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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to stop giving things away on free cycle?

52 replies

Disenchanted3 · 17/04/2010 20:02

Because I never get anything in return?

Its not really a cycle is it if you just give and give with no return?!

I've given away some really good stuff like lovely buggies, clothes for babies, leather office chairs, books,

But not once have I been offered anything that I've asked for, not even crappy things like 'bits of material for quilting' lol

My relies are always polite, I say please and thankyou, tell them I can collect at their conviniance and leave a number, but nothing.

OP posts:
senua · 17/04/2010 20:05

I've got 7 non-matching socks.
Do you want them?

You'll have to collect.

shesdrivingmecrazy · 17/04/2010 20:07

It's up to you what you do with your stuff, but the whole point of it is to stop stuff going in landfill which you would achieve by giving your stuff away.

Tyson86 · 17/04/2010 20:07

I have put a bag of assorted toys on but didnt want to list every item, the only reply ive had is one asking what toys they are, iam not listing them all, take the bloody gamble like i have had to in the past.
That feels better.
Disenchanted i find it ends up being whoevers quickest although i did get a black Quinny Zapp the other day.

tethersend · 17/04/2010 20:08

It's because freecycle doesn't reward you for being a nice person.

It's just a way to offload crap you don't want anymore.

Original poster
Disenchanted3 · 17/04/2010 20:09

Yea but I want someone elses crap too!!

OP posts:
Nemofish · 17/04/2010 20:09

I have...

some rather fabulous wooly winter scarves - I love them but I have too many

A pleather bean bag 'chair' with matching pouffe, very comfy but a) I have no room for them in my house and b) have no real use for them. They are a very light beige / cream colour, the pouffe could do with a clean but otherwise fine. Cost around £150 new for them.

You can have 'em if you want 'em, Dis.

tethersend · 17/04/2010 20:10

You can have my DP, he's driving me fucking mental.

mangoandlime · 17/04/2010 20:10

Isn't it about getting rid of stuff though, at your convenience? It's not a swap where the person you give to gives you something in return, the 'givers' aren't to know if you've given loads away before. So yabu.

I've given away some great things, lovely bed, furniture a d old sofas, I did have a few people mess me about with saying they'll have things before they had transport though. I don't really ask for stuff, I'm more happy to be rid of gubbins I no longer need. I rarely go on any more because people seem to be illiterate and lacking in manners, the bare faced cheek of asking for a runner's Gps watch, for example, you gotta laugh!

Yikes, waffly post.

Original poster
Disenchanted3 · 17/04/2010 20:11

Also people post things that we would reallylike but can't afford, like garden tables and swings and stuff, so I get really excited about possibly having them but never get the email.

Of course I would never send something to the tip rather than freecycle it, its was tongue in cheek

OP posts:
Original poster
Disenchanted3 · 17/04/2010 20:13

ooh a pouffle you say?

thanks but we have chairsenough in the living room and the last thing I need right now is something else for DD to be able to climb on...(do they do restraining jackets for 16 month olds?)

OP posts:
lovechoc · 17/04/2010 20:16

I've advertised stuff yesterday and had a lot of timewasters and decided to post 'taken' for every single item - have decided to give it to a second-hand shop locally instead. got fed up with the 'grabby' attitude of some people - 'Oh I'll have that'

lovechoc · 17/04/2010 20:18

it is suppose to be about getting rid of stuff but that's fair enough if they actually stick to their word and pick the stuff up! Most say they can make it then an hour before they're supposed to show up say 'sorry can't get the transport, or hubby is working' etc. it's a pain. All the items I posted will be uplifted for free from a shop in town because I was really irritated by the responses of some people who emailed me.

Tyson86 · 17/04/2010 20:19

lovechoc i found that today with my reply, it said 'I might be interested' like she is doing me a favour, she is not, i might also be going to the charity shop with the toys.

Chrysanthamum · 17/04/2010 20:20

I'm miffed cos naebody wants my stuff! I'm always offering bits and pieces and get no response and its usually good quality. I've started listing on ebay now just to help clear out the house!

parakeet · 17/04/2010 20:20

I have never used it before. Do you think it's ridiculously optimistic for me to post asking for a ladies' bike?

I would happily pay a reasonable second-hand price for it actually (I was thinking about thirty or forty quid?) but just don't know where to buy it second-hand.

Tanga · 17/04/2010 20:25

I use Freecycle quite a lot because I hate seeing perfectly good stuff on the tip and am too lazy to clean stuff up/package heavy or awkward shaped stuff so I can sell it.

I did once get a booster chair that I'm still using but rarely see anything I might want.

But anyway, got rid of a baby walker the other day to a perfectly lovely lady who gave me a box of Maltesers as a Thank you! I was hugely touched!

So Freecycle Rocks.

However, ahem - one does have to make choices about who to give stuff to very arbitrarily, though, so - ahem -

lovechoc · 17/04/2010 20:26

tyson it's annoying isn't it?? I am posting a lot of items on behalf of a relative but had a no-show today so have decided it's all going to the local second-hand shop - the thing is it's all good quality furniture and white goods.

It just seems to be so full of time-wasters these days, or is it just me? The concept is a good one, to keep items out of landfill - but sadly so many people misuse the system.

expatinscotland · 17/04/2010 20:32

I usually cloth recyle/charity shop it now.

I can't be bothered with no-shows on Freecycle.

wubblybubbly · 17/04/2010 20:35

I love freegle, though we're not using it so much these days. We've given away stacks of stuff and never had a problem with collection. If you're getting messed around ask for a landline number in the replies, that way you can get in touch. It also helps me to whittle down the responses to those who are local.

I was going to list all the stuff we've received, but actually, it's embarrassing . We have given just as much away though, honest!

mangoandlime · 17/04/2010 20:36

With people not ebaying as much now and giving up on freecycle, I hope the charity shops do benefit. They've suffered for a long time.

WingedVictory · 17/04/2010 21:06

mangoandlime, it is a good idea to be careful about what you give to te charity shop, as they have to pay to get rid of stuff they can't sell. Business rubbish, you see (whereas we residents can litter at will!).

After reading about this, I always make sure my charity shop stuff is in good condition. Otherwise (as with DS's awfully abused clothes and toys!), it's freecycle. Or it will be, next time I get my arse in gear to list the pile of stuff we have growing....

mangoandlime · 17/04/2010 21:14

I remember that Mary portas programme about it, WingedVictory.

Lutyens · 17/04/2010 21:28

I was under the impression that charity shops could sell cloth as rags and make some money that way? Not a lot, agreed.

I give bags of clothes that are too used to be sold on, but always tell the person in the shop about its condition and that it's mostly for recycling. They always accept the bag, so assume they make something out of it?

expatinscotland · 17/04/2010 21:29

clothes that can't be sold on go to cloth recyling bin.

otherwise, i charity shop.

but mostly i charity shop bric a brac and books.

i found a shop that takes small appliances, too!

WingedVictory · 17/04/2010 21:51

Emmaus take home furniture, electricals and white goods, but in good condition.