 |
CouponForum.com Coupon Forum
Welcome to Coupon Forum Coupons Community
|
| Author |
Message |
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:05 am Post subject: ** HELP FOR NEWBIES ** |
|
|
I hope all the "old" refunders/couponers will contribute something to this thread so we can have a number of Q & As in one spot for the new members. 
New Members (Newbies  ) Please say hello by posting a little something on our Introduce Yourself board http://www.couponforum.com/introduce-yourself.html
Please also be sure to read the threads and announcements sticked at the top of each board.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 List of Couponing/Rebating Abbreviations & Lingo:
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-17114.html
Welcome to NetLingo the Internet Dictionary
http://www.netlingo.com/inframes.cfm
Please read -
A Note About Privacy! http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-93704.html
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Your reputation as a trustworthy trader begins with communicating timely and honestly with those you enter into trades with --
• Please be considerate of other people's time. Trade negotiations should be completed within a 24hr period and mailed out as soon as possible, preferably the next day. Active negotiating can take more than that in some instances (different coasts, time zones, life, etc...), that's understood and not a problem. Please, don't keep trades pending without a response or follow up for more than 1 day.
• If you're waiting on the "best offer", be fair and say that in your post. It isn't fair to keep others waiting on your decision for an extended period of time. If you know their offer is not one you'll be considering, please let them know this as soon as possible so they can seek a trade elsewhere.
• During negotiation, if you have decided not to accept a trade offer after all, tell the other person before names and addresses have been exchanged. If you'd prefer not to accept their offer, please say so. Don't assume they know what you want or expect. Once names and addresses have been exchanged, it is considered an agreed to trade and each should send what was promised.
•• Address exchanging should be between the 2 members directly involved in the trade. Please respect other peoples privacy and do not give out an address that is not yours to give. Even though it's not meant to create problems, it can http://www.couponforum.com/chit-chat-142852.html
•• Backing out of trades you have already agreed to is HIGHLY frowned upon and will ensure that others will not trade with you http://www.couponforum.com/chit-chat-72002.html
• Answer your PMs (Private Messages). If you expect someone to answer your questions, please provide answers for those that ask them of you.
• Please be precise in describing what you're offering to trade. Your description should include whether your coupons are IP (Internet Printed), or printed with "DND" or "Do Not Double" or "Free when you buy" (WYB), and/or have specific purchase counts or size requirements or limits or if there are any state restrictions. You need to disclose these things at the very outset of the trading process.
• Include a trade slip with every trade and RAOK (Random Act Of Kindess). FREE printable trade slips are linked further down on this thread.
• If you've had a good trade (or not), please leave an entry on the other person's feedback link to say so. It helps to let everyone know who's a good trader and everyone enjoys a thank you. Please see the Help & FAQ for the Feedback Directory for help using the Feedback Forum Directory
• Honest mistakes can and do happen! If someone has made one, allow them to make it up to you. If you've made one, try and make it up to them. Please, try to work these issues out with the other traders through PMs first, not on the boards. If the problem cannot be work through to satisfy both traders, please see the post further down in this thread "How do I report a bad trader?". Patience and courtesy are good for everyone
•• Good communication is the key to good trades and happy traders... Please remember it's a 2-way street.
SPECIAL NOTE: If another member posts behind you or PM's you to tell you that something isn't posted correctly or that you need to use the Search feature of this site, PLEASE don't take this personally. It isn't intended to insult you. It's to help you know how this site works and/or to help you correct a problem. http://www.couponforum.com/chit-chat-55680.html
Happy Clipping!! 
REMINDER -- Everyone should remember that this is an open board. Non-members read it as well as members. If there's something you don't want the whole world to know, please DON'T post it here!!!
Your street address, e-mail address, phone number and any personal information you want kept private should NEVER be posted on-line where anyone and everyone has access to it!!!
Newbie thread has been rebuilt because clean-up went technically cattywhompas
Last edited by Old Refunder on Fri Jun 25, 2010 9:30 pm; edited 27 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 12:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
NEW TOPIC
Cross posting these 2 EXCELLENT Newbie Q&As
| Question by Chelsea89 - She wrote: | If a rebate calls for a store identified reciept. Can it be photo copied? I have 2 different rebates on one reciept.
Also what does it mean when people specify the bar code starting with "5"? |
Answers provided by krispsmith in this link:
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-22527.html
______________________________
| Question by andamooka - She wrote: | | What is the right way to trade? |
A: http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-70048.html
Last edited by Old Refunder on Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:22 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PrincessRobin
Coupon Lover
Joined: 18 Jun 2004
Posts: 5552
Location: cincinnati (usa)
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
BUMP....
what "Bump" is:
You write a bump when you want to "bump" you post to the top. Instead of making a new identical post. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 7:56 am Post subject: Send or Reply to PMs (Private Messages) |
|
|
New Topic
The PM or Private Message System
 To send a PM (Private Message):
Click the  button on the bottom of the traders post that you want to contact. (Just below the post)
The traders "Username" will be filled in for you
Fill in the "Subject" line
Type the message you want to send in the compose window
Click the "Submit" button below the window.
(You can "Preview" the message before sending it, but be sure to click "Submit" after you've proofed what will be sent!)
Your outgoing messages will be in (and stay in) your "Outbox" until the message has been read by the trader you sent it to. Once read, the message moves to your "Sentbox"
__________________________________________________________________
** 2 additional ways to send a PM are:
~ In your Inbox, click on the  button, add the username (or click the "Find a username" button) of the menber you're wanting to send to
OR
~ Where ever you see a members username in blue, click that to get to their Profile window which also has a button in it.
__________________________________________________________________
To pick up and reply to your PMs (Private Messages):
Click on your message notification line at the top of your screen
 You have 1 new message
Click the text on the "Subject" line to read the message
(New messages will be flagged  )
Click the  button
Type your reply in the compose window
Click the "Submit" button below the window.
(You can "Preview" the message before sending it, but be sure to click "Submit" after you've proofed what will be sent!)
Last edited by Old Refunder on Sun Aug 13, 2006 3:51 pm; edited 3 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
buziak203
Coupon Clipper
Joined: 17 Nov 2004
Posts: 1364
Location: NY
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 6:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| ALWAYS PUT YOUR COUPONFORUM NAME INSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE!!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mom2CJ
Coupon Lover
Joined: 07 Jan 2005
Posts: 8993
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 9:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
or better yet include a TradeSlip 
| buziak203 wrote: | | ALWAYS PUT YOUR COUPONFORUM NAME INSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE!!! |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 11:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic:
Q: "How do I delete a post or a thread"
A: As long as no one has posted after you, there's an  in the upper right corner of your post that will delete it after you click "yes" in the confirmation window that follows. In the case of that being the only post on a thread, it will also delete the thread.
If someone posts behind you, you will not see the and can only Edit the post. ONLY the Site Admin (CF - CouponForum) can delete the post that isn't the last or only one on a thread.
Last edited by Old Refunder on Sun Feb 04, 2007 11:00 am; edited 3 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mom2CJ
Coupon Lover
Joined: 07 Jan 2005
Posts: 8993
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 12:13 am Post subject: |
|
|
Here are some more Printable Trade Slips:
Admin edit: links are no longer working and have been removed to avoid confusion. The two links to printable tradeslips (above) are still working. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 11:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic:
Are you having trouble finding your posts?
Three options to find them are given in this link
www.couponforum.com/couponforum-23421.html
Last edited by Old Refunder on Sun Sep 23, 2007 9:13 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 1:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic:
Q: How do I put my Feedback link in my signature or
how do I make my Feedback link show up on all of my posts?
A:
Find or create your feedback thread.
| CouponForum wrote: | | Please start one thread per screen name and put the username only as the subject of the thread. |
If you're a Newbie and have made your first trade, please use the search feature to see if your trading partner has already created a Feedback thread for you so we don't have duplicates
Right click on the thread name (the title of the thread) and choose "Copy Link Location".
As an example, say this is your feedback link:
http://www.couponforum.com/test-74309.html?sid=df2ac0bda27aad5a8ebc8f3a30fe332d
So it fits on the page and doesn't use all of your signature allowance, you can shorten it to http://www.couponforum.com/test-74309.html
You don't need the "?" and what's beyond it. (?sid=df2ac0bda27aad5a8ebc8f3a30fe332d)
IF you get a copied link that looks like this http://www.couponforum.com/lnk.php?http://www.couponforum.com/test-74309.html - with a double http://www. on the front end, cut the first part http://www.couponforum.com/lnk.php? off. You won't need that part either Again, this http://www.couponforum.com/test-74309.html is all you need
To get your link in your signature...
Left click on "Profile" (at the top of the page),
scroll down to "Signature",
type in the word "Feedback:" or "FB:",
hit space or enter,
right click and choose "paste",
backspace from the end of your link to the lower case "l" just before the "?".
This option "Always attach my signature:" is in the section right below where you've pasted your feedback link. Click that so it says "Yes".
Hit "Submit" at the bottom of your profile window.
Your feedback link should now be in your signature.
Last edited by Old Refunder on Thu Oct 05, 2006 2:12 am; edited 6 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
Cross posting these excellent newbie Q&A's
Q:
| PooksMommy wrote: | I'm still new to this, I see alot of listings that say winetags. What is this, please explain.
Thank You,
Amanda |
A:
| schwinngurl29 wrote: | | usually they are coupons for $$$ off of meats or other things that the wine companies hang off the neck of the bottles to try to market their wine. Some you have to buy the wine to get the coupon other say no wine purchase necessary. HTH |
____________________________________________________________
Q:
| Kffreedom wrote: | | Ok ladies..can somone please explain how a train works? I keep seeing invites but don't know how it works. |
A:
| Old Refunder wrote: | A "train" is a specific group of refunders/couponers/traders, usually 4 to 6, who maintain a revolving and unending trade.
The train is an envelope with coupons, rebate forms or both (and sometimes UPC proofs of purchase as well) that gets mailed in turn to each member who pulls out what she needs, replaces what she's removed with what others need and sends it to the next member on the list. Each member of the train does the same thing until the envelope ends where it began, and then they go round again |
____________________________________________________________
Q: What are potlucks?
A: http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-152108.html
Newbie thread has been rebuilt because clean-up went technically cattywhompas
Last edited by Old Refunder on Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:25 am; edited 3 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
I was told by a number of new members that posting can be a little confusing so, just for the sake of someone saying so...
Clicking this  button begins a completely new thread.
Clicking this button adds comments to a thread you're reading.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
Cross posting this excellent newbie Q&A
Q:
| jackierawlings wrote: | ok here's a question..........
what are the proper steps for making a trade? |
A:
| buziak203 wrote: | Contact the person you want to trade with (or if somebody contacts you - make sure to answer to them). Communicate on what you want to trade, so both parties are happy. Send your envie promptly. When you receive your end, leave a feedback for that person.
If there are any problems, always contact the person. Many times those are just misunderstandings.
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
Q:
| sleepy5815 wrote: | Hi Laurie! Newbie question: what is an "unmentionable" or "unmentionables"
I hope they are mentionable!!! |
A:
| Old_Refunder wrote: | We used to call them bloomers or knickers  
"Unmentionables" are the required part of a rebate (not including the rebate form) that isn't mentioned because doing so is highly frowned upon on most forums and the trading/offering/seeking of them is a legal no-no. |
RULE REGARDING "UNMENTIONABLES", COMPLETE DEALS, TRADING PROOFS-OF-PURCHASE ON COUPONFORUM - PLEASE READ
Last edited by Old Refunder on Sat Dec 26, 2009 12:58 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 10:09 am Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic:
Oct 28, 2007 UPDATE: Trader Alert Service information has been added to the bottom of this post
Q: How do I report a bad trader?
A: Please leave feedback concerning a bad trader on their Feedback thread in the "Trader Feedback" forum. Somewhere in your post, please use the word "BEWARE" so that anyone can find it easily using the sites Search engine.
Post the details (minus the actual street address) of what was to be traded and what you've done to resolve the problem. You can also file a report with Garnette Blanton's Trader Alert Service as requested below.
IF you leave negative feedback and wish to alter/edit that later, please LEAVE the original feedback you posted. EDIT to ADD to it rather than removing the original post.
| Garnette Blanton wrote: | TO REPORT A TRADER - email blanton19@hotmail.com
You Do Not Have To Be A Group Member To Report A Trader.
Send as much information below as possible
__WHAT I NEED FROM YOU__
*Name of the person who owes you a trade:
( FIRST AND LAST name required )
*User name of person who owes you a trade:(if applicable)
*Email address of the person who owes you a trade
*Mailing address of the person who owes you a trade:
*Date of the trade:
*What you sent and what you expected in return:
*What board or email list was the trade made?
*Your first and last name and email address:
__WHAT I WILL DO__
I'll email the person and you will receive a copy of the message.
I will record the complaint and their name will go on my one/two complaint ist. When a person receives 3 complaints from 3 sources that name is transferred to The Trader Alert List and the members are notified.
If we are dealing with one of the more serious offenders I can supply you with additional resources to assist you.
Garnette Blanton
blanton19@hotmail.com
Trader Alert Service |
The additional important information below is provided by Michelle (Thank you Michelle!)
| luvinfrees wrote: | Please read if you have been scammed by a bad trader.
The USPS takes mail fraud VERY seriously. A friend of mine works for the USPS and has provided me with the following information about how to report mail fraud/internet fraud.
First thing to do is get the poster's IP information and dates and times of posts from the website or board administrator.
Print out ALL Copies of trade inquires including date and time sent by poster. Make sure you get the IP address of the poster of this item.
Do a whois search to find the poster's Internet Service Provider. Go to
http://www.arin.net/whois/ and type in the posters IP address.
Results will look like this:
| Quote: | Charter Communications CHARTER-NET-2BLK (NET-24-158-0-0-1)
24.158.0.0 - 24.158.255.255
Charter Communications HKRY-NC-24-158-32 (NET-24-158-32-0-1)
24.158.32.0 - 24.158.63.255 |
In this example, we know the user's ISP would be Charter Communications. Give this information to the post office with all other proof. This is how you identify the scammer.
You will need to provide ALL pertinent information to the Postal Inspector so that they may approach the court for a subpeona.
The ISP will get a subpeona from the Postal Inspector to disclose the identity of the customer with the IP addresses provided with the dates/times provided.
Now, to file the complaint, go here- Contact the USPS first, then to the FBI. The FBI make have bigger fish to fry, but the USPS will investigate and will most definitely prosecute.
ALL of you who are defrauded need to report it, no matter how small the fraud is.
USPS Mail fraud Complaint Form (new link added 7-4-2008)
http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MailFraudComplaint.aspx
FBI / The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
http://www.ic3.gov/ |
Remember: If you don't report a genuine bad trader, who will?
Some "bad trades" are a simple case of poor communication between the 2 parties. These can be and should be remedied quickly. Good communication is the key to good trades and happy traders.
ADDING - A warning and some GOOD advice from Garnette concerning PayPal.
| Garnette Blanton wrote: | Unfortunately, Paypal is often used by bad traders as a vehicle to scam unsuspecting traders, particularly around Christmas.
This time of year you may find someone offering gift certificates or really hot coupons for Paypal, and many times the person states the trade has to be QUICK.. That way she/he can rip off a number of people before the word gets out. The Paypal will be transferred to another account and when the complaints are registered with Paypal,the original account has been emptied.
When sending Paypal funds to someone you have never traded with you should request a physical address and a phone number prior to transferring funds. You can verify both the address and phone number at
www.whitepages.com unless they have an unlisted phone number. |
Subscriber information for Garnette Blanton's Trader Alert Service:
| Garnette Blanton wrote: | ____________Trader Alert Service____________
Due to the amount of daily work involved for me the members contribute $8.00 per year. This works out to 66.6 cents per month to be kept aware of bad traders on the boards. If contribution is by PayPal ; Paypal email address: blanton19@hotmail.com
NOTE: This is a personal Paypal account so I am unable to accept payment funded by a credit card !!!
** Admin Note: You may also send check or money order to subscribe. For an address to send your check to, please contact Garnette Blanton directly at blanton19@hotmail.com
If contribution is by snail mail BE SURE and enclose a note in the envelope with your first and last name and email address. Upon receipt I will add your name to the membership roll and send you the latest Trader Alert List by email.
TRADER ALERT SERVICE© FOR THE ONLINE COUPONING & REFUNDING COMMUNITY
* Keeping Track Of Bad Traders Since 1998 *
TRADER ALERT service is not affiliated with any similar lists or listowners. |
Last edited by Old Refunder on Sat Apr 11, 2009 11:45 am; edited 5 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 10:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
Tips from nena21
| nena21 wrote: | Always leave feedback (even oldies forget all the time!!) and/or let your trader know you received the coupons/actuals.
Put the expiration date of your coupons in your posts (its nice to know if its worth it or not)
If you traded your coupon(s), update your post (put "traded" in the title or if you had lots place "traded" or "gone" next to the coupon traded)
If you are not interested in a trade offered, BE KIND and answer your PM (or email) and say so (nobody should want to kill you if you dont think the offer is fair!)
Don't forget to let us know what's your wish list! Place it in your post (if I have what you want and you got what I want ... perfect deal )
Place your trader name in the envie or use a trading slip (it gets really confusing trying to figure out who's envie belongs to who) |
| nena21 wrote: | | If you traded your coupon(s), update your post (put "traded" in the title or if you had lots place "traded" or "gone" next to the coupon traded) |
OR, just delete that line altogether... it's much easier for your reader |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 10:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic:
Duplicate Posting & "Bumping" (posting a reply of "bump" on a thread to move it back to the top of the forum it's in)... Your Posts
Editing to add the now set rule:
| On Fri Feb 24, 2006 - CouponForum (Site Admin) wrote: | Please do not self-bump your posts more than once a day.
Let's try to be fair to everyone so that they can get equal exposure for the coupons they want to trade.
Thank You!
-
.b@cf |
Editing to add the now set rule:
| On Tue Sep 26, 2006 - CouponForum wrote: | Effective Immediately -+- any language in any post deemed(*) to have the single goal of getting others to bump the post by rewarding them for doing so will be grounds for locking or removal of the post.
Thanks for your understanding.
(*) Obviously this will be at my discretion. Posts in the trading boards (Coupon Trading Post, Actuals...) will be held to a higher standard. Posts in Chit Chat type areas to a lower standard. |
Another tip from nena21
| nena21 wrote: | Also, dont repeat the same post over and over. IF i/you can find your post in page 2, dont make a NEW post to place it in page 1.
Clean bumping is ok in my book (delete your last bump and post it again, putting your message at the top) but be kind and dont make new post over and over with the same info. |
Q&A about "bumping"...
Q:
| MikasMommy wrote: | | What is the protocol for bumping? Should you bump each time you update your list (with a max. of once every 3-4 days) or should a bump only be posted once a week, once a month...? |
A:
| Ainsleysmom wrote: | Edited for the rule on bumping:
http://www.couponforum.com/coupon-trading-38343.html
Morning posts can go back 6 or more pages and the highlights show what's new since one last logged on.
If you update throughout the day (say with every trade, and you've made multiple on 1 day) it makes sense to note the last day you updated on the last "bump" post, which you can always edit instead of posting a new "bump".
It's also easier for the reader to have fewer pages of "Bump" to go through on 1 thread. Deleting your last "bump" and re-posting it helps with that. |
Q:
| MikasMommy wrote: | | How do you delete a Bump? I can edit it, but I don't see where I can delete it completely. |
A:
| Old_Refunder wrote: | | Any post you make can be deleted (as long as no one has posted behind you) by clicking the "X" in the upper right hand corner of your post and "yes" in the confirmation window that follows. If someone has posted behind you, you can only edit the post. |
| MikasMommy wrote: | | A-Ha! That's what happened - someone replied to the bump posting! I'll delete all of the bumps thereafter, though... |
Additional thoughts by CF members on multiple posts & "bumping"...
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-26953.html
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-27950.html
http://www.couponforum.com/couponforum-26266.html
From the CF's Owner/Admin: http://www.couponforum.com/coupon-trading-73173.html
Last edited by Old Refunder on Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:29 pm; edited 7 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 11:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic:
Using the "Search" function
To use the search function, you want to be specific with the "Keywords" your searching for.
You can use AND to define words which must be in the results (Like "ARM & HAMMER", "Head and Shoulders"), OR to define words which may be in the result (Like "Bigelow or Lipton") and NOT to define words which should not be in the result (Like "Pampers Not Huggies" ... This will find posts with both Pampers and Huggies, but not posts that contain specifically Huggies without Pampers ). Use * as a wildcard for partial matches
To be specific in those searches, you want to use the "Search for any terms or use query as entered" selection
To look in a specific section of the board or forum, use the drop down window next to "Forum:" and choose where you'd like to look ("Coupon Trading Post", "Coupon Talk", "Trader Feedback"  , etc...)
The "Category:" selection is not helpful so just ignore
For "Display results as:" choosing "Posts" pulls the results up by individual posts, made by any member, in all of the selected Category. Choosing "Topics" pulls the results up by the entire thread that contains the Keyword anywhere in it. Each option does so by date. Generally, you'll get more results by choosing "Posts" rather than "Topics", though both will pull up some of the same results.
An important thing to remember about using search for any members "Feedback Thread"...
Not all feedback threads were started by the member they're for. Use search with their username as the "Keyword" not the author. Select "Trader Feedback" for the forum and choose "Display Results As" Topics not Posts. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic
New to coupon trading? This article will help you get started
"Trade Your Way to Savings!"
by Diane R. Schmidt
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03jul28k.cfm
Coupon trading is pretty much a learn as you go thing... finding out what works best for you. The best way to learn it is to start slow and develope/use a system that works best for you to keep track of what you're doing. The more organized you can be, the less time you'll waste keeping track of where you are. It's easy to be overwhelmed so don't start off with too many trades all at once. And when in doubt, post questions. Lots of members will be willing to try and help you.
More good info:
"Time to learn the basics"
http://mspennypinchersdeals.tripod.com/id9.html
"10 Secrets of 'Coupon Queens'"
By Jeffrey Strain, Special to TheStreet.com
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-132670.html
Article posted by chrissysue (thank you Christy )
Clipping Coupon Ideas posted by lornnslady
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-20796.html
Last edited by Old Refunder on Sat Dec 26, 2009 12:54 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Cross posting this excellent "Getting Started" newbie Q&A
Q:
| kimalee wrote: | | Hey. I joined about a month ago and have been browsing the freebies, but now I am interested in coupon trading. I have never traded coupons before so I need help getting started I guess. I am a coupon clipper and have been for years, but obviously I am not doing it right as I don't get the good coupons most of you post. The Sunday paper and sometimes the mail is all I get, but nothing fabulous. I have King Soopers and Safeway in my town, Albertsons too but don't shop there very often. Safeway is the place of choice as it is close to home. Anyway, if anyone is willing to help me get started I would appreciate it. |
A:
| krispsmith wrote: | There is a really good "newbies" post in coupon talk, I think, helps a lot.
The FIRST way to get started in trading is to organize yourself. Most of us have two folders- personal coups and trading coups. Also save UPC's, cash register tapes, Catalinas, blinkies, signup at mfg websites, print some off the net if you can use or trade them, ask your family for coups they won't use, etc. There are also coupon clipping services or you can buy some off Ebay if you are looking for something very specific. Next is to know your stores' coupon policies- do they accept internet printed coupons? Do they double cents off coups? Do they accept internet printed coupons for free items? Is there a max to how many coupons you can use per order? Watch your sales cycles and see when the things you like go on sale. Diapers, health and beauty aids, cleaning products, etc all have "cycles". Soda and hot dogs in the summer, soup in the winter, you get the picture. Picking up more than one Sunday paper may also help if the coups are good! Make a list of particular brands or items you tend to buy or prefer. It will take a while to compile this list, a few peeks in the cabinet, fridge, freezer, bathroom, under the sink and a few shopping trips and you should have a pretty good list!
Then coordinate the stuff you don't want. I find it easy to use a dollar store coupon organizer and break them up into easy searchable categories. Then when someone posts an ISO or they have something you want to trade for, you can search pretty quickly to see if you have anything they want! When you get a chance, posting a list of haves is preferable to some people. Remember to include your extra upcs and samples or actuals you want to get rid of! One man's trash is another man's treasure- I made over 1/2 dozen trades last night out of my trade pile!
Keep a few stamps on hand and maybe open a Paypal account- some people prefer to trade that way. Be sure your trading supplies are full & handy- envies, tradeslips, address labels, pens, scissors, tape, highliter. Use Word or a spreadsheet, gmail or the pm system to track your trades. Be prompt with leaving feedback and politely request that others do the same, especially when you are first starting out!
Be patient with us, many of us have been burned by newbies and are sometimes hesitant to be a first trade. Some people may ask you to send your end first, this is a common precaution. If you read that persons feedback and feel comfy doing that, go for it. Kindness is often returned in multiples- throw in a few extra coups from your trade pile, especially if you have something from the persons w/l! Trade potlucks, join trains- GREAT ways to come across new coups!
And ask away if you have any questions! Welcome! |
____________________________________________________________
Still confused, overwhelmed? Another excellent "Getting Started" newbie Q&A
Q: | lovinmyboys wrote: | | When will this feeling of being overwhelmed go away? |
A: http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-212650.html
Last edited by Old Refunder on Sun Jan 23, 2011 12:48 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic
Posting Your Trade Lists
Not to single out any specific members but, below are 2 examples of lists that are hard to read. Both, because they're running lists and 1 additionally because it's also all in CAPS.
| Quote: | | LOOKING FOR THE 50/1 GERBER BABY BOTTLES COUPONS IN HOME MAILER ALSO ANY BOGF GERBER BABY FOODS AND ANY GERBER OR DELMONTE BABY FOOD COUPONS HOME MAILER ONES ARE THE BEST I CAN DOUBLE CANT USE EXPIRED CAN USE PRINTED ONES I HAVE STAMPS OR DO TRADES QS NO PAY PAL |
| Quote: | | i would like free ide ore french fries, free milk, free groceries, keebler cookies,nabisco cookies,johnsonville sausage, hillshire sausage, lipton tea, bigelow tea, tropicanna orange juice,juicy juice, tropianca orange pop, edys icecream, deans icecream, quaker oats oatmeal hot & cold cereal, total toothpaste, colgate toothpaste, french onions, juice, welchs grape juice, hellmanns mayonnaise, eggo waffles |
It's much easier for people to see what you have, or compare what you need with what they have to offer, if lists are
single
product
entries
rather than a running list. Typing in all CAPS is always harder to read.
__________________
Laurie |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:43 pm Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic
Trading With Stamps
Q:
| chissybear wrote: | | ok i was wondering what exactly you mean when you say "will trade for stamps" do you mean the postage stamps and how does that work? i understand the trade coupon for coupon but the stamp thing is getting me. and if someone wants to send money for a coupon how do you determine the amount? if the coupon is good for 50 cents off 1 thing do you figure 50 cents from the person for the coupon? thank you for helping me. |
A:
Trading for stamps is trading for unused First Class (currently 44¢) US postage stamps. Other denominations can be sent ONLY it's it's agreed to by BOTH traders. Please don't send less than First Class stamps without discussing it with your trading partner!
Added note: Stamps that you print yourself should NOT be used in trading.
| Quote: | | USPS regulations require that the date printed on postage match the actual day that the mail is collected. The Mailing Date field is defaulted to the current date, or the date of the next collection day if the current time is beyond the cut-off time for the day. |
There's no set rule for how many coupons, at what specific value, equals how many stamps. In the end, it's pretty well up to each individual trader what they do, but a 50¢ would not be worth 50¢ in postage.
| krispsmith wrote: | Honestly, it really depends on what you are looking for out of your trade. If you feel the coups are worth more, ask for more. Worth is in the eye of the beholder. Some only ask for a h/f of .01 to .02 each, some up to 10%- 15%. Some just want their postage refunded and a stamp for their time. Some trade dollar for dollar in coups. Sometimes I even have the person send an SASE if it's something that's not urgent.
All of the above are fair, although some will say "that's too much" or "that's too little". Ask for what you feel comfortable with, and only you know what it is! |
Lots and lots of opinions on the trading of coupons for postage. Maybe some of these threads will help you...
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-29175.html
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-27964.html
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-22842.html
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-21717.html
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-17859.html
http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-45609.html
If you've asked for too much, ask for less. If they haven't offered what you think is fair, ask for more. The most important thing is that both traders are happy with the trade and are being fair to one another.
Edited again for postage rate increase 
Last edited by Old Refunder on Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:31 pm; edited 9 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Lots of changes and additions to CouponForum today (1/23/06)
(Thank you CF )
Be sure to read the "Sticky" or "Announcement" that tops many forums now.
_________________
Laurie |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Q:
| MissSammy wrote: | | What is an appropriate amont of time to wait for a person to respond to a pm? I have had a few lately that werent read for 4 days or read but not repsonded to. |
A:
Tough to answer Samantha... If the message is still in your outbox, then they haven't been read yet. I suppose it depends on how long you want to wait for that to happen. If it's a new member, they may not even know they have a message, in which case you can post on the thread(s) of interest.
In the case of read but no reply, I would assume after 24hrs that they aren't interested.
There are those who wait for multiple offers to come in to choose the one they want to take, without responding to those offers they're rejecting. Two problems I see with that is:
1) It certainly isn't very nice to ignore someone who's taken the time to look at and respond to your offer. A simple "no, but thanks" isn't really too much to ask for.
and 2) While you're waiting on someone to make up their mind, you might/probably lose out on another offer/deal that you could have had.
In the case of unread, give it a few days and/or post on the thread involved if there is one. In the case of the other, after 24 to 48 hrs I'd assume the offer is rudely rejected
Hope that helps
_________________
Laurie |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 1:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Q:
| shastasother wrote: | What is the protocol on posting "thanks"? A friend who has used forums for years says it depends on the board.
I understand the desire to thank someone who posts something, a freebie for example, and the appreciation of such thanks when you go to the trouble of posting. But a "TY" post also shows as a new post when no new info is added to the subject. On a forum this active that can just add to the volume. |
A:
| CouponForum wrote: | | No problem as long as it is done in moderation. On one hand it is nice to say thanks to someone who shared something good, OTOH I don't think it is necessary to respond to every single freebie with a TY post. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 1:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
New Topic
How to select an avatar (the image under your username)
Q:
| alegnatexas (edited from OP) wrote: | | How do you all get the adorable icon/expression/pictures???? I'm talking about the ones next to your names on the left...not the smileys. |
A:
Click on Profile (near the top)
Click on Show gallery button (near the bottom of profile)
Select a category of avatar that you want to use (Animals, Cartoons, Cats, etc..) and click Go.
Select one of the pictures displayed (click on the circle underneath the picture)
Click Select avatar button.
Click Submit button to update profile.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Old Refunder
CF Q&A Queen
Joined: 28 May 2005
Posts: 10364
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
COUPONFORUM.COM :: THE COUPON FORUM ONLINE COUPONS COMMUNITY
|
Online Coupons
Support Coupon Forum
Coupon Forum FAQ
Log in
Register
