in response to rsolano36's post dated 1/6
"WHY IS IT SO BLEEPING HARD TO GIVE THINGS AWAY???!!!"

this was posted on another freecycle forum.
i found the advice useful =)

Here are a few ways to avoid the issue of people flaking:
#1. Does the person have and intro and a signature? If so, they took
the time, which usually means that are trying to convey that they are
not greedy and are truly interested.
#2. Is it a one liner saying, I will take, where do I pick up? or
something similar? If so, this person likely responded hoping not to
miss out. I toss these requests because 90% flake on me.
#3. Give it a decent time frame before you even look at your inbox.
FREECYCLE says 24 hours. I say 4 - 6. This gives the people who could
really use it a chance vs the people who really just don't want to
miss out or want everything to sell at a flea market.
#4. If someone responds saying will take all to a whole list of items
- they probably don't need all of the items. Keep that in mind.
#5. Give the person one day. Send them an email with a time in which
to respond or you pass it on to the next person.
#6. Always look for the email that gives you a reason they would like
your item. These are the people who will come, because they have a
genuine need/desire for it.
Hope this helps,
Aimee

PS. When you set up a meeting, be nice, and be there. When you don't
show and don't let someone know what is going on, they will remember
and not choose you again.
Also, if you plan to sell something, you are required to tell the
person offering the item that you plan to sell it if you are going to
sell the item as is. If you fix an item and then sell it, you do not
need to do this.

--- In SantaCruzCountyFreecycle@yahoogroups.com, "rsolano36"
<drmrchk@...> wrote:
>
> First, to those of you who pick up when you say you're going to, or
> email if you can't make it, thanks very much.
>
> This is to those of you who cannot take the time out of your "busy"
> day to pick things up when you say you're going to or email to let the
> person know you aren't able to make it.
>
> I think freecycle is a great idea, but I am at the point where I am
> thinking of just giving stuff to the salvation army or the food bank
> rather than deal with all the flakes and no shows.
>
> Here is only one example of what I've experienced. Recently, I had
> three huge bags of non perishable food items to give away. Only one
> person of the original three selected picked up their bag. One had
> trouble finding the house, so I have no issue with her since she
> emailed me, but one hasn't shown up in 5 days or emailed to tell me
> anything. That leaves 2 bags. I re-freecycled one to someone who
> enthusiastically said they'd pick up that day. That was three days ago.
>
> I have raccoons in my neighborhood so I can't just leave the bags out
> at night. I have been hauling the bags in at night and putting them
> back in the morning,which is, frankly, a pain in my butt. I shouldn't
> have to work this hard to give something away.
>
> Moderators, I considered emailing you directly but I didn't see the
> point since these people's inconsiderate actions are not your fault
> and there's really nothing you can do except post about etiquette
> again. I realize you work very hard at this and thank you.
>
> My next post will name names if I have to deal with this again.
>
> Renee
>