Freecycle - how do you go about getting noticed?

[trinni]

I joined up with my local freecycle group and have found it good in terms of getting shot of stuff I no longer use.

However, when I see something offered that I would like, I quickly reply, then hear nothing.

Am I missing something or is it that the things I like the sound of are just too popular?

Seems a bit one sided ATM.

I have also tried asking for specific things (nothing grand) but still nothing.

Any well seasoned users here?

We've received a few things (mind you, have given absolutely loads away!).

When you reply tell them when you could collect. I always do this and always ask people when they could collect when offering. If people know that you can come tomorrow after 12 it saves a few emails back and forth. Also, make it as polite as poss. The tone of some emails can really put you off (i.e. I need one of those, ring me on my mobile...(?!)).

I usually do what Starlight says and also add where I am coming from and how flexible I am in pick-up times or type of vehicle if appropriate.

It is frustrating to put loads of stuff on and then not get anything you are after but I look at it as natures way of keeping me junk free

Oh yes, turn up on time too.

Chap was supposed to come the other day and didn't. I emailed him to say I was going to offer it to the next person. He didn't even reply. Very annoying especially as I stayed in especially.

Absolutely, I quite agree and the people I have given to have been fantastic. I am a bit of a soft touch when it comes to the pleading messages though.

I will keep offering items (cos it's helping to clear some space here) and hope that I might get lucky too.

Thanks Starlight

Speckled....

"I need one of those, ring me on my mobile"...(?!)).

You just wouldn't would you?!!

There are a lot of timewasters on Freecycle IMO. I think it would benefit from a feedback system like eBay.

I've been do a bit of decluttering on freecyle.

There tend to be quite a lot of people replying for each item so don't be downhearted if you don't get it. It's mainly a question of numbers.

Tbh, I don't always go for the first reply, but go for one of the first depending on who sounds like a reasonable person from their email. It they make me laugh whilst putting up a reasonable case, then job done. Shallow I know, but it's one way of picking.

Also if you include a phone number and state that you are flexible of pick-up times (or if not say when you can pick up), that is also helpful.

Be very polite, type in grammatically correct and complete sentences. Say how soon and easily you could collect... and FFS check your email frequently after that to see if they have replied. Do not rely on your phone for this checking emails!

Well and truly do collect as soon as you can, or they'll offer it to the next person, and who can blame them?

What gets me is when someone puts in a wanted and I offer and they never reply, or they reply just once saying they do want it but never contact me again. WEIRD.

Freecycle really started to annoy me as the same people always seem to reply no matter what you offer and makes me think they are possibly selling stuff on which in some respects if I dont want it I dont care if they sell but somebody else may really need the item/s.

I now give offer anything I have for free on www.netmums.co.uk and if not gone in 24-48hrs I then pop it on freecycle.

I have also posted wanted ads and not got any replies.

I have had a few items when responding like a baby bath recently but put a wanted ad a couple of times for various baby items and not had any replies.

I have found netmums to be much more polite and friendly way to get rid of stuff.

I always give to the first person who says please, and asks in a pleasant non-assuming way. I completely ignore the "I'll have it" type responses, even if no one else replies.