Organizing coupons for trades

[belinda2]

I'm not sure where to put this thread. I've noticed there is about 4 different ways traders set up their Wish List. I assume each method is chosen because the trader feels it is the best way to let others know and find coupons for to meet their needs. My method assumes everyone has their inserts in some sort of organized filing method they can easily find and cut. I give you the date and type of insert.

But there are Wlists where an item is listed such as Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls but no location as to where the coupon is located. Sometimes I may remember a specific coupon has been recently released but most of the time, no. I may have to go through 50 lookups in the database before finding a current coupon with the correct amount. Am I missing something? How do these individuals store their coupons that they would think I'd know where and when a coupon could be found. Are they cutting out every single coupon and putting in a binder or filing system which can be easily looked up? Cause the couponbase is Not fast or easy.

[daisydog215]

I've seen those types of wish lists too. I take it to mean that the trader wants Qs for that product on an ongoing basis and is likely open to trading for a variety of values and expiration dates.

Some wishlists are typed up manually, rather than a few clicks like the database wishlist. In the instance of Pillsbury crescents, those Qs come out very, very often and it could be quite time consuming to list specific insert dates/values if it is an ongoing wishlist item.

There are several threads here about various coupon organization methods, both for carry to store and trading. All methods work for some people, but no method works for all people. Personally, I cut each coupon out and keep them in a file box divided into sections. 2 identical boxes, one for trading and one for those I will be using personally. To me, it would be more cumbersome to have to cut out a coupon each and every time I needed it.

[belinda2]

daisydog215, thanks. I had wondered if anyone was cutting everything and filing all q. I have not seen the thread about organizing q for trading. We're all different and I cannot imagine cutting out all coupons from an insert and keeping a separate file system. Sounds like to much work but it might make it easier to match q for those individuals who have a more generic WL. But more difficult to find a specific WL item. Now all I have to do is go to a specific week and cut just what is needed instead of everything.

[Kulis]

I clip almost all coupons every week. The ones I will probably use myself go into my binder. The others go in an alphabetically arranged box. The ones that don't get traded end up going to an overseas military base once they expire, and the request is for those coupons to be clipped.

The grocery stores I shop usually don't have matchups done every week and I haven't found a reliable deal blog that covers them either. I can't use the unclipped insert method for my own shopping.
Half the time when I'm clipping I don't even pay attetion to what the coupon is, so I sort them after I've clipped them. And, I'm teaching my 6yo to clip, so I really don't pay attention to the content all the time.

[wendylv5]

What exactly is coupon trading?

[belinda2]

Kulis, that's interesting. How many inserts do you receive each week and cut up? daisydog215? I don't use the unclipped method for mine either. I clip q and put into a binder any that I think I may use. I only file inserts after cutting out needed q. It is surprising how often it is necessary to go back through looking for a specific q. There are so many products available and someone on this website will mention a great buy and great products and those inserts have saved me a lot of money. But mostly they are searched when a trader asks for something specific.

Cutting and filing all q would explain why I will receive q with short dates. Q are being pulled from the front and longer dated q would be in the rear of a file system.

wendylv5, you should see a thread on the main list for traders in training. You might want to spend time checking out trading. It can be fun and good way to locate additional q for products you need.

[Kulis]

I subscribe to one Sunday paper, so I know I'll have at least one set of inserts. Usually I buy one newspaper, or on a good or great week, two or three. The one I subscribe to and the one I buy are different papers, though, so I can't usually put the pages together and clip that way.

[daisydog215]

I subscribe to one Sunday paper and a local paper. The Sunday paper contains SS, PG, GM etc., but the local paper only has SS. I get one copy of the RP with my weekly grocery ads. Additionally, I belong to a trading group at church, have a few people give me their full inserts and dig for RPs at the post office. All in all, I end up with about 10 copies of each weeks coupons, but I get a few at a time over several weeks.

I don't think you can link receiving short dated Qs with the clipping method. Using myself as an example, I cut my Qs and file into categories. When I am doing a trade, I specifically look at the expiration date of the Q that is requested and match it to the Q that I have. This is easily done using a wishlist and my database have list. When I send a short dated Q it is an extra in a trade envie, not because it was in the front of file.

A few suggestions if you find that you are receiving short dated Qs:
Make sure your wishlist is clear on the specific values and dates that you are looking for.
When working out a trade, include these same specifics (I'll send xxx $0.50/1 x12/21 and you'll send xxx $0.75/1 x3/14).
If you are certain you have been clear as can be and are still not getting what you wanted, contact the trader and if it isn't resolved, a bad trade mod.

Didn't mean to drag on about that. I see you have completed many trades, this is probably information you already have.

Cutting the inserts up really doesn't take much time if you cut multiple like pages together. I also get occasional (very occasional) help from DD.

[belinda2]

Thanks for the info. My WL is pretty specific. But trades are potluck and the balance of the q are the problem. The short dates has to do with an individual sending all q having a 2 week dead line but mail is taking 4 to 7 days to arrive. It is getting to be a problem. Most traders don't do that but will have a mixture of dates. I cannot understand how a trader is able to have most of the q ending in 2 weeks. Thought maybe it had to do with the filing system and putting older dates in the rear of each section.

I usually have about 4 paper set of inserts. I might put like pages together. Might not. I'll think about the filing system but I sure don't want to put up with a box.

[bugface711]

I think some organize the coupons they will use seperate from coupons for trade & some keep them altogether. When I used to buy inserts in bulk I did that.

Now, I do trades for most of my coupons, + I get non inserts. So for me, file folders labeled "frozen food" and "paper goods" etc is the way to go. Everything gets filed into its folder. I have a bag with 2 sections (edible folders in front, non edible in the back) and that comes with me to the store. If I make a trade, I just pull them from the same place.

Also, inserts are not the only type of coupon. Those that put pillsbury crescent rolls may not know whats out there and does not want to limit themselves to only 1 specific insert coupon.