Coupon & Trade Abbreviations

Advertising media use abbreviations (short forms of words) to save time typing. The most commonly used coupon related terms are listed below for you to refer to.

B0G0 or B1G1 = Buy One, Get One Free (this refers to a product which is purchased and a second product is given to the consumer (purchaser of the product) for no cost. Occasionally you will be responsible for the tax on the free item, read the fine print on the coupon or advertisement for details. Smart coupon tip: use a coupon to purchase your item (the one that must be purchased for the promotion) to save even more money!)

B2G1 = Buy Two, Get One Free (this refers to a product which is purchased in a multiple of two in order to receive one at no additional cost to the consumer). Occasionally you will be responsible for the tax on the free item, read the fine print on the coupon or advertisement for details. Smart coupon tip: use a coupon to purchase the items (one coupon for each item= 2 coupons total) to save even more money!)



B3G1 = Buy Three, Get One Free (this refers to a product which is purchased in a multiple of three in order to receive a fourth item in the promotion for no additional cost to the consumer). Occasionally you will be responsible for the tax on the free item, read the fine print on the coupon or advertisement for details. Smart coupon tip: use a coupon to purchase each item = 3 coupons, one per item which must be purchased for the promotion, to save more money!)

FPC = A coupon that allows you to obtain a for product free. (this term refers to a coupon or certificate which is allows the consumer to obtain a product at no cost, however taxes may apply depending on the coupon~ read the fine print on the coupon for each transaction. Smart coupon tip: use an FPC when you are short on cash, when the item is not on sale and you need the item.)

GC = Gift Card (or Gift Certificate) (this is any denomination, any store used in some trades, for RAOK gifts)

HV = High Value (this is a coupon which is considered a higher value during redemption, usually for several dollars off the consumer's product. An example would be: $4 off Carnation Instant Breakfast versus the $1 off coupon. A $4 off coupon is harder to locate and holds a higher discounted value at the checkout).

MIR = Mail In Rebate (this term refers to a form or promotion which requires the consumer to mail something (usually the receipt and UPC) as proof of purchase to the company, in order to receive a rebate back from the manufacturer. These are usually one per envelope and some have per household limitations. Smart coupon tip: purchase the items for the promotion when they are on sale to save more money, use coupons as well and only buy items that you typically purchase and consume. You aren't saving money if you are spending it on items which you don't use.

Peelie = A coupon that is attached directly onto the product and is 'peeled off.' (this type of coupon is sometime used with other coupons in store (if you have your own coupon and a peelie is also attached, sometimes the stores (even in Ontario) will redeem both types of coupons in one transaction). Smart coupon tip: etiquette would be not peeling off additional peelie coupons when you aren't purchasing that product, we all love our coupons but please leave the peelie's on the products when you aren't buying them!)

POP = Proof of Purchase (a proof of purchase could be the UPC on product (the bar code), a receipt, or specially marked area of a product's packaging. Any of which a manufacterer may require to complete a rebate promotion or for a refund, etc).

RAOK = Random Act of Kindness (this is when a person sends a gift to another person which is unexpected (not related to a birthday or other life event) and it is something completely random. 

SCOP = Scanning Code of Practice (this is the voluntary code which stores can 'opt-in' (participate) in order to give their consumers an assurance that their scanning procedures are accurate for each item. For more on the code click here: SCOP: Abiding by a Code. )

Stamps = Canadian, unused postage stamps. (these are sometimes traded for coupons. The stamps must be Canadian, new (never used) and the current minimum postage rate per stamp. Stamps are sold individually, and in sets or books with varying multiples at postal outlets, some pharmacies and corner stores.)

Tear-pad = A pad of coupons. (this is usually on the shelf or display where you tear a coupon off. Search for tear-pads hanging off of shelving, freezer doors and pop-up cardboard displays located in the middle of aisles)

UPC = Universal Product Code (this is the bar code located on nearly all consumer related packaging. This code consists of numbers and a series of black lines with various widths. The numbers can vary from a short sequence to longer 12 digit codes.)

WUB = When You Buy (this term refers to the consumer "you" purchasing an item. An example would be: Save $10 WUB 3 Oil of Olay products. In order to complete the sale promotion and save $10, you are required to purchase (WUB) 3 products. Smart coupon tip: purchase the items on sale and use coupons for each item. If you can purchase two of the items (as in the example) with a coupon/on sale, and the third in the transaction completes the promotional sale you will save more than $10 (as in the example).

Choo Choo! Coupon Train

Basics

A coupon train is basically an envelope of coupons which is sent to a list of 'passengers' or 'riders' (people who have coupons which want to participate).

The train is first advertised (on my website Coupon Train area to show we're taking passengers).

A conductor (the person responsible for organizing, initiating and monitoring the train) asks for people to participate with the upcoming train 'ride.'

The conductor adds coupons to the envelope and the list of passengers and addresses is usually also included.

The first passenger receives the train and follows whatever 'rules' the conductor has established during the initial advertising of the train. (for example: no save.ca coupons, no coupons under a specific value, etc).

The first passenger removes the coupons which they them self, will personally use. It is not generally acceptable to take coupons for other trades.

After removing the coupons from the envelope, the passenger totals the value of coupons selected. (This is a dollar and cents total, plus any additional special value coupons like B0G0, FPC, etc.)

From the passenger's personal coupon collection, they select coupons to add into the train envelope. This total is primarily based upon the total which they have removed, including B0G0, FPC, etc. The passenger has the option to add more coupons to the train above the amount they removed.

Optionally, the passenger may add coupons for other passengers either as "RAOK" or as a wish list addition.

A "RAOK" is when a passenger/conductor adds coupons for other train participants as a Random Act Of Kindness. This type of addition does not count towards the value of the train or what the passenger has added to the train as the replacement value which they removed. These are a GIFT for the intended people on board; they are not replaced by their value when the receiver of the RAOK gets the train.

A "wish list" type of addition is when a passenger/conductor adds to the train a coupon (or more) for a specific person because it is a coupon which that person desires (by means of a wish list). This coupon (or coupons) is added to the train with the person's name on it, in hopes that it will be taken out by the person 'wishing' for it. Occasionally, a person has a wish that is very easily filled and the recipient just can't use more of that coupon, and has the option to take it or leave it in the train. When you receive a wish, you replace it's value just as you would with the remainder of the train.

The train is sent to the next person on the list (usually a passenger list is included onboard the train) and information is sent to the conductor.

What A Conductor Likes To Know

Each conductor is different in what information they ask you to update them with in regards to their train. I have found that many conductors generally ask for the following about their train:

When you received the train (this is the date you got it in the mail).

When you sent the train to the next passenger (this is the date you dropped it in the mail box).

How much you removed from the train (this is the total value you took out, NOT each specific coupon) Plus: any speciality value coupons like B0G0's etc.

How much you replaced in the train (this is the total value you put in the envelope to replace what you took out, NOT each specific coupon) Plus: any speciality value coupons like B0G0's etc.

Any expired or near expiry coupons need to be mentioned to the conductor and a decision will be made if near expiry coupons will have enough time to travel to the next person on the list or not.

You are NOT responsible for replacing the value of the expired coupons, but telling the conductor is important.

Role of a Respected Passenger

A good passenger will be someone with a collection of coupons with reasonable expiry dates and values to add to the train.

A respectful passenger is someone who follows any rules or guidelines, themes, etc. which the conductor has established prior to the train boarding.

A responsible passenger is someone who gets the train weighed and mailed in a reasonable amount of time (usually 48 hours maximum).

If you have questions ask the conductor, it is their train and their job to make sure you understand how it works and what is acceptable to them.


A Great Conductor

A conductor's role is to inititate, supervise, stay informed and keep passengers up to date and knowledgable about the train's rules, location, etc.

Each conductor is different; each conductor's train is unique. Even with two identical trains leaving on the same day to the same list of people, the train will never really be the same for very long.


Who Can Start A Coupon Train?
Anyone could start one. Basically you don't need any special training  for being a conductor, you don't even really need to have been a passenger before on another train. What you do need is coupons, lots of coupons.

The Recipe Box!

http://centrallycalmrecipebox.blogspot.com/

The Recipe Box is up and running! I am getting recipes added, if you have something you would like to see on here, leave me a comment. No guarantees if I have the recipe you are looking for, but I will post it if I do!

Coupons Unite!

Organizing coupons to find what you need efficiently is really important when you are looking to save both time and money shopping.



Early on in coupon collecting a baggie, an envelope or even a buck-store accordion style coupon holder may suffice however the more coupons that are collected and the more involved in swapping a trader becomes, organization is the major key to sanity and shopping trips which run smoothly.

List for organizing:

• sleeves for inserting coupons into (I used CD/DVD sheets, other coupon collectors use hockey trading card sleeves) I went with what I had.
• binder
• scissors
• high lighter
• pen
  

Alternatives to organizing your coupon binder:

Arrange coupons:

• according to the store you shop most regularly (aisle by aisle)
• by their food group (bread/cereal, dairy, meat/alternatives, veg/fruit, snacks, etc)
• by alphabetically order
• with expiration dates (order of first expiry)
  

Click on the photograph to see it larger:

Freezer section holds ice cream, frozen treats, fruits, fries, fish, etc.





Pantry section shown: cereal, juice, flour, soup, etc.

Coupons are folded to fit more easily into pockets, with picture of product facing outwards in most situations.

In the grocery cart, place your purse under your binder in the upper seat (if not being used by a child) and your binder should lay flat near your hands, easy for flipping from page to page.

Each time you find an item in store that you have a coupon for on your grocery list, remove it from it's section and place it in the front of your binder in a pocket, extra sleeve compartment, an envelope taped to the inside of your binder cover, etc. This way, when you are at the check out, you will have all the coupons ready to hand the cashier and you can be watching the scanner as they ring in your purchases (this is important to ensure price accuracy and for picking up on the occasional "SCOP" (Voluntary Scanning Code of Practice).

As you are touring the store, you will probably find more coupons to add to your binder.

Unless you are using the coupon on 'that' shopping trip, don't get into filing your coupons right then. That wastes your time in the store and can get you side tracked.

Your focus is shopping, picking up sales, cashing in on good deals and clearance bins, finding coupons and getting the savings at the checkout. Save organizing for when you're at home, until then place any coupons you find in a baggie or pocket in your binder.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Garden & Canning Blog

Coupon Collection & Trade Initiation

The Hunter Gatherer

One of the most frequently asked questions I hear, is "Where do you get all these coupons?" My response has become pretty much a stock answer, "I usually trade them online and find them in stores."

In order to better enjoy a shopping trip, which to some may seem like a bore or work, I have my soon to be eleven year old son be a hunter and gatherer of coupons for me. He really enjoys finding the ones which he thinks I have missed (on lower shelves or way up high).

The biggest chore for him is trying to carry his new found booty. The bounty of coupons can be somewhat more than his hands can hold at times. With more excitement then you'd probably expect from a preteen boy, he brings stacks of paper to me in another aisle where I continue to shop. The young coupon-hunter holding his plunder with much happiness, shows me ones that he feels are "better," "higher value" or "people are so going to want to trade you for this one mom!" Off he goes to conquer the rest of the aisles in the store. The limit of coupons, (per item) is reasonable and he generally respects the limits I've set for taking coupons in stores. One skill, I just really have to get him checking the dates on the coupon before he brings it to me, unpopular items or coupon pads that are really out of date tend to be forgotten for months beyond expiry.


Just where do we find the coupons in stores?
Coupon pads hang from shelving in aisles of the stores, window displays in the freezer and dairy sections may have a suction-cup display with coupons on a pad, laying on shelving/between items and attached to the physical container or item which you are purchasing (a peel off label sometimes called a "peelie").

Another place to find coupons 'in store' are at the cashier/check outs for special promotions there may be coupons which are only redeemable at that particular location.

Stores and pharmacies like to promote their stores by offering a calender near the turn of a new year. These calenders sometimes have coupons in them and it's worth asking if the store has any calenders left when you are shopping again. One local pharmacy was giving out calenders well into May of 2009, (not many customers need a calender for 2009 by then), so it's just for the coupon savvy shoppers at that point to ask for a few extra.

The cashier's would load me up with 3-5 calenders per shopping trip (which is good for the store too; the coupons are getting used and the store knows that they can order a certain number of calenders the following year for distribution). When the Pharmacy-store recycled the last box of calenders, the one cashier said she thought of me when she saw the manager take them all away; she wanted to ask for them, but didn't know how to contact me, (I'll be sure to give her my email for next time a coupon stack is about to go to waste in the recycle bin!)

Local 'free' newspapers have inserts "Smart Source," "BrandSaver" and "Red Plum" are three that come to mind. Magazine subscriptions play host to several varieties of advertising media including coupons and mail-in-rebates (MIR). Coupons are also found inside and printed on packages of consumer goods (like food, beverages, clothing, etc).

Manufacturers place contact information on most packaging, making it easier to request coupons (and even samples) from companies. A politely worded email or handwritten letter also go a long way with some companies because many reward customer loyalty and sincerity with coupons.

Swap then Shop!

Trading coupons with coupon-collecting friends is a great thing to offset your stash; but just how do you meet other coupon-collectors? Internet groups are the best suggestion.  Membership should be free to groups and have at least one active moderator. There are a few groups, I am working on making a simple website to use for this purpose.  In the meanwhile, I would recommend advertising on Kijiji or talking to your co-workers, mom's groups, or other people you interact with.


Top 10 Check-List for Initiating a trade

1. Message the person you would like to propose a trade with after you have read over their available trade list and wish list.  (you may have to ask if anyone on Kijiji or other online communities have wishlists).

2. List the coupons you are interested in (totalling them up is a nice thing to do, but not required) and propose a trade either from your trade list or your personal coupon stash, which matches as closely as possible to items on their wish list (totalling them up is a nice thing here as well, but not required by all traders).

3. The person you are proposing a trade with, will contact you (usually it doesn't take too long) and accept, modify or decline your propsol. NEVER take it personally if you are turned down or asked to modify a trade. It's not about you personally, it's about coupons and the value each of us places on them.

4. Assuming an agreement is reached, you exchange addresses for the coupons to be sent.

5. Have your envelope weighed at the post office to ensure correct postage.

6. Send your envelope.

7. Message your trade partner to let them know that you sent your side of the trade.

8. Message your trade partner to let them know that their side of the trade arrived.

9. Start the car, you have coupons to use and savings are in your future!


What happens when a trade goes wrong?

The trade never shows up, the trader stops communication, the trade envelope is not what you traded for?  Before jumping to conclusions to take the matter to a moderator of the website (if you are using a forum style online community).  If you are trading on Kijiji, you may have made the trade in person, so you could just refuse the trade or ask for it to be modified.   Be fair, honest and remain mature about the circumstance. Give the person on the other end of the trade, the same benefit of the doubt that you would appreciate.


How long should I wait until a trade is declared MIA?


A missing trade is something none of us appreciate, but at some point it can happen.

Factors to keep in mind when calculating the length of time that an envelope "should" take to arrive: day of the week, time of year/season, strikes and holidays.

For example, if an envelope is mailed on a Thursday, you have to consider what time does the mail LEAVE that mail box. If it's picked up on Friday and travels that day, then sits for two days on the weekend, you have gone from Thursday to Monday, (5 days) with only two days the mail was physically moving towards it's destination. Add in there, a holiday (like Easter) where you have mailed it on Thursday, it sits in the mailbox Friday through to Tuesday, it won't start moving until Tuesday (out of six days, the mail didn't move until Tuesday, so one day in six that it really moved anywhere!).

Honesty: The Best Policy

Basically, be honest about when you send your end of the trade and report when the trade was received on your end. Have patience with the mail system, because as much as a trader would like to instantly have the mail arrive in your hands, it's not going to happen.

I usually would consider a trade missing after about fourteen working days (these are days that the Canada Post is physically moving my mail, not holidays or weekends.) I would contact my trade partner and inquire about the trade, verify when it was sent (things happen and being realistic is reasonable) and keep an open dialogue with your trade partner. This type of event is not a common occurrence and really needs to be discussed between partners. I can't stress enough honesty, patience and maturity when dealing with trades. It's easy to blow things out of proportion, keep a cool head and a favourable outcome is much more likely.

Abiding by a Code

The Code

It's just so frustrating to get home and read over your receipt and find you have been overcharged by your favourite retailer. This isn't the first time and you just feel like the scanners and price never match up with each other.

Within Canada with The Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code, "the code" or sometimes referred to as "the SCOP" (Scanning Code of Practice) protects consumers from overcharges at the checkout. A voluntary code which came into affect in about 2007, allows a retailer the opportunity to correct the scanning error and by giving the consumer the product or $10 off, whichever comes first, shows the store's commitment to customer relations.

Do all retailers take part in this code? No. Many do, but a few choose not to.

Is it the law for retailers to take part in the code? No. It is voluntary practice.

Click here to see a short Marketplace Video about the code.