to suggest a Mumsnet 'freecycle' site?

[wink1970]

(...at which point, 300 of you point out there is one? )

I read a post yesterday that really bothered me overnight, from an OP who said she couldn't afford to keep herself looking smart/nice/OK. Some glib responses, and many helpful low-value ones, but a few from other posters who were genuinely skint, and that got me thinking....

It struck me that - like many I imagine - I give masses of good clothes to charity because I'm just bored of them, or they are the wrong size & I can't be arsed to return them, etc. Ditto, I throw away all sorts of unwanted beauty gifts; bath salts, hand creams etc that aren't 'my usual' but nice gifts nonetheless.

AIBU to suggest MN could set up a 'freecycle' area, where we can swap 'stuff'? Personally I have about 4 Hobbs work suits, various Boden dresses and 4 sets Carvella sandals about to go to Barnardos just because I need (want) the room. In return, I'm on the lookout for interesting old books, especially cookbooks.

I don't intend this in any way to be seen as charity, but am prepared to be flamed if you think I'm being condescending. Just genuinely think it's a good idea.....

In principle I agree with the idea but because Mumsnet is completely anonymous and I like it because of that. You can not stay anonymous when goods are changing hands , This would make paying for any items or visiting people's houses to pick them up means you lose that anonymity which are not so sure many people would like I certainly wouldn't .

Yes, people don't want to be outed.

There are loads of free cycle sites on Facebook. Most are local sites which makes pick up easier.

wink it’s a great idea and you can always change names or have a specific one for the free cycle page.

I sell plenty on facebook and never had any issue with it

We did have one
For selling too.

I don't know why it stopped - did it just fizzle away?

On the local site you can use a different ID, maybe it could be run through the local site instead?

I loathe Facebook and do all I can to avoid it.

I'm probably going to be the lone voice of dissent here but no, I wouldn't like this and would block it from my active threads. I think it would turn into a magnet for CF!

Agree about the loss of anonymity being an issue, but a Mumsnet 'quality' Freecycle type site would be brilliant. There would have to be terms and conditions, because there are standards on here. Such as

All ads to be written in English not txt spk and must not feature the words need gone

No glittery shite

Anyone asking for items must not be cheeky fuckers. Eg its reasonable asking if anyone has spare items of low value, but they must not expect a full set up of everything for a house, baby etc of new from John Lewis quality for free.

Similarly no-one should be stalking the site for freebies to then sell at car boots etc

People should not expect items to be delivered unless offered.

People should not make up ridiculous stories as to why they deserve the item the most

People to turn up when they say they will and take the item without imposing on the offerer - ie if the item is suitable to be left outside, they do this.

If the site offers items for sale, as well as for free, no ridiculous bargaining or stupid swap requests. Eg sale of a good quality push chair for £100. Offering £80/90 is fine but don't come up with a sob story about why you must be allowed to buy it for £20 or swap it for a dirty 15 year old car seat of dubious origin.

If a price is agreed, they should stick to that when they collect the item.

I think that covers everything.

I have a friend who runs a Freecycle site. It's a lot of work and there are often disputes and problems which she and the other admins have to sort out. While i think it's a lovely idea, I suspect it will attract a lot of problems and that's not something MN would want to be associated with.

sparkle
That was my second thought.
I know we all like a CF thread but it could be awkward if there is someone one the site that complains that something Freecycled was not up to scratch or not as described I think the better off staying with the other freecycle sites and keep Mumsnet for the gossip / advice that we all love

Wouldn't work because of location and anonymity.
The items you have OP, you could list of freecycle or donate to charity.
Opened or unsealed make-up and toiletries would almost certainly not be accepted by charity shop, but you could freegle/freecycle them. I suspect that most of us have bought something and found after one or two uses we didn't like it.
I have donated office/smart clothes to charity before, and who knows, maybe it helped somebody get a job.

BarbaraofSeville

HERE HERE ! I agree with all of your points .
Also not asking for bulky things to be delivered by post.
A friend of mine once had somebody ask for a baby's car seat they were selling to be posted
Nope not happening .

Interesting about the anonymity, I hadn't thought about that I confess.

I do offer things on Freecycle (and get frustrated when people don't turn up when they say, but hey no) and I do bag up clothes once every 6-8 weeks for charity, especially work clothes and shoes. I just liked the idea of it being MN-ers helping MN-ers.

BarbaraofSeville I like your rules!!

BTW Wink, if you're down south, I've got some recipe books I'm getting rid of! Really not worth posting though.