Freecycle etiquette

[senua]

I know the whole point of Freecycle is that stuff is free but do people stick to this? I feel that I ought to give the donor a little gift in return but those who are decluttering don't need more Stuff and, after reading comments on MN, I'm wary of offering home-made jams etc.

Does free really mean free or am I being rude in not giving a reciprocal kind gesture. What's the etiquette?

If I advertise something for free, I don't expect anything. It's usually something that I want gone fast or just something I recognise isn't worth much. When I sell or offload something, I do it with the aim of getting rid the same day, so if I say it's free, it really is!

Yes, it is free. Gifts not expected. Once I gave someone a pot of flowers I had grown, as the item I got was so lovely.

Your 'payment ' is being an active freecycler, try to give as well as receive.

Not quite the same, but when I give/receive things on a local residents group people quite often give a £2 thing of Maltesers sort of thing.

Your 'payment ' is being an active freecycler, try to give as well as receive.
You are right. I have nothing to 'offer' at the moment but your post prompted me to drop off some bags at the clothing bank today and I have some excess bedding (currently freshening up in the washing machine!) that I can give to the homeless charity tomorrow.

100% no need to give anything in return but I would add just be a good freecycler and show up when you say you will to collect, and be nice when you message people, although you sound nice anyway OP! The number of messages I get from people saying me please, i will take it or something to that effect really grate!

For big things that I've given away, I've sometimes received a box of chocolates, wine, or even once a lottery ticket! But I'm not at all put out if I don't get given anything.

As long as the person turns up when they say they will, is polite and says "thanks", that's all I care about!