We have received a number of complaints about issues around the transaction process, (especially pickups that did not happen).
We have also had a few complaints that they suspect some members responding are resellers (since they respond to most every request). Some are OK with that as long as the item does not hit the landfills, and some are not…
So here are some hints and suggestions to hopefully improve the process for people.
For persons MAKING OFFERs;
In your OFFER, specify what you want in your response, and how you want to receive it, and please note that the "No Stories" rule only applies to WANTED postings to the group.
? Feel free to request a line or two about what they want the item for or for what purpose.
? List your general (Not specific) location (Smaller items may get a no-show due to the distance involved)
? Add the phrase "Please be prepared to pick up promptly" to your offers, which can reduce late-shows and no-shows.
? Request a phone number (Email can take a long time, especially when some responses go into a spam folder)
? Request a PU time or set of times
? Optionally, specify a time limit for missed PU's, then move on if it is passed.
? If you have limited PU times available, consider stating those times in your offer
? When responding via email to let someone know they can have something, include a request that they email back to confirm that they've received your email and to let you know about what time they will be by.
? Note that if they don't respond within XX hours, you may offer to the next person; then, if no response, send the first responder another email saying, basically, "Since you weren't able to get back to me, I've offered to the next person on my list."
? Check your spam folder for responses.
? Screen your responses to your OFFERs!
? Picking the first responder, unless you feel this person is the right recipient (Maybe you have history with them already), is not necessarily the best method. Get a few responses, and look them over.
? Don't select someone that can't be bothered to say something about the item or give the information you requested in your offer. Someone that simply says "I want it" or "send me your address for PU and place it on your porch" and even "is it still available?" are warning signals.
? Some exchange either by Email or phone works wonders for reliable PU
? Note that Freecycle DOES NOT recommend posting phone numbers in open posts! Keep phone numbers in direct person to person Emails only! (Remember, these posts get put up on the group web site, and can be harvested by unscrupulous persons. Your personal privacy is your responsibility...)
Getting the item(s) to the Responder(s) you selected.
? You don't necessarily have to have strangers come to your house; you can arrange a meeting time and place away from your home.
? Leaving an item, clearly marked as to the recipient's name on your porch at an agreed on time seems to work well for most people.
o A word of caution on this method: try to leave items for one responder at a time. Sometimes people will take something not theirs, either inadvertently or, regrettably, on purpose. (Most, if not all recipients are after all strangers…)
o DON'T have things you are not giving away out near where you are leaving giveaway items; again someone might take something they were not supposed to…
For persons RESPONDING to OFFERs;
? Be polite and respectful; curt responses are a put off. Remember you are possibly getting something for free.
? Include your phone number and when you can PU (Windows of time, times you cannot make it…)
? BE PROMPT! If you make a pickup commitment, either make the effort to be on time, or let the person know you had something come up and could not make it. (Most people will cut you some slack, but it is their option to move on to the next person on their response list.)
? Don't say you can PU immediately and then later say "Can I PU tomorrow?" It is misleading (at best) to do this when there is still time in the day to PU NOW.…
? If a person making an offer says they need immediate PU, respect that.
Why No "Come and get it" posts:
? Freecycle does not allow addresses in posts, or "come and get it" posts. This includes giving multiple responders the address to "come and get it". (This is to conserve on fuel resources and to avoid wasted trips and disappointed parties, not to mention the risk of an unscrupulous person giving away someone else's property.)
Thanks to all for supporting Freecycle's goal of keeping useable tangible item out of our landfills!
Pages Links:
Guidance for how to reduce risk in a post C 19 Freecycle world:
What do you need to know about the New group and its impact to your posts?
Fremont Freecycle Posting Rules and use Guidlines
The Most Common Issues with Posting on Fremont Freecycle (What NOT to do!)
What does &&& mean in subject lines?