Freecycle Reviews 249

Brilliant service, needs a redesign.

The execution is simple, with message boards and email loops to keep an eye on what's being given away. The community aspect of Freecycle is well-executed, however there are a few glitches to make note of when using the website.

First of all, the site lacks any responsive styling. This means that users on mobile phones are completely out of luck, stuck using a '00 design with dialog boxes misaligned (halfway off) the screen. There is also nothing in the way of a mobile app.

It's clear they have a *lot* to catch up on, but I can't wait to see them do it.

A good concept, this, though - as other reviewers have noted - the site itself looks very outdated. Also, the photos (of the objects available) don't properly display on Android. I love the general idea of the site overall, but definitely it would benefit from some tweaking and a few alterations in style, design, and overall functioning.

Worst possible site to give something for free, even selling on ebay is much easier. Seems like only a few select few are allowed to post and moderators don't seem to exist to aprove your posts. Don't waste time, just go to a charity shop!

The moderators are terrible. Never have I met a group of people so hell-bent on executing their own rules and regulations, often without rhyme or reason. Tried to advertise something and was told that it wasn't 'pandemic essential' as per guidelines that the mods never appear to have published anywhere. Asking for an explanation, I got a very rude and very snappy response.

These sites are all very well and good in concept but until they stop allowing individuals with control issues to act as moderators, then it's a no from me.

The website itself could really do with modernising as well. It's not 1997 for gods' sake.

Excellent service for free. There are no fees and the company is doing something beneficial, preventing unnecessary items heading to landfill.

After many years of using Freecycle (and singing its praises to colleagues and friends), I decided to respond to a request for volunteer moderators. I have moderated listservs as part of my work for various non-profits and university-funded projects which I managed, so I thought I had some expertise that might prove helpful once I learned the culture of the organization and the local group. The "orientation" used a set of on-line resources which were thorough and easy to review; what was confusing were the intermittent emails from the state moderator who didn't follow through on her stated commitment to guide me "through Freecycle.org(R) orientation an...be [my] first point of contact for any issues [I] might have during and after orientation." Instead, I received snappish emails scolding me for behavioral expectations that were never articulated in the first place. What seemed like a smooth on-line orientation process was ruined by incivility and incoherence. There are other volunteer alternatives for me and some which offer community-based efforts to improve the environment similar to what FreeCycle initially espoused. Effective community building is grounded in respect; good training is based in clear expectations, positive reinforcement, patience, and humility. Since I've found none of these characteristics in my (very) brief stint as a moderator-in-training, I'll gladly move out of Freecycle altogether and advise others to do likewise. You can learn a great deal about the culture of an organization as a whole by how individuals who are new to it are treated by those who are deemed as having authority from experience.

Good concept but the site could use an update and new features. There really should be a way to review people. Had some bad experiences with people never showing up after agreeing upon a time and place to meet. Yes, I would rather donate my items to someone who could use it but I don't want to waste that much time either waiting for no-shows. Some bad apples make this whole thing a pain to use. The site should really support being able to weed these people out.

Great idea, but fairly shocking and outdated website. Tried to get rid of two items on separate occasions and failed for different reasons. Gave up and deleted account.

It's hard to be critical about such a positive, community-minded idea and it clearly works for a lot of people, perhaps those who have had time to get used to the website, but I only joined to get rid of stuff, and my alternative is a 10 second walk to the bin, so it really needs to work efficiently for people trying to donate, and it doesn't.

Absolute joke, sign up and within days, unable to get back in. Day in day out login in issues. USELESS.

Waste of time and effort , correspondence non existence from members when wants or offers are posted,
site moderators are a law to themselves,
making rules up as they go along , example ( no posts or limited item with lockdown In some areas but in other areas no restrictions so still running normal. I dont mean local lockdown I mean now as in full lock down .
Just take everything the tip as this site is as useful as a bucket with a hole in it
freecycle RIP
I have left now so not bothered as it cant be run with the same rules for one as another , rules should be for all to adhere

Websites crap and does not remember who I am when receiving emails and trying to login

Posted an offer ad then having borrowed a camera went back on the site to add pictures. I struggled to get the photos accepted- all stated to be too large. In my efforts I deleted my post by accident. I quickly reposted. Amazed to be then banned from the site - I messaged the moderator explaining what had happened- being elderly and not too dextrous -I assumed my sin would be forgiven. Oh no, stony silence - not even the courtesy of a reply.
I fail to see how this rude behaviour meets the ethos of the site.

Contrary to what others say, I've never had a negative experience. We gave away a house full of furniture when we downsized. I've picked up several items that the local scouts were able to use. Everyone has followed through. Mundelein, IL, USA.

I have used free cycle to give away items that were still in good working order that I no longer needed or bought by accident, etc., and I have gotten many items from very generous people over the years who have done the same. It is a lovely way to “pay it forward.”

The worst bit about the site is, on my mobile, when replying to a listing the reply box is half off the screen, so you cannot see your whole reply. Does it have a technical issue???
UK app

I registered years ago but never used it. We tend to put stuff on the Magic Curb outside our house. But some items are just a bit esoteric or too nice. My husband and I have recently used Free Cycle and we are thrilled! We leave items on our front steps in boxes or plastic bags. When I get a contact I also attach a JPEG of our house to make it easier for them. I only wish I had used Free Cycle years ago!

Gave up on Freecycle after numerous attempts to log in to my existing account, or to open a new one. The website is not remotely user friendly, although I suppose some people think that’s a virtue. I’m sure somebody would design them a decent one at little if any cost for such a good cause, but no, that’s not their way.

We had a lot of success with Freecycle a few years ago and decided to advertise an item this weekend. We waited for the moderator in the Bracknell area to approve the post, watched items with later code numbers come and go on the web site, but still no response from the moderator. Our offered post then disappeared without any communication or suggested reason.
We've deleted out account.

Poor first experience. Listed three items nearly 4 days ago and still waiting for approval. The help pages say it should take a few hours, but up to 24hrs. Contacted the moderator with no response. It's like a ghost town. Plus the site is something out of the 90s.

Thanks for the reply, this is for the Stoke-on-Trent group.

Timewaster Central here. Love the concept but really fed up after a weekend of no-shows, making arrangements. Very tempted to landfill now. Agree Freegle should have some sort of reporting/rating system as it is very off-putting.