FAQ

Can Really Really Free Market Toronto West End be part of our event?

Unfortunately no. We are not *the* Really Really Free Market, but *a* Really Really Free Market, one amongst hundreds across the globe. Really Really Free Markets (RRFM) do not have a central office or organizing core. They are based on a principle of "no money, no trade, no barter". (See About Us.) Based on those principles, any community can put together an RRFM--a one-off, or an annual one, or a monthly one like ours. Some RRFMs even have permanent stores!

If you want to put together an RRFM, please read our Start Your Own Market. You can also come to one of our markets and chat with us, or email us with your questions.

What happens to the leftovers at the end of the market?

Volunteer drivers take the items, if they can, to charities and non-profit organizations of their choice. Due to the insufficient number of volunteer drivers, and the fact that most of the places we would like to donate to are closed on Saturday evening, as well as us not having overnight storage space, we end up sending many items to the Salvation Army stores.

Sometimes people come and take some of the leftovers to an event they are holding. This has included a separate night time Really Really Free Market, swap events, and a Nuit Blanche exhibition.

Anyone who has an organization or event they would like to take second-hand stuff to can come after 4pm. We will provide them with boxes and bags to pack things in. We could even help pack. If they are going to come later, and they send a list of stuff they want and a contact number, we can put stuff aside for them, but we cannot store them. They must pick them up on the evening of the market. Please contact us: rrfmarket@gmail.com

I know that I don't have to bring anything to the market, but there are things that I no longer need that I would like to donate. When can I bring them to the market?

Since the free market at Campbell Park only has access once a month on market day we can only receive donations when the market is open. We do not have any storage space to accept donations at other days and times. All donations must be dropped off between 9 am to 3 pm. Absolutely no donations will be accepted after 3pm.

When is the best time to come to the market? 
All times are the best, since people bring new stuff to the market beginning a little before opening up to 3 pm.

I brought five boxes of very nice stuff to the market. Why am I allowed to take away only one large shopping bag full of stuff (about only one box)?

(1) The market is *not a Swap Market*. There are wonderful swap markets in Toronto, some of them general-purpose, some of them specific (such as books only, large size clothing only, etc.), some of them seasonal, some of them more regular, and we encourage you to check them out if you wish to get something of equal value for your stuff. The Really Really Free Market is what you could call a "gift" market--those who give don't expect anything in return. (But they often find some treasure or other.) The market is not a charity, though. It is for people who want to be both smart and environmentally conscious in acquiring stuff they need, regardless of their income level.


(2) Having said that, during the first years of the market, there was no limit to what one could take, or how long they could visit--again, regardless of their income level and regardless of whether they contributed goods or not, or how much. Unfortunately, a handful of opportunists tried to take over the market, waiting all day, and taking things before others had a chance to see them. Hence the time and bag limits.


(3) If you personally want to treat the market like a swap market, bring only a bagful (or less) of items. The one-hour limit still applies, however. Visitors are expected to leave after one hour, whether they have filled their bag or not.

(4) If you are not satisfied with the amount you were able to take, please come back to the market at 3 pm. There are no limits after 3 pm.

Are there any items the market does not accept?
Unfortunately yes. We have made a list of items we no longer accept due to the realization after many years of holding the market that the individuals coming to the market have no interest in them. Please see our DOs & DON'Ts list on the right column of our home page. On mobile phones, choose the desktop view to see the list. 

Why can't I bring furniture and other large items?

Items left over at the end of the market have to be cleared out by volunteers. A very limited number of volunteers with cars take those to charities, community groups, and as a last resort, second-hand stores. Their vehicles do not have the capacity to take furniture or other large items alongside boxes and bags of other leftovers.

Sometimes an exception can be made. When a large item is brought in, volunteers can make a verbal announcement, asking if anybody wants the item. If no one does, the item cannot be accepted.