Customer Reviews (100)

Marvin Love • 2025-03-31T03:38:22.322Z

awesome

Sean Varanko • 2025-03-30T18:47:37.985Z

I've got stuff off of here and the people I have contacted for it was a easy trade off

Tonia • 2025-03-30T09:19:53.951Z

very informative i like it

Summary of Key Insights

The "Freebie Alerts" app generally receives positive feedback, with a strong emphasis on its usefulness for finding free items and helping people in need. Users appreciate the convenience of having multiple platforms aggregated into one app and the real-time notifications. However, some significant pain points exist, including outdated listings, lack of direct communication options, and the presence of non-free items. The overall sentiment is positive, reflected in the high percentage of 5-star reviews (73%). The key strengths are its ability to aggregate free stuff listings and provide timely alerts. The main weaknesses are related to content moderation, communication features, and search/filtering capabilities.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent based on the app version (3.8.3) and review content.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (based on star ratings and review text), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms and topics), and thematic analysis (grouping similar issues and requests).

Key User Pain Points

  • Outdated Listings: Many users complain that items listed are no longer available ("item no longer listed," "nobody updates when stuff is sold," items being listed for "months to a year or more"). This wastes users' time and creates frustration.
  • Lack of Direct Communication: Some users find it difficult or impossible to contact the person giving away the item ("you can NOT contact person with item !!!," "How TF do you send someone a Direct Message (DM) ???," "most of the free ads do not provide a name or phone number or Gmail address"). Relying solely on email contact is also seen as a limitation.
  • Non-Free Items/Sales: Users report that the app contains listings for items that are not free or are actually sales ("More and More vendors are taking up space. Listing work offered," "half of this app is not free in the slightest"). This violates the app's core promise and degrades the user experience.
  • Distance/Location Issues: Some users find that the free items are too far away or the app doesn't accurately reflect their current location ("most of it is miles away from me or months to a year to years ago long").
  • Editing Posts/Comments: Users giving away items struggle to edit their posts, update the status of claimed items, or exchange comments within the app ("i can't figure out how to edit my post. can't figure out how to exchange comments," "you can't edit it, update it, or change the status of items that have been claimed already").

Frequently Requested Features

  • Search Function: A search function to find specific items more easily ("need search function").
  • Filtering Options: The ability to filter by distance, category, or availability (e.g., hide claimed items) ("I'd put in the option to weed out the claimed items," "It would be nice to change the miles distance easier").
  • Direct Messaging: A direct messaging feature to communicate with listers within the app ("How TF do you send someone a Direct Message (DM) ???").
  • Improved Notification Control: More granular control over notifications (e.g., frequency, type of item).
  • Share Option: The ability to share the app with others ("I wish I was able to share the link with others but have not figured out how to do so").

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Convenience and Aggregation: Users appreciate having multiple platforms (Nextdoor, OfferUp, Letgo, TrashNothing) in one place ("All apps like the market place and offer up etc, in one place! Awesome!").
  • Real-Time Alerts: The real-time notifications are highly valued ("You will be receiving notifications in your phone in real time").
  • Ease of Use: Many users find the app easy to use ("I love the variety and easy to use," "easy and fun," "easy to communicate with people all over").
  • Helpful for Finding Needed Items: The app helps users find items they need, especially those who are on a budget ("This app is amazing I find so much cool stuff that I need and can't afford right now," "I was able to furnish my bedroom for free!!!").
  • Reduces Waste: Users appreciate the app's role in keeping usable items out of landfills ("Keeps things that are still good out of our landfills").

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:

    • Implement a System for Removing/Updating Listings: Develop a mechanism for users to mark items as claimed or unavailable, and automatically remove listings after a certain period. This is the most frequently cited problem.
    • Improve Content Moderation: Actively monitor and remove listings that are not free or that are sales-oriented. This directly addresses a key user complaint and maintains the app's core value.
    • Enable Direct Messaging: Add a direct messaging feature within the app to facilitate communication between users. This addresses the frustration of relying on external contact methods.

  • Medium Priority:

    • Implement Search and Filtering: Add search functionality and filtering options (distance, category, availability) to improve item discovery.
    • Improve Location Accuracy: Ensure the app accurately reflects the user's location and allows for easy adjustment of the search radius.
    • Enhance Post Editing Capabilities: Allow users giving away items to edit their posts, update the status, and add more details.

  • Low Priority:

    • Improve Notification Control: Provide more granular control over notification settings.
    • Add a Share Feature: Make it easier for users to share the app with others.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Premium Subscription with Enhanced Features: Offer a paid subscription with features like ad-free browsing, advanced filtering, priority notifications, and the ability to "boost" listings.
  • Partnerships with Local Charities: Partner with local charities to facilitate the donation of unclaimed items.
  • AI-Powered Item Matching: Use AI to suggest relevant free items to users based on their interests and past activity.
  • Community Forum: Create a forum within the app where users can share tips, ask questions, and connect with each other.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment Dominates: The vast majority of users express positive sentiment towards the app.
  • Focus on Practicality: Users primarily value the app for its practical benefits – finding free stuff and saving money.
  • Notification Fatigue: Some users mention being overwhelmed by the number of notifications, suggesting a need for better control over notification frequency.

Conclusion

"Freebie Alerts" is a valuable app that addresses a real need for people looking to find free items. While the app has many strengths, addressing the key pain points related to outdated listings, communication, and content moderation is crucial for improving the user experience and retaining users. Implementing search and filtering options, as well as a direct messaging feature, would further enhance the app's utility. Overall, focusing on content quality and improved communication will lead to a more successful and user-friendly app. I would recommend prioritizing the high priority items and closely monitoring user feedback after each update.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rodolfogs.nextdooralerts