Can I pick your brains about coupon trading?

[avoncallingu]

I usually ride trains and have NOT gotten into individual trades.

Here's my question: How is it worth trading when you have to pay for a stamp? Do people usually pick out 3 or more coups to trade?

I have tried to create a wish list and by the time I got half-way through it, the coups were expiring!

I guess I need advice about making my coupon use more effective.
Even when I have multiple coupons, I usually only purchase about 3-4 of any product at a time because I've got limited storage space.

Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, SCers!

[smileyKT]

I think a lot of SCers will trade if coupons are worth $5-10+. I always factor in that I also need to spend a stamp in order to trade.

Not sure about your other questions... I think I'm trying to figure that out myself!

[MomOfOne79]

Ohhhh, I just read a post here about 'valuing coupons'. I don't know where it went and I don't think it was a sticky!! Maybe someone else could post it?

Something I do is at the end of the month I pull out all my coupon for the next month and sort them into ones I am going to use and the one's I don't, which I usually 'coupon fairy' them when I go shopping.

[DolceBella]

You definitely want to factor the cost of buying a stamp into your overall savings from the trade. I try not to do trades under $5 either.
I found the initial list I made took some time to put together, but I find as long as I keep it up to date as I get new coupons and not let them pile up, then it takes no time at all.

[scbpooh]

when I create a trade list i usually only post my more valuable/ high value coupons. I have hundreds sitting here on my desk, there is no way i can post them all. And yes, alot of ppl like to say (me included) make make the postage worth it, i like to trade at, at least $5 value. So $5 for $5, $10 for $10 ect.

[avoncallingu]

Thanks for the good hints, people! I guess I have to put the elbow grease and mind power into developing that wishlist.

I could start with.....
winning tickets for the 649.....

[westcoastblondie]

Yeah, what people are saying about the higher value ones is a good suggestion.

Another one is to try and trade for coupons with farther away expiry dates. With the uncertainty of Canada Post and a lack of storage in your house, if you were to say trade for coupons with december expiry, it would give you far greater opportunity to spend them then something that expires the end of August, beginning of september.

Say you trade for ten dove coupons that expire in December. Dove may come on sale 2 - 3, maybe even four more times before the end of the year. So you could buy two that you need in September and then by another 2 that you need in December if you've run out. Whereas trading for the dove coupons that expire this month, while they might help you out with a sale this month, won't be as valuable a trade ot you because you can only use them once and you can't buy 15 at a time.

I hope this makes sense...

[MrsSunshine]

heh ACU you could try having a small swap near your home. or in your home town. post it in your local area. then everyone who comes trades their extras. no stamps needed. might be worth a try. local food hang outs Tim's or a mall food court work. I used to ride alot of trains but have become quite picky about the ones I do ride. as we've changed our lifestyle so much that I no longer require the amount of coupons I used to have. so I'd rather be able to choose a few i will use then have a book full of ones i won't however i dont' want to have to put out alot of stamps either and only end up with a few coupons. that being said. iv'e been generous with others and had the generousity spread to myself as well. as for a WL. yeesh better update that as well.

[couponer2]

I found this post by Fallen pixels very helpful

What do you think trades should be worth 2.0

[FallenPixels]

I found this post by Fallen pixels very helpful

What do you think trades should be worth 2.0

Thanks was just about to post it