A great idea frustrated by its users Unlike others who’ve posted here, I haven’t had problems with the website functionality or with moderation. My disappointment has been with the users. I see people here referring to “time wasters” and I have to agree. I get the feeling there are people who just sit on the site and pounce when they see something they either might like for themselves or, think they can sell. They respond enthusiastically, promise they can come and get the item at any time and then at the last minute come up with excuses as to why they can’t after all do so or don’t, after all want what they’ve been adamant they must have. Of course not everyone’s like that but enough are for me to have wasted hours of my time and to have decided, reluctantly, to delete my account.

Good until recently I have had good experiences in the past. But recently I was ignored when I tried several times to contact my local moderators after a scary experience. I was giving away some paving materials. Many people replied, but I offered it to the first person, as I felt I should. He texted and showed up promptly. But he also tried to completely control the pickup, and made me extremely uncomfortable. He was verbally abusive and very creepy. He told me that he was friends with the moderators, and basically knew more than I did. And I got no reply to any of my complaints to the moderators. No response at all. I am much more wary now, and hesitate to use freecycle. I recommend that you do not have someone pick up from your home if at all possible. Vet the person if you can, and have someone with you at any pickup. My experience was traumatic.

Was always a fan of Freecycle when I… Was always a fan of Freecycle when I first started using it but it quickly became apparent that it was not being used in the true spirit it was designed for. In the wanted section same old names looking for high value items. I put three top of the range bathroom cabinets of identical design in the offers section a few months apart and the same person came forward each time. Also the number of time wasters is beyond a joke. For these reasons I have stopped using.

It's Free, Though I'd Pay for Something Better PROS - Free to use - You may get free stuff - Someone may collect your unwanted stuff for free - Green ethos - recycle and reuse - Site requires log-in profile, so some protection for personal details CONS - Site functionality: unable to upload photos despite following all their hacks/fixes inc. creating fresh posts - So had to share phone details to send photos - Unable to delete posts - Time taken to approve posts - Seemingly impossible to unsubscribe from and I defo didn't sign up to get general emails I really like the idea and would happily pay a donation to help towards cost of improving functionality

Mixed review I use Freeview mostly to give items that are too good for the tip away for free to people who need/want them in the local area, but honestly, it's just such a faff and you often end up sitting in the house for hours waiting for people who never show up. I've had good experiences with people being really responsive and collecting quickly, but more experiences with people not responding / being no-shows / not having space in the car for it. For balance, the one time I used it as a 'customer' - I got a lovely piece of furniture in great condition that I still use to this day. The issue with Freecycle isn't the concept, it's some of the time wasters who use it...