Trying to FREECYCLE but feel like giving up

[Finedon.Dandy]

I have joined two local groups of FREECYCLE near me. I listed; a single matress, a pair of curtains and (for good measure to show willing) some pea seeds (some to come on the seed swap soon) and the listings havent appeared and I havent had any emails or messages explaining why and I havent even had the email notification of new things listed. The obvious thing would be that I got my email address wrong but no I havent - maybe they dont like me?

Doing this goes against the grain a little for me as although I am in favour of recycling (and hubby is an expert or should I say addict!), I do enjoy selling stuff on ebid/ebay. Also as hubby is a hoarder, I do try and get rid of as much stuff, whilst being simpathetic to hubbies need not to waste - so much so we have a huge box of stuff ready to do a car boot and then whatever comes home will go on ebid (too much to list at mo!)

Has anyone used freecycle? What do you think of the service? Have you had any problems?

Lots of love to my grape family
A totaly fed up Tammy!

[kernowyon]

there are a few threads on here about freecycle - in principle it is a brilliant idea but in our area it seems to have been taken over by people trying to get the good stuff then sell it on ebay, we also get the daily 'laptop, camcorder, computer, digital camera, car' requests but once you trawl through them it is obvious that people are trying to keep to the 'rules'. personally i never give to the first couple of replies especially if they are within a few minutes of posting - i give other people who are not glued to the screen a chance. there are lots of genuine freecyclers out there but unfortunately it is very open to abuse.

I am a member of three groups, two are very quick at vetting postings but one group can drag their heels a bit, but that depends on the mods being available.

I still have faith in the freecycle principle but have become more wary.

[Flummery]

I'm a member of our group - I've only used it to get rid of stuff, not to find things - Himself would leave home if I brought any more 'stuff' in here! I've found it very good. Efficient, people grateful etc. I think in principle it's a fantastic idea. Shame some people spoil it in certain areas. Our moderators are a bit fierce - that's probably why it runs so well!

[lynda66]

i'm a member of my 2 local ones, and also the south lakes one (OH lives in barrow)

when i put anything on ours it usually goes on in a couple of hours, he listed some stuff recently, and it took about 5 days for the listings to appear. just think some are better than others.

try emailing the moderators, and ask if theres a problem?

[Alison]

Things appear on ours within a very short space of time and I've got rid of loads of stuff this way. Don't mind in the slightest if people then end up selling it, I couldn't be bothered so good luck to them. Do however think that there are some downright greedy people on them. Yesterday somebody was asking for a caravan and requests for mountain bikes, lounge suites and even cars are fairly common. There's supposed to be a thing where you have to offer things before you put up wants but am not sure if it's working as I've only ever had a couple of things from it, more use it as a way of decluttering my life! As said above, think some are more efficient than others.

[Polly Fouracre]

I tried to get on our local freecycle but couldn't manage to wade through the preliminaries and was rejected!

[Finedon.Dandy]

I tried to get on our local freecycle but couldn't manage to wade through the preliminaries and was rejected!

Maybe Ive been rejected but they are too polite to say!

[MaureenHall]

I use Freecycle a lot. The only things that I've ever offered that hasn't been taken is some matchpots of paint. I've had some good stuff from there too, a rabbit hutch that I converted into a chicken coop; red cauliflower seedlings (nearly ready for harvesting now); leek seedlings; bamboo canes; glass for a coldframe; the list goes on! I've given away rhubarb seedlings, morning glory seedlings, mint plants, knitting wool, fabric, magazines, rug making kit, all sorts! The ones that really annoy me are the ones asking for clothes / furniture / camping equipment, all of which must be in good condition because so-and-so has fallen on hard times, lost everything etc. How come they've still got a puter and internet connection then?

[Novice Gardener]

I love freecycle. Please don't give up on your group yet. It may be that the mod hasn't been in, so therefore hasn't approved your message yet. I've got rid of sooooo much stuff on my local group, and I've received quite a few useful bits too. To me, its mainly about keeping stuff out of landfill, but it also saves me a HUGE amount of time as before I discovered Freecycle, I'd spend most bank holiday weekends traipsing to and from the tip, emptying out my loft. If you've not received any emails from your freecycle, first check you've ticked the box to receive daily updates - you should at least receive an email via freecycle with whatever it is you've offered on it. Stick with it please