Etiquette and tips for newbies

[PetuniaBlue]

Was just on the HCW Facebook page and saw a lot of anger and bitterness toward newbies. Everyone was new at this once. I am not trying to scam the system or go all TLC... I even started a Facebook page for honest couponers against extreme couponing because I think that show is going to ruin it for everyone. I have always dabbled with coupons, but now I need to really trim my expenses.

I hate to see all this bitterness toward newbies! Hoping you coupon veterans can help teach us newbies how to get this right, respectful, and reasonable:) So...

Give a newbie your best advice on how to be a courteous couponer. I know the big rules. I don't need to clear shelves, I am happy to go slow. I don't cut in line and always use the manners my Mama taught me. But, what other less obvious rules are there that a newbie might not know?

[PetuniaBlue]

Doesn't even have to be a "rule" per se, good etiquette tips are welcome too:)

[rbunnymom]

I am sorry the posts made you feel unwelcome. I agree we were all newbies at one time. I am happy to help you out with any questions you have, so fire away either here or pm me.

WELCOME to HCW!

[434Teresa]

First I want to say I dont in anyway mean to make you or anyone else feel not welcome here for you are...

yes we all were new at one time or another. I think why so many on here is upset is because when that show first came out this site was over whamed with new users over night it seemed. Most of them would post asking the same questions as the one before did instead of reading the post. Not reading the post leads to the fact that they do not want to read to learn how to save big that they just want someone to to tell them just what to do, which there really is no way to do for each town/state has different stores and coupons policy.

I know I spent weeks reading and learning even tho I had been useing coupons for a few years before I joined here. So I think the fact of the matter is that we just want them to read and learn from past post and their shopping trips not to come here thinking that they can save the way those people on that show dose from day one for it tkes TIME...I guess we think that we done our time reading and learning so they need to put the time in also.

[434Teresa]

1) Always put you user name on your trade envies...get sticky lables to make it easy..
2) Always answer you trade offers even if you dont want to trade for the coupons. Just say No Thanks I dont need these or I dont have anything on your wishlist ect
3) Try to answer your trades within 24 hours so we know that you want them or dont, so if you dont we can offer the coupons to someone else.
4) Get you a paypal account for buying coupons so you dont have to send concealed cash and use a stamp when you dont have to.

[booklover]

1) Mail envies promptly. Keep a book or two of stamps handy.
2) It's nice, but not required, to send extras above what the trade was. You might have a few extra coupons of something you don't need, but the other person might. Or stickers, or maybe a few BTFEs. Everyone likes getting little surprises in the mail.
3) Read, read, read. I know, everyone says this, and people think they don't have time, but trust me, once you start reading this stuff, one day it will sink in. For example, I never shopped at CVS till I joined HCW. It looked too complicated for me. I read the FAQs, and started out slowly doing a deal here and there. And then I figured out the system, and started applying those rules to other stores I shop at. Read the FAQs for the stores in your area, and maybe even the stores you don't shop at. You will be surprised at how much you will learn.
4) Don't feel like you have to hit every deal every week. The deals may not work out for you, maybe you don't have the coupons to go with it. Maybe you are stocked up enough on shampoo that you don't need to do another deal on it. It's ok. Another deal will come along.

[Chevelle]

First I want to say I dont in anyway mean to make you or anyone else feel not welcome here for you are...

yes we all were new at one time or another. I think why so many on here is upset is because when that show first came out this site was over whamed with new users over night it seemed. Most of them would post asking the same questions as the one before did instead of reading the post. Not reading the post leads to the fact that they do not want to read to learn how to save big that they just want someone to to tell them just what to do, which there really is no way to do for each town/state has different stores and coupons policy.

I know I spent weeks reading and learning even tho I had been useing coupons for a few years before I joined here. So I think the fact of the matter is that we just want them to read and learn from past post and their shopping trips not to come here thinking that they can save the way those people on that show dose from day one for it tkes TIME...I guess we think that we done our time reading and learning so they need to put the time in also.

DITTO!!! I can't tell you how frustrating it is to read post after post of people asking the same questions when they could easily search and find the answers. It takes more time to get through all the posts and it's frustrating. If people would just do their research it would be less hostile. It's easy to find answers by using the search function. One thing that bothers me is when you get someone posting for the first time asking how they can get deals like the people on "that show". Some people don't realize how much time it takes to coupon.

[jkeating]

I'm new here and have learned so much here. I enjoy reading all the questions and find out new ways that people save money.

Even as a newbie it does bother me when people ask how they're going to get great deals when their stores don't double coupons. Where I live they don't double. Every so often Price Chopper will allow you to double 2 coupons up to $1. My take on savings is if I've saved even a few cents on an item it's a few cents in my pocket instead of the stores pocket. I've also managed to stock pile a nice stash of items my son and I use even without double coupons.

I think people just want to get an answer to their question and move on. I've seen lots of duplicate questions and sometimes the same questions are posted right after each other. It's a shame that people don't take the time and read through the posts. People here are very kind and I'm very grateful that you all are so willing to share your ways to save money.

Thank you HCW friends!

[tacatcon]

I'm sorry if the posts over on Facebook made you think all the veteran couponers are ganging up on new couponers. I think it's a small percentage of people who think "newbies" are ruining it.

I personally think there is strength in numbers.

That being said ALL couponers new or veteran can do well to remember to research their store policies and revisit them once in awhile because they do change. It is on you to know what the store policy is, just like it's on you to know the rules of the road when driving. Ignorance of the "law" is not a good enough excuse.

And use good common sense-if a coupon says $1 off 15 gallon drum of chicken fat, you can't use it on the 10 gallon size no matter what the store says!

;)

Don't let the words of a few deter you. There are a lot of very nice people here willing to help you.

Oh and guys -in defense of our new members-the search feature here is not the greatest. So I know when I'm searching for something I often get frustrated and give up. Just saying!

[$Saving!]

Wow, a much needed thread and I thank our 'newbie' for posting it!

On this topic. I have some strong feelings running counter to each other

I love new coupon users who want to learn! I get excited when the "lightbulb" goes on over their heads when they have that Aha! moment

I detest a new coupon user who wants someone to tell them exactly how to do everything and not willing to research and cruise around the various forums this site offers (no search needed, just go to forums and scroll down and around). There are links on the pages all over the place that take you to the basics and start from there. I respect those who want to help themselves first and their questions are based on 'clarification' issues rather than sitting back and asking a broad question that doesn't let anyone help them well.

I love when new coupon users have taken the initiative to learn their local store policies first before blowing up about how "it didn't work" when I went to the store, only to realize they did not take the time to learn how that stores policy functions.

I detest those who complain they are not saving enough yet they've only been couponing a few weeks and have made massive assumptions about how 'easy' it is to coupon well and how long it takes to build up to the savings levels they expect. (I blame this on *the show that shall not be named*) But once it's explained to them why they didn't save enough, they still don't pull back their anger or frustration and make excuses for their misdirected anger at the store and/or cashiers who did nothing wrong.

I love helping new couponers! Their general enthusiasm and desire to learn is a thing of beauty! Their excitement at finding out how to save and the impact it makes on their lives (as it does those of us who have been doing it a long time) never ceases to tickle me! You want to reach through the screen and give them a high five!

The bottom line is the learning curve. It can't be shortchanged, it has to be self directed to some extent and expectations that are too high will make it difficult for anyone to want to help another.

On another note, I know many are seeing the same things I'm witnessing in our grocery and drug stores as we shop, since the inception of *the show that shall not be named*.

Rude behavior toward cashiers when totally uncalled for raises my ire. People expecting that anything goes and when told they can't do what they planned, 'discussing' it at the checkout and holding up not only the cashier who has to explain policy (when it's easily available to those who really want to learn) but every customer in line as well.

If grasping the policy of local stores is too difficult, perhaps learning via a web site such as HCW isn't the answer some need. Perhaps taking a local coupon class would help home in on the details missing and make their efforts less cumbersome and easier for them as well as the stores and their associates.

I have taught classes as well as individuals over many years. I've even honored requests to shadow them in stores and guide them through their first shopping w/ coupon experiences. If that is what it takes, that's not a problem. But that is all done on a local level, not on a web site.

HCW has tons of fantastic information! I've been couponing since the early 80's, avidly no less! But I read here all the time because I learn new things constantly. Couponing is not a stagnant process by any measure It is in constant flux, store policies change, coupon policies change, coupon manufacturer's change it up on us, and it requires vigilance to stay abreast and do it right.

Learning curve. It's big and never ending. Once the basics are known (your local store policies, gathering/filing coupons, how to match coupons to best sale prices etc), the 'tweaking' continues.