Frequently asked questions
What is this site all about?
How does efreeko differ from other similar sites?
What can I list on this site?
How do I list an item?
Why do I have to be logged in to send an email about an item?
Why do you need my postal code?
I have a 'winner' for my item. How do they pay me by Paypal?
How do I calculate postage and packing for my item?
I want to use the courier service. How do I go about arranging this?
I can't find an appropriate category for my item.
eFreeko was started with the intention of creating a huge online national database of things that people no longer require. The idea is that, instead of sending unwanted items to the local tips, people would offer them to others, therefore reducing the country's waste. At the same time, if there is an item you are searching for, eFreeko would be the first place you would look.
If eFreeko is successful in the UK, the plan is to launch it in the United States also and possibly other countries, making the database of free items internationally. As there is a facility to charge 'postage and packing' for items, there is no reason why you couldn't get your most desired item from someone in another country. So, watch this space.....
How does efreeko differ from other similar sites?
You may already be a member of a local re-cycling group. The founders of eFreeko are themselves members of such groups, but have found these groups limiting.
Firstly, you are only able to offer and receive items from your local area (and other areas if you are prepared to travel). eFreeko is a national database of unwanted items, so if your item doesn't appeal to somebody in your local area it might well be suitable for somebody further afield. And because efreeko provides you with a facility to charge postage and packing to the 'winner' of an item, the distance barrier is removed.
Also, until you pick up the item, you don't know at all what it is going to look like. eFreeko gives you the ability to upload pictures of your items so a visitor can decide whether they like the look of an item before enquiring about it or agreeing to have it.
You can list anything on this site as long as it is FREE. As long as it does not contravene our terms of use. Postage and packing can be charged but this needs to be reasonable and appropriate to the weight and size of the item.
Click here to read our simple 'user guide'
Why do I have to be logged in to send an email about an item?
This is to protect members of the site from spam emails which are often sent via email forms on websites.
Why do you need my postal code?
Your postcode is used firstly to give visitors to the site an idea of where you are located, if they are interested in one of your items. Only the first 3 characters of your postcode are used for this purpose, so your exact location is concealed. If you agree with the winner of one of your items that they will collect it from you, it is up to you to let them know your address.
Secondly, the first 3 characters of your postcode (5 characters of a US zipcode) are used in the 'distance' search. This is so you can search for items within a chosen mile radius of your location. Again, as only the first few characters are used, this will not be completely accurate, but will certainly give you an idea of how far away an item is from you.
I have a 'winner' for my item. How do they pay for postage by Paypal?
Once you have a 'winner' for one of your items, you need to 'edit' the item within your account. At the bottom of the item listing, there is a drop down list showing all the users who have emailed, via efreeko, about the item. Choose the winner of the item from the list and save the listing.
Once you have done this, and assuming you have chosen Paypal as one of your payment methods, a 'pay by paypal' button will appear against the item in the winners 'my items' section. Clicking this button will take the winner to a Paypal payment screen with your Paypal email address (please check you have entered this correctly) already entered.
How do I calculate postage and packing for my item?
Firstly you need to weigh your item. Make sure you add a small amount of weight for the packaging. Then click here to visit the Royal Mail postal 'price finder'. Add on to the cost a small amount for the envelope/brown paper and finally, if you are accepting payment by paypal, remember to add on enough to cover your paypal fee (3.4% + 20p, so for a £2 payment this would be around 23p).
And did you know, you can even print off your own 'postage paid' sticker to put on your parcel (after paying for it!) so if your parcel is fairly small, there may be no need to visit a Post Office.
I want to use the courier. How do I go about arranging this?
If you decide to use the courier to deliver your item, you will need to arrange for the 'winner' to pay the courier for postage, rather than paying you. To do this, click 'edit' against the relevant item and then choose the appropriate courier service in the courier drop down list.
The 'winner' will then have a 'pay courier' button by the side of this item in their efreeko account. Once they have paid the courier, you can complete the courier booking form, which can again be found within the 'edit item' page. Some of the fields on this form will have been completed for you, but you will need to ask the 'winner' for their delivery address.
Once the form has been submitted, the courier will arrange collection of the item on the date you have specified.
To use the courier for your non efreeko needs, click here to complete the booking form.
I can't find an appropriate category for my item.
If you think a category is missing or would be useful, please let us know using the 'contact us' form
In fact we welcome any kind of constructive feedback regarding this website and how it can be improved.