Look For Free Stuff

Freecycle is a blessing to any community!

Please keep in mind that each Freecycle chapter has different rules and requirements. It is not all about being the first one to respond to an offer...that is up to the poster to decide who receives their item....it does NOT have to go to the first person. Freecycle likes it if the poster waits 24 hours before choosing someone to give their item to, instead of the first one that responds. The 24 hour waiting period is nice for those who don't/can't sit at their computer all day waiting for free stuff to appear....it gives everyone a chance.

Please take time to make offers too on your local Freecycle...there is always something that is still plenty useful that you no longer need that maybe someone else can use.

Not only take, give as well! Look around your home, I am sure you'll find something to offer!

Another helpful hint when responding to an offer, use courtesy and respect. I have had several respond to my posts almost demanding I give it to them, or being greedy...those folks don't get my item.

You can find a local chapter at www.freecycle.org

I moved back to the San Francisco bay area a couple of years ago and shortly after I discovered a site called craiglist.com!!!! I have been hooked ever sense. the homesite allows you to pick your state and closest city. then the directory will come up. go to the "free" catagory. If I would have known about it before moving and the expense of renting a truck/fuel and a very sore back just to bring all my used and 2nd hand purchases to furnish my apt.

I could have packed up my clothes and given away everything else. I have gotten some of the neatest and useful stuff for free....You have to respond quickly for the best chances but if you haven't been a fan of craigslist you may find yourself totally addicted. check it outl

I've given away a lot of things thru my local freecycle but have not been fortunate enough to get anything. Yes, some people are greedy and I think some people are getting items to sell. I offered ladies shoes one time not stating the size and several people asked for them not even knowing if they fit. Anyone that wanted them to wear would have asked the size. In my experience freecycle has turned out to be more trouble than it's worth.

I offered a bread maker once and after telling a man he could have it he e-mailed me back saying he wanted (didn't ask for but wanted) the box it came in and the instruction manual. The manual I could understand but not the box. I suspected he wanted it to return for a credit somewhere like WalMart. Some people only ask and never give.

I have to say that I use both Freecycle and Craigslist. I like them both and have benefited by them both as well. Each have their own function. If I am selling something worth over $20 and think that there will be a big market for the item, I use Craigslist. OR if I want to narrow down the market I use Craigslist. If the item is no longer needed and I don't want to deal with selling it, I give it away on Freecycle. I love choosing who to give the item to. I try to not do only the hard luck story people, but people who are going to use the item creatively or want it for a very specific reason.

Use both. If the item doesn't sell on Craigslist after a week or so, then offer it for free on Freecycle. You won't get any money out of the Freecycle pages, but you will have the satisfaction of seeing something you loved and used go to someone else who will also treasure it. Hope no one is this one-sided to only use one or the other. They are both awesome!