Long before I was “Couponing to Disney”, I was active on couponing forums. (I actually got my start on Babycenter.) I learned how to coupon, I found deals and I traded coupons…..
Trading coupons is a GREAT way to get more coupons and get rid of the ones you have. But it can be incredibly overwhelming to get started.
Here are the 3 sites that I have traded on before:
- Hot Coupxon World
- A Full Cup (you will have to join to see this)
- Coupon Forum
Here’s what you can trade:
- Coupons (insert and non insert coupons (these are coupons that came from everywhere but inserts). Non insert coupons are the most popular ones to trade.)
- Rebate forms (you can find both rebate forms for products as well as No Beer Purchase Required rebates)
- Box Tops for Education (also called BTFEs)
It is a lot of information to absorb when you just get started trading. I highly suggest that you start with just one site before moving on to the others. Hot Coupon CXorld is probably the easiest one to use, so I would start with that one.
The very first thing you need to do after you join is read through the rules. It is important that you always follow the rules. The ones that will pertain to you the most are Rules for: Trades: Current Coupons, Rules for: Haves Lists: Have Coupons or Actuals, and Trade Rules for: Wish Lists: Seeking Coupons or Actuals for Trade.
Once you have a good understanding of the rules, you are ready to move on.
Once you read through the rules, you are ready to read the Trading Frequently Asked Questions post. Make sure you read these instructions to learn how to start posting.
You should now be completely educated and feel ready to start trading.
The forum that you will start trading in is called Trades: Current Coupons and Offers. Just look for someone who either has what you want or is looking for something that you have.
Trading is really something that you learn as you go. The more you trade, the easier it will get. I have over 500 trades under my belt. I think it is a GREAT way to get coupons.
My tips:
- For the first 5 or so trades you make, you will likely be required to mail your end first. So don’t be surprised if this is asked of you.
- Sometimes people won’t want to trade with you. Don’t get your feelings hurt. It is nothing personal.
- Always make sure you mail out your end of the coupons on time.
- If a trade sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I have gotten burned a few times. Remember that dishonest people trade coupons too.
- The longer you trade, the easier it will get to recognize hot coupons from not so hot coupons. It is a learning process, just like bargain shopping.
Do you trade coupons? If so, which sites are your favorites? Any tips you want to share?
I am on a coupon train on the DIS board. There are about 125 of us on the train, but we have a specific person we receive from, and a different person who we send to. Basically when you receive your coupons, you take out the ones you want, then add an equal (or greater) amount of your own to pass on to your coupon buddy. Envelopes are mailed every Monday or Tuesday, every week except holidays (which are optional). I love it and saved hundreds of dollars using the coupons I received from my buddy.
I use thriftyfun.com, you post what you have and what you want then email people when you match. I havent been burnt on there yet and ive been doing it for over 6 months.
There is actually a group that’s been created on Babycenter now called Coupon Newbies. It helps give you the ins and outs and lets you ask questions and post scenarios. Not sure if it’s ever been mentioned or not.
help i am trying coupon world but i am very unsure of myself anyone help me with the trading i have kashi coupon 3.00 i dont use
kristen, thank you for posting this. i want to get into this eventually, and i appreciate the insight from a veteran. it will be fun to start doing some research . . .
Hey, my username at HCW is newatthis and I have been there for 3 years. I love it. Have we ever traded?
I have been trading with a another reader from here since about September or so. I started trading on weusecoupons.com this month and I am also participating in my first coupon train!!!! When you do a trade, make sure you list the EXACT coupon you are looking for and if possible list the insert date.
I use mycouponhunter.com when I order coupons. I have never had a problem with any of my orders. They are always quick (I usually don’t order in bulk).
I don’t trade coupons and don’t know if I will tackle that. My New Years resolution was to improve my coupning skillls. I used to be pretty good a couple of years ago. I got lazy and while on my hiatus the coupning world changed. I need to get caught up and refine my couponing skills.
I like Hot Coupon World. I’ve resorted to eBay in the past but it’s expensive for the seller so you’ll end up paying more.
My favorite clipping service is The Coupon Master. Very fast shipping and reasonable prices.
Thanks for the info! I should look into this. There are some types of coupons I have no interest in — such as a coupon for any product that has meat in it — that I know a lot of people would love to have, and I’m sure others have coupons I’d love that they are not interested in.