Thursday 25 August 2011

Freecycling



What is it about Freecycle which gives such a sense of satisfaction?





I was introduced to it about a year ago by a friend who seemed surprised at my lack of knowledge. Once she had explained the premise and philosophy behind it, I created an email account just for freecycling and advertised my first item…..a chest freezer we were desperate to rid of in the garage as a)too large and b) things got lost in its cavernous base. Within hours of advertising I had received several responses. Now what? Did I choose according to time of email response ie first come first served or perhaps another fairer (in my eyes anyway) method? So I decided that the unwritten rule would be the Most Polite email or the Neediest or the Best Reason given and with that in mind I made my choice. So ‘my son has just moved out to start his own catering business and is desperate for a freezer’ won. The freezer was duly collected, I was thanked profusely and what was even better was the follow up email a day later telling me it was working perfectly in situ and how perfectly it fit the space.





Well, I am currently house clearing and have advertised 2 stereos, a video cassette recorder, 2 breakfast stools, conservatory furniture, DVD player, vinyls (there must be someone out there collecting?), a record player, a coffee table…..most of the items have generated lots of responses from ‘does the DVD work?’ – why on earth would I advertise a broken DVD? That one was deleted straightaway to a most polite email from a lady “I would be grateful for your DVD player my grandson has come to stay with us at the moment he has been using his play station to play his dvd’s but some of them don’t work and gets very disappointed this would be very appreciated, thank you”, of course that decision was made.





A young lady has just called to collect one of the stereo players. She arrived by taxi and used a walking stick as she walked up the drive. She explained she did not drive or have a car and had booked a taxi to collect her freecycle item. She was extremely polite, thanked me profusely and all I asked was she email me to confirm it worked ok when set up (why you may ask, it was free after all).





Dad knows the house is up for sale and is very interested in the process. I know freecycling his belongings in this way would both please and impress him that there are people who value and cherish what once belonged to him. I must tell him all about Freecycle.





Just a few tips….





Taking photos helps and replying with a quick email and photo can confirm or not someone’s interest..




It is useful to be able to send an email to the group stating Taken to explain the item has been claimed and sorry it’s not you…..




A polite response perhaps with a reason will get you far….