My Craigslist ad was flagged for removal...wondering what I did wrong! :)

[tasha99]

Umm...please PLEASE know that i am not judging ANYONE of being "needy enough" - I did not ask for (nor want!) specifics, just wanted to make sure they went to someone who needed it not wanted to resell it. I do absolutely understand everything else you are saying, but that last sentence made me feel a bit attacked that I was judging people on their neediness, so I wanted to make it VERY clear that it was NOT the case at ALL.

Sorry if you misunderstood, but I didn't write any of that post except the first part saying it was from the FAQs. That is what is written on Craigslist and is likely your ads were flagged.

 

[plummer925]

Sorry if you misunderstood, but I didn't write any of that post except the first part saying it was from the FAQs. That is what is written on Craigslist and is likely your ads were flagged.

Oh, goodness - I feel like such a heal!! I'm so sorry!!!

 

[a1tinkfans]

OP: nice of you to share your items with someone in need. Your heart is in the right place and the flagging could have been someone that felt jilted...regardless, I think that the other options mentioned here are great!

 

[KristiKelly]

I agree with asking churches, fire departments, and the organizations that are in charge of adopting families for Christmas - they would probably know of families in need of these things as well. Good luck!

 

[kimsuenew]

Do you have a Freecycle in your area? That would be a good option!

 

[Jey12]

I think you are doing a wonderful thing! I agree that it would be better for what you are trying to accomplish just to call local legitimate organizations and offer up what you have available. Often they know exactly who could make good use of items such as those.

Another thought that might not have been considered is many people that go and pick up those kinds of items to resell them are doing so because it's the main way they make an income for their family. They might actually be needy, but cash for groceries or rent is what is the main need, so being able to resell items such as these will fill their fridge or put gas in their car to get to a job, doctor or clothes for their kids, etc...

I know a local family around us was close to having their gas shut off last winter and they were using the computers at the library. From there they would answer craigslist ads, go pick items up and resell them. They were able to keep their gas on for the remainder of the winter by doing this. What you do with your items is up to you, and I think the intent was wonderful, I just wanted to mention the reason why some people do pick up free things such as yours and resell them. It's not always just to have extra spending cash.

 

[plummer925]

I think you are doing a wonderful thing! I agree that it would be better for what you are trying to accomplish just to call local legitimate organizations and offer up what you have available. Often they know exactly who could make good use of items such as those.

Another thought that might not have been considered is many people that go and pick up those kinds of items to resell them are doing so because it's the main way they make an income for their family. They might actually be needy, but cash for groceries or rent is what is the main need, so being able to resell items such as these will fill their fridge or put gas in their car to get to a job, doctor or clothes for their kids, etc...

I know a local family around us was close to having their gas shut off last winter and they were using the computers at the library. From there they would answer craigslist ads, go pick items up and resell them. They were able to keep their gas on for the remainder of the winter by doing this. What you do with your items is up to you, and I think the intent was wonderful, I just wanted to mention the reason why some people do pick up free things such as yours and resell them. It's not always just to have extra spending cash.

That is a great point!!

 

[LSchrow]

i agree with pps....free items need to have "no strings attached." to be considered free (your ad appeared to require too much personal information in return).
we had a HUGE, perfect condition wall unit that we didn't want any longer.
i decided to post it for sale at $15.
a college student called, a very nice girl that was thrilled to get such a great deal.
when she arrived with her family (obviously not wealthy) we just refused any money.
i have given away items on freecycle and craigslist, but found that putting a really low price on more pricey items and then reducing the price to free when they arrive, helps reduce the hassle (specifically no shows ) of advertising "free".

 

[Alesia]

I want to point something out, not only because it fits this thread, but also because it's something that can't be repeated enough:

We, as individuals, are not particularly good at assessing the neediness of other. There are many people (both in real life and on the internet) who are very good at telling a sob story and are very good at conning generous people out of things and/or money. There are also a lot of genuinely needy people who aren't comfortable letting other people know how needy they are.

If you want to help the truly needy, there are so many organizations in your own neighborhoods that are better equipped to diagnose the needs of people: schools, churches, homeless shelters, fire departments, domestic violence shelters, hospitals, welfare departments, etc.

 

[JeannieNM]

In our community we have an organization called Womenaide, other areas have them too. We donate directly to families in need. We are connected to the families through the counselors at the middle school in the area. You may want to contact the middle school or high school counselors as they always know who is in need of what. Just an idea.

 

[Eastern]

I don't think posting it on Freecycle will guarantee that the items do not get resold.

The best advice is to put a low price on the item. Someone who really needs it will see the value; someone who wants to resell will pass.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I don't think posting it on Freecycle will guarantee that the items do not get resold.

The best advice is to put a low price on the item. Someone who really needs it will see the value; someone who wants to resell will pass.

And you can donate any proceeds to your favorite charity