I am always early. I would rather sit in my car and wait the risk being late.

You first person was just disrespectful and I i imagine he does this to everyone.

Yet, these people seem to get through life.

I'm with you on politeness of punctuality. It's one thing to be delayed unavoidably, but it shows disrespect when someone is late because they had other non-urgent priorities. Glad you found another taker for the item who was both punctual and had the manners to say, "thank you."

I agree. I am willing to consider within 5-10 minutes in either direction as timely because of traffic, weather and whatever, but to be running errands and "will let you know" when they will finally be coming is beyond all bounds of reasonable behavior - especially for something you are giving away. Glad you told them the item wasn't available and found someone who was punctual, courteous and appreciative.

I have found the same as @lucille. Some people coming to pick up items text to keep you apprised if they will be on time or late, and there are those who after they make the appointment for pickup are never heard or seen again. The beautiful part of most Freecycle pickups are that they can be left on the porch so the pickup person can come at their convenience. I mostly ask for an approximate time of day, (morning or afternoon) so that I'm not concerned when the dogs bark.

From what I’ve read, no show pickups are common. If I’m picking something up, I will be there.

Unfortunately I can't just leave something on the patio for pickup. For one, I'm apprehensive that some of my plants might get picked up when someone comes to pick up their item.. From posts on local media, people have actually had this happen. And second, I live in an apartment complex which specifies what I can have on my patio, which are plants and patio furniture. Any other items are subject to a fine.

Test

As regards hosting a dinner party, etc., I’m most appreciative of my guests who follow the 10 minute rule. Think we’ve discussed this before and learned that arrival times differ on the two coasts. and in between. Im in California. Please do not be on the dot punctual at my doorstep. 🥴

But by the same token, Martinca, you would not want a guest to go do some shopping or go get her nails done and not give you a head's up on her possible late arrival time, while your roast overcooks in the oven...

In California as well. In Orange County I agree with Martinca's thought. In the Palm Springs area coming to a party on time, you are basically late. Took me awhile to get onboard with this difference. Meeting someone or picking up an item, on time is best in both locations.

Being prompt is in my DNA. Actually I'm early and will often wait out in my car until the right time. I understand there are lots of reasons someone can be running late, and, aside from an emergency, can also let you know that's the case. I applaud how you handled things.

That's just rude! Your giving away something of value, your giftee should be gracious and respectful. I'm glad the 2nd person was punctual and left a ThankYou.

Irritating and rude for sure, no shows and lateness are just part of the Facebook MP and Craigslist world. You have to factor in whether or not it is worth it to go that route for selling or giving away items.

Time is cultural. In my family, 15 - 20 minutes late for dinner or a party is reasonably acceptable. You nosh for a good half hour anyway. If someone showed up to my home early (before the stated time) for dinner I'd be surprised and a bit irritated. If I saw them sitting in their car outside of my house I'd be downright creeped out.

CPT is real. My good friend showed up an hour and a half late for her own baby shower. Nobody batted an eye lash or cared.

Among friends who cook and do the preparations themselves for a dinner party, they know that arriving 10-15 minutes late is a courtesy to the hosts.

Those who do not cook, or do minimal cooking, are usually arriving too early — as much as 30 minutes. Nuts, olives, cheese are not likely to be welcomed — they want to eat now! And of course they don’t want a glass of wine while waiting.

My husband was habitually late for regular pot luck dinners a group of his work friends would have — even if we were making a sizable contribution to the meal. I finally was tired of the embarrassment and comments, and went into full nag-to-death mode; we were not going to be late. Unfortunately that was the evening that the hosts decided to tell my husband to come an hour earlier than everyone else figuring we would show up at the real start time. I still remember the shocked faces of the hosts as we walked in the door.

Our family was always punctual. My mom felt it was rude to be late or too early. My dad ran a very tightly scheduled beauty shop at a time when your weekly appointment was sacred. As the “fill in” person when the receptionist went on vacation, I experienced how much being on time mattered. It got drummed into my DNA.

"To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late. To be late is to be forgotten." Mantra, we plugged daily to teens, of the lead teacher I worked for. I wish more often the world worked like the OP's situation. Reality discipline is the best teacher.

Way back in the day, when I use to audit banks and credit unions throughout my state-I would meet a coworker on the turnpike (we'd take turns driving and there was a parking lot there) and she was ALWAYS late! There were many times I waited 15-20 mins and left her! We were actually good friends and she was a lovely person otherwise-but she mentally, just could not get there on time. I never understood it.

We lived in Los Angeles and people turned up for parties on time. At the most someone might arrived 20 minutes after the start time.

Now in SW Florida and people show up on time.

I'm lucky that my husband handles most of our selling like this, but he has become so frustrated with this as well. Tons of no-shows. Lots of people being late or not showing up at the agreed upon time. He's become so frustrated that he hardly sells anything anymore.