¨*:•.-:¦:- TRADING FAQ's ¨*:•.-:¦:- Please Start Here. Most trading questions answered in this thread.

[bugface711]

Q: Why should I create my lists using the coupon database?
A: Creating your lists in the database allows you to immediately see which members have the coupons you need and vice versa in the trades area.

The database lists save you time.

Adding an item to your list is a simple search in the database and a click. All of the info is put onto your list for you. No need to type out the description, expiration date, source.


Q: How do I create my lists using the coupon database?
A: Click the resources tab at the top of any HCW page. Next click DATABASE. You can use the many different search features to find coupons, rebates etc. to find items to put on your lists.

Full instructions on how to use the database HERE

To add a coupon to your wish list select wishlist from the dropdown boxes to the left of the search field. It says "pick one". Next it will ask you low medium or high need, which is a ranking of how badly you want/need that coupon. Choose one. That's it. You just added an item to your wish list. Once you are done adding for the day, click wishlist. Then click update and it will post your new wishlist in the wishlist forum for you.


Q: There are thousands of coupons in the database, how do I search them all to see what to put on my list?
A: You do not necessarily have to search every coupon in the database. If you are looking for something very specific, type that information into the searchbox. You can use the dropdown boxes to help narrow the search. Only items matching your input will be brought up.

To search on a larger scale try these tips:

1. When you open up the coupon database before you even search for anything, there are coupons listed. These are the 200 most recently added coupons.

If you have high speed internet, load time is quick.

You are able to change the # of coupons per page to 100 so you can look at a lot of coupons quickly.

You can check the recently added coupons as often as you wish. Usually once a week, at the end of the week before Sunday's inserts are added will give you everything added that week.


2. Check the database by an insert date. Example,02-22-09 will pull up all the inserts from that insert date. A good tip is to do this on Monday. If you are only looking Proctor & Gamble insert info, type the insert date in the 00-00-00 format and then P&G. Smart Source is SS and Red Plum is RP. If you are just starting out, check out the last few Sundays of inserts to see what came out.

You can also use the source dropdown tab to search items for any of the categories. Select, for example Mail In Rebates.

No need to type anything into the search box. This brings up the most recently added 200 MIR's. You can do this with each source box if you wish. I like to keep it open to show all 200, but if you have not searched in a while, you may want to type something in the "description" field to narrow down your results.

If you're searching for MIR's, you can type in your state abbreviation or NWPN or NBPN. Just know that some rebates don't have the state abbreviations listed or have NBPN/NWPN in the description too.

Make sure when you are done adding to your list, to click the wishlist tab, then click update post. This will put your list "live" in the wishlist forum.

[bugface711]

Q: When I am in the database, I see all of my info, can I use this link in my siggy for others to see?
A: No. A common mistake that member make is linking their "work area" lists in their signatures. This will bring members to their own work areas if they click it.

When you click the wishlist or havelist tab in the database area there is some info above the actual list. One of the bits of info is this is the link to your list. Use that link in your siggy.


Q: What is the difference between the database version of my list and the list that is posted in the wishlist or havelist forum?
A: All of the coupon information is the same as long as you hit update every time you add or delete coupons, make edits to the number of a coupon you have, etc.

The difference is that the forum lists include any additional notes you put in the text box when you updated your post. For instance, if you put information about whether you can double, where you shop, if you can use IP's, coupons you always need, etc, that information will show up in your forum list but not your database list.

Q: What links should I use in my signature?
A: If these notes are important to you when trading, you may want to link to the forum version of your lists and edit the link each time you "update post". It is an extra step but could help you if you have detailed notes. This way, anyone clicking your signature link will see your notes as well.

Eventually we hope to have it set so the 2 lists are merged and all info is found in one place

[bugface711]

Q: Why is the signature link to my list(s) not working/dead?
A: If you use the forum version of your lists, you do need to update the link each time you use the "update post" tab in the wishlist and havelist area of the database. When you update post, it makes your list current in the forum for all traders to see but it completely removes the old list and replaces it with a new list that has a new web address.

Each time you "update post" your list will pop up for you so you can grab that new URL. Next, use the the edit signature area of your USER CP and replace the old hyper link info with the new URL.

[bugface711]

Q: How do I make notations of what stores I shop, if I can double coupons, if I can use printables in a database list?
A: When you are in the coupon database you are in your own work area for creating lists.The tabs at the top of the page include wishlist and havelist. Click one of those. A new set of tabs appears. When you click update post, a box pops up where you can type any info regarding your list that you want members to see.

[bugface711]

Q: How do I maintain my wishlist and havelist?
A: Your wishlist and havelist are only as good as the content.

As new sales begin, add more to your wishlist, as you learn about new coupons out that you can use, add them to your wishlist. Once you get all that you need, remove from your wishlist.

As you find more coupons available for trade, you can add them to your have list.

Maintaining your have list can be as easy as deleting expired coupons and traded coupons.

You can bump your lists up to once every 24 hours once it is posted in the WL or HL forum.

The database is set up to only allow you to click update post once every 24 hours to ensure you are only creating a new WL thread in the forum once every 24 hours.


Q: How do I remove expired coupons from my list or coupons I no longer need or have? Should I delete items I am in the middle of trading with or for?
A: If you have not yet updated your list to the database versions, you can just open your post, click edit and remove all that are expired.

If you are using the database to create and maintain your list(s) you go into resources, then coupon database. This brings you to your list work area.
Click the list you wish to work on. The coupons are listed by expiration date. The expired coupons are at the top. Use the checkboxes to the left to select the ones you wish to remove. Click the delete tab at the top. When you are done editing, click the update post tab.

Please note, if you are in the middle of a trade using the database trading notes, DO NOT remove the items you are trading from your list. The trade conversation is attached to the item. If you remove it the trade negotiations will be deleted as well.
Instead, update your post by using the edit from the dropdown box. Make a note that you have a pending trade.

Once you are finished with the trade and have archived the trade negotiations, you can delete the items from you list.

[bugface711]

Q: The coupon I want to add to my list is not in the database. What do I do?
A: If you have the coupon in hand you can can click the add to database button.

Only add coupons for which you know exist and you have all the information necessary so that you are providing the correct information to other members.

Click the 'Add' button which is located on the right next to the search bar.

Upon clicking the 'Add' button a pop up window will appear and you will be prompted to enter in the information needed for your new entry.

• Description: Type the coupon description and details, being sure to start with the brand name and include any additional details such as where the coupon can be found at (some examples follow):
  • L'Oreal Paris Advanced Revitalift Skincare - 08-10-08 RP
  • Wright Brand Bacon, Any - All You, August 1st, 2008
  • Batteries, Any - Found On Houge Wine, NWPN
  • Whink Products - Buy Any 2 Whink Products Send This Completed Refund Sent This Completed Refund Certificate, The Entire Original Cash Register Receipt With Purchase Price Circled Mail To: Whink Products Company PO Box 222 Eldora IA 50627, Limit 1 Rebate Per Address or Household
• Value: 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) and then enter the “up to” value of the entry if noted on the coupon or form. If no “up to” value is noted on the coupon, leave this blank.
  • Free - If the coupon is totally free, with no other purchase required select this. Andthen enter the “up to” value of the entry if noted on the coupon or form. If no “up to” value is noted on the coupon, leave this blank.
    
• Source: Please select where the coupon originated:
  • Blinkie - A coupon found in the red coupon machine in the grocery store that usually has a red blinking light.
  • Booklet - A coupon found in a paper booklet or pamphlet usually in the store but also sometimes in other locations as well such as the doctor’s office.
  • Catalina - A coupon that prints from a coupon machine at the store upon check out.
  • CellFire - A coupon that you download onto your cellphone or store card to be redeemed at specific merchants. Visit cellfire.com for more information.
  • Entertainment Book - A coupon that is found in the Entertainment Book. Visit entertainment.com for more information.
  • Hangtag - A coupon that is found attached to the neck of a bottle in store.
  • Home Mailer - A coupon that is sent to you via regular mail usually from a manufacturer.
  • Insert - Coupons found in the glossy coupon inserts in the newspaper.
  • Inside Package - A coupon found inside or on the packaging of a product.
  • Magazine - A coupon found inside a magazine.
  • Mail In Rebate - A rebate form that you send in with the required proofs of purchase to receive a rebate check in the mail or electronically.
  • Other - A coupon that cannot otherwise be classified.
  • P&G eSAVER - A coupon that you load onto your shoppers card at select merchants. See P&G eSAVER for more information
    
  • Peelie - A coupon that is attached to a product via a sticker that can be peeled off for redemption.
  • Prescription - A coupon offer for prescription medications. Either brands or dollar off when you transfer or turn in a new prescription.
  • Printable - A coupon that can be printed from your computer.
  • Rain Check - A store issued rain check that was obtained when an item was out of stock.
  • Receipt - A coupon that is printed on your store receipt.
    
  • Single Page Flyer - A coupon found on a one sheet of paper flyer.
  • Special Promo - A mail in offer that requires you to send in proofs of purchase and sometimes shipping and handling and you receive merchandise in the mail.
  • Store Ad Flyer - A coupon found in the stores sale flyer.
  • Tearpad - A coupon that is found in the store in the form of a pad of coupons, much like a pad of paper.
  • Try-me-free - A mail in rebate that is for a the purchase price of the product making the item free.
  • Winetag - A coupon offer promoted by a wine or beer company. It can be in a hangtag, tearpad, peelie, etc form.
• Store: If your coupon is a manufacture coupon that is valid at any store that accepts manufacture coupons please select “Any” from the drop down menu. If however your coupon is a store ONLY coupon please select the store that the coupon is valid at from the drop down menu. If the store is not in the drop down menu please use one of the “Other store” categories. Please do not enter the store the coupon was found at, only enter the store if the coupon is a store coupon.
• Category(s): Please choose one or more categories for this coupon. You may select multiple categories by holding down the Ctrl or Command key on your computer while clicking. Some examples of categories include:

• A coupon for Kraft Cheese might be categorized as Dairy and Refrigerated
• A coupon that is for both Heinz Ketchup and Chinet Paper Plates would be categorized as Condiment and Household
• Expiration: 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” *You must use the proper case when entering NED and Rolling expiration dates, you cannot enter them as ‘ned’ or ‘rolling’.
• Add item to my have, wish, or keep lists: While you are adding entries to the coupon database if you are also a member of the trader or trader in training usergroups you will also be able to add your new entry to your have, wish, or keep lists. Here you will be prompted to enter either how many of this item you have or the priority which you are wanting it and a optional note if desired.
• Submit (button): When you are finished filling out the form to submit a new entry please click the Submit button and your entry will now be added to the coupon database. Your coupon will now be live in the coupon database for all users to see immediately, however a member of our coupon database admin team will still verify that all information is correct and should changes need to be made they will make them or contact you via a private message to ask you questions about your entry. Any changes they make to a entry will also be reflected on anyone have, wish, or keep list. If a duplicate entry is made they will merge the new entry with the previous entry and the changes will also reflect on members have, wish, or keep lists.

Read more: "Hot Coupon World » Using The Coupon Database" - http://www.hotcouponworld.com/using-the-coupon-database/#ixzz08t7CorUk

[bugface711]

Q: The coupons I have for trade are for a specific store, or go well with a stores sale ad/coupon matchup. Can I post my trade in that store forum or mention I need a trade for any of the coupons in the store forum?
A: No. All trade offers or requests must be made in the appropriate trading forum. The stores, deals and chat forums are for those topics, not trading. Trading in those forum can result in a warning or infraction being issued.

[bugface711]

Q: What do I put in the title of my trade post?
A: The title you put on your thread says a lot about what is inside!

An effective title will get more people to click and ultimately could result in more trades. But a vague title may do exactly the opposite!

Here are some helpful hints to help you more effectively title your posts!

Be specific!

When you are posting that you have a specific coupon or are looking for one, be as specific as you can in the title.

Think about it... which of the two threads below are you more likely to click on?

*"My have list"

*Or "Have: Free Kashi, General Mills Peelie and Huggies IP"

It is also helpful if you put something about what you'd like in return. That way someone can tell immediately if there is a potential for a trade.

For example, "H) Free Kashi ISO) Stamps, ppef or Huggies"

But don't give TMI...

That being said, you can have TMI (too much information) in a post title.

Try to be detailed but don't go overboard!

Remember that most people don't want to read a giant block of text to see what a thread is about. Thread titles like this one may turn some people off because they are SO LONG:

H) Free Kashi, Huggies IPs, Palmolive, CVS $$/$$, Rain checks, GCs, Kashi $2/1, Garnier, Softsoap, Meow Mix, Friskies, FREE Milk Bone and a partridge in a pear tree. W) Wish list, FREEs, GC trades, Paypal, Stamps, Coke Codes, Pampers Points or your first born child! PLEASE LOOK INSIDE!!! NEED TRADES!!!!!

Update your titles

Remember also that the trading forums are super busy, with all the traders posting their haves and their wants.

You can help the mods out and your fellow traders by updating the title of your post.

This becomes especially important after you graduate from TNT and are trading exclusively in the Trades forums, since they have more members and are generally busier places.

WHEN YOUR DEAL IS DONE...

If you have found what you are looking for or traded what you had away, it is super helpful if you change the title of your post to "please delete" or simply "delete" will do just fine. This notifies the mods that the thread is no longer needed, and it helps keep the forum clean.

More than that, though, it helps you avoid getting PMs from members about coupons that are already traded. And it prevents other traders from being frustrated with you for "advertising" something that is gone.

HOW TO...

To edit your post titles, click on the thread title to view your thread. If you were the writer of the original post, you should see an edit button at the bottom of your post. Then you can simply click the edit button, change the title and hit "save changes."

[bugface711]

Q: Once I set up the trade in the database, should I delete the items from my list?
A: No, use the links to accept the trade, comment, complet and leave feedback. Do not delete until the trade is done.
You can edit and note them as pending or gone if you would like.
If you have a trade pending in the database, the trade conversation is attached to the coupon listing. If you delete the coupons the trade negotiations are lost.



Q: I was in the middle of a database trade, the trade is gone. Why did that happen and what can I do?
A: Either you, or the other member deleted the coupons from their database list. Some members have added the item back on their list and the trade conversation returns but that is not always the case. There is not way to get that trade conversation back. If you remember the other traders name, send them a private message.

It is a good idea to always keep documentation of all pendiing trades.

[bugface711]

Q: I initiated a database trade, or trade via PM with another member, they did not respond. How long should I wait to initiate a different trade with these coupons?
A: There is not rule dictating how long you must wait after offering a trade.

Some members initiate trades with several members at one time for the same coupons to have a better chance of trading them away. If it is a hot coupon or one with a short expiration date 24 hours is enough time so that there is no hard feelings.

Just be sure you send a follow up database contact or PM. This lets them know you have traded elsewhere. That way the member does not waste time trying to pull coupons to make a trade offer.

Q: I was in the middle of trade negotiations with a member and they stopped communicating with me. Can I set up a different trade or am I committed to the trade I was working on?
A: In some scenarios you are committed. In others you are certainly free to set up a new trade. Here are some things that can happen. If your scenario is not listed, feel free to send a private message to a trade mod for help.

If both parties agreed to what was being traded and addresses have been exchanged, this is a finalized trade and should be mailed.
If you have a follow up question for them and they do not reply you can see if "email member" is an option under their member name but in this situation, no you cannot set up a new trade.

If both parties agreed to what was being traded and you are just waiting for the address of the other member, and your address has been sent to them, it is a good idea to send a follow up pm and email if that is an option to ask for the address again. You should not try to set up another trade until you resolve the situation because in all probability, they could have mailed your end.


If you sent or received a trade offer and you were in the middle of negotiating and the other party stops communicating, for any reason, before agreeing what each member would send, you are free to set up a different trade.

There is no set amount of time to wait per trade rules. Some wait 24 hours, others wait 48 or more.

It is a personal choice based on the coupons and how you feel about the situation.

Q: I set up a trade with another member and we each agreed to what was being exchanged. I sent my address but he/she did not send theirs. What next?
A: Send a follow up private message, or email if that is an option under the other members name and ask for the address again. Depening on the private message conversation, even though only 1 address was given out, this would almost always be considered a finalized trade. Traders are human and sometimes forget to send that final piece of info, the address. If you are in doubt about what to do, contact a trade mod for help.