Another frugal option instead of Goodwill (sell, items, old, money)

[flyingsaucermom]

I'm curious how many of you participate in the "sharing economy"?

I recently became a "member" in a movement called Buy Nothing Project... it's not in that many places yet besides in the PNW, but I think there are some groups in Florida and California. Basically you join a facebook group of your community and you give/receive everything for free. You can't advertise, you can't trade... no money can be involved in the transaction at all (I was told it's for tax reasons, but that stuff is beyond me) all you can do is offer something and ask for something. My community is just now getting started and it's pretty dead still, but there is a town nearby that has 1000 people giving and taking stuff everyday (most of it is stuff I wouldn't need, but it's still cool).

Do you guys have something like this where you live?

[Pitt Chick]

Sounds like freecycle... which has been around for quite some time (but not in my area).

Great idea but practically impossible for my family.

[flyingsaucermom]

Originally Posted by Pitt Chick

Sounds like freecycle... which has been around for quite some time (but not in my area).

Great idea but practically impossible for my family.

Why is that?

It is like freecycle but I abhor using freecycle. I've tried twice. I just think the interface is difficult to manage.

[Rubi3]

I've used freecycle for years. Mostly to give away items. but, occasionally I'll want something mentioned.

[Flamingo13]

I did like Freecycle better back in the day.... since they switched, it's more "work" - but I do like it to see what folks need (and an occasional thing that I might want).

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by flyingsaucermom

Why is that?

No one ever has shirts with 38" sleeves, or pants with 36" or longer inseams, or size 15 shoes, or Arts & Crafts furniture, etc., etc., etc.

[tulani]

I got an artificial Christmas tree and 10' garland from Freecycle.

I gave a lot of things away, also.

I left the group because of their asinine rules.

Now I just put stuff in my carport and let people take it when they see it is up for grabs. Works better for me.

[CaliTerp07]

I use freecycle all the time. Great for house cleaning, and I've received lots of baby items and things for my classroom over the years.

[doodlemagic]

Originally Posted by flyingsaucermom

I'm curious how many of you participate in the "sharing economy"?

I recently became a "member" in a movement called Buy Nothing Project... it's not in that many places yet besides in the PNW, but I think there are some groups in Florida and California. Basically you join a facebook group of your community and you give/receive everything for free. You can't advertise, you can't trade... no money can be involved in the transaction at all (I was told it's for tax reasons, but that stuff is beyond me) all you can do is offer something and ask for something. My community is just now getting started and it's pretty dead still, but there is a town nearby that has 1000 people giving and taking stuff everyday (most of it is stuff I wouldn't need, but it's still cool).

Do you guys have something like this where you live?

interesting concept. im somewhat confused though, you said you can't trade but then in the next sentence say you can offer something and ask for something. is it just people giving away stuff or is it bartering?

[luvmyhoss]

I send my stuff to bootstraps or other sell your stuff for money to benefit others.
Freecycle is sort of bartering I think. Nothing like that around here.