Coupon Trains - Introduction
Opposing Needs - Trains may be formed between people with opposing needs (wish lists): i.e., one needs pet coupons, one needs baby coupons, and one needs a specific detergent while another prefers a different brand. So, when that Pampers coupon shows up in Sunday’s paper, the one member who needs baby coupons knows that all five will be available for her.
Similar Needs - Some trains are formed among people with similar wish lists. Examples would be food only, cleanser only, baby only, organic only. Here the idea is for people with the same interest but different brand needs, babies in different stages of development, or even people on the same “coupon newsletter” lists, to exchange coupons they are the most interested in.
Turnaround Times - Receiving coupons in sufficient time before they expire is just as important. To help with this, trains may be organized geographically. All members may be in a single state, in a region (mid-atlantic, pacific…), or in major cities with major mail hubs. This can also be useful for people wanting to shop at the same store line.
The ideal train combines all of the above. In reality, trade-offs must be made, so know your priorities when forming or joining a coupon train.
Basic Coupon Train Guidelines
There are a few basic guidelines members should commit to:
1. Expired coupons - Ideally members will remove expired coupons, and any that will expire within 20 days of mailing the envelope. So for an envelope sent 4/1, the coupons should be good through 4/20 or longer. This helps to ensure that members don’t receive expired coupons due to postal delays. Take into account holidays and three day weekends, when mail may be running up to a week behind.
