Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 10, 2011 22:29:33 GMT -5
Sigh. I'm trying to do the right thing and get rid of things via freecycle, but I'm finding sometimes dealing with people to do so is not so straightforward and sometimes painful. Posted a give away of a stuffed animal tonight stating preference to those who could pick up by Sunday with the request to put potential pickup times in the email. I even list an intersection very close to where I live to help people decide on whether its worth it to them. So, I have three responses and based on the time order and the fact respondent #1 wanted to give it to her daughter I said sounds good to me. So she emails are you in the brick condos. Brick condos? Well, some people think these are condos but they are not. I'm in complex GVB. Next email, Oh I don't want to hold you up. WTE? Are you crazy? You said in your first email you'd be in the area on Sunday you wanted to get this for your two year old daughter and because its not in the exact place you think it is you don't want it?! < On further reflection I wonder if this is possibly someone being driven somewhere not driving? The only condos I can think of that might be what she's referencing are under a mile from me. > So now, I'm wondering should I give her the chance to reply or do I tell the only person who followed my request the best and gave me two time windows she could do the pickup? One was tonight and the other is tomorrow morning before 11AM. Should I email its yours and hope she responds? I missed my only freecycle take when I didn't receive emails from the offerer in a timely fashion so the time window I had given her had passed by several hours before Yahoo permitted her email to reach me. Sigh. I'll share the tarp debacle at another time. Turns out planning a pickup more than a few days in advance can be bad especially if the pickupee wants to change things and you forget to put it out on time.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 10, 2011 23:12:06 GMT -5
What no advice? Is this not YM?
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Post by illinicheme on Jun 10, 2011 23:47:41 GMT -5
I've never tried Freecycle. Whenever I want to give something away for free, I put a "CURB ALERT" posting on Craigslist and put the item out in front of my house. You can get rid of a surprising amount of crap that way. I'll too lazy at this point in my life to bother trying to coordinate with people unless the item is really worth some dough.
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schildi
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Post by schildi on Jun 11, 2011 0:35:36 GMT -5
I read your post, but I have no idea what the problem is ....
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 11, 2011 1:13:10 GMT -5
schildi, I have someone who originally said they would take the item on Sunday, but when I clarified my location which turned out not to be exactly where the person thought I was, they decided they didn't want it.
So I'm confused as where she's going to be Sunday has to be less than a mile from where I am, so why say yes I'm going to take it and then no when I pinpoint my exact location. Its weird. It makes no sense to me.
Guess I'll just email the next person on my list and hope she can stop by in 7 to 8 hours from now like she said she would.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 11, 2011 1:59:01 GMT -5
Not sure if this will be more obvious or just sound stranger but I've copied my email exchanges and have edited them a bit. (Its in reverse order, so scroll to the bottom and read your way up.) Something like that but yes please pass on to the next person who was interested in it. Thank you though. Stefanie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Optimist To: Stefanie Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011 10:24:17 PM So you are going to be near Here Ave and There Hwy on Sunday but don't want to travel a mile or so to get it because its not exactly the place you thought? Do I have that right? --- On Fri, 6/10/11, Stefanie wrote: From: Stefanie To: Optimist Date: Friday, June 10, 2011, 4:32 PM hmmm.. I guess that's not the same place. You can pass it on... I dont want to hold you up. Thanks though. Stefanie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Optimist To: Stefanie Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011 3:49:47 PM I'm in GVB complex which many people think are condos. Is that what you mean? If you can come Sunday it can be yours and I'll email a backup person too. What time Sunday would you be able to pick it up? If its not raining I may just put it in a plastic bag hanging on my doorknob. --- On Fri, 6/10/11, Stefanie wrote: From: Stefanie Subject: Re: [SCFN] OFFER: Stuffed Barney toy (Omega) Are you in the brick condos? If so, I will be over there Sunday and would LOVE this. I was JUST looking for one at the stores for my daughter who just turned 2 and could not find one! Stefanie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Optimist! Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011 12:31:46 PM Subject: OFFER: Stuffed Barney toy (Omega) Easy porch pickup in Omega near the intersection of Hwy There and Here Ave. Please state preferred pickup time in email. Preference to someone who can pickup by Sunday.
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constanz22
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Post by constanz22 on Jun 11, 2011 5:52:02 GMT -5
I actually tried Freecycle. On some level, it seems like a great idea. But, the problem with "Free" is that people do not value "free". People think if something is free it isn't worth anything. Kind of a weird pyschology attatched to the whole buying and selling thing. I actually stopped giving stuff away. Why? I found that if you give stuff away, people are too lazy to even come and get it. They will expect you to deliver it to THEM, put it together, transport it on your time to their convenience, etc. And, if you do give it, they rarely say "thank you". And, if you schedule a pick up, they don't show up for one reason or the other. So, it became something that simply was not worth bothering with. INstead, everything just goes to Goodwill. As for holding something, i wouldn't. If you are giving something and someone responds, set the time and day, if they don't show up. Too bad, send it to Goodwill. I did use Freecycle to give away a Nordic Track so that did work out for that. Larger items that you can't give to Goodwill might be worth doing, but other stuff, not. I have to say, I totally agree. This has been my experience too. I never post on Freecycle anymore. If I see a "want" posted, and I have that item to give, I MAY respond to the person and offer it. Even with Craigslist, I don't generally post anything that I'm selling for less than $20. It's just not worth the time and aggravation. OP, I don't feel that I have to try and make a deal with the first person that responds to a post. I actually tend to not respond to any emails for a day or so, and will actually screen them for one that "feels" right. There are a lot of people out there that seem to just automatically respond that they want something but then "change their mind" after the fact, because it actually takes work on their part. I do not even respond to emails that say something to the effect of "Yo, ya still got it?", etc. If the person can't take the time to write a decent response, no matter how bad I want to get rid of something, I just wait for further emails. I tend to do really well "screening". But, like Snerd said, if it's a little item or a few little items, it's really not worth my time. I'll either give them away to some of the low income families I work with or send them to Salvation Army.
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Jun 11, 2011 9:39:58 GMT -5
In my neighborhood, if you want to give something away, put it at the end of your driveway, and put a big FREE sign on it. Works every time! ;D
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 11, 2011 9:53:02 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice Snerd and Constanz. Busy, my house is long gone. I live in an apartment complex that most people think are condos. Since mine is a 1 bedroom, the entire porch is shared and there's not that much room. I am thinking of doing a small porch alert if it doesn't rain tomorrow. Raining now, again. No nearby Goodwill and I was hoping to do piecemeal giveaways. I think they do pickups if its enough stuff. Not sure if there is a local thrift shop anymore, the one I know about is more than a half hour away and will be in summer hours now. Some of Contanz's advice is spot on. If I had waited just a little longer I think I would have known to pick person #2. Since I told her she was a backup she hasn't checked her email and if she's like me she may not check again until Monday. My first pickup went well. These next two have been a pain.
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Post by lulubean on Jun 11, 2011 10:00:30 GMT -5
These people can be idiots, I ignore those that want any more info that
1. I have already stated and 2. makes me write the whole darn thing again.
Tell me yes you want it, and I will tell you it will be on my porch on whatever day. If it doesn't get picked up then I start again I don't bother listening to the excuses of why it wasn't picked up when arranged.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 11, 2011 11:27:28 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, maybe I should go back to the free section on craigslist. Most people just post X will be available at 4PM Saturday on the curb, first come first served. Sometimes they will tell you if its still there or whether they've had other emails but it seems more efficient. I had less nice stuff from a former tenant I got rid of that way and placed it near the dumpsters. Never knew whether it went to a person or the grounds crew here trashed it, but I tried do the right thing. I'm now purging stuff I've dragged for several moves without using it, so I'd prefer not to dumpster it.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jun 11, 2011 11:30:38 GMT -5
We offer things on Freecycle off-and-on. It can be frustrating, but I've come to the realization that I needed to be more patient and understanding because some of these people need "free stuff" for a reason. (And that following directions, being punctual and responsible, showing up on time, emailing me their phone number, etc.... isn't necessarily the strong suit of some people.)
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 11, 2011 11:32:59 GMT -5
Hmmm, just had an idea. I wonder if the food pantry I go to occasionally will let me put some stuff out on the tables for people. They put some food loose on tables and some in bags. At Christmas time they put out small stuff like kids gifts and gloves and stuff. Maybe I can give away some stuffed toys, socks, etc.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 11, 2011 11:35:33 GMT -5
Molly, that's why I'm on it. I can't afford to buy a microwave and some other things right now, but if its close enough(not too much gas money) I'm happy to pick it up.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 11, 2011 12:17:45 GMT -5
I've been on Freecycle for years. Whenever I was on the receiving end, I made sure that I was at the appointed place on time. One time the item was not there. Person said it would be on the porch. Nothing was on the porch. Emailed them and said it wasn't there and I wasn't coming back.
I've actually had pretty good luck with my offers. I don't just take the first response. I also don't like the emails that say "I want it" and that is all. Sound appreciative or I will skip you.
I normally don't apply to WANTEDs. I did when a woman requested a bowling ball for her disabled son because his physical therapist said bowling would be good for him. It felt totally good to be able to help them.
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cronewitch
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Post by cronewitch on Jun 11, 2011 12:29:18 GMT -5
I used to use freecycle but for little things it isn't worth the gas money and some stuff isn't worth accepting free even if you are there. I got a free sledge hammer that is so old the head is flaking, it would be dangerous to use but how do you say no when you are there? Now I need to throw it away, maybe cut the handle off so it fits in the garbage can.
I have gotten some nice things and met some wonderful people. One lady gave me raspberry plants so when I went to get them I took her rhurbarb plants and other plants. All the plants were freshly dug not in stores in pots for days, my raspberry patch is doing great. Another nice lady gave me a DVD we couldn't find and asked for some mint I had as an offer. Her garden was fantastic and she gave me many starts of plants too. Another women gave me a nice fire escape ladder for my upstairs bedroom. It was too heavy for her kids to use, new in the box nice aluminum that attaches to the window frame so if you need to get out of a burning house it could save you breaking your neck or legs.
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Cass
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Post by Cass on Jun 11, 2011 13:01:49 GMT -5
I just gave away 10 patio stones yesterday. I always respond to the first polite reply, and leave things either on the front porch or in the backyard, a little out of sight and with specific directions. If it's not gone I respond to the next polite person. There can be a lot of drama and back and forth on freecycle, I avoid those people at all costs.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Jun 11, 2011 14:03:32 GMT -5
Crone, I also have a garden full of stuff that I got on FreeCycle. Sometimes I had to go and dig it up. Other times it was ready for me to pick up, in plastic bags or whatever, and one time it was even delivered to me (nicest peonies I've ever seen). I've gotten rid of things that require muscle (picnic tables, bird baths, patio stones covered in mud and moss), freezer-burned meat that people use for their pets, a gigantic box of card stock paper that my son moved from his house to mine (thanks a lot), and vertical blinds that someone even took down for me so they'd be able to figure out how to put them up in their own house (he emailed me a photo of them in his house). I also got rid of a Lazy Boy lift chair that was heavy as all get-out and although it worked fine it needed a really good cleaning (cigarette smell) and it had cigarette burn marks. A disabled veteran's wife took it for him (I was completely honest about its condition) and she sent me a follow-up a week later that when he saw it and tried it out he was so grateful for it that he cried.
Maybe it's just where I live, people are more considerate. I have had things not picked up from time to time, and I just move down the list. No point getting upset about it.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 11, 2011 14:17:03 GMT -5
I may need to move in two months so I don't feel all that patient even though I wish I could be. I'm sure part of it is a learning curve, I've learned if I don't get a response the item is already gone so I tried to post TAKEN messages as soon as I had confirmed pickup times to inform people without replying to them all.
Maybe my experiences will improve soon? Suggestions of how to word Offers and Wanted requests appreciated. Even tips on answering ads although since I don't have an internet capable phone it appears unlikely I'll ever get selected unless its an unpopular item.
ETA: I decided to do a porch alert which the moderator changed to curb alert LOL. I'd like to update my Offer, but Yahoo email has been awful for me today.
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Cass
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Post by Cass on Jun 11, 2011 14:56:13 GMT -5
I do "OFFER: Patio stones" , and when I get a bite post "TAKEN PPU: Patio stones" (pending pick up). If no one shows I email the next person down the list or post "RE-OFFER". Once it is gone for good I post a "TAKEN". I wouldn't bother worrying about times and appointments, just put it outside and tell them where it is. On the off chance it gets stolen, well you still got rid of it and they didn't get something for free.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 11, 2011 21:09:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the explanation of what PPU means. Looks like things might be on the porch awhile. Someone stopped by I think, but took nothing.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Jun 11, 2011 22:09:51 GMT -5
Here, it is Offer; Promised when someone says they are coming to get it, Reoffer if you don't have other people who want it and the person to whom it is promised doesn't come by, and Taken when is finally gone.
To simplify things, I just post Offer and Taken. Usually I get a bunch of potential takers and if there is a no-show I just go down the list of other potential Takers.
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jun 12, 2011 0:42:19 GMT -5
In our local Freecycle, we're required to identify our area of town in our subject line, if possible.
OFFER: working vaccuum (NW City Name) or OFFER: working vaccuum (cross/streets)
Sample offer language:
Offering a working Hoover upright bagless vaccuum. A bit dusty, but works fine. We even have the instructions and attachments.
Please advise (1) when you can pick it up and (2) provide a phone number in your reply, or you will not be considered.
We live in NW City, closest cross streets: Main and First.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 12, 2011 13:32:20 GMT -5
Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Just had two of my posts turned down by the Freecycle moderator. One really annoys me and I hope she changes her mind, but it will be mid Sunday afternoon at the earliest.
I made the mistake of phrasing my Curb(really Porch alert but the moderator changed it) to run only for part of the day yesterday because of thunderstorms in the forecast. Since one needs to drive in my complex back to where I am located, waiting another 7 days to repost is ludicrous.
The other is the rules with offers. I'd like to let people know the stuffed toy is available especially miss flaky who may change her mind.
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Poppet
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Post by Poppet on Jun 12, 2011 22:18:05 GMT -5
Suggestions of how to word Offers and Wanted requests appreciated. Even tips on answering ads although since I don't have an internet capable phone it appears unlikely I'll ever get selected unless its an unpopular item.
Hi O4L, Here's how I would write an offer: OFFER: 1963 Pontiac Tempest, Oakville, 737373 Offering a stolen metallic mint green 1963 Pontiac Tempest, with a white convertible top, Michelin Model XGV tires, size 75-R-14. Sorry, no positraction on this car. Must pick up either Saturday or Sunday. Please state in your e-mail which day and general time (morning? afternoon?) you'll be picking up. Please also note, all no shows automatically forfeit the item and give opportunity to the next respondent. Thanks for understanding. Lisa Vito I've had good success with giving things away via Freecycle. You gotta know how people tick in general. Assume they're all going to flake and you'll be surprised how many don't. To lessen the chance of flakiness, make it clear in your initial offer that all no shows lose out. Period. You will not hold the item for a now show or a repeated excuse maker. Who has time for that? State in your initial offer the next person in line will get the opportunity to pick it up in the event of a no show. This wording sort of makes it look like a hot item and motivates some (not all) to show up. I've had a 90% show up rate, which is pretty good. Maybe because I gave away some good stuff (if I say so myself). ;D Also, I too always request in bold writing that all responders state in their e-mail a day and general time when they will pick up. Any response that does not do this is automatically deleted. I don't have time for people who can't follow simple directions. If I get multiple responses I go with the kindest, well mannered response, not necessarily the first person. I don't want a sob story, I don't want anyone advertising to me, I don't want a rude demanding response either. You'll get deleted. Bwahhahah. Be friendly, but always keep the ball in your court by laying out the rules and telling them what occurs if they flake. I don't hold items for days. In fact, my goal is to get rid of it, not hold it for someone. So sometimes I'll state in my offer that it must be picked up by X day. This sounds like I am some sort of angry Freecycle drill sergeant, but all this is written with lots of pleases and thank yous and like I said, I've got it down to a system and have a 90% show up rate which is not too shabby. After a while though, I got tired of listing my stuff and just boxed it all up and sent it to Goodwill.
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Poppet
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Post by Poppet on Jun 12, 2011 22:39:01 GMT -5
should I give her the chance to reply
Nope, you're wasting time on someone who seems slow and confused about freecycle etiquette and protocol.
When freecycle is concerned, keep the ball in your court always. Pass her up, she's already caused you confusion and stress.
or do I tell the only person who followed my request the best and gave me two time windows she could do the pickup?
This is easy. Of course you give it to this person. She's got her head on straight. Reward good form.
Should I email its yours and hope she responds?
Yes, and in your e-mail say something like: It's yours : ) Please pick it up a X time (your choice). It'll be waiting on the porch for easy pick up. Enjoy.
Then put it on your porch and don't fret about it. If she picks up, terrific. Done. If not, list it again....or don't.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 13, 2011 8:51:28 GMT -5
Tome, Thanks for the advice. The Freecycle mod won't let me reOffer the toy until Friday and I'm not sure if I'll get more nonflaky responses. Looks like management is cleaning out the downstairs apartment near me so porch pickup may mean management throw out. All the food is gone this morning, but I can't tell if it was tossed or actually picked up.
(I actually checked the dumpsters, didn't see anything but there's also a big mobile garbage can that got moved into that apartment before I got down to the porch so who knows.)
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 13, 2011 12:59:25 GMT -5
Yep, extended porch pickup isn't going to work as I expected. Management tossed the Rival crockpot in the plastic/glass/metal recycable dumpster. Didn't see the glasses but they may be there too.
Yep, quick planned porch pickups or thrift shop drop offs for me since I'm not in a house.
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CCL
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Post by CCL on Jun 13, 2011 16:57:39 GMT -5
I think you are making it too complicated. Can't you just make a sign that says "FREE" and set it out by the walk or something?
On second thought, sounds like your management won't approve. Have you tried talking to the folks at the food pantry? That idea may work. They may know of a family that can use the stuff.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 13, 2011 17:08:44 GMT -5
I don't understand why you go through so much pain to freecycle. Can't you just drop them at Goodwill?
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