Is anyone here on Freecycle?

Question

I joined freecycle a few months back to get rid of my daughter's baby clothes that she had grown out of. Periodically, I get email messages from them where people are looking for someone to give them things like cars or washers and dryers. One even asked for a hot tub- Is it just me, or do people seem to think freecycle is a direct link to Santa Claus?

I understand you can ask for whatever you want on freecycle- but seriously- isn't it a bit ridiculous and RUDE to ask for something like a car or large household appliance? One message I got a few weeks back was from a lady who wanted a car, not any older than a '95 with less than 100k miles on it and in good condition- she said she would buy one for herself, but she doesn't want to make a monthly payment. Do other people not have to make monthly payments?? I can understand asking for something like a doghouse that nobody is using or fabric scraps for a quilt or old bottles for a school project- but seriously? A CAR? A WASHER/DRYER SET? A HOT TUB? A FREE PLACE TO LIVE????? (all of which have been posted in the "wanted" ads on freecycle)

Answer 1

I am active in freecycle and love it. We have asked for a few things: a lawn mower - we got a broken riding mower and were able to trade it in for a huge discount and some gardening bricks for a small retaining wall which we got...I have given a bunch of paint and about 4 rooms of brand new carpet...I will have alot more stuff to give once I get my stuff out of storage. We have had a hot tub come up cuz someone just wanted it out of their yard...we get washers, dryers, refrigs, beds, we even had a handful of unset precious stones once...a few people actually go out and buy stuff to give. If I see a deal and you just can't pass it up and I have a few bucks...I will buy and give...why not? Why not feel the good feeling you get from being someone's Santa Claus if you have the stuff and can do it and don't need it? We asked for a small green house if someone was getting rid of it...sky is the limit...this morning I am meeting someone to give them a box of assorted books...if you are gonna give until it hurts...why not ask the same way?

Answer 2

It's true that I have seen requests for cars and laptops on Freecycle. But here in central Maine the economy is poor and there is a lot of poverty. By the same token, there are a few affluent people who would rather give away an old washer or exercise machine than to go through the bother of advertising and selling it. I do agree that it's rather cheeky to request big-ticket items...but if there is real need, and someone can help, it's all for the best!

Answer 3

This is not unusual. Having lived in an affluent city in Florida (few years ago) I witnessed large, expensive items given away many times. Fortunately, I was on the receiving end of this at times.

Although, I think it is criminal to tear down a beautiful home without salvaging anything beforehand. All this destruction is then hauled to the dump. I'm talking about beautiful cabinets, granite counter tops, Pella windows and solid wood doors, appliances, and sometimes a hot tub.
Now, they can build their multi million $$$$ on that piece of land that once had a perfectly good (older) home.
Something not right with this.

Answer 4

I'm not on free cycle but my friend is. I think it's more a networking thing but yes people do take advantage of anything free. However, if folks really want to be rid of things - then free cycle is a great way to do it.

Answer 5

I am but use it to get rid of things. It's true people get carried away but there are needy people that have been Thur a fire or divorce and have family's to take care of

Answer 6

well i am a freecycler and all i can say is that people can ask
for whatever they want----that doesnt necessarily mean they are going to get it. i think it might be human nature to go for pie-in-the-sky. the best to you.........