Free Stuff Fairy is a web/mobile app that connects unwanted goods--potential waste--with people who need them. It encourages the reuse of goods in New York City by making the exchange fun and easy.
It dynamically generates peer-to-peer offers using a distance-based algorithm. The closest users have the first opportunities to claim an offer. Once a match has been made, Free Stuff Fairy sends a text message (through the Twilio API) to let the recipient know that they’ve been chosen for a certain item. They can then accept or reject the offer within the given time limit. We are also exploring partnerships with TaskRabbit to make transportation logistics as easy as clicking a button.
If nobody wants a certain item, Free Stuff Fairy gives users the contact information of their local Salvation Army or other donation center so that the owner can arrange for responsible alternate disposal.
Free Stuff Fairy is a win-win for everyone. It helps New Yorkers save money by acquiring free used goods instead of paying for new items. The city saves landfill space and the cost of removing these goods from the streets. And finally, users will actually want to participate because throwing away furniture in NYC is much more difficult than using this app!
Jesse Kipp
Developer
Jesse breaks things until they work.
Ilana Sufrin
Developer, Project Manager
Ilana Sufrin is a Pittsburgh native who is one of three sets of twins in her immediate family. She recently graduated from New York University and currently attends the Flatiron School.
Ilana has previously worked for Vanity Fair Magazine, the Legal Aid Society, and the Huffington Post.
