Confession Time-Who's Been a TNT For Over 30 Days and Just Isn't Getting It?

[tacatcon]

It's ok!
I see there's a long list of people who haven't been promoted yet and I wonder if it's due to lack of interest in trading, people who just don't have as much time/need to trade, people who aren't getting it. I know there's a few of you with 3 or 4 Itrader feedbacks who are right there, waiting to get promoted.

Well we are here to help!

So if you feel like you need a little extra help in figuring something out or don't even know what you don't know-please let us know. If you are really close but just need one more trade but haven't had any luck, let us know. If you haven't gotten any trades but not for lack of trying, let us know.

Noone is going to push you out of the nest but we want to help anyone who wants to graduate to Trader status to make it there!

[tn_native]

I feel that way ESPECIALLY since there is no way with the CURRENT database to desire or want coupons that don't exist in the database.

Examples: I'm always interested in David's Sunflower Seeds, but don't know if they are in the database and don't want to check the database EVERY day to see if new coupons have been listed for it. Same thing for Land o Lakes half and half (for the SIL). I MISS the old way of doing wish lists (just put together a big list of what you need [not based on current coupons available] and if someone has that stuff, great).

The auto-match ups for 'potential' trades don't work too well either, as I've contacted two members (PM) that have something in their havelist and I have something for their want list, but they never PM'd me back for a trade. Someone else contacted me about my KY coupons, but her havelist is dated in 2006 or 2007, so there isn't a chance that I'll find something I want (she wanted 10) that would be worth $30 for me and the SIL (SIL has no computer, so her wishes come first for a family of 11 over mine) that is still valid today.

tn_native

[chriscree]

My problem is getting people to leave Itrader feedback I have 6 trades but only 3 left feedback I left a pm and still nothing.

[SchwoomsMom]

I feel that way ESPECIALLY since there is no way with the CURRENT database to desire or want coupons that don't exist in the database.

Examples: I'm always interested in David's Sunflower Seeds, but don't know if they are in the database and don't want to check the database EVERY day to see if new coupons have been listed for it. Same thing for Land o Lakes half and half (for the SIL). I MISS the old way of doing wish lists (just put together a big list of what you need [not based on current coupons available] and if someone has that stuff, great).

The auto-match ups for 'potential' trades don't work too well either, as I've contacted two members (PM) that have something in their havelist and I have something for their want list, but they never PM'd me back for a trade. Someone else contacted me about my KY coupons, but her havelist is dated in 2006 or 2007, so there isn't a chance that I'll find something I want (she wanted 10) that would be worth $30 for me and the SIL (SIL has no computer, so her wishes come first for a family of 11 over mine) that is still valid today.

tn_native

It is still just fine to have a wish list in the forum area (as it was done before) listing all the coupons/non coupon items etc that you want. I have both types of wish lists, because of the issue you mentioned.

I'm finding that many people just still aren't checking the database as we'd like, so that makes it difficult.
Are you actually pming them, or just initiating trades? If it's thru the database, perhaps sending a friendly pm too, saying "I'd love to see if we can work out a trade. I've initiated a trade in the database, but if you'd rather do it by pm, that's fine too. LMK, Thanks"

Often times they'll get the pm long before the database.

Secondly, some people are SO busy (especially during the holidays) that they do not trade. Most will put it in their siggy that they are not doing any new trades, but unfortunately some don't put it in places we will actually notice it.
If someone doesn't respond, don't let it get you down. I've had SO many times that I've tried to get a trade going, and the person ignored me completely.

You have an option, when sending out the first trade pm, that might help you get an idea of what's going on.

When you send out the pm, under the box you type in, there are a few check boxes you can choose.

If you click on "read receipt" you will be able to tell the date and time the person read your pm.

This way, you either know they read the pm but chose not to respond (although, in a few incidences, this might not be accurate, only because checking your pms, but not having time, you say to yourself "I'll respond later" but then forget about the pm... I'm guilty of that...:shrug7:)
But those are usually isolated...
OR, if it doesn't show a read date, but you KNOW they've been online (check the profile, it'll show the last time they've been online) to read it....well, you'll draw your own conclusions there.

Finally, because of how a forum list is set up, you often don't have the ability to know when the list was last updated.
Looking at the date that it was made, is not the best idea, because you are able to change it as often as you want, but many people don't use the "reason for change" wish would give the date it was updated.
It is NOT likely that it has not been updated since it was made.
More likely, you just can't see when it was last.
Assuming it's not updated is not a good idea, it would be better to ask the trader if it's updated. If it's not, then you can choose not to trade, but if you assume it's not, you might be missing out on a great trade.

My problem is getting people to leave Itrader feedback I have 6 trades but only 3 left feedback I left a pm and still nothing.

In this case, send the trader a nice pm, and just say, "Hi there! I really appreciated you trading with me recently, I was wondering if you would leave me feedback for our trade."
(or something like this)


Most people (especially during the holidays!) get forgetful, and will be happy to leave it when reminded it's owed.

I know I'm really bad with forgetting to leave fb, and there are plenty of others like me..:shrug7:

Just remember that many people don't know how the TNT program works, and don't realize that you NEED to get your feedback to graduate. So just be polite, and send a reminder pm.

HTH!

[bkonabudget]

I'm with you. I've initiated several trades with no luck. Also, the majority of the coupons I try to add are not in the database, even though I get them from common inserts. Today, only 2 of the 25+ coupons were in the database, and I don't really have time to add that many coupons myself.

[SchwoomsMom]

I'm with you. I've initiated several trades with no luck. Also, the majority of the coupons I try to add are not in the database, even though I get them from common inserts. Today, only 2 of the 25+ coupons were in the database, and I don't really have time to add that many coupons myself.

I realize it can be time consuming to add tons to the database, but just remember, if you don't add them, they might not be put in there!

You can easily copy the wording from the database if the only difference is an amount or an expiration date...

[Partyof5_123]

Well, here is my confession. Most of the "wish list" I have seen want multiple coupons for a specific item. I often see "need 10", I'm not in the habit of having 10 q's, maybe 4 or 5 depending on the week. Also, The majority of my q's are inserts and many wish list request non-insert q's, so that makes trading difficult. And, I'm not really sure what I want either. By the time I find a good deal that I could use multiple q's for, there are only a few days before the sale ends. :shrug7:

[jillibean_1978]

I haven't tried to do anything. Honestly because I only get 2 papers on Sunday(all I can afford) and most I will have are 2 coupons of anything. Most do want 10+. I have a box full of coupons I know I'll not use but just don't have time to type it all up and offer it. Even just RAOK. Maybe next year things will get better.
And I also notice that coupons that I would love to have people are wanting $$ for. Either paypal or gc. I don't have paypal, nor do I want to get one. I could get gift cards but I am trying to save money so buying something that isn't for us is completely out.
Like I stated, maybe next year will be better for us and I will be able to get my trader rating up there.

[kurautismnow]

I joined about a year ago, but just recently started posting and just sent out my 5th trade which I did based on current trade posts. I never have tried to go through the database and dont have a wish list or have list because honestly I just dont have the time to sit down and type it all out! For me I think trading right off the boards is just quicker and things are done fast.

I have been a couponer for years and years now. I am just saying what is easier for me. You may cut my wings if you like I will be able to fly

Thanks for asking and all you do!

[bugface711]

Thanks for posting everyone. This is how we learn to make HCW better and is also how we can show you ways to overcome your hurdles in trading.

I'll add in a few cents from what I am reading above. Hopefully it helps.

For those who have a wishes that are not always listed in the database there are 2 things you can do off the top of my head.
1. when you hit "update" on your wishlist that box pops up where you can add in an opening paragraph. Use that for all of your constant ISO's that may or may not be in the database.
2. Also, like La'Ray said you can just create a wishlist in the WL forum. It sure takes a long time to type everything out, but if most of your wants are general things and not week to week then this could work better for you.

The matchup thing is a great tool and will continue to get better as more members use it. Do not be shy about a follow up pm. Not everyone has trading as #1 on their HCW radar. Some members spend a high percentage of time reading ads and sales and just minimal time trading so they do not often think to check trade offers.

Sunday's new coupons are not in the database immediately. Heidi has to input them in bulk, so plan to add your new coupons to your lists Sunday nite or Monday. This way they will be in there for you. The majority of all insert coupons are input by her but since there are several variances by region, you may occasionally encounter a few that need to be entered.

I hear you on the frustration about it seeming like members are only needing 10 or 15 of something. Just remember that there are 600+ tnt's and most of them do not have multiples. Right there is a LOT of trading potential with the tnt's.
This is also why we suggest potluck trades or wishlist potluck trades to help you get your stamps worth out of a trade without needing multiples. Once you get your 5 fb's riding trains is a great way to get multiples. It is how I spent most of my 1st year of trading. I had a very long detailed wl of things I knew I needed and could always use. I got multiples of almost everything I needed in my train riding and shared what I could not use with fellow riders.

We all started out as new traders with limited coupons. I had a bag of misc. half cut inserts received from a hubbys co worker when I started.
Do not hesitate to ask family, co-workders and friends for their extra coupons.
Do not be shy about going to the small local gas station or a convenience store and asking if you can take out the inserts on Monday before they return unsold papers to the vendors. Do not be shy about leaving a note for your paper carrier who delivers the Sunday paper to ask if she has extra's. You could be happily surprised by the response. I have a friend who's mom who heard I am a coupon junkie and about once a month I get a big old bag from her. If you put the word out, people like to help. They may not understand, but they like to help.
There are also lots of people here who have whole inserts. For me, it is worth spending some money each month on full inserts when I know they will save me 10 times that and give me extras for trading. If your newspaper is $2 per week and you buy 2 thats $16 per month. Maybe invest that $16 per month in just the coupons you need for better results. Just play around with it and see what works best for you.

next on the list is this: The trades current coupons and offers forum is your friend LOL. This is where you post your immedite needs for upcoming sales. If you post what YOU are iso and that you are interested in coupon 4 coupon trades only you may be pleasantly surprised by the response. Dont forget to bump it up to 3 times in a 24 hour period.

Make sure to check the forums for the stores you shop to see if the ad is out early this gives you more time to trade. Get a feel for what is inexpensive at your stores or most stores and try to keep those coupons on hand.

I guess my parting words is this. Anything worth having usually takes some effort and time. Dont give up. You really will start to see the results.
I do not save over $10,000 a year in the stores by doing nothing. I read lists, send pm's make offers, receive offers etc. There is a great team here that is willing to help you get there, take advantage!