How to Write a Freecycle Posting
So you're excited because you've signed up for a freecycling email list or internet group. You're hoping to score some free stuff or to get rid of a piece of home decor that's been cluttering up your closet. Participating in freecycling isn't complicated, but you'll have a better experience if you learn the terms and etiquette of freecycle posting. There are four main categories of postings on freecycle lists: Offer, Want, Sighted, and Pending. Members will make a "Sighted" posting when they see something on a curb or near a dumpster that they think others may want to grab for free. "Pending" posts let others know that an item you posted to give away has been spoken for, yet hasn't been picked up yet. However, most of the time, you'll be making "Want" or "Offer" postings.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
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Want Freecycle Postings
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Start by watching the list or group for a week or two to see what sort of items are being offered. That way, you'll know if your request is reasonable or not. For instance, if you put out a "want" post for a used armchair, any color, in decent condition, you'll be more likely to get your wish than if you ask for a designer dress in a specific color and size.
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When you've decided what you want to ask for, write the title of your posting. It should contain three main elements. First is the word "WANT," followed by the item you're looking for. An indication of how far you're willing to travel to get the item is also important. The title might look something like this: "WANT: girl's bicycle in working condition, anywhere in Metro Detroit."
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For the body of your posting, go into a little detail about what you want and the days and times you might be available.
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Make things easy for the person giving the item away. The more effort you're willing to put forth to get the item, the more likely you are to get it. That means you should know how you'll transport large items, and you should be willing to meet the person giving the item away at a time and place that is convenient for him.
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When appropriate, appeal to people's sense of charity. Freecyclers are often more willing to give an item away to a child or to a good cause. For instance, if you mention you're asking for the child's bike to give to your niece whose parents are both out of work, that will likely increase your chances. Similarly, if you're asking for a piece of furniture because you're planning to donate it to a senior center, church or battered women's shelter, it's to your advantage to mention this fact in your ad.
Offer Freecycle Postings
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As with making "Want" postings, you may want to watch the list or group for a while to see which items are popular and which are not. Mechanical items not in good working order or clothing that's too out of date are hard to give away, even for free. On the other hand, old furniture--even if it's a little beat up--is often extremely popular.
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Write the title of your posting. It should contain three main elements. First is the word "OFFER," followed by the item or items you're giving away. A general indication of where you live should be included. The final title might look something like this: "OFFER: microwave cart, west side of Ann Arbor."
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In the body of your posting, give more detail about the item you're offering, the condition it's in and when you're available. If the item is damaged or missing parts, be honest about it. Describing the color, size or any features is often helpful as well. Also, be sure to let people know what days and times you're available to meet for giving the item away.
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Add a note about how you'll decide who gets the item if more than one person asks for it. There's no right or wrong way to do this. Some people opt for giving it to the person who responds first. Others will take requests for 24 hours and then make a decision about who the item goes to. If you're offering more than one item, you can write in your ad that anyone who is willing to take all three or four items will get first priority.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have an item that's unpopular, it's often helpful to make it a package with a more popular item. Say you have a coffee table in good condition and clunky old exercise bike that only works in one gear. If you note in your posting that whoever wants one item must take both, you'll be more likely to get rid of the clunker.
Don't lie about your circumstances. Be honest. It's a community based upon trust.
