Freecycle rant! - Page 2

[mommaduck]

Originally Posted by SleeplessMommy

You might want to post on your local craigslist instead ... more sanity!

On our local freecycle (somewhat farther west of philly) there is apparently a woman who asks for everything, even useless things. For fun, the mods posted "large box with address on it" (or something like that) and sure enough, the lady came and got it. Apparently her house is full, her front yard is full, and the township is complaining ... or something like that.

Yep, I'm considering Craigslist.


I remember the "begging" in our previous area used to be bad...cars, computers, etc. I received tear jerking stories on why they needed to be picked for my item over everyone else. One time I did choose someone over another person...the person I chose was in greater need and their story sounded more honest. (Ironically, I was giving away a bed at that time) The guy I turned down sent me the nastiest email!

[jeninejessica]

I got a "warning" and my ad taken down because I forgot to add in the location att he end of my ad. ie "OFFER: box of kitchen stuff- Charleswood" Like seriiiioouuuusssllly? That picky?
My freecycle is mostly good for people not asking for insane items, but my kijiji has a LOT of people asking for baby clothes, furniture and other misc items- and some of them are very picky about how nice they are, which brands, etc, and they want them dropped off.

[mommaduck]

Yes, our's is picky about adding in the area. It's understandable though as our county is very spread out.

[KBinSATX]

Wow! I didn't even know somebody keeps track of the balance of wanted and offered stuff...

[mommaduck]

Originally Posted by KBinSATX

Wow! I didn't even know somebody keeps track of the balance of wanted and offered stuff...

Yeah, I wouldn't even know HOW they do it. Must be a spreadsheet...someone has A LOT of time on their hands....

[~Megan~]

that is not in the spirit of freecycle. some people have more to give and some have greater need.

[thixle]

I wanna gripe, too! I've given all sorts of good things away... and ended up donating a TV to a thrift store because no one would come get it

I just posted, wanting a twin boxspring or platform bed-- I explained we had an air mattress, so a "plain" bed frame wouldn't work. Apparently, that was too wordy, and it got shortened and incomprehensible. I got a nasty email from someone telling me the local thrift store had rails for $5 a set and I was just being picky, wanting a fancy bed for free : Some people just get... nasty. And we have no local craigslist!

[filiadeluna]

That's ridiculous. I just applied for my local FreeCycle, and was rejected "for not supplying a zip code", but I DID enter my zip code!!! So I replied stating that, and was told I am "welcome to reapply" in that case. WTF? Why not just go ahead and accept me? :

I am tempted to not bother hearing how nitpicky everything is. I was hoping to see if there were any free baby items. Not that I would mind paying - but some people still expect a lot of money for some things that are in crappy condition.

The local Craigslist here is very active, and I've managed to actually SELL quite a few things on there, as well as find some good deals. I don't mind paying a modest amount of money for things if it's something I need anyway. I may just stick to Craigslist & selling on eBay. Beyond that, I sometimes have a yard sale or will just donate things to the local thrift store (they pick up items).

[mommaduck]

I wonder if it's possible to start another local Freecycle list with better rules...or at least a lot less pickiness. Or if there a way to complain to the main Freecycle site about the way some of the lists are run.

Btw, we were blessed with extra beds beyond comprehension. Someone in our church gave us two twin mattresses, a twin frame, and a nearly new bed to replace our own. Uncle is leaving us his bed and the futon. So we now have what we need and even some guest beds for when relatives visit.

[A&A]

Originally Posted by chinaKat

The worst thing on my group is that even if you respond within five minutes, you're never the first responder. Clearly, some people have set up auto response emails, and folks that don't post a lot of offers aren't wise to that. It really bums me out -- it's like the scalpers getting through to buy tickets before the regular folks do!

That's why I never pick the person with the generic response like "I am interested in this." I also wait awhile to pick someone. I usually pick the person who is the nicest about it.

Our group, BTW, has the rule that you can only post one "wanted" for every "offer" that you post.