My old 'curb alert' system was a mess of sticky notes and missed chances.

For years I'd scribble addresses on paper when I saw furniture on the curb, but I'd forget or show up too late. After missing a perfect mid-century side table in my own neighborhood, I finally downloaded a local 'buy nothing' app and set alerts. Do you think the old school drive-around method is still better than relying on apps for finding free stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

jamiekim1mo ago

Saw a piece in the local paper about how the apps have basically created a second shift of people who just refresh and race to items. The drive-around method is slower, but you avoid that crazy competition. I still keep an eye out when I'm working, but for planning a pickup, the alerts are hard to beat.

the_andrew1mo ago

Is it really a second shift though, @jamiekim? Sounds like a few people with fast thumbs. I check the alerts too, but most stuff sits for a bit unless it's something really good, like a working TV. The race is only for the top items.