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Original poster

Freecycle and morals

17 replies

glassofred · 23/10/2006 14:38

I had a major clear out and offered a load of old stuff, about four bin bags full. Someone came round for some kids clothes and I recognised the guy as a shopowner who would sell this sort of stuff.
I still gave him the stuff as a) I'd said I would and he was already on my doorstep and b) nobody else was interested. I was a little miffed that not only was he selling the stuff on but in a shop, not like privately on eBay or anything.
THEN he's posting messages using different names but the same email address asking for stuff saying it's for themselves (as uses female names too), like clothes but also stuff for business purposes.
I know something similar has been talked about before (I'm a lurker) and some people thought it was OK to sell stuff on from freecycle, but how about this? Do you think I should email the moderators?
TIA

OP posts:

TwigTwoolett · 23/10/2006 14:39

yes

lulumama · 23/10/2006 14:39

i'd email them......it is FREEcycle not PROFTcycle....! but i am a goody two shoes!

TheBlonde · 23/10/2006 14:40

report him

lulumama · 23/10/2006 14:40

PROFIT...obviously

yorkshirelass79 · 23/10/2006 14:40

Message withdrawn

Whimsy · 23/10/2006 14:41

I would yes.

magnolia1 · 23/10/2006 14:42

Yes!! Freecycle is great but there are people who just use it to get stuff and to re sell it The problem is if it happens too often people stop puting there stuff on there

Callisto · 23/10/2006 14:42

It is completely going against the whole freecycle ethos to make money out of it. I'd report him too.

BettyBatShapedSpaghetti · 23/10/2006 14:42

I get a bit wound up by this as well -I love the idea of Freecycle and the fact it benefits people (who get something they want/can usefor nothing) and the environment (avoids landfill).

I would email the moderators just to make them aware.

tissy · 23/10/2006 14:43

well, if he's clearly asking for stuff for "personal use" then selling it on, I would tell the moderators, as this goes against the ethos of Freecycle. However, I think if you advertise stuff that you don't want (or can't be bothered to give to charity or put on Ebay yourself)then I don't think you can complain if someone takes your discarded stuff and sells it on.

I suppose next time you will be wise to him, and will know not to let him have the items if he answers your ad.

FillyjonkthePumpkinEater · 23/10/2006 14:44

would report him

let the moderators decide

also-on our freecycle for popular stuff people often ask for emails explaining why the person needs the item, and then they will choose the most worthy.

all I can say is that I have never won one of these items...

Whimsy · 23/10/2006 14:47

I stopped posting on freecycle after we gave away a washing machine in good working order (it's only because I wanted a silver one )
They wouldn't get out of the car to help dh with it and didn't even say thank you

Would rather take stuff to charity shop.

NotQuiteCockney · 23/10/2006 14:49

To be fair, though, if it is something you just want rid of, better it get sold somewhere (and then used, etc) than it goes to landfill.

But he's being dishonest, which is a problem.

LIZS · 23/10/2006 14:54

Agree email the moderators. Sounds like he is regularly profitting under the guise of personal use. Would be different if he were upfront and you donated anyway.

Original poster

glassofred · 23/10/2006 14:59

Wow, fast responses, I suppose I'm just chicken as he knows where I live!
I'll probably email the moderators when I pluck up the courage, but I think he uses at least one more email address (it was a wanted ad for stuff similar to what he sells, and using the name he most often posts under) so I don't think my email will stop it happening.
Tissy - Yes it's as you say. I'm not bothered (much!) about the stuff that was mine being sold as I'd advertised it, but others advertising their stuff might be more bothered, probably not as much as the people who answer his wanted ads. It's for things that a new mum would be very greatful for and I'm sure they'd be more than miffed to discover that instead of the items being greatfully recieved they are being sold in a shop for profit. I know I am def wise to him but others onthe dite aren't so I suppose I've answered my own question and I should email pronto.
Thanks for you opions guys.

OP posts:

Lio · 23/10/2006 15:03

YES!

BATtymumma · 23/10/2006 15:08

there will always be people who try and profit from schemes like this. doesnt mean we have to make it easy for them.

email the mods and let them know what he has been doing.
i know of someone who was banned from the local site as he was reported for doing similar.

collecting things to use at a jumble or carboot is one thing but for him to use them to sell through a shop is quite dishonest, especially if these are WANTED ads and not just collected what no one else wants.

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