Okay, after reading about how great Freecycle was, I joined my local chapter. However, I can't imagine ever actually participating, as it all seems terribly dangerous!! I mean somehow or other you have to meet up with strangers and that just seems foolhardy. I realize you are supposed to do all you can via email and that you are supposed to arrange drop-off/pick-up at a neutral location....but still...I don't know, I'm very cautious!

So have any of you had NEGATIVE experiences? Have you ever felt uncomfortable with a member? Can someone soothe my fears?

By Yjja123 on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 04:46 pm:

I have done it for a few months now. I only give to people I get a good vibe from. I have let some come to my house and others picked up in a parking lot at a grocery store.
I generally have women picking up stuff (kids toys, clothes, etc) Everyone has been super friendly.
No problems!

By Jackie on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 05:06 pm:

Yes, I agree with Yvonne. Ive done alot of public pickups, and do have people pick up at my house. I just leave it outside in a bag with their name on it.
I actually met a good friend through freecycle, I picked up a babytoy from her that she advertised. And, then I was gettting rid of boy clothes, she picked up from me. We started IMing, and have been friends every since.

By Pamt on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 05:18 pm:

Only good experiences here too! Everytime someone has picked up from me it has been at my house and it has always been a mom. Very nice, very appreciative people. The one time I claimed something from Freecycle the man lived out of town, but came into town often and took it to my DH at church. DH said he was a really nice guy too! No problems at all here, but I make sure and get a good vibe from emails and phone calls sent back and forth prior to pickup.

By Trisa on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 05:49 pm:

My husband will only let people
come pick up stuff If he is home.
Once I did it when he was NOT home and he
about flipped his lid!

By Rachela2 on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 10:23 pm:

I've done some pickups and had people come pick up at my house too. If my husband isn't home, I leave the items on side of house, in front of gate so they can get it themselves. I've had others do this too when I've picked up.

By Kay on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 10:40 pm:

We tend to only meet in public places - to date, I've gotten the brown leather coat, coffee table, pampered chef cookware, and I just received a set of three cast-iron skillets that are brand new and still in the box.

Of course you have to use discretion - the same discretion we use in giving out information about ourselves here on this site.

In our community, we're already planning a get-together. The folks I've met so far have been nothing but kind and gracious. That's not to say that there aren't some weirdos out there, but unfortunately weirdos are everywhere.

By Paulas on Sunday, January 9, 2005 - 02:36 am:

I just signed up for Freecycle after reading it on here but so far there are only 3 people on my local board

By Feona on Sunday, January 9, 2005 - 07:58 am:

You don't have to met them. Just leave the stuff in your driveway for them.