Freecycle Etiquette?

[RobinJ]

I have recently joined the two local Freecycle groups.  I am getting rid of all my baby stuff (YAY!) and moving into the toddler/preschool phase.

1 - When responding to a freecycle ad, I have been saying along the lines of "Hi, I am very interested in XYZ if no one else has claimed it yet.  I live in A Town and work in B Town so could pick up either on my lunch or after work/evening time.  Thanks!"  Is that on okay response?  I have only responded to a few ads and don't want to sound like a gimme pig.

2 - After I go pick up my item, should I reply with an email stating that I did receive it and thank the giver for it or not?  I feel that I should reply with a thank you and say how much I look forward to using 'new' item but don't want to come across as weird.

Thanks for any input on this.

[POF]

I Freecycle tons of stuff ( I think stuff reproduces in my cellar room .... seriously ..... ) so

1) Perfect response. 

2) I always like to hear if the recipient liked it. In fact - there are a few folks that have been so nice - I'll offer them stuff before I list on Freecycle. There is a guy with grandchildren who visit usually for 3 weeks in the summer ( they are on anther coast ). I usually EMAIL him first with anything they might like when they visit.

I'm very lucky in our area other than a few no - shows - everyone has generally been good.

Karen

[wyozozo]

IMO, a sincere thank you is never out of line. If it was me, I'd like to be thanked on the board!

[wolfie]

your email is fine - it would go to the top of my list of possible recipients.

I would prefer as little contact as possible - once you have it that is all that matters to me. I don\'t need a thank you note or to know how much you like it.

[RegionMom]

Posting on the board would clog it up and make it tricky to wade through.  500 other people on the public board do not need to know that GeorgeM thanked sarahh for the item she offered.  And it might irritate the 6 other people that wanted one!!
A follow-up e-mail would be fine.
For nice items, I have left a quickly dashed off handwritten note--of how the item will be used, or whatever.  That lets them know I got it. 

Welcome to freecycle! 

[Tosha Go]

What the people do on our FC is send a "Found" message if they have found what they wanted.  In those messages I usually write my thank you.  I dont give any names out but the person will see it and know it's for them.  I've also have had people thank me once I put the Taken status up.

[a]

I've given away a lot and also received a lot. I always like to get an e-mail thank you, but won't hold it against someone if they don't send it. I agree that it should be e-mailed directly and not posted on the list.

[LadyJaneinMD]

IMO, a sincere thank you is never out of line. If it was me, I'd like to be thanked on the board!

As a Freecycle moderator, we would prefer that you NOT post thanks on the board, most of the time.   If you posted a WANTED and got it, then please post a RECIEVED. Otherwise, just thank the offering person privately.  Really. 
Freecycle is not a place to chat. It's just a place to get rid of stuff.  If you want to chat, come to ehell!  I love it here.