[jenkerr1]

Just curious, I use the binder method (thanks Foggy) for my coupons I use but I was wondering what others do for coupons you won't use that you plan to trade. Do you cut them all out or keep them in the circulars? How do you know what you have? Any ideas welcome! I know I have a lot I could trade but they are so disorganized right now!

[jbarber8]

Hi,
I keep two recipe boxes of coupons, divided by type of product. My product types are very similar to what Laura recommended on her post. I just keep one box for myself and another for trading.

I posted the same question twice and never heard a better answer on organizing Q's for trade, so I continue the same method.

[joshmamabear]

I cut coupons from inserts that I will definitely use. The ones I am not using, I leave them intact and just file inserts according to date. When I trade, I just refer to coupon databases for the date when the coupon come out and from there I know how many I have. Unless the other trader agrees to trade, I don't cut the coupons to make sure they are intact.

On the cover of the inserts, I place a note on how many of a coupon has been taken out and how many are left for trade so next time when I make an offer, I know exactly how many are left. This method works for me rather than cutting coupons all at once.

[linz152]

I cut out every coupon. The ones I will use go in my binder. The ones I don't think I will use go into a shoebox with no organization really. If I need one for a trade or I need one for myself I sit down and go through them. It's not ideal but it strangely works for me.

If there are some coupons that I won't use that I want to put in an auction or list FSOT I put those in a manilla envie. Then I have those separated out already.

[momof2plustwins]

I have a binder that use for coupons that are non-grocery items. I have a accordion style holder for only grocery coupons. On top of that I have a box of uncut or partially cut inserts and a sterlite container I just divided into categories this weekend for coupons have not been filed into my binder/organizer or that I will not be using. It's not perfect yet because I'm still way behind but I'm slowly but surely catching up.

[roygbiv]

I cut out what I'll use and put them in my binder. All the others stay in the inserts and are filed by date (one hanging file for each week). I cut those when I need them (for a deal or a trade). I keep an Excel sheet of coupons (sorted alphabetically) and it notes which seek the c/o was in and what insert. I also have a column for how many of that c/o I have.

[CarrieDLRDH]

I'm new to this as well and I have found that Qs that I thought I would NEVER use, I am using to get FREEs and overage! What I do, is I have a small coupon album (4x6, holds about 100Qs) that I fill w/ Qs of things that I know I will use/need. This I keep in my purse. Then, everything thing else goes in a recipe box divided in categories (I know some people alphabetize by brand name). Then I pull Qs that I see others post for good deals I want to do and add them to my album. When I do a trade/Raok, I just sort through my recipe box. I've only been doing this about 1 month+, and my coupons are overflowing, so I'm not sure how long this method will work for me... My main problem is expired Qs and sorting those out. Other then discarding them when I come across then, I have no method. I just am hoping I don't accidentally send in a trade or plan in a deal for myself!)

One other tip that I have found that I really like is to stick a few small envies inside my coupon album in the front. One is labeled CVS, one is labeled Giant, etc. I stick the Qs that I have planned out for my deals that week in there so I don't have to find them. I keep appropriate store Qs in those envies. I also keep a blank envie of ? Qs (random Qs, some may exp soon and I want to check prices at any stores, others maybe be products I need soon to start checking prices, etc).

HTH!

[DanicaV]

I use a Binder for the Q's I'm going to use, the ones that I'm planning to use for Trains/Trading and such are filed by type into an old Cassette Holder case...it is compact enough to slide onto a shelf near my PC and easy enough to flip through when searching for a Q that another trader is in need of. HTH