Freecycle 101

[ShoppingCartDiva]

Just wondering who else Freecycles, as I don't see it mentioned much on here. We have given and received a lot through Freecycle (though not much at all since I moved to North Carolina, YMMV depending on your area). It is WELL worth it. It took me awhile to get into Freecycle, but I've now been doing it for over two years, and I love it.

Here is a list of things I have received from Freecycle:
3-in-1 Crib with matching Dresser/Changing Table, Glider Rocker, Corner Computer Desk, Computer Monitor, Strollers, Baby Clothes, Baby Toys, Baby Gates, Foozball Table (for my cousins), Child's Recliner, Lamp End Table, Playtex Premium Nurser Bottles, a box of DayPlanners (for my little cousin to play school with), DD's "first laptop" (a toy one), Wire storage units, SEGA in its original box for my Dad as an "oldie" gift, Easy Bake Oven (for my cousin)....I could go on and on.

Of course, it goes both ways. I have given away: popcorn, cake mixes, peanuts, baby supplies, baby bathtubs, strollers, my old computer desk, pots and pans, baby cereal, baby formula, dishes, sofa, love seat, recliner, radio, VCR player, etc, etc.

If anyone is interested, I thought I would write a little "Freecycle 101" for those who haven't tried it, and want to. Hopefully no one minds!

Freecycle 101

Quick List

1. Go to The Freecycle Network and find your local group(s).
2. Join your local group with your Yahoo! user ID.
3. Read up on Freecycle Terms and Etiquette. (Below)
4. Post your first OFFER. (Perhaps coupons that expire soon, extra goodies from a deal at CVS, toys your child has outgrown, and so on.)
   
5. Choose someone to come and pick-up your item.
6. View other offers for things that interest you.
7. Contact the users who list OFFERS you are interested in.
8. Hopefully, you will shortly "win" your first OFFER, and will pick it up and be very happy!

Freecycle Terms

• OFFER: your basic Freecycle term. This means that the author of the post is listing something on Freecycle that they are offering to the community at large. They will choose someone to come and pick-up the item at their house, workplace or another agreed-upon location. Most people will choose either the first-responder, or wait a day or two and pick someone from all the emails, to give everyone a chance to respond to their offer. These will usually include the word OFFER: followed by the item and location. Example: OFFER: good condition, used baby exersaucer (Rocky Mount)
  
• PPU: pending pick-up, meaning that something that was offered has been spoken for, but not picked-up yet. Usually this means the person has a waiting list, and if the first person they offered the item to does not follow through, they will offer it to the next, and so on.
  
• TAKEN: this means that an offer has been picked-up, and is no longer available.
  
• RECEIVED: this isn't used as much, but is a courtesy post to let the community know that you received an OFFER from another poster.
  
• WANTED/NEEDED: most Freecycle groups limit these types of posts. Basically, a user will post something they want, need or are looking for.
  
• First Response: this means that the poster of the OFFER will give the item to the first person to respond to their email.
• First/Earliest Pick-Up: this means that the poster of the OFFER will give the item to the person who can pick the item up the earliest.
• No Show: someone who agrees to pick an item up, and then never follows through. (Some lists will kick people out after 3 incidents. Depends on your local group.)
  

Freecycle Etiquette and Tips

• Be realistic. You would be surprised how many people post things like: "WANTED: new car" - I'm not kidding. It's pretty silly.
  
• Be prompt. Arrive when and where you say you will to pick-up an item. Have an item ready when and where you say it will be when offering it to someone. If for some reason you cannot meet at the agreed time/location, email as quickly and possible and call if you have the other member's number.
  
• Give and Receive. It is often true that with Freecycle, the more you give, the more you receive. Freecycle is not a charity.
• Free is Free. If someone offers you money for item(s), ignore them. Obviously, do not offer to sell someone an item. If someone offers to sell you an item, report them to the administrator of your forum.
  
• Be honest. Make sure any items you are offering are in good, clean working condition. If it is something that is only listed for salvage purposes (used electronics, scrap wood or metal, etc) be sure to list that. If you wouldn't use it based on its condition, why should someone else?
  
• Be polite. Just as at HCW, reputation matters. It can be so frustrating to deal with someone who keeps offering to pick something up, and never follows through. On the other hand, there is nothing worse than going to pick-up an item that is out of your way, and it is gone. If either of these happens to you, contact the administrator of your forum. Most forums have rules about these kind of instances.
• Get involved. Most Freecycle groups have "sister" groups that are community-oriented. These have more lax rules on what can be posted, and are a great source for information when you're new to an area. It's great place for posting information, or asking for more information, about local businesses, contractors, events, schools, etc.
  

This is DD in her recliner from Freecycle:
Picasa Web Albums - Rebekah - My Very Own R...

[grammaof4andmore]

Such a pretty little girl!!

[Coupon_queen_2005]

Hi, I have used Freecycle a few times to give and recieve items. I think it's a great idea. Several of the mods in my area want to start a
"FreeCylce" Yard Sale. everything FREE of corse. But just have everone bring all unwanted items to a local place, let everone get what they want, and donate the rest to goodwill or other org.
I think this is a great idea if they can get enough "workers" to put it together.

Leigh Ann from North Carolina

[JAM FAMILY]

I just joined FreeCycle in my area. A really nice lady gave me a very nice toaster oven. I love that the philosophy behind the organization is not making money, but keeping things out of landfills. I am sooo trying to go Green, but it's incredibly difficult on a teeny-tiny budget. We also have a Cheapcycle--like a huge Goodwill.

~JAM

[MOM2SNOX]

I have the freecycle.org RSS from my local group fed directly to my yahoo.com page! It's awesome to see what's available without having to visit the actual site! I love FREECYCLE!

[suave_saver]

I have been a member of my local freecycle for several years. I am not good at selling things, so I find it easier to just give it away. I have, however, received some great landscaping rocks after I posted for them as well as other items. I would love to find a local plant swap as well in my area.

[oscamaya]

I used to love Freecycle...then the local paper put a story about it in the sunday paper one weekend...now there are a gazillion new members who only ever post for wants. There used to be an equal amount of wants and offers. its kind of a bummer now. I still get some really good stuff from there. And it is so much easier than hauling my stuff to the goodwill truck.

[duffgirl]

I used to love Freecycle...then the local paper put a story about it in the sunday paper one weekend...now there are a gazillion new members who only ever post for wants. There used to be an equal amount of wants and offers. its kind of a bummer now. I still get some really good stuff from there. And it is so much easier than hauling my stuff to the goodwill truck.

We have the same kind of issue here. We get about 10 wants for every 1 offer, and some of the stuff people are expecting to get for free astounds me.

[neryguzman]

Thanks for the info!

[aaahchuu]

I collect scenic postcards and picked up 80. In return I'll prolly post free magazines, or perhaps one of the torturous exercise machines taking up valuable space!