How To: The HCW Coupon Database

[sbp]

First I want to thank everyone for posting the coupons that they find in this forum. It's great that we have so many members sharing the information with everyone so that we all can keep our eyes wide open and hopefully find some of them ourselves!!! When you post a coupon here, it would be so greatly appreciated if you could take an extra minute and add the information to the HCW coupon database as well!! (and as a bonus, you can use this cool smilie ) The mods double-check to make sure that all of the coupons do get loaded, but by leaving it for us to do only delays the information getting into the database!!





The database has so many benefits!!!

• It's the most comprehensive coupon database that I've seen on any website.
• The Store Mods use it as a tool when doing the coupon matchups to the sales. The more coupons that are in there - the more options you'll see in the matchups!!
• It's a great way to search for coupons to put on your wish lists!!
• Queenofthehive does an AWESOME job of compiling the information to load in the insert coupons every week. I've helped her before and I can promise you it is not a quick or easy task. Not only are her own values loaded, but all of the values from inserts from all parts of the US. This can help you discover coupon values that would be more beneficial to you than the ones you get in your own inserts. In the comments section, it shows you just what week's insert you can find the coupon in. Perfect for those members who keep their inserts filed intact!!
• The versatility of the db is amazing. For example, you can limit your search to one type of coupons (peelies, tear pads, wine tags, etc.) to the amount of (perfect for doubles/triples), or by a key word in the comments section too.

Adding the database is not difficult!

The first step is just doing a search to see if the coupon is already in the database.

If not, click on the gray “Add” button on the top right of the screen.


After you click that option, you should see a pop-up.

Enter the description in the first box, with all pertinent information. What the coupon is good on (cereal, shampoo, ECT), brand, sizes or any other info that describes what the coupon is good on.



Please select the type of coupon and then enter the value in the box to the right:

• Amount Off - A currency number and how many items you must purchase (example $1.00/1)
• Percent Off - A percentage number (example 20%)
• Buy X Get Y - A buy something get something free (example B1G1 or B10G2)
• Free - If the coupon is totally free (no value necessary)

Next is source: insert, hangtag, peelie, tear pad, etc. Confused about what type of coupon you are entering? Click on the word “source” for a brief description of each type of coupon.
The following box is the “Store” field. Store coupons generally have the store’s logo on them, or read somewhere on the coupon that they are only redeemable at that particular place. Select the correct store from the drop down menu if this applies to the coupon you are entering into the database.

Category is pretty self explanatory. If the main product on the coupon is dog food, then select “pet care”, if it’s ketchup, select “condiments”, ECT.
In the coupon expiration box please enter the expiration date in the MM/DD/YYYY format. If the coupon is "No expiration date" enter the abbreviation "NED" and if the coupon is a printable coupon with a rolling expiration date enter the word "Rolling".

At the bottom of the pop up, there are options to add the coupon to your wish list, haves list or keep list. This is optional!!!




That's all there is to it. But if you have any questions, please feel free to pm a mod and we'll be glad to give you some guidance!!!

[niecey1996]

I was on tha Coupon Database trying to add the q's that I found in the Feb. issue of Better Homes and Gardens mag. but I wasn/t sure if it worked after I put in the 1st one and pushed 'Submit'.

Also, what is a 'rolling' exp. date? TIA!!

[cintinative]

I have a question. Is there a way to delete out the notes people put in the "incoming" and "outgoing" message column in the coupon database? I have someone who typed her address in there and I really would prefer not to leave it on there. Also someone initiated a trade on 8 coupons and it didn't work out so there is a lot of unfinished stuff. Also, is there a way to delete out completed trades?

Another comment--do you have some place where we can make suggestions as to improvements to the database function? I think it is such a great tool and there is so much we can do with it. =) Thanks for your hard work!