christmas trees of all descriptions. One lady was having a Christmas inspired wedding (in October :confused:) and took all of them but again put them all back on Freecycle after the wedding

[suziq]

we have restarted our house upgrade after a year off and passed on some bits lately to gratefull peeps, on recently had just moved in and took out old telly stand and cd rack, in problem free transactions.
tis a pain tho when peeps dont turn up or simply mess you around

[chrissy71]

Is this right or wrong.......

A freecycler offered a PC on our local freecycle to which my husband replied back straight away asking to be considered for it. In no time at all of the PC being listed a 'taken' email arrived stating that PC had been taken. This was a freecycle system email. No sooner had he received the system email he received a private email from the actual freecycler apologising for not being able to give the listed PC to him but he did have a PC for sale for £40 if he was interested. Is this allowed?
We have seen that this freecycler does ask for alot of old PC/laptop and spare parts - so looks like he could be getting parts and building/refurbishing PC's.
What makes it more suspicous is the taken email arriving straight after the listing. Who's to say that it was a bogus listing to find out who was interested and then contact people privately.
My husband has contacted the admins for freecycle and they dont think he has done anything wrong but surely it cant be allowed to contact others privately and offer to sell them items that they are also listing on freecycle.
What do others think?

[tigger73]

I didn't think this was allowed either, thought there was something in their rules about not gaining monetry offers. really surprised the admins say he has done nothng wrong.

[BritBrat]

Keep a list of his postings and see if there is a pattern. You may be able to do a search of his name.

Then if so contact the admin again with the findings.

But he could just make a new name and join again.

On the Frecycle I use there is someone who asks for all the parts, builds computers from them, then offers back a working computer free.

[Gizmos]

think I have seen it all now - here's one posting near me!!


desparate for a car with little mot and tax.any type would would be
highly appreciated. can collect. many thanks

[fairygirl]

think I have seen it all now - here's one posting near me!!


desparate for a car with little mot and tax.any type would would be
highly appreciated. can collect. many thanks

:spit: aww well at least they're willing to collect! Honest to God, the cheek of people! lol

We've just had an admin come round about 1 or 2 members that are asking for items and then selling them on ebay or at car boots :nono:

[connorsmummy]

think I have seen it all now - here's one posting near me!!


desparate for a car with little mot and tax.any type would would be
highly appreciated. can collect. many thanks

there was a car given away on my local freecycle over the weekend, a vauxhall cavelier if i remember correctly- still had some mot and tax AND £20 of petrol in the tank!!

[fairygirl]

we had an offer a yesterday for a Nintendo DS with games, i figured it was too good to be true but thought well why not ask! As suspected, i've had an email today saying this

Hello;
I thought I'd do a quick reply to Thank You for your email requesting my sons old Nintendo DS but it has gone to the first person who replied. I know these can be quite expensive but did you know about [url]http://************** ?


I got my sons new Nintendo DSi from there just for doing a free Lovefilm dvd rental trial (basically you choose one offer to complete, I did Lovefilm as it's all free but you can choose other free ones like intuit trial or deposit £10 on Little Bid Tasty, etc...)


Anyway, just thought I'd pass on the info as personally I would have liked someone to tell me about it sooner (you can choose other gifts too; my sister received a £100 Amazon voucher from them too).


Thanks.

I think it's safe to say there was no nintendo DS to start with! should i report it do you think, or just delete it as lets be honest if something looks too good to be true it's usually because it is!

[Polo]

Hmmmm I'd report and delete, and I'd edit the link out of your post above just in case.

Some people eh!

[mhoc]

I saw this one on my Freecycle tonight

HI HAS ANY ONE GOT A LARGE GAZIBO, ALSO A 10FT ROUND SWIMMIMG POOL

Just wonder if they are planning a home birth in the back garden :D

[abbie star 123]

my freecycle removed me for not posting but i cant post all the time i did post lots of stuff at first but then didnt for a while

[MissMolly]

I saw this one on my Freecycle tonight

HI HAS ANY ONE GOT A LARGE GAZIBO, ALSO A 10FT ROUND SWIMMIMG POOL

Just wonder if they are planning a home birth in the back garden :D


Thankyou mhoc, that has really made me laugh.... maybe coz its like something I would do, not the home birth bit tho lol

I would however put a gazebo around the pool for a bit of privacy! :D

Just came on to see what kind of things people give in exchange - wonder if a few bottles of 25p lenor would be welcome - am picking up a mini fridge later, which will be ideal for keeping my injections in. :D
Fabric conditioner would probably make a change from wine lol

[connorsmummy]

I thought the term Freecycle was self explanatory- recycling your old things for free.

Put an ad on Freecycle asking if anyone has upgraded their hoover as I would be happy to receive their old one, and I have had 2 messages saying yes I have a hoover, you can have it for £50 and £100 respectively.

If I had £50 would I be asking for a hoover on Freecycle????

ETA I replied to both emails and said thank you for the offer but I really can't afford it right now- one of them replied and said ok you can have it for £25, its a good deal and you're not gonna get one any cheaper!

[princesskerry]

I thought the term Freecycle was self explanatory- recycling your old things for free.

Put an ad on Freecycle asking if anyone has upgraded their hoover as I would be happy to receive their old one, and I have had 2 messages saying yes I have a hoover, you can have it for £50 and £100 respectively.

If I had £50 would I be asking for a hoover on Freecycle????

ETA I replied to both emails and said thank you for the offer but I really can't afford it right now- one of them replied and said ok you can have it for £25, its a good deal and you're not gonna get one any cheaper!

Thats a joke can you not report these people CM, how tight is that.Sure you can pick a Tesco value hoover up for cheaper then that so please dont stoop to buying from these people hun.

Hope you manage to find one.

[connorsmummy]

Thats a joke can you not report these people CM, how tight is that.Sure you can pick a Tesco value hoover up for cheaper then that so please dont stoop to buying from these people hun.

Hope you manage to find one.

Yep, the tesco value hoover is cheaper- they haven't had any in my store for a while.

A lovely lady responded saying that she had a hoover and I was welcome to it- turns out she lives 10 minutes down the road and has 2 little boys. She is a trainee hairdresser and nail technician so I'm going back later to have my nails done as she wants the practice.

So I've made a new friend thanks to Freecycle :D

[Gizmos]

Yep, the tesco value hoover is cheaper- they haven't had any in my store for a while.

A lovely lady responded saying that she had a hoover and I was welcome to it- turns out she lives 10 minutes down the road and has 2 little boys. She is a trainee hairdresser and nail technician so I'm going back later to have my nails done as she wants the practice.

So I've made a new friend thanks to Freecycle :D

thats good then - new friend - free hoover - and free nail treatments -

[connorsmummy]

thats good then - new friend - free hoover - and free nail treatments -

Yep! AND she's gonna cut Connor's pikey hair and highlight mine (although not today lol) because she needs the practice.

Sometimes new friends can come from the strangest places lol

[lisa84]

I thought the term Freecycle was self explanatory- recycling your old things for free.

Put an ad on Freecycle asking if anyone has upgraded their hoover as I would be happy to receive their old one, and I have had 2 messages saying yes I have a hoover, you can have it for £50 and £100 respectively.

If I had £50 would I be asking for a hoover on Freecycle????

ETA I replied to both emails and said thank you for the offer but I really can't afford it right now- one of them replied and said ok you can have it for £25, its a good deal and you're not gonna get one any cheaper!

Report them!!! I had one on mine asking people if they wanted a free ann summers party and I reported them...its not for money making. Send the mods the emails and they will sort it.

Yesterday I gave away a tv on freecycle but sorry no hoover.

[connorsmummy]

Report them!!! I had one on mine asking people if they wanted a free ann summers party and I reported them...its not for money making. Send the mods the emails and they will sort it.

Yesterday I gave away a tv on freecycle but sorry no hoover.

I forwarded both emails on to the mods of my group.

Don't be sorry lol, I managed to get one from a lovely lady who lives not far from me- looks like I have a new friend :)

[princesskerry]

Yep! AND she's gonna cut Connor's pikey hair and highlight mine (although not today lol) because she needs the practice.

Sometimes new friends can come from the strangest places lol

That is so nice Connorsmummy, she sounds like someone you want to hang on too.

[madline]

bit fed up with my local freecycle.
i have just offered 3 different kids garden toys and i have had lots of requests for them but not one person has asked nicely for them! i have had some people say "i can collect these tomorrow" or "i can take these off your hands" but i haven't had a please or thank you in the same request. i listed a silver fridge/freezer a while back and let the 1st person to reply have it...they messed me about and when they collected, they never even said thank you. am i being picky..would just be nice for a "genuine" in need person to show afew manners????

[Poundsinbucks]

Next time, why not add a line to your listing with 'only polite requests considered' or words to that effect. At the end of the day it is up to you who you give it to, so you can be picky, I would ;).

Poundsinbucks x

[madline]

Next time, why not add a line to your listing with 'only polite requests considered' or words to that effect. At the end of the day it is up to you who you give it to, so you can be picky, I would ;).

Poundsinbucks x


yes, that's a good idea thank you. i'm no prude, but i just can't believe the way some peeps ask for things. if i ask for something on f/c i always use capitals/punctuation (not like i do on here lol) adding a reason/lots of manners and hope for the best, after all they want rid and i would like to give the item a good home and often i am lucky. if i was that desperate to get rid of stuff it would be a lot less hassle for me just to take it to my local tip up the road, but i would like to think that someone could make use of it!

[Dominic]

There are some really nice appreciative people on there but also some greedy users who need to get some manners.

The responses you had are not untypical, sadly, as if they are doing you a favour, and yes it's really blady annoying! In the past when I did it I just ignored them.

I did have a couple of heart warming experiences, there are some good uns out there!

[WHITEGUINEAPIG]

it does give you a good feeling, i give now and again and the last lady was really pleased

[sandhabibi]

I get the same with my local one too...Recently one reply was I'll have it call me...lol.yeh right, A please and thank you go a long way...

[bibbly]

Totally agree with this. I've also left things out for different people because I was going to work and the first woman took the WHOLE lot. I emailed her and she said "oh sorry, I didn't realise, I'll return it all" but of course never did :(

I always ask politely for things but mostly give away. I have a little "blacklist" of people though and I won't let them have anything! Also I always put on my posts "please don't ask if you have let me down before".

Bibbly x

[izzy65]

I honestly don't think some people have any manners, I put an advert on gumtree for a "free sofa" and the first reply simply said I'll take the sofa, no hi or even a thank you, I think some people are out for everything they can get for free.

[heatherks]

we had one a few years ago asking for both baby & dolls silvercross prams ... they also wrote thankyou so knew they had recieved offers then a few weeks later it would be same add asking for one for their relation's neighbour's friend's etc etc ..

[bibbly]

However, as I have said before, I did once "get" a man from Freecycle! We ended up dating for several months :)

[madline]

However, as I have said before, I did once "get" a man from Freecycle! We ended up dating for several months :)



and did you offer him back on freecycle when you had finished with him? lol

[bibbly]

and did you offer him back on freecycle when you had finished with him? lol

Nope. He was all used up by then :eek::D:D

Bibbly x