Tips

Is anyone interested in a broken or faulty item?

Yes, and it is probably what Kadoz does best. You can say that an item is not working, needs repair, or is good for parts — and that is not a flaw to hide, it is information someone is looking for.

A washing machine that no longer drains interests the neighbour who knows how to change a pump. A bike with no back wheel interests the one with a spare wheel. A dead toaster interests a repair café. These items go, often faster than intact ones, because whoever takes them knows exactly what they are coming for.

Be precise about the fault. “No longer heats up” is useful; “needs repair” on its own says nothing and puts people off.

What photo should I take?

One good photo is better than five bad ones. The whole item, in daylight, against a clear background — push everything else out of the frame rather than looking for a setting.

If the item has a flaw, photograph that too. A scratch that is shown is a scratch that is accepted; a scratch discovered on the doorstep is a wasted trip.

How do I describe an item so that it goes quickly?

Say what the photo does not show: the dimensions, the brand, whether it works, what is missing. A clear title and three precise lines are worth more than an enthusiastic paragraph.

And say if it is heavy or bulky. Someone who finds out on the doorstep that it takes two people and a van leaves empty-handed, and you start again.

What cannot be given away on Kadoz?

Anything that is illegal to hand over, anything dangerous — weapons, flammable products, medicines —, animals, and anything that concerns the person rather than the item.

Child car seats and helmets are best avoided: their safety depends on a history of impacts that nobody can check. And nothing is given in exchange for anything, in any form whatsoever.

How can I be notified when an item I am waiting for becomes available?

If an item is already reserved, you can register your interest. If it goes back online — and that happens often —, you are notified immediately, with your place in the queue.

You can also create an alert for what you are looking for. Kadoz will let you know when a matching item is listed near you, without you having to come back and check every day.

My item is not going. Why?

Three causes, in order of frequency. The photo does not show the item clearly. The title is vague — “assorted bits” tells nobody what they are coming for. Or the category is wrong, and the item does not appear where people look for it.

Edit the listing rather than listing it again: a new photo and a precise title are enough most of the time. And give it a few days — the person looking for exactly your item may not have been online today.