To think “first come, first served” is a bit shit when the same people always get there first?

[AngeloMysterioso]

I’m having a big clear out of a lot of the stuff I held onto when my Mum died earlier this year and I’ve been posting it onto a local Facebook group for people giving away unwanted things. Some of it is really nice stuff, could be used as Christmas presents etc.

The vast majority of the items I’ve posted are being shotgunned by the same few people and I’m starting to feel like they’re taking the piss, but because they got in there first I feel like I have to honour it.

So AIBU to think FCFS is rather crap when it allows people to be greedy and get away with it?

Can you use Olio? You can advertise anything on there, not just food! You can wait a day until choosing who to give it to.

Use a different group then.

Its really not hard.

I'd agree with that, but the other side if the coin is; if there's a market for it op could easily sell it herself?
If she'd prefer to avoid the hassle, she can't care too much if some else else is happy to take the trouble.

Someone else...

But maybe op isn't looking to make a few quid from this stuff and would rather give it to someone who may be short of money but will use it, not some chancer.

@Headabovetheparakeet if that’s the case donating to a local charity would be the sensible option. She can prioritise whether she wants to be rid of the stuff or give it to someone in need but keeping it a page that specifies FCFS, getting pissed off that she has to give it away FCFS but then continuing to list stuff on there is daft.

The issue with charities is that many are happy to sell used items but won't give used items directly to people who need them.

I love this. So true

Block people?

I would opt for including a message "on sale elsewhere" and then decide at after 24 hours.

Why does it matter, most normal people just want the stuff gone and FCFS often means it’s gone a lot faster

I honestly don't see why it matters.
When I'm getting rid of stuff I couldn't care less who gets it or what they do with it, I just want it out of my house.
If they sell it, good for them, I could do but I'm lazy.

Out of nosiness, do you always post at the same time / day each week? It may that lunchtime on Tuesday (say) is your time to sort out your stuff and the people you encounter are those who generally get a bit of time on Tuesday early afternoon to browse their local groups.

Try adding that the people should write what they need the stuff for. That should stop serial fast first cummers.

Much fairer to set a time by which you want responses then you decide who you offer the item to first. You might also want to make it clear exactly when you want it collected from you, and ask them to include details of when they will be able to pick it up in their message.
FCFS favours those with 24-7 internet access, and not much to do, so you're automatically excluding -for example- anyone with a job that prevents them being online, anyone who doesn't have unlimited free internet where they live.
If that particular FB group won't let you say that, use another one.

Is there a reason you can’t drop at a charity shop? that is always my preference.

I have put large items on my drive with Free please take sign as well.

@Headabovetheparakeet where I live there are multiple small charities and Facebook groups that help out struggling families. They all give out used items to families in need. Even if there is nothing like that in OP’s area she could just donate them to a charity shop and feel happy knowing the money raised is going to people in need.

Why not just take it to the charity shop?

I don’t have a local charity shop with parking. It’s a case of dodging traffic wardens or parking 5 minutes away around the block, paying, and doing several trips there and back with heavy items.

I don’t like either of these options, especially as last time a random bloke swore at me for parking outside the shop (I shouldn’t have parked there, but swearing at me was an over-reaction and I don’t think he’d have done it to a bloke as he completely ignored the white van also
parked there), so now I use Olio.

There are several charity shops near me but only one takes children’s clothes.

Yep. Our local buying and selling groups have all the usual names pop up claiming freebies ! All living in the particularly well off villages .They must be pals with the admin people who tip them off before anything is actually advertised.
Yes I know I am cynical but am pretty sure I am correct. I now contact our local Ukraine charity and give stuff away to them .
.

YABU. FCFS is your choice and for lots of people in your situation it’s to their benefit. The people getting in there first are more likely to be motivated and capable of collecting, something you get the opportunity to test when they get the first item so you can have more confidence they’ll come for the second etc.

If your intent is to help out someone, use a charity or something.

Meh. The early bird catches the worm.
The other people just have to be quicker then, don't they?
Only thing I can think of is to post stuff at different days/times so other people may see it first?

You've got a few options:
Block, even temporarily, the ones you don't want to give to.
Advertise on marketplace rather than a group.
Charge a small fee to weed out the freebie grabbers.
Donate to charity, some collect if you can't deliver.
Put a disclaimer on saying as you've already given lots away please only respond if you haven't already to give others a chance.

Presumably the worst thing that can happen if you ignore the group rule is they ban you from the group?

Just block them from contacting you. If the stuff doesn’t sell you can always unblock later