Instead of driving to a thrift store: give away for free on Pikitup
Taking things to a Brockenhaus (Swiss thrift store) costs time: fixed opening hours, a drive across town, and not every Brocki accepts everything. On Pikitup you post a photo, and someone nearby comes and picks it up directly from you – free, no trip, no German required.
Feature comparison
2'500+ items free for pickup right now
A look at the current inventory – every item is free and ready for pickup nearby.
Beistelltisch
Kartenhalter aus Metall
Ausziehbares Bettsofa von Ikea mit Stauraum
VHS Player mit 2 Filmen
Sanaflex Lattenrost
Sanaflex Lattenrost mit Matratzenschoner
Sanaflex Lattenrost 220cm
Chicco D'oro Kaffeekapseln
Bettgestell und Matratze zu verschenken
Aquarell Malset mit Pinseln und Farben
Zwei weisse Rollladenschränke
6 weisse Teller
Why Pikitup?
No trip needed
Take a photo, post it, done. Pickup happens at your home – not at a store.
No opening hours
A Brocki has fixed hours. Pikitup is online around the clock – list and browse whenever you want.
Takes what the Brocki rejects
Damaged, outdated, or just not sellable? On Pikitup almost everything finds someone who wants it.
Runs fully in English
Brockenhaus signage and info are almost always German-only. Pikitup works in English end to end.
What is Brockenhaus (Brocki)?
Brockenhäuser (often called "Brocki" in Swiss German) are thrift stores run by organisations like Caritas, the Salvation Army or Emmaus. They resell donated items, with proceeds going to social projects. Drop-off is tied to opening hours, information is almost always German-only, and many Brockis only take items they can resell – damaged, outdated or bulky pieces are often turned away.
While Brockenhaus (Brocki) serves its purpose, Pikitup takes a more modern approach: an interactive map shows you instantly what is available near you. Contact directly, agree on a time, pick it up – it is that simple.
Brockenhaus (Brocki) in Switzerland: the answers
Is Pikitup an alternative to the Brockenhaus?
Yes, for anything you want to get rid of without asking for money. A Brockenhaus resells your donation and decides for itself what it takes – damaged, outdated or bulky items are often rejected. On Pikitup you decide: post a photo, and whoever wants it picks it up directly from your home. No transport, no opening hours, no rejection.
What's the difference between a Brocki and Pikitup?
A Brocki (Brockenhaus) is a physical thrift store with fixed opening hours that you have to visit – both to drop off and to buy. Pikitup is a free online map: you see in real time what people near you are giving away, or list your own item in under three minutes. Everything stays completely free – nothing is sold.
Does the Brockenhaus really not take everything?
Correct. Brockenhäuser are set up for resale, so they often reject items that are hard to sell: old electronics, unusual furniture, heavily used textiles. On Pikitup almost everything finds a taker, because it's completely free – plenty of people are happy to take things a Brocki would turn down.
Do I have to drive my things to the Brockenhaus?
At most Brockenhäuser, yes – unless you book a paid pickup service for large furniture. On Pikitup you post a photo from home, and whoever wants it comes to you and picks it up – you don't have to go anywhere.
Ready to switch?
Try Pikitup and see how simple giving away and finding can be.
Pikitup vs Brockenhaus (Brocki) – verdict
Both platforms let you find and give away free items. The main difference is the approach: while Brockenhaus (Brocki) relies on classic listings, Pikitup is map-based and shows you instantly what is available near you.
Pikitup saves you time: see at a glance what is available nearby, contact the giver directly, agree on a time and pick the item up. That simple.
Whether you are after furniture, electronics, books or clothes – Pikitup makes finding and giving away free stuff in Switzerland faster and easier than ever.