Free Finds: Get Free Stuff From Neighbors

Nextdoor Launches "Free Finds" Feature for Local Item Exchange

Nextdoor, the social platform designed to foster neighborhood connections, has introduced a new functionality called Free Finds. This feature is intended to simplify the process of discovering complimentary items available within local communities.

Since the beginning of 2020, the volume of listings for buying, selling, and giving away items on Nextdoor has risen by 80%. Notably, a quarter of these listings pertain to items offered at no cost. Recognizing this trend, the company has developed a dedicated space to highlight these free offerings more effectively.

Accessing Free Listings

Browsing the Free Finds listings does not necessitate a Nextdoor membership. While joining Nextdoor traditionally involves a verification process, often requiring address confirmation via postal mail, access to free items is now open to all. Whether you're in need of a free blender or seeking materials for a repurposing project, you can now view available items in your area.

To initiate contact with the item provider, creating a free Nextdoor account and completing the standard registration is required. Address verification is typically swift if your mobile billing address corresponds to your residential address, achievable through text message confirmation. However, discrepancies in addresses – such as remaining on a family mobile plan – may extend the verification process up to 10 days.

Comparing to Alternatives

While Facebook hosts numerous neighborhood-based "free and for sale" groups, particularly in urban areas, Nextdoor offers enhanced organization. It categorizes items into sections like “for young ones,” “for plant parents,” “spoil your pets” and “hidden treasures.” This can be more convenient than navigating multiple Facebook groups that may extend beyond your immediate neighborhood.

Nextdoor highlights the environmental advantages of Free Finds, promoting waste reduction by enabling the sharing of usable items among neighbors. However, a key objective is also to expand Nextdoor’s user base by capitalizing on the appeal of free items.

Competitive Context

The launch of Free Finds coincides with increased competition from Facebook. Facebook recently introduced its Neighborhoods feature in Canada, a direct imitation of Nextdoor, and plans to extend it to U.S. users shortly.

Over the past year, Nextdoor has implemented several initiatives to support local communities. These include Sell for Good, allowing users to donate proceeds from sales to charities, and features introduced during the pandemic, such as Help Maps and fundraising options for local businesses.

Addressing Past Concerns

Some users have expressed skepticism regarding neighborhood-based social media platforms. The crime-reporting app Citizen faced criticism for incentivizing users to pursue an arson suspect, ultimately targeting the wrong individual. Nextdoor has also previously been criticized for instances of racial profiling, leading to the implementation of tools to mitigate this issue. The platform continues to address concerns about unwelcoming behavior and potentially harmful discussions.

Investing in features like Free Finds, which encourage positive neighborly interactions, can help to improve the app’s reputation, though its long-term impact remains to be seen.

Availability

The Free Finds feature is now available in all countries where Nextdoor operates. Users can access it at nextdoor.com/freefinds or through the Nextdoor Finds section within the Nextdoor app.