Freecycle.org?

Question

do you have to give something to get something

Answer 1

No! Some groups request that you offer something before asking for something, but if you see something come through the posts, go ahead and email the owner asking for it!

Answer 2

no. but sometimes it's hard to get something unless you ask for it.

Answer 3

You don't absolutely have to.  These are things I do on my Freecycle groups:  If I post a "Wanted" message, I post an "Offer" also.  If someone posts an offer and it's something I need, I reply to them about it.  I don't always immediately post an offer if that person chooses me to give the item to.  I do offer things often regardless.  So, it's really up to you how you handle it with the group you belong to.  

The landfills here are reaching their capacity so Freecycling does help with that problem.

Answer 4

You have to check the rules of your local group. Mine "requests" that you offer something first, but there is no guard making sure that you do. Some freecycle regulars will do a search on your screen name and if they have other respondents will go to the one who contributes the most.

Answer 5

No, it is against the rules to require to give stuff.

However, the members are pretty smart, they will notice a "greedy Gus" who always asks for stuff and never gives stuff. So take a look around. Got a bunch of hangers left over from the dry cleaners? Outgrown clothes? Exercise equipment gathering dust?

And read the Wanted posts, as well. You may realize you have something stuck in the back of  a closet that could be used by someone else.

So give it a shot!