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Originally Posted by howdihi
Can you explain what is so special about a train? If people are expecting coupons from another member (via a train), then why not just send them to the person that they were intended for directly? It seems like it would be much quicker. Why bother with trains in the first place?
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We have a full thread in this forum explaining how the trains work. Basically, around 200 - 500 coupons go around, 4 - 6 people in a route, they each take out what they can use and replace with their own can't use. We try to coordinate so that people who have cats are on a train with people who don't, and don't need the cat coupons they receive. Same with babies, organic, etc. I also coordinate between trains, so trains with no babies send baby coupons, which are shuttled to other trains that need them.
Manufacturers target promotions, and coupons, to specific regions. Even though there are many databases of current coupons out there, it's not so easy to find all the ones you want, match them up with ones you have and negotiate a trade. It's much easier, and cheaper, to send out one mailing knowing that four other people will receive and replace.
We have had initiation, via the welcome packets, which on their own are around 100 coupons going to each person, who has to respond, etc. We've tightened the rules as several seemingly VERY nice people WERE very nice...until they ran away with all the coupons in the train.
I literally have thousands of coupons, and it takes hours to sort, organize, and share. Once started, it takes hours to keep track of the train during the first time around, making sure it hasn't "stalled" with someone. Once running, they go smoothly.
Wodaking, I think both trains you are on now are solid. Boo tells me this one has flown. One bad player spoiled it, and that person is no longer invited to participate. However, it IS on it's way to me, finally, and I'll sort and combine it with the speedy little train that is flying through.
Because our trains have high value coupons, free product coupons, and are basically loaded with everything in my "have" list plus things specific to people's wish lists, they are not "freebies". And, they do take time. As trains get established, new trains are formed, but when a train goes off track, it slows the whole process as we have to divert resouces.