FreecycleReviews of freecycle.org

I have given away many excellent items on Freecycle and have had many grateful people receive them. What concerns me are the resellers. When I was new to Freecycle I gave a ceiling fan, a beautiful desk, and a nearly new bed to the same couple on three separate occasions. Now, every time I post they respond. I suspect they are resellers and that is not what Freecycle should be about.

I, like many users, believe in the ethos of Freecycle. I also, unlike many users, understand and value the moderators role. I do take issue with the abuse of Freecycle by resellers. But that said, I tell myself that this is still preventing stuff going into Landfills. However I was compelled to post this as a warning. Blatant resellers collected an item from me after SIGNIFICANT messing about and unreasonable questions (my item was advertised for a specific car, yet they asked whether it would work for X, y, z, etc). They then messed us around in collection times. I had to stay on the line whilst they tried to fing us. Then they couldn't fit the item in as they had been 'collecting' and proceeded to unload and reload their vehicle on my drive (I work from home). They they talked incessantly about what people throw away, despite my obvious hints about needing to get back to work. Then they asked about anything else I might have. Then the worst bit, I saw their car pull up again 30 mins later and then drive off. I wish my dog hadn't been sleeping when they came, freaked me out. I took a photo in case of any repercussions. I will never use Freecycle again, the recycle centre at the tip for me from now on every time. Such a shame, it is such a brilliant concept but attracts greedy resellers and i now question wider motives. Sorry Freecycle.

Negatives: Over zealous group admins I've had one flat out lie on me and another 2 constantly veto my requests for petty rule breaches which I see others do and get away with. I try to be reasonable with them as they all have other things doing and it's my understanding that they're just volunteers but if all I ask for is a bit of advice on getting rid of mice, I don't see how that can be a reason to stop a post. Time wasters: My number one bug bare. people who say they will collect then you never hear from them. Dishonest offers: Sometimes when I go to collect stuff I get "someone else was interested so i'm only going to let you have a few". What?! I've just driven across London and made sure i was punctual and you decide to tell me this now? People getting your address This sort of ties in with the time wasting thing. I've had LOADS of people take my address and then not turn up for items. That's very concerning to me. Positives: Great items I've had all sorts and some things in such good condition I've passed them on as gifts. My most treasured item was an obscure game that my Nan previously owned but had lost pieces for. When I saw it being given away I couldn't believe my luck. Meeting new people One of the most relevant people in my life right now was someone I met on freecycle! Doing your bit for the environment Self explanatory really! You change peoples mindsets I would regularly go and collect stuff and think "are these people mad? You could have sold this" However i now also give stuff away and I tell people, I don't mind if you're selling it. I'm far from wealthy but I feel richer for being so kind as others have been to me.

I check this site nearly everyday and if there is something i like i send the user a message but the thing that gets me is 9 times out of 10 the user(s) dont get back to you and its very frustrating and its quite off putting. But apart from that the site is a good idea and i continue to use the site.

.. too many people asking too many technical questions about stuff that I/m giving away for free.

I have been a frequent user of Freecycle mainly offering items but occasionally placing a wanted. The concept is very simple but i have noticied that replies to an offer often now want you to deliver!!! Also a huge increase in wanted ads for TV's, Laptops etc some even specifying the make. I think there should be a limit on the number of wanted items you can place although I do understand this would make it hard work for the unsung heroes the Moderators.

Freecycle is a lovely idea but, having used eBay, it's a nightmare to navigate around. Why can't the whole process be more simplified like eBay? Also, all the people that I've spoken to about it say it's great what you get for free but it's not normally as good as you would imagine the items to be if you read their description!