I have been having quite a bit of fun with manufacturer's coupons, these past few months. I have been following the principles in the book, Shop, Save, & Share by Ellie Kay, and this has transformed the way I use coupons. Now, not only do I use them for my own personal use, I also have found ways to use them to benefit others.
Recently, I have explored the idea of joining what called a "Coupon Train". I'll include a brief overview of what this is below. But, the problem is, that I can't seem to find an acceptable group to get on trains at. SO, I thought I'd give it a shot to form a group of people myself who might be interested in trying this concept out with me. So, if I have enough interest, I will start a Yahoo Group for our coupon trains. My big requirement is that only people I know and invite are welcome to join. Now, it would be OK for you to join and then invite someone you can vouch for, to join as well. I trust you. If your friend is on the up-and-up, and is an avid coupon-user, then by all means -- invite them to join! I just don't want a bunch of anonymous people joining our group and then me having problems with them not wanting to keep the train moving, or derailing it or something.
In a nutshell, and very basically, here is how it works -- I am the conductor of the first train. I gather 40 good coupons into an envelope and I mail it to the first person on the list. That person has 3 days to look at the coupons and take out what they want and put the same number back in. Then they look at the member list that came with the coupons, and they send the envelope on to the next person on the list. This goes on and on, and hopefully, after 5 people or so, the envelope gets back to me and I get to pick and choose from what is there that you all put in. Then, I can start the same train back around again.
The only cost to the participants, is the cost of a stamp to send the envelope on to the next person and of course, you put in coupons to replace what you took out.
I think we could have some fun with this. Please send me an email and let me know if you would like to do this with me. If I can get at least 5 people interested, I'll open up a Yahoo Group for it, so we have access to files and databases, etc. and we'll make it more official.
The following info was taken from a website I visit called Grocery Coupon Money Saving Guide. it's just a general "how-to" for Coupon Trains. Our trains would be run however we want them to. This is just general, to get it going.
Let me know if you want to get on the train with me!
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Coupon trains are simply a way of exchanging coupons by snail mail. While this is not a new concept and predates the Internet, the Internet has opened up opportunities to better connect savers. This means those “Great Coupons” that aren’t available in your local paper, supermarket, or even mail just may be in someone else’s. That pile of “free” products or coupons you were going to discard may be exactly what someone else is looking for. Add in a few more people, and you may just have a savings Dream Team!
Coupon Trains – The BasicsEvery train is different, depending on who needs what, when, why, and where! Whoever starts up a train usually defines the specific goals and rules for that group. There are a few key fundamentals to consider before you decide which train is right for you.
Basic Coupon Trains - The basic coupon train begins with a group of 3 – 6 members at different mailing addresses. An envelope of coupons (typically 40 – 200) is mailed from the “conductor” to the first person on the “train route” (mailing list). That person takes out the coupons they want and replace them with other coupons at least equal to the number they took out. They then mail the envelope (“envie”) to the next person on the route, who does the same.
Ideally each person keeps the envelope for no longer than 1 – 3 days, and pulls out any expired coupons. The train needs to keep moving along, since the idea is to send and receive those much needed coupons before the next sale, or the expiration date.
Key factors in forming a train are members
needs and
turnaround time.
Opposing Needs - Trains may be formed between people with opposing needs (wish lists): i.e., one needs pet coupons, one needs baby coupons, and one needs a specific detergent while another prefers a different brand. So, when that Pampers coupon shows up in Sunday’s paper, the one member who needs baby coupons knows that all five will be available for her.
Similar Needs - Some trains are formed among people with similar wish lists. Examples would be food only, cleanser only, baby only, organic only. Here the idea is for people with the same interest but different brand needs, babies in different stages of development, or even people on the same “coupon newsletter” lists, to exchange coupons they are the most interested in.
Turnaround Times - Receiving coupons in sufficient time before they expire is just as important. To help with this, trains may be organized geographically. All members may be in a single state, in a region (mid-atlantic, pacific…), or in major cities with major mail hubs. This can also be useful for people wanting to shop at the same store line.
The ideal train combines all of the above. In reality, trade-offs must be made, so know your priorities when forming or joining a coupon train.
Basic Coupon Train GuidelinesThere are a few basic guidelines members should commit to:
1.
Expired coupons - Ideally members will remove expired coupons, and any that will expire within 20 days of mailing the envelope. So for an envelope sent 4/1, the coupons should be good through 4/20 or longer. This helps to ensure that members don’t receive expired coupons due to postal delays. Take into account holidays and three day weekends, when mail may be running up to a week behind.
There are exceptions to this rule, particularly great coupons or those on someone’s wish list. Again, the rules for each train are different, so check with your conductor.
2.
Only Add Acceptable Coupons - There is something exciting about generating and receiving a bigger pile of coupons. However,
bigger isn’t necessarily
better if they are not coupons other members can use. Bigger piles are also
heavier piles, increasing postage costs, which can outweigh (J) the cost benefit of the coupons!
In general, never put in expired coupons! (if you have expired coupons,
read this article on how you can use them to help others) Also, store-specific, Catalina (check-out tape), or internet printed coupons are of limited use to others, and can increase postage costs. In contrast inserts, non-inserts, wine tags, peel offs, rebate forms, etc. can add great value.
3.
The Numbers Game - Some trains require that members add in only enough coupons to replace what they have taken out. In this case, a train that starts with 40 coupons would return to the conductor with exactly 40 coupons. A member who removes 10 coupons must replace them with exactly 10 coupons. There are advantages and disadvantages to this method. However,
in this case only replacing coupons with multiples of the same coupon is not allowed.
The majority of trains do
not have this rule. If you have a great coupon, rebate, or other item, every member may want one too! Check with your conductor if you need guidance.
4.
Routing Slips - The train should circulate with the routing slip showing mail addresses in order. Even though you may have received the same train before, always check the routing slip for changes to ensure you are sending to the right person. Occasionally people go on vacation, have a family emergency, or may need to leave a train.
Always check your routing list before mailing the train!The routing slip should also have the “name” of the train and the date it left the conductor. While this may seem unnecessary, members may participate in multiple trains. Having the train ID clearly displayed keeps the right train on the right track.
5.
The Forum Thread - PLEASE subscribe to the thread for the train you are on. Post updates when you receive and mail the train. Having the train “lost in the great unknown” of the postal service can be nerve racking. Trains do get lost. And, if the train is running a bit behind, members have the opportunity to mail off valuable wish list coupons directly to a member before they expire. The conductor can restart the train, double check addresses, whatever is needed to keep or return the train to it’s tracks. But they can’t do it without your help.
6.
Timelines - Envies should be mailed to the next person within 1 – 3 days of receipt. If you receive a train on Saturday, it needs to be mailed the following Monday. If you aren’t able to do so, post or contact the conductor immediately.
Most of all, remember that the coupon train is a team effort! It should be enjoyable, rewarding, and bring SAVINGS to all the members. If you have any questions about your train, just ask!
