Freecycle - HELP!

[bristols]

I put some items on freecycle last night. I have had 16 emails saying they'd like the items. How on earth do I decide who they go to? Any tips? Am on the verge of putting all the names in a hat at the moment. Is that the best way?

Someone help, pleeeeeeeease!

I've tried to join freecycle 3 times but haven't heard anything back. How did you do it? Am from Bristol x

bristols - it all depends whether you want the items to go to somebody who will use them themselves, or to somebody who will then carboot them!

If it doesn't bother you, then put the names in a hat - but just to warn you that the people who answer quickest often sell the things on!

I always go for the people who are polite. I tend to ignore the ones that say 'I'll pick it up at xxpm' or 'phone/text me' etc
Good manners makes the world of difference I find.

I usually go on a 'first come first served' basis. So unless I get a bad vibe (like when I put about 30 items on and someone said 'yeah, I'll come and get the lot, just let me know what time to call round' - like it was a done deal) I give the item to the first person who emailed. But you can make up any criteria you like to decide who gets the stuff. Name out of a hat sounds as fair as anything else.

I usually do first come first served although I know this is a bit unfair as not everyone has broadband or can access the e-mails immediately. I just don't like to be in the position of having to decide who is most "deserving". But if they are rude then I automatically discount them! Names in a hat seems like a good option to me.

Googled 'Freecycle' and found my local group. My name is confusing, I live in Essex so I can't comment on the Bristol group. There's a section on the homepage relevant to your local group that says 'join this group'. It goes off to a moderator and then you are joined. Does any of that make sense??

You could just try to log on. It may be that you have been accepted but you haven't had any confirmation.

Lat post for LLL. Thanks, ladies. A hat it is then!

Right, I've offered them. I've emailed the person to let them know. Do I need to email the others or just put an 'Offered' notice on the site?

TIA

wait until the person collects - then just put a "Taken" post on the group board.