FreecycleReviews of freecycle.org

If it works don't fix it, because now freecycle just doesn't work!!! Freecycle is a Brilliant concept, was so easy to use and worked a treat. They have now updated it and it kicks you out back onto the old site, which then kicks you out to the new site. So annoying and was clearly never tested before implementing I've lived in the UK for ever, use Vodafone in the UK as my service provider and never had a problem with the site until recently, the old and the new. Tried it on 2 separate phones and a laptop! Switched to another site now that works and won't be coming back to Freecycle! As I said, if it works, don't fix it!!!!

Brilliant service, needs a redesign. The execution is simple, with message boards and email loops to keep an eye on what's being given away. The community aspect of Freecycle is well-executed, however there are a few glitches to make note of when using the website. First of all, the site lacks any responsive styling. This means that users on mobile phones are completely out of luck, stuck using a '00 design with dialog boxes misaligned (halfway off) the screen. There is also nothing in the way of a mobile app. It's clear they have a *lot* to catch up on, but I can't wait to see them do it.

A good concept, this, though - as other reviewers have noted - the site itself looks very outdated. Also, the photos (of the objects available) don't properly display on Android. I love the general idea of the site overall, but definitely it would benefit from some tweaking and a few alterations in style, design, and overall functioning.

Worst possible site to give something for free, even selling on ebay is much easier. Seems like only a few select few are allowed to post and moderators don't seem to exist to aprove your posts. Don't waste time, just go to a charity shop!

The moderators are terrible. Never have I met a group of people so hell-bent on executing their own rules and regulations, often without rhyme or reason. Tried to advertise something and was told that it wasn't 'pandemic essential' as per guidelines that the mods never appear to have published anywhere. Asking for an explanation, I got a very rude and very snappy response. These sites are all very well and good in concept but until they stop allowing individuals with control issues to act as moderators, then it's a no from me. The website itself could really do with modernising as well. It's not 1997 for gods' sake.

Excellent service for free. There are no fees and the company is doing something beneficial, preventing unnecessary items heading to landfill.

After many years of using Freecycle (and singing its praises to colleagues and friends), I decided to respond to a request for volunteer moderators. I have moderated listservs as part of my work for various non-profits and university-funded projects which I managed, so I thought I had some expertise that might prove helpful once I learned the culture of the organization and the local group. The "orientation" used a set of on-line resources which were thorough and easy to review; what was confusing were the intermittent emails from the state moderator who didn't follow through on her stated commitment to guide me "through Freecycle.org(R) orientation an...be [my] first point of contact for any issues [I] might have during and after orientation." Instead, I received snappish emails scolding me for behavioral expectations that were never articulated in the first place. What seemed like a smooth on-line orientation process was ruined by incivility and incoherence. There are other volunteer alternatives for me and some which offer community-based efforts to improve the environment similar to what FreeCycle initially espoused. Effective community building is grounded in respect; good training is based in clear expectations, positive reinforcement, patience, and humility. Since I've found none of these characteristics in my (very) brief stint as a moderator-in-training, I'll gladly move out of Freecycle altogether and advise others to do likewise. You can learn a great deal about the culture of an organization as a whole by how individuals who are new to it are treated by those who are deemed as having authority from experience.

Good concept but the site could use an update and new features. There really should be a way to review people. Had some bad experiences with people never showing up after agreeing upon a time and place to meet. Yes, I would rather donate my items to someone who could use it but I don't want to waste that much time either waiting for no-shows. Some bad apples make this whole thing a pain to use. The site should really support being able to weed these people out.