Online freebies: 10 websites to use to trade items and find freebies

August 5, 4:09 PMFrugal Family ExaminerMelissa Newby

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The only thing better than a great deal is free.  Finding freebies is easy, if you know where to look and sometimes if you have something to give in return.  Next time you're thinking about buying something, check out these sites and see if you can get the item for free. Trading and bartering keeps unwanted items out of the landfill, an easy way to go green and help the environment. 

Craigslist
www.craigslist.com
Craigslist is an online classified website.  While not everything posted on the site is free, they have a section dedicated to free items.  They also have a section to trade skilled labor and even one to trade houses. 
 
Freecycle
www.freecycle.org
Freecycle is an online community dedicated to keeping usable items out of the landfill.  Everything exchanged through the site has to be free, and you'll find posts offering everything fromcars to a half used bottle of catsup.  If you have something to give, you post it.  If you want something, you post that. If you want something that's been posted, you respond directly to the person offering the item.

Paper back swap
www.paperbackswap.com
Paperback swap allows you to trade books you no longer want for books you want to read.   After creating an account and listing 10 books you have that you are willing to swap, you receive 2 credits.  Each credit can be used to request a book from another member.  For each additional book you swap to another member, you get an additional credit.  It's a great way to trade those books you wont read again for one you've been wanting to read. 
 
Swap A DVD
www.swapadvd.com
Have you watched Gigli more than enough times?  How about getting free movies? Swap a DVD will let you trade DVDs you no no longer want for new ones from other members.  After signing up and listing 10 DVDs that you are willing to swap, you receive one credit which is good to request one DVD.  For each DVD you swap out, you receive another credit.  You do have to pay for shipping, but for about $2 you can trade your copy of Showgirls from something fitting for movie night.  
 
Swap A CD
www.swapacd.com
Score some new car music for your family vacation or clear the clutter of unused CDs.  Swap A CD works just like Swap a DVD, and is owned by the same company.  Trade CDs you're tired of listening to for some new tunes.  A quick search of the site turned up a vast range of music available from Beastie Boys to The New Kids on the Block, and for some reason a large number of Michael Bolton albums.  
 
Trash Bank
www.trashbank.com
One person's trash truly is another person's treasure.  Trash Bank allows you to trade, barter, or sell most any items or services.  Transactions can be strictly trades, a combination of a trade and money, or strictly money. 
 
Swap Tree
www.swaptree.com
Swap Tree trades books, CDs, DVDs, and video games.  The site claims you can join in 9 seconds and be ready to make your first swap.  Once you post an item you are willing to trade away, you'll be shown a list of what others are offering in return for the item you posted. Choose your trade, print a mailing label right from the website, and you're done. 

Barter Quest
www.barterquest.com
Barter Quest allows you to trade just about anything from clothes to houses.  BarterQuest allows you to post what you are willing to trade and what you would like in return.  The site then matches you with potential good trades who are offering what you want.  You are free to make your own offers if you see something you want.   
 
U-Exchange
www.u-exchange.com
U-Exchange allows you to barter and trade goods and services.  You can either post what you are looking for and what you are willing to trade in return, or browse the offers that others have posted.  You do have to register, but registering is free and not fees are collected. 
 
Zwaggle
www.zwaggle.com
Zwaggle is perfect for parents who no longer need baby gear and parents who are looking to stock up.  Post what you no longer want, and if somebody chooses it you receive 'zoints'.  You can trade your zoints for other goodies from other parents.  The site is heavy on clothing, but also includes strollers, play yards, toys, maternity supplies and more.  You can pick up items that are local or choose to have an item shipped to you. If you choose to have something shipped, consider the cost of shipping to determine whether it's still a good deal.