posted on October 5, 2005 08:58:37 AM
I have found an excellent way to get rid of all the leftovers we all have that we can't sell. Take a look at freecycle.org.
I have found that you can get a taker for virtually anything. And the best part is that the taker WILL COME TO YOUR HOUSE AND PICK IT UP. I usually put the stuff outside and when I come home it's gone.
posted on October 5, 2005 09:33:07 AM
I have been freecyling for over 6 months now and it fantastic. We got rid of alot of stuff before our move from NY. Here in CO Springs the group is very active.
The whole premise is to keep things out of the landfill. It is part of Yahoo groups and you just need to search for your city. Sometimes an area will have more than 1 group. Our group also has a message (chat) cafe where we can discuss whatever, including what is going on in the city, recommendations on tradesmen etc.
Last week I offered 5 different items. They were promised within 30 minutes and all gone in 2 hours.
And you meet all kinds of people - vey nice folks, the greedy, some resellers and the truly needy. These groups did great things for the hurricane families.
posted on October 5, 2005 10:28:15 AM
I tried freecycle, but did'nt like being bombarded with emails from postings and members, so I "unjoined".
Thanks to JACKSWEBB, I found out about Craigslist.org worldwide community bulletin board a few months ago.
I've gotten rid of so much JUNK, also made a few great sales for items way to large to sell on ebay. ALL listings are free for me in the Philadlephia area.
It's an amazing site, free job postings, free advertising, free stuff for you...
www.craigslist.org
posted on October 6, 2005 06:59:59 AM
I recently joined freecycle, thanks to Jacksweb I believe it was (in a post last week). Instantly got rid of an old table that gave me more room in my basement, plus some other goodies that weren't worth listing on eBay but still 100% usable. Most people come to you, but I had to deliever one item to an older gentleman in a wheelchair since he has a hard time getting around.
In my area, the peopl in charge of the freecycle also made a simialar type of group for selling things that are just too good to give away for free. Listed a few things, so far no bites, but it's still quite early.
I'm supposed to pick up a couple of items tonight that "I'm" getting for free (for personal use at home). Looks great, just hate the massive amounts of email but that's the only way to keep ontop of things. But for anyone who hates the emails, just select the "no email" option if your freecycle uses Yahoo groups like mine does. Then you just go to the message board when you have time and browse the listings.
posted on October 6, 2005 12:09:38 PM
I like freecycle better than craigslist. With freecycle you can bet on good amount of people wanting your items (and actually showing up) - with craigslist nothing but deadbeats.
Although with freecycle you can expect to be hounded by flea market dealers. And with craigslist you could actually sell something. So its a give and take according to your preferences.
posted on October 6, 2005 12:14:41 PM
Yes, so far every single item I've listed on freecycle has been taken or is already spoken for and will be picked up today or tomorrow. Much better than giving things to ungrateful charities like Salvation Army or Goodwill.
I even found a couple things for myself that I got or will get for free from others! This is great!
posted on October 10, 2005 12:44:52 PM
In my area if you see an item you want you have to respond immediately or it's gone. I just can't believe the crap I have gotten rid of.
BTW, regarding fleamarketers, my freecycle group explicitly states that you are not allowed to sell an item you get there. Personally I don't care what someone does with my trash, but that's their rule.
The no email option can keep you from getting bombarded with emails. And you have to make sure you sign up at freecycle.org, not freecycle.com
posted on October 10, 2005 12:51:41 PM
I think with any Yahoo group you can select the option to get emails as they come, or daily, or never (in which case you have to check the forum on Yahoo groups).
I've been really happy with it. Been using for about two weeks, only took one item, but got rid of a ton of stuff! I too find everyone from the very needy, to cheapskates, to resellers (I suspect). I've had to deliver one item. At first I was kind of peeved, but then I found out it was to an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair and he had no legs and living on a fixed income. Made me feel good that I could help someone out.
There's nothing saying you can't resell what you get for free, but you're supposed to disclose it to the person when you first make contact with them. Like I'm sure someone intending on reselling will tell them. In any case, they say you should at least fix it, paint it, whatever if you want to resell an item, not just take it for free and get money for it later.
posted on October 10, 2005 01:52:19 PM
There are similar groups that people can sell, trade or give their stuff away called "CheapCycle" and many variations thereof. I've tried selling a few things, but didn't have much success.
