Easier way for trading?

[schonleicht]

There has got to be an easier way to trade coupons.

I really don't have time to sit down and enter in all the coupons that I have available to trade, it would take hours every Sunday just to enter the ones from the newspaper!

I tried making up some potlucks of categorized Qs, but nobody was interested in those, what so ever.

Are trading trains the way to go then?

Thanks for your help

[melodyjg]

There has got to be an easier way to trade coupons.

I really don't have time to sit down and enter in all the coupons that I have available to trade, it would take hours every Sunday just to enter the ones from the newspaper!

I tried making up some potlucks of categorized Qs, but nobody was interested in those, what so ever.

Are trading trains the way to go then?

Thanks for your help

I think as you go along you will find what you can handle and work with that...I know that I cannot do alot of trading of my coupons as I work 4 days a week or more, So I only trade coupons when I find something that I know will be a hot item and I want to share. Otherwise my only trades consist of trading for what I need. Just work with what you can do and you will find what it best for you

[Shadowchasy]

There has got to be an easier way to trade coupons.

I really don't have time to sit down and enter in all the coupons that I have available to trade, it would take hours every Sunday just to enter the ones from the newspaper!

I tried making up some potlucks of categorized Qs, but nobody was interested in those, what so ever.

Are trading trains the way to go then?

Thanks for your help

I too don't have time to list everything that I have for trade. So I therefore post what I am looking for and suggest that the possible trader tell me in thier first PM what they want in return, as I pretty well know what coupons I have on hand. Works for me until I can do a better system

[ssfkat3]

it does take a long time to enter them all, for sure. I've still not entered last weeks, not to mention I probably ended up using some when I was shopping that are already in there...

need to sit and sort and straighten out my coupons again, lots have or are about to expire, it's a never ending thing.

toss in potlucks, trades, and anything else and it can become a mess fast.

[justagirlnamedStormy]

Since I don't really buy alot of papers, and none of the papers I tend to buy have "hot QsI never really enter into the database what Qs I have. I do buy hot Qs but I tend to buy from the same person all the time so I only have a Itrader of 1.

[ssfkat3]

I"ve decided there is no easy way.

I thought I'd update my Have list, three hours later, I finally said, not happening and deleted everything in it. Its far easier to just start from scratch than it is to try to find out if I still have what's there, if so how many, if not what's missing.

I'll redo it, only adding in coupons that I have at least 3 of, with at least a 5/01/10 exp date.

I think the idea behind the database is great, but it needs to be utilized by everyone as it was intended if it is ever to work well.

Until then, I put a disclaimer on my sig (couldnt' get those links to update either).

I can only imagine how hard it is to keep up with if you have a job, I've got all the time in the world and can't keep it updated lol.

:sad:

[bugface711]

There is definitely an easier way... But it will have to be "your" easier way.
There as so many variables unique to each trader.
For some, the way to go is keeping a very very detailed have list of coupons and letting regular trades and traders come to you. This is where they put the bulk of the trading time.

For others, it is by keeping a very detailed wishlist and then looking at the WL of someone who has what you need or trading for stamps or paypal.

We have some traders who's main trading is done through train riding. These traders keep long and very detailed wishlists giving other riders maximum options for sending coupons they can use. Trains do not work so well for those with super short or very specific WL's because you do not end up with a lot of what you need.

The fact that there are different trading styles makes it work. Some traders only trade their coupons for other coupon, some for cash & stamps only. you will also find, by trial and error who you can go to on a regular basis for both

I know it sounds generic, but try a few things and you will absolutely fall into the groove that works for you.

I have been trading for years and I know that for me there is just absolutely no way that I can maintian a have list effectively, but would be lost if all traders felt that way because the have lists of others are a main trading tool for me.
So, for anyone that cannot maintain a HL, do not worry about it. I do encourage everyone to try and if its not for you, use it when you have extra time and a lot of coupons. There is also the current trades forum to list specific coupons that you have for trade.

I know that in a perfect world, for those using the DB, all traders would use the database but for some its not practical for or they feel that its too technical. We have thousands of traders on here so even if 1/2 of them use a trading style opposite of yours, that still leaves you with tons of people to trade with. :)
If we only had a small trading community, I could see everyone having to be doing the same thing, but one of the positives of this HUGE trading community is in that no matter what way you trade, there are tons others that work well with you :)

I do a mix of detailed wishlist, potluck buying, train riding when I can, buying multiples of what I need for weeky sales from a few members and doing some random trading for things I like to keep on hand that are regularly cheap with coupons. This works well for me, but may not for you.

[MaddieT]

I'm interested in trading potlucks, if anyone else still is.

[3timesoccermom]

I find the whole trading process on HCW overwhelming. I have an informal arrangement with 3 other ladies (2 out of state) and we send items back and forth to each other. There are no rules, no penalties if we can't get to the coupons that week, etc. It works for me.

You might find it easier to find some local couponers in your area and get together once a month or something to exchange back and forth.

[Kulis]

I, too, thought the process was overwhelming at first. In fact, I signed up to be a TNT and waited almost a year to do my first trade.

I'll echo everyone else's advice that you need to find a way to make the system work within your individual situation.

If you're looking to get enough trades to graduate from the TNT program, trains are an easy option. After that, you might consider posting your ISOs. Also look at what others are offering that you need or what others need that you have.

Once you find what you're comfortable doing, it's not nearly as overwhelming as it first seems. Good luck.