Freecycle Reviews 

Receiving digests from freecycle,try to open,with new site they won't open,so bloody annoying in this day and age should be so simple.

The new design is a problem.

Firstly the low contrast mid green text is a disaster for people with sight problems. Did anyone take any advice on accessibility issues of was it just "Oooh, nice pretty colours"?

Secondly, I receive daily or more emails, some of which are new design and I can't turn off. The old better design showed all 25 listings on the email preview screen and I could quickly scan the lot. Now I have to scroll down through lines of space and low contrast text.

TL;DR

Sorry, you lost a regular user. Maybe I'll check in once a week or so or when I put something up for donation.

Meh.

I used to be a regular on freecycle, not only getting useful items but passing on many things that I no longer use for others to enjoy.

Like so many others on here I hate the new website! It's almost impossible to describe how much without swearing!

I have given it time but the old version that offered a simple list that you could click on to see the picture of anything interesing, easy interface and user friendly way of looking at, and offering unwanted possessions or getting things.

I DON'T WANT TO SEE PICTURES OF EVERYTHING, ESPECIALLY STUFF THAT HAS ALREADY GONE!!!! Why would anyone think that was a good idea?

Please turn the old site back on so we can use it again, in it's current state it's a horrible experience and is so user hostile that I have regretfully resorted to dumping stuff into landfill! A lot of things!

The beta website was useless and I managed to use the original for a short time but now forced down the new one I hardly visit the site. Had a look today to see if they have taken onboard what the users are saying but no, it's still the cr*p version!

Very sad as this was a great and helpful website, ruined for no good reason!

Freecycle, if you read this review PLEASE put the old website back up and admit the new idea has not worked and was a MASSIVE mistake!

Absolutely agree with the person last to review. If it works don't fix it.
Can't stand the new site.

If it works don't fix it, because now freecycle just doesn't work!!!
Freecycle is a Brilliant concept, was so easy to use and worked a treat. They have now updated it and it kicks you out back onto the old site, which then kicks you out to the new site. So annoying and was clearly never tested before implementing

I've lived in the UK for ever, use Vodafone in the UK as my service provider and never had a problem with the site until recently, the old and the new. Tried it on 2 separate phones and a laptop!
Switched to another site now that works and won't be coming back to Freecycle!

As I said, if it works, don't fix it!!!!

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