Working Poor

We have a pretty good group here, and have the option of listing "taken," which stops the e-mails. (No phone calls unless you have a solid prospect and are arranging a meet.)

In my case, I usually meet the the recipient half way since I live up on the hill, and nobody wants to drive up the hill. That stops the "no shows," which is mostly the problem you have with FreeCycle.

Usually, I'm getting rid of stuff for clients who sell their houses. I, of course, get first dibs on anything interesting. I helped a friend clean out her house and garage after her husband died. Let's just say he was a "collector." Took two years to get rid of everything. Anything that might sell went to consignment shops. Things in good condition, but not terribly saleable, went to FreeCycle. Tools, I set up a table at a friend's place on Main Street and sold them. My friend was grateful and generous, and I got all the proceeds to pay for my time. I also sold a lot of scrap metal. I made $2000 on a copper run.

But I've received stuff I've needed, too. Got a whole roll of rabbit fencing once.