[teagan911]

Well, I know most people like binders. I love the concept of them myself, I just could not lug one around. I also didn't want to make a whole other binder for my train coupons (after all they are costly when you add it all up). I was using this old blue striped picture keeper box that I got at CVS for 90% off. Well, it became a hug mess of coupons. I now use it to store another huge mess



Then a few weeks ago I was at a thrift store and found these deviders. They are alphabetical very heavy card stock. I put them in my cart thinking of what I could do with them. I then ran across this little crate and a lightbulb went on. Well the deviders wouldn't fit so I would have to cut them, no big deal. It cost me 1.50



I also keep things in the back like envies to mail, my scissors and my train book. I keep track of the addresses and each weeks buddies, also adding the dates they mail and receive. It's just a regular ole small spiral notebook that added tabs on. It holds two different train info.




I also added a picture of an old picture album that I use to hold my coupons that I use. It is the same concept as the binder (they are also alphabetically organized) except I can just pop it in my purse unlike my old huge binder.



So I thought I would add pics because for the longest time I had no idea what to do with all those clipped coupons for my trains. Now when I am looking at a riders wishlist, I sort to that letter and find what they need. It cut my time in half since the coupons were already cut and I didn't have to go searching through inserts.

How do you organize your train q's?

[Alexdur85]

Wow.. I can only do one or two trains at a time..

[linz152]

Wow - you are seriously organized about your trains! I'm not that organized at all. Thanks for sharing!

[nattsgirl]

Nice. I don't have trains, seems complicated, LOL

[teagan911]

well, I am only organized about the trains that I conduct. If I am just a rider, I just hope I can get them out on time

[tratra]

Thanks so much for sharing. I have my own coupons organized in binders but haven't figured the best system for coupons to trade. I like what you have done!

[brook6]

I use a similar alphabetical sort for my FSOT/train q's

...but I have been worried about 'forgetting' my unclipped inserts [before they expire], so I have decided to also go through them [oldest first] to find other q's for trains

[Time4mom2]

I've been couponing for 9 months and I do the organizer system (the binder system didn't seem to be for me).

Beleive or not, I am using 2 rectangular sized tupperware containers. Measure's about 2inches high (about 1/3" envelope is above the lip of the container). One for grocery and one for non-grocery. I use #10 sized envies, and have an index card in each. Each card is listed with the coupons inside. (ex-milk/eggs/butter, cheese, yogurt, cereals, beverages, etc) (ex-make-up, shampoo/conditioner/skincare, Mens products, etc.)

I am currently riding 5 trains (4 weekly). I seem to have a "system" that works for me since I've starting riding 6 months ago.

First, I print all my addresses from Word (copy and pasted from PM's or emails), and list the train name at the top and the day they are mailed. Each week I write on the left side of the name the date I'm mailing to that week, on the right side I list who I'm getting from that week. I check mark when I mail and receive. When members are added I reprint a new list. I also enter my sender's addy in the "Trader Records" section (just in case I misplace my list). There is no tab that says "trains" (I choose RAOK), I enter all the info, including which train and rate my envies in the notes section.

Second, I print all my envies with addresses "with" bar codes on my computer (faster delivery). (what can I say, I use to be an executive assistant

Thirdly, I look at a person's WL and copy and paste it into a Word Doc about size 8 or 9. Print off, then check off the q's enclosed. I enclose the WL.

Fourth, I pull grocery q's 1st, non-grocery 2nd.

I also try and use a 6 3/4" envie and place 35-40 coupons (uses 1 stamp). And never seemed to arrive damaged.

To sort my train & insert coupons, I have small paper separators with the same name on them as the index cards. I lay these out on the table or floor (which ever is available ) I have even recruited my teens to help out when I get behind

I have a 6" x 9" expandable accordian type hand held file, with marked index tabs, I carry with me ALL the time

Sorry for the long post ~ I'm detail oriented

[LindseyLouXOX]

I can hardly sort my own coupons I am using, let alone train coupons LOL! I have them all in little swiffer bins (from the wet pads). They are a mess, I really need to organize ALL my coopies!

Oh might I mention I am only on 3 trains here, but 21 trains on a train group via yahoo, . I am not quite sure how I stay "organized". haha

[VintageTink]

Man i have so many coupons floating all over the place. I need a system like this for the ones not IN MY BINDER thanks for sharing

[tishacalderon]

I keep reading about trains. I'm lost. What is a "train"?

[lowride7]

I simply keep my uncut (or chopped up) inserts in a big accordian file and whenever I get my next list for the train (the only 1 I'm on), I look through each insert set and cut what I need.

This may not be the most organized way to do it, but at least it keeps me up on what coups I have on hand.

[michellemabelle921]

Wow! You are so organized. I've been using a binder for my q's and putting my train/trade q's in my old small accordion file that I'd been using for a long time. I'm just now joining my first train and I have a feeling it will definitely NOT be my last. I like your notebook idea for addresses and tracking. Thanks for that! I actually have a great storage box just needing to be used too. Great ideas. Thank you, Thank you!!!

[michellemabelle921]

Tisha...I'm a newbie myself, so I'm not sure I'd explain it right, but if you go to the bottom of this page there is a spot to go to other forums (I apologize if you already knew this. I just figured it out a few days ago .) There is actually a forum especially for trains you can go to and I think at the top of that page is a description of a train. I'm excited about being on my first one which is starting today. It's a train just for newbies, but we have 2 rounds on it then we move out and let other newbies have a chance. Check on the train forum for it (it's called training train for newbies I think). Sounds like it might be a good one for you to start on too. Have a great day!

[Linda Smythe]

Just joined 3 trains and created a word doc table to help me keep up with sending/receiving. The table has the following columns:
Name Type Conductor Start Date Mail By #of Qs Date last Mailed Posted

Left Feedback Date Received Posted Left Feedback

The rows contain the names of the trains

We'll see how it works! Tried copy/pasting but didn't work properly.

[shortylucy]

What is the train?

[gltkar]

Originally Posted by shortylucy

What is the train?

http://www.afullcup.com/forums/coupo...our-train.html

[shortylucy]

Ohhh I see. Thank you!

[zoeotis]

For train, I use an excel document. Train names are across the top and Monday's date is down the left side. I have them arranged based on mailing date, though I try and complete all my train envies on Sunday evening. Under each train I list to/from for each week. As I send envies I highlight names, and as I receive envies I highlight names. It helps me to keep track of what I receive and also ensures I complete feedback. Oh, and I keep all my addresses are in a word document.

[Barbara34]

Been couponing eight months. In the beginning I tried alpha sorting but didn't like that. Then I bought one of those wallet things and made up categories. I outgrew that before long and had to rethink things. Plus - I had to check each and every category for expired coupons. Too time-consuming and unnecessary for me. Wanted to find a better way.

I'm riding six weekly trains, and still develop/improve as I go.

I copy and paste the trader's address to avoid errors on my part. I used to copy and paste it onto a label that would print on a little label printer. I still do sometimes, but most of the time use the envelope and printed barcode for supposedly faster delivery, as you do. If I understand what you're saying about your tracking, I think we differ a little there. I have a separate sheet for each train. It has the name of the train, conductor, number of coupons, and any special rules for that particular train. Columns show the sending due date/week number, the date I actually did send it, name of my recipient, date I notified the forum and post number. On the same line, I show the name of the person sending to me that week, the date I received it, the date I notified the forum and date I left feedback.

Sure do relate to what you're saying. I've been a legal secretary since the days when secretaries were almost paralegals. OCD is candidating to be my middle name.

Just started a month ago or so to put the list in Word. I try to alphabetize their list once I have it in Word, make it into columns, and resize the font to try to get it all on one page. Sometimes I'll include it in the envelope I send.

When I first started the binder system, I had two - one for me, and because I was going to coupon swaps, I had one for trading. Then the trading binder got too big and heavy, so I split it and then I had three. Bummer. Just this weekend, I meshed them all back together and now have only two binders. I just hope I don't accidentally send off something I want.

I now have all coupons together, and sorted only by month. When the end of the month comes, I only have to pull the coupons behind that month's tab, and don't have to go through looking everywhere and into so many categories. I like that part. Filling the trade is easy, too, because after I sort the trader's WL alphabetically, I place it beside my binder. I look in the first month and follow the alpha sort, since they're alpha in both the binder and on the list. Then I go to the second month and repeat until I've gone all the way through.

I really do love to fill from a trader's list. It gives me pleasure to have a whole envelope filled with things she has asked for. But then, I know I have received coupons not on my list and didn't even know existed. Some of them have been most welcome, so I think others may be the same; maybe they'd like surprises, too.

[melvida]

i'm a beginner. thanks for a great idea
wanda

[rmckbsm]

what is a train? I'v seen it in other post (new to full cup AND the coupon world!) and I just cannot figure out what it means.

[brook6]

train ~ group of users sequentially trading coupons, according to a set of rules specific to that train

http://www.afullcup.com/forums/coupon-trains/

Originally Posted by rmckbsm

what is a train? I'v seen it in other post (new to full cup AND the coupon world!) and I just cannot figure out what it means.