Freecycle...kind of a gripe

**mom23boyz** · 02-18-2009, 06:01 PM

So I am a member of my local Freecycle...great! I do want to gripe...I know beggers cann't be choosers but there is a point..... People around here post offers and then never reply once they are taken...they kinda leave ya hangin thens theres the ones you agree to give to the want and they never show up for the stuff...ex I had a lady posted she wanted newspaper....I replied I had a few bags and she said she'd come get it twice....she never showed. So the papers sat out there looking like trash. There are more wants posted than offers. People want ALL kinds of stuff...computers, wedding dresses, newspaper, cars you name it they "want" it. Thats fine but I am a lil annoyed today...I listed a want for "khaki style" pants for my son for school. I got 2 replys the first was:
Hi, Sorry, I don't have any, but there are some on ebay.
and the second response was:
Khaki is a color...I know the style you are referring to. If no one has any to donate, WalMart and Costco sell them pretty cheap. I buy my hubbys slacks at Costco. I wish I had your size needed, but they are way way off....(sons outgrown ones)..

I guess it annoyed me beacause hello I am aware I can get them at those places and I will if I cann't find any on freecycle but I am struggling and could really use a bit of help with any unwanted pants. Its petty I know it just seemed like odd responses to me.
Thanks for letting me vent

**dogmatix** · 02-18-2009, 07:16 PM

I use Freecycle a lot and I love it but.... I certainly can understand your complaints. People can be really selfish and inconsiderate. I've been burned a time or two myself. I guess I look at it as my little effort to keep stuff out of the landfill. I can't be responsible for others "jerkiness". Just gotta let it roll off your back and keep doing what's right.

**Contrary Housewife** · 02-18-2009, 07:21 PM

I got tired of the no-shows and non-answers too and gave it up. More agrravation than it was worth.

**mzpepper** · 02-18-2009, 07:30 PM

So sorry that you are having to deal with rude and inconsiderate people.

I am also an avid Freecycler but the group I am with is very good about following up with Taken and Received (usually both parties respond) so I consider myself lucky.

I really, really like it whenever people post their wants. Several times I have had things here that I just didn't know what to do with and someone posted that they wanted it. Then they were tickled pink whenever I got rid of it and that gave me a good feeling. I generally respond to the off-the-wall and long-shot requests because that is what I usually have to give so I haven't had a lot of problems with people not showing up.

Also I usually arrange to meet people somewhere at a given time because I live alone WAY out in the boonies and don't want strangers coming to my place (does that sound weird?). Of course if I am receiving something I always SHOW UP to pick it up.

Keep Freecycling. Be part of the solution!!

**dolphin** · 02-23-2009, 01:51 PM

I understand your frustration with freecycle. You might want to send a note of your problems to the freecycle coordinator and see if they will give a "heads up" type of post to the group concerning your problems.

Our group coordinator sends a nice "Just so you know" type of letter to all of us once in a while. She even has to remind people to put "Offer" or "Needed" in the heading, lol.

One of our major problems in our group is distance! Example, someone has some plastic hangers to give away, well, our town lays out so that it could take me 20 minutes or more of driving (one way) to get to that persons house to pick up those dozen plastic hangers! It's just not worth the gas and time to go get them unless you live close. Our coordinator keeps reminding members to "please" put the area of town that you live in (north, southside, east, or west) but invariably, you have to ask where they live before you can confirm that you will pick up an item. KWIM?

**mommy4ever** · 02-23-2009, 02:11 PM

It comes with the territory. We have driven to pick up to find the items gone. It happens. We have benefitted far more than not from using it. we havea given away large items, small items. Broken items that people wanted for parts. As a whole it's a great set up. Saves us money often.

**rainbowgc** · 02-23-2009, 03:57 PM

I understand how you feel. People can be so clueless sometimes.

**MommyBliss** · 02-23-2009, 04:39 PM

I totally understand your gripes. People can be a little ridiculous. I just try and be positive and polite. We also have strict moderators, that seems to help.

**Debbie-cat** · 02-23-2009, 04:44 PM

Send a polite note to the moderator. Maybe they can post a reminder about certain rules. Some people are really duh! Try not to let it bug you.

**Michelle68** · 02-23-2009, 07:41 PM

I use Freecycle a lot and the biggest problem I've noticed are people not showing up for things when they're offered to them. This doesn't happen too often, though, and I simply started a list of people who never showed up and I make sure I never offer to them again. (It's currently three names strong.

) I'm sorry you've had such a difficult time with the Freecycle in your area. The moderators in our area ask to be notified of any problems with other members and they're pretty good about taking care of them. I would do as others suggest and maybe send a note to the moderator of your group with your complaints. Good luck.

**jonesies** · 02-23-2009, 09:52 PM

I hear you! I ended up with a computer monitor on my front porch for two days with someone telling me they were going to pick it up. When I emailed them about their lack of follow through, they actually responded "oh, it wasn't the kind we were looking for". Really? I described it to a T!!!
We ended up giving it to a junk guy, but the aggravation and time wasted is what got to me.

**madhen** · 02-23-2009, 10:41 PM

I think sometimes people try to be helpful, and it comes across as condescending.

I also make note of no-shows, and I add them to my spam filter, so I don't even have to get their "Ooh, I want that" replies.

In defense of the people who don't post the "taken" items, I will sometimes get 30 or more responses to an item. The person who takes the item is SUPPOSED to post a "received" email, but rarely does. I try to post a "taken" email, but sometimes, if I get really swamped with other stuff, I don't get around to it, especially on a big spring cleaning, 16 things posted in Freecycle kind of time.

**phoeny_moonstar** · 02-24-2009, 01:40 AM

I've had this problem numerous times with my freecycle/re-useit group. That's the reason why I stopped participating in it.

**NewLeaf** · 02-24-2009, 08:13 AM

I have the same problems. I have given alot away but I never seem to get anything myself. But at least I am keeping it out of the landfill. Also, I never have anyone come to my house (for safety reasons) I always meet them somewhere. And I would never go alone to pick up anything.

I am hoping to pick up some honey tomorrow......we will see if they show up.....

**Nishu** · 02-24-2009, 05:20 PM

They were just trying to be helpful. You obviously know where to get them "cheap" but not everyone would have.

I have done things like that before thinking that it might be helpful. I definitely would never have guessed that people would get irritated by it.