Team 10: 21 Things to to be an Epic Couponer

[Giving-Small]

I think the idea to combine wishlist and train is great.

My first 3 train I did the wishlist as "optional" - so not nearly as clear and specific as you have it. But I made an error - they put in for all the other down stream riders if they could and so did I. So the trains disappeared - it was just too tempting with so many great coupons of high value. So the way you're doing is "smart" and "safe" ... for the next rider.

One suggestion for wording is highlighted in blue font below.

One comment - the use of ins and outs happens in two ways I think ?? and I found it confusing. Train arrival and departure times was one use. And then I think it was ins and outs for the coupons from the "train envie".

Loops` 1st Loopy Train



This will be an old fashioned train with a wish list addition.

I will take 5 riders. Newbies welcome.

I will send out an envie of coupons as with a regular old fashioned train. I also request that you send me a wish list to post here when you PM me to request a seat. The wish list should be ordered from most ------» least coveted so other riders know your preferences. Please keep your lists reasonable to avoid receiving stamps.

The train will also include an envelope labelled for each passenger. Your only obligation aside from the usual with a train is to put a minimum of 4 different coupons for the next rider in their envelope. If you do not have coupons from their list 1 stamp = 1-2 missing coupons and 2 stamps = 3-4 missing coupons to help with their mailing cost. This way you are guaranteed at least this for riding the train.

You will rate the conductor and the passenger before you when you receive the train.

You may also include coupons for the riders later on in the train if you like. This is not required but feel free to do so. It gives them a bonus for being later on in the train and not getting first pick of the coupons.

Please remember to remove your envie to avoid any confusion for subsequent riders .

Your ins and outs include any envelope coupons. The wish list is only added to ensure everyone has a good ride.

Boarding pass: One coupon from my wishlist. Only so that I am also guaranteed the same . Don`t forget to label your boarding pass with your SC name so I can account for it. I will rate all the passengers once the train returns home.

Rules

1. Replace $ for $, BOGO for BOGO, etc.

2. No printables, TFT, store specific, baby, pets, hair dye, etc. unless on someones list. The train will not include any of these leaving the station.

3. Ensure expiry dates are a minimum of a month and a half past when you mail out the train to give passengers time to receive and use the coupons. Any coupons expiring within two weeks are freebies and do not need to be replaced. Remove any expired coupons to save on postage.

4. No more than two of the same coupon (UPC) on the train at any time
(excluding what is in the envelopes).

5. Post your ins and outs on the paper provided and also in this thread when you mail off the train.

6. Mail the train out be the end of the next day after receiving it to ensure our choo choo keeps chugging along.

7. Notify the condctor if it appears the rules have not been followed when you received the train.

8. Most importantly, have fun!!!

Rider list

1. Name:
In:
Out:
Mail date:

2. Name:
In:
Out:
Mail date:

3. Name:
In:
Out:
Mail date:

4. Name:
In:
Out:
Mail date:

5. Name:
In:
Out:
Mail date:

6. Home to Out_of_the_Loops

To join please post in this thread and PM me your address and wishlist at the same time.

[Out_of_the_Loops]

Thanks

I hope it works! It is so sad your trains went missing. We shouldn't have to worry about a train being too tempting .

I will give it a try and see what happens!

[dahliagrower]

It sounds like a terrific idea Loops .... I really like your idea of keeping it to 5 or 6 riders --- when they get more than that you are then looking at 2 months before the train goes home and that means a lot of expiries.

Let us know when you're posting the train!

[Out_of_the_Loops]

I am going to post the train today. Dahlia I can reserve you a seat if you like.

[sheetsofemptycanvas]

Loops, I think your train looks great! As soon as I'm doing trains again I would definitely join one of yours

I went to WM the other day and got some really wicked deals but the store was insane! I tried to get a Wii but they were sold out and no rain checks Which sucks because ours went kaput. Oh well, got some free glade decor scents holders and some cheap tide with coupons. I went again tonight to get a bday present for my best friend this weekend- I'm making her a gift basket.

[Out_of_the_Loops]

Thanks. I have enough coupons to do another if this one goes well.

I am nervous. I hope all the passengers like it

[sheetsofemptycanvas]

I think everyone will love it

[Giving-Small]

I think I can speak for all the passengers - we loved the VWT Loops.

[Giving-Small]

Sometime Shoppers or Safeway have "deals" on purchasing gift cards. You get bonus points if you buy x or y. I have happily and naively bought these and been lucky not to be scammed.

So,some of you are likely aware of this scam. "card not present". If not read on.

There's been a few reports of Shoppers Gift Cards turning up empty. This is not related to "card not present".

A bit of the original thread and the description of the gift card scam:

Quote:
Originally Posted by jillyfree
I bought a $100 SDM gift card with my visa the other day and then went to use it this morning and there was a $0 balance.
I ended up having them call HO and they are supposed to get back to me about it.
Has anyone had this happen? If so, did you have much trouble getting it fixed?


tjthemanto posted this useful information and more:


The card not present scam is going on a lot these days ..the retailers don't want you to know about it . Usually when I buy a GC I buy the ones behind the counter & not the ones hanging on displays in the various store aisles . I also double check the security black opaque cover on the PIN to make sure that its not been compromised ...but SDM GC you can't use online so in your case its most likely a cashier fault or something

http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/3373881-post9.html

[Giving-Small]

This is a great question and it's useful to know how to do this.

Here's one way.

Go to the your Profile page or the profile page of someone you want to see what they posted or threads they started.

Click on Statistics tab (see below).

Notice the links with the green stars beside -- Find all posts by ... and Find all threads created by ...

Clicking on these links will show you what someone has posted.

[Out_of_the_Loops]

Sometime Shoppers or Safeway have "deals" on purchasing gift cards. You get bonus points if you buy x or y. I have happily and naively bought these and been lucky not to be scammed.

So,some of you are likely aware of this scam. "card not present". If not read on.

There's been a few reports of Shoppers Gift Cards turning up empty. This is not related to "card not present".

A bit of the original thread and the description of the gift card scam:

Quote:
Originally Posted by jillyfree
I bought a $100 SDM gift card with my visa the other day and then went to use it this morning and there was a $0 balance.
I ended up having them call HO and they are supposed to get back to me about it.
Has anyone had this happen? If so, did you have much trouble getting it fixed?


tjthemanto posted this useful information and more:


The card not present scam is going on a lot these days ..the retailers don't want you to know about it . Usually when I buy a GC I buy the ones behind the counter & not the ones hanging on displays in the various store aisles . I also double check the security black opaque cover on the PIN to make sure that its not been compromised ...but SDM GC you can't use online so in your case its most likely a cashier fault or something

http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/3373881-post9.html

That is scary. Are the "deals" on ones where the PINs have been compromised?

[Giving-Small]

Loops - not necessarily on the ones where you get bonus points -- it can happen on any of the cards. I think they're making it harder now but I always check the package to make sure it's intact now.

[dahliagrower]

Hi everyone .... I am kind of finding out how time consuming it is keeping a trade list up to date....wow. And some of the recent messages I've had make me question whether it's worthwhile or not.... I had on my trade list that I had the new cottonelle $2 - x 4 .... and I had someone message me "could I go and get 20 more?" as that's what they were looking for..... What's with that? I thought it a bit cheeky!

I've also had some trade requests saying they want CT money in exchange for coupons that were on my wishlist..... I don't collect CT money and definitely don't trade it.... another was for SDM points ..... and although I do have those - I intend on spending them myself.

I've also noticed that the traders are often very young - like 14-17 years of age..... do you think this is because they are on their own and need to survive or just want to help the household? I have a 16 year old and just can't imagine him hunting down coupons to get a great deal on something....

Last point .... on the stacking out here in the West .... I think it's wonderful when it helps people to feed their family for a reasonable price .... but when it's just used to get 200 plus bottles of shampoo/deoderant etc (which they can't possibly use in an entire year) .... is there a point to it? How will that company stay in business when people get so much "free product" .....

Just some thoughts....

Dahlia

[ClipClap]

Maybe they were asking nicely IF you had CT money, and not actually DEMANDING CT money. There are some people who already have a lot of coupons and are just looking for something different.

[dahliagrower]

Yes - perhaps they were. Sorry if I've offended.

Having said that though this is a thread started by Giving-Small and Sheets where us newbies have been learning and it's been a comfortable place to pose questions and comments. From what I've seen on here - if someone is specifically looking for something - ie CT money ... then would it not be more efficient to list what you have to offer by way of a trade list and have it clear what you are looking for in trade ... ie $50 coupon bundle for $5 CT Money etc.... (I'm guessing on this as I have no idea on the value of CT Money...)