Coupon Train Feedback Thread

[mom2fussbudgets]

For the most part, I hope everyone has been enjoying their ride on the coupon trains! I know we've had some problems and issues come up, so what I'd like to do is open up a discussion. Please share your frustrations, problems, ideas, and suggestions for solutions here!

Thanks!
Chris

[bvanpeltsw]

I love the coupon train idea and I know everyone really enjoys it! I know I get excited looking through coupons.:p

I know we have people on the boards that are not "active," but sign up for the trains one day while visiting the boards.

I think sometimes these people fall off the face of the earth and cause the train to derail.

Is there something the mods can implement to keep this from happening?

Like people have to remain active and in constant communication with their conductors?

I think EVERYONE involved in the trains is doing a great job and thanks to Dawn for thinking of this idea.:D

[mom2fussbudgets]

Brandy, I know exactly what you're saying, and we've been trying to decide what to do. Deb has suggested we only let senior members join the coupon trains. Problem is, I've noticed there are some passengers on the coupon trains who are active in the coupon train forum, but they don't really post much on the rest of the board.

I really would like to hear some suggestions regarding this problem. What do you all think? Should we only allow senior members to join? When you say active, does that mean posting or just visiting the forum? We can only see the last time a member visited a forum, not every time they visit, so checking to see how active they've been without posting is a problem.

[bvanpeltsw]

To be honest with you Chris, I know I have some members on my train that are not senior members, but want to participate. I think we would be leaving out a lot of people that want to be involved if we only allow senior members.

This is really a tough one. I think if we want no derailments we must resort to senior members only. I also think that this is a "community" and to keep up with community standards we must allow anyone in who wants to join.

Then again if we only allow senior members then maybe people will post more and be involved more to become a senior member.

Anyone else have suggestions?

[mkrebecca]

I don't think we should have it to just senior members, some of the conductors are not yet seniors.....I liked someones idea for the conductors to get our personal emails and if there is no contact from the person close to the train coming to them, then the conductors should make the call on where it should go next. I would think maybe just skipping someone if there is no activity and not just drop them, something may be keeping them away. But if the conductors had emails they could try to contact them that way. We could go as far as giving a phone number...

[ajwings2001]

I am an engineer of a train.. and I'm only listed as a member. This would be my 47th post. I am also a passenger on another train.

I liked my idea of doing the email addresses.. that way you can email someone that has been awol for awhile. My train, people are on daily, or at the very least every other day. I haven't had any problems.

So that is my vote.. if you go with Senior Members only, you need to find a conductor to replace me.

Amanda

[wenclo]

im with u ajwing2001

[mom363546]

I didn't mean anyone that is actively on a train with less than 100 post should be removed when I made that suggestion I was thinking only of future riders.I hope no one got the wrong idea from my that suggestion.

[bvanpeltsw]

I didn't mean anyone that is actively on a train with less than 100 post should be removed when I made that suggestion I was thinking only of future riders.I hope no one got the wrong idea from my that suggestion.

I do agree with the future riders thing. I think we can keep who we have now, but if we decide to implement senior members only if can be for future participants.

Not everyone has the free time that some of us to so be on here all the time and I do not think they should be penalized for that.

[mom363546]

I also think once they become a rider keeping active only means that should stay in contact with there train and post when it arrives and when it leaves.Other than that it doesn't matter if they made any other post in the forum.

[jodib92]

I'm a conductor of a train and I post in my thread, but I don't post much anywhere else. I really enjoy everything that I have found that people have posted, but I don't have time to post everytime I try something that someone has reccomened( but I do love them). I'm on everyday to check my train, so I'm active but not with many posts. I think that there are alot of people out there that are like me, and I would hate to see that the fact that I don't post unless I feel strongly about something would not allow me to do something on this forum. I love this forum I have found so many great things here.

[laf76]

I agree that eveyone should have the chance to ride the trains. I am a homemaker so I have all the time in the world to post on this forum. It is just coupons if someone derails the train.....of course hopefully they will not do that to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean I spend A LOT of time clipping coupons and I want everyone to share fairly. I love the coupon train!!!!!

[mom2fussbudgets]

I didn't mean anyone that is actively on a train with less than 100 post should be removed when I made that suggestion I was thinking only of future riders.I hope no one got the wrong idea from my that suggestion.

Sorry, Deb! I assumed everyone would realize that we wouldn't boot an active member off a train for having less than 100 posts.

I like the idea of getting everyone's phone number, but I also have another suggestion. How about if we have them be a member for a certain amount of time before they can join a train? Say a month?

[lovechocolate]

I'm a conductor of a train and I post in my thread, but I don't post much anywhere else. I really enjoy everything that I have found that people have posted, but I don't have time to post everytime I try something that someone has reccomened( but I do love them). I'm on everyday to check my train, so I'm active but not with many posts. I think that there are alot of people out there that are like me, and I would hate to see that the fact that I don't post unless I feel strongly about something would not allow me to do something on this forum. I love this forum I have found so many great things here.

I could not agree with you more.
Like you, I do not post often, even though I log in everyday. I am not a train conductor and with all the suggestions about who should/ should not be on the train, it does mean I probably would not have had a chance! LOL I have had a most rewarding train ride and coupon exchanges with other riders.

[mom2fussbudgets]

I could not agree with you more.
Like you, I do not post often, even though I log in everyday. I am not a train conductor and with all the suggestions about who should/ should not be on the train, it does mean I probably would not have had a chance! LOL I have had a most rewarding train ride and coupon exchanges with other riders.

I am pleased to hear that you're happy with the coupon train. :) Do you have some suggestions on what we can do to ensure people won't join a coupon train then not send it on? Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Let me reiterate, the purpose of this pow wow is not to exclude anyone or kick anyone off the coupon trains. We are trying to figure out a good way to keep the trains from derailing.

[VanillaBean]

All of these ideas sound fantastic, I would like to suggest also that with some people money could be an issue(but not mentioned) and maybe there should be a limit implemented as to at what point a trains postage costs should top out at before the train should be split into seperate "railcars" to ensure somebody not paying a huge amount for postage on one package.

ie: once the train goes over said $ amount- make it 2 train cars to lessen the postage cost.

What do you think??

[mom2fussbudgets]

I agree. The whole point of the coupon train is to save money. If we are spending more on postage than what we are saving, there's no point. If the pile gets too big, I suggest we cull it down a bit.

[dali_]

I agree. The whole point of the coupon train is to save money. If we are spending more on postage than what we are saving, there's no point. If the pile gets too big, I suggest we cull it down a bit.

Yea, I agree too. My money is tight... I added coupons to my outgoing this time just because I ad baking stuff that I hoped people could use for the holidays, but in general I hope we keep them pretty even.

I haven't kept up with others trains... but Has there actually been a problem with derailment somewhere, or just the hint of "what if?" I know the person after me on our train gave people a bit of a scare ;) but I would think/hope that even people who have become inactive would slap their foreheads and say "oh yea!" when the coupons actually arrive, and at least send them on that time, and check-in.

[jodib92]

I like the idea of doing two trains if it gets too big. I wonder if it would also save derailment if we have the two trains going at a two week interval that way people wouldn't have to wait so long untill the next train came. Could the wait be causing the derailment? (Just a thought.)

[bvanpeltsw]

Yea, I agree too. My money is tight... I added coupons to my outgoing this time just because I ad baking stuff that I hoped people could use for the holidays, but in general I hope we keep them pretty even.

I haven't kept up with others trains... but Has there actually been a problem with derailment somewhere, or just the hint of "what if?" I know the person after me on our train gave people a bit of a scare ;) but I would think/hope that even people who have become inactive would slap their foreheads and say "oh yea!" when the coupons actually arrive, and at least send them on that time, and check-in.

There have been derailments and I have had trouble getting in contact with people on our train.

[mom2fussbudgets]

I like the idea of doing two trains if it gets too big. I wonder if it would also save derailment if we have the two trains going at a two week interval that way people wouldn't have to wait so long untill the next train came. Could the wait be causing the derailment? (Just a thought.)

I'm not quite sure what you all mean when you say this. Do you mean having two different envelopes on one train? If so, I don't see how this will save us postage costs. We'll then have two envelopes of coupons to pay postage for.

I'm thinking we need to have the conductors PM their passengers who don't post or visit regularly before the coupon train heads to their house. For example, here's my first coupon train list:

1. Rebate Queen
2. Shoppinglizzard
3. Caryn
4. wendav13
5. koi
6. uofiharvey
7. LisaRKR
8. zagmom
9. VanillaBean

I know Rebate Queen, Shoppinglizzard, and Caryn are regular members. But, I haven't seen wendav13 in awhile. I will PM her when Shoppinglizzard informs our train that the train has been sent to Caryn. If I haven't heard from Wendy by the time Caryn gets the train, then Wendy is off the passenger list. When Caryn gets the train, I'd PM koi, etc. What do you all think of this idea? That way no one is excluded, and the train doesn't get sent to someone who may not pass it along.

[VanillaBean]

Sounds great!!!! I like that idea

[lovechocolate]

I'm not quite sure what you all mean when you say this. Do you mean having two different envelopes on one train? If so, I don't see how this will save us postage costs. We'll then have two envelopes of coupons to pay postage for.

I'm thinking we need to have the conductors PM their passengers who don't post or visit regularly before the coupon train heads to their house. For example, here's my first coupon train list:

1. Rebate Queen
2. Shoppinglizzard
3. Caryn
4. wendav13
5. koi
6. uofiharvey
7. LisaRKR
8. zagmom
9. VanillaBean

I know Rebate Queen, Shoppinglizzard, and Caryn are regular members. But, I haven't seen wendav13 in awhile. I will PM her when Shoppinglizzard informs our train that the train has been sent to Caryn. If I haven't heard from Wendy by the time Caryn gets the train, then Wendy is off the passenger list. When Caryn gets the train, I'd PM koi, etc. What do you all think of this idea? That way no one is excluded, and the train doesn't get sent to someone who may not pass it along.


Great Idea.
I was just thinking about that... could be a rider is away from home for a period of time, in which case it will be a 'waste' to send the train over when the rider is away. Your idea would certainly ensure that the train does not get stalled or derailed!

[jodib92]

I'm not quite sure what you all mean when you say this. Do you mean having two different envelopes on one train? If so, I don't see how this will save us postage costs. We'll then have two envelopes of coupons to pay postage for.

I'm thinking we need to have the conductors PM their passengers who don't post or visit regularly before the coupon train heads to their house. For example, here's my first coupon train list:

1. Rebate Queen
2. Shoppinglizzard
3. Caryn
4. wendav13
5. koi
6. uofiharvey
7. LisaRKR
8. zagmom
9. VanillaBean

I know Rebate Queen, Shoppinglizzard, and Caryn are regular members. But, I haven't seen wendav13 in awhile. I will PM her when Shoppinglizzard informs our train that the train has been sent to Caryn. If I haven't heard from Wendy by the time Caryn gets the train, then Wendy is off the passenger list. When Caryn gets the train, I'd PM koi, etc. What do you all think of this idea? That way no one is excluded, and the train doesn't get sent to someone who may not pass it along.

I would be willing to do this.

[bvanpeltsw]

The 2 envelopes in one train would not work for my train. We only have 4 consistent people in our train and I think the one envelope is just fine!

[Shoppinglizzard]

I have decided to get the email addresses of my passengers so I can email them if there is a problem. I am afraid that just PM'ing them isn't enough if they don't even come to the website. Hopefully they are more likely to check their personal emails more frequently ( I know I do).
With some trial and error my train is now full of passengers that actually are active on the site. To be honest I post very little other than on my own train.

I do like the idea of holding a passenger for one month after they join before adding them to your train. This will prevent any curious bystanders from joining who don't really care to participate by the time the train gets to them.

[LisaRKR]

I think that the idea of everyone who is on a train, or wants to ride one, has to give their email address to their conductor, is great!

I also think that if you aren't going to be around, and you know it, that it is your responsibility to pm or email the conductor and let them know if the train is close to coming to you. (ie that you are going on vacation, have a big project at work and won't be on for a week, etc.........) When I was getting ready to go on vacation back in October, I PM'd Chris to let her know that I would be away from such and such a date. I really believe that it is only common courtesy. Now of course, emergencies are a little different, god forbid. What do you guys think?

[mom2fussbudgets]

I think you are absolutely right! The biggest problem we have is getting everyone to abide by the guidelines though. I say we march to anyone's house who doesn't follow them and flog them. What do ya'll say?

BTW, I am going to write some new guidelines soon. I've just been so busy in my personal life lately--and you should see my house. It's a huge mess! And now, Christmas is coming! Ack!

[karrie93]

I know I have some members on my train that are not senior members, but want to participate. I think we would be leaving out a lot of people that want to be involved if we only allow senior members.


Like me! I don't post a lot, but it doesn't mean I'm not here. I just don't feel that I need to reply to everything all the time. Also, when I find coupons or freebies I get excited and want to post them on here....only to find out someone else beat me to it. I don't want to be a re-poster.:o

You should say if people derail the train they owe everyone on the train $10.:D im just kidding.

[mom2fussbudgets]

I've revised the Coupon Train Guidelines. Please read them and let me know what you think. Your comments are welcome! :)

[lain]

The new guidelines are great. I already asked my riders for their email addresses, and I have gotten most of them. My train is actually on its way back to me for the first time, and I just posted that I wanted everyone to "sign in" either by PM or post, before the train makes its next trip. I figure that way I can make sure everyone is still around. I also asked for everyone to let me know if they would be gone for more than 3 days this month. With the holidays it will be much harder for everyone to post as regularly as the might normally, and the mail will be even slower. If I know who will be away and when, I can adjust the order of the train if necessary. Maybe that way we will run less of a risk of losing the train :)

[mom2fussbudgets]

Good job!

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it! :)

[bvanpeltsw]

Looks good! I did the e-mail thing when I my train started because I was having contact issues right from the start. Things are much smoother now!:D

[mom2fussbudgets]

How is everyone doing? Any major derailments?

Both of my coupon trains just derailed. :( Clearly getting e-mail addresses is not working.

I'm thinking about only allowing people who have been members for awhile, and who check in on the coupon train waiting list thread regularly. What do ya'll say?

[bvanpeltsw]

How is everyone doing? Any major derailments?

Both of my coupon trains just derailed. :( Clearly getting e-mail addresses is not working.

I'm thinking about only allowing people who have been members for awhile, and who check in on the coupon train waiting list thread regularly. What do ya'll say?

I am sorry Chris!:(

I completely agree that we should only allow active members. I've had great luck with my trains, but I think we should have this as a rule.

[cath_31]

How is everyone doing? Any major derailments?

Both of my coupon trains just derailed. :( Clearly getting e-mail addresses is not working.

I'm thinking about only allowing people who have been members for awhile, and who check in on the coupon train waiting list thread regularly. What do ya'll say?

I definitely agree that only members that check in regularly should be allowed to ride. I was very wary of sending it to the person after me, because she never posted and didn't act like she cared one way or the other- then it got lost after her. I am not saying she did it intentionally and it might not even be her fault, but she never checked back on the train to see whether it arrived. I think only people that are eager to be on a coupon train should be on one.

[mom2fussbudgets]

Okay! As of right now, only regular members will be allowed. Should we limit it to those who post, or should we just have them check in on the waiting list thread until a certain amount of time has passed?

[rebate queen]

Okay! As of right now, only regular members will be allowed. Should we limit it to those who post, or should we just have them check in on the waiting list thread until a certain amount of time has passed?
I think they should check in on the waiting list at least once a week for 6 weeks. If they miss a week, they start over again. I don't think they should have to be someone who regularly posts, but they need to post when they check in once a week.
Of course, there will not be a solution that suits everyone, no matter what it is. People are going to have to try to understand and compromise.;)

[buckeyegirl]

Okay! As of right now, only regular members will be allowed. Should we limit it to those who post, or should we just have them check in on the waiting list thread until a certain amount of time has passed?

What do we need to post? I don't want to get kicked off my train even though I"m a newbie...I'm too excited...If I got kicked off I would cry:(

[mom2fussbudgets]

We're not going to kick anyone off who is currently on a train, please don't worry! Since you're in, you'll only get kicked off if you cause the train to derail.

[dali_]

What do we need to post? I don't want to get kicked off my train even though I"m a newbie...I'm too excited...If I got kicked off I would cry:(

The envelope is already taped up with your address on it, so it's going ;)

If we're going to check in on the waiting list, conductors should post to their train threads about it - I actually thought I unsubbed from this thread the other day with the thought of "why do I need to keep seeing people ask to be added?" :p But then it kept sending me the emails for it, so my unsubbing must have gone wrong lol And I assume not everyone has the options turned on to be emailed for subbed threads, or we'd probably not have so many issues?

[buckeyegirl]

The envelope is already taped up with your address on it, so it's going ;)

If we're going to check in on the waiting list, conductors should post to their train threads about it - I actually thought I unsubbed from this thread the other day with the thought of "why do I need to keep seeing people ask to be added?" :p But then it kept sending me the emails for it, so my unsubbing must have gone wrong lol And I assume not everyone has the options turned on to be emailed for subbed threads, or we'd probably not have so many issues?

:D Goodie!! and it shouldnt take long seeing you are just a state away!!

[bvanpeltsw]

I even think people need to check in more than once a week. We want active people on these trains and not people who are active one week and skip the next.

[cath_31]

The envelope is already taped up with your address on it, so it's going ;)

If we're going to check in on the waiting list, conductors should post to their train threads about it - I actually thought I unsubbed from this thread the other day with the thought of "why do I need to keep seeing people ask to be added?" :p But then it kept sending me the emails for it, so my unsubbing must have gone wrong lol And I assume not everyone has the options turned on to be emailed for subbed threads, or we'd probably not have so many issues?

I think you are misunderstanding. I think when they were talking about posting on the waiting list, they were referring to "new train members" that they may add. They want to make sure they are serious about being on the train. If you are already on a train, you should post on your train thread when the person before you gets it (letting them know you are ready for it), after you receive it, and after you send it out. I think you should also post on there from time to time anyway, just to keep tabs on what's going on. Now if I am misunderstanding what was meant by the other posts, someone please correct me.

[LisaRKR]

I just wish everyone would get their &%$# together and do the coupon trains in a responsible manor. After all, no one forced anyone to sign up! It is voluntary and the train conductors are being abused! It is more like they are babysitters. COME ON LADIES! Take care of your end of the bargin and act like the adults you are supposed to be.

Boy, the old adage of One bad apple spoils the bunch sure does apply all too well!:(

[Borinquen]

I have been a member of startsampling since 08/04/04 but never signed in for the forums until i found the coupons thread.

so i was a very newbiee member of the forum when gatito and Jingle took me in and gave me the ooportunity to join...

Thanks

[mkrebecca]

glad you joined us!!

[MelNel213]

I love the trains!!! I've read some of the conversations on the other trains, and I wish, as a whole, everyone would participate more... like give feedback and updates. Then people won't be worried that the train isn't going to pass though.

[bvanpeltsw]

I love the trains!!! I've read some of the conversations on the other trains, and I wish, as a whole, everyone would participate more... like give feedback and updates. Then people won't be worried that the train isn't going to pass though.

No need for people to give feedback if your train is doing well and hasn't derailed! I have great passengers!:D

[dixiediane]

Has any member rode more than one train at a time here?
Just Curious

[utkd29]

Has any member rode more than one train at a time here?
Just Curious

I am on 4 trains. I like it. I usually get one train each week. Sometimes I get the trains back to back, but overall I don't have any problems being on that many.

[mkrebecca]

Has any member rode more than one train at a time here?
Just Curious

I am on 4 as well, and I love it!! As long as everyone puts a number on the outside it is all good!!

[Jess0587]

I am on 4 as well!! The only time I don't like it is when a train doesn't have any coupons that I can use other than like 2.... so I feel like I'm not really saving any money that way. But most of the time it's great getting a train once a week!! :D

[dali_]

Has any member rode more than one train at a time here?
Just Curious

I'm on 2 :)

[giraf98]

I'm only on 2 and I think that's plenty for me. I'm not a big multi-tasker either.:o

[dixiediane]

Thanks for the input...I'd like to ride more than the one train I am on
How do I go about 'catching a ride' on another train???

[utkd29]

Thanks for the input...I'd like to ride more than the one train I am on
How do I go about 'catching a ride' on another train???

Train 13 could probably use another rider. Let me ask Wanda, I'm sure she wont mind!

[mom2fussbudgets]

Thanks for the input...I'd like to ride more than the one train I am on
How do I go about 'catching a ride' on another train???

If you don't hear from Wanda, please PM me and I'll place you on another train.

[dixiediane]

If you don't hear from Wanda, please PM me and I'll place you on another train.

I got a PM from Jingle.... Bullet Train #1 and replied...I told Jingle I'll ride that train-this one will keep me busy ;)
THANKS for your help

[gatito]

i need 2 more passengers for my train.............................

[mom2fussbudgets]

i need 2 more passengers for my train.............................

Okay, babe. :)

[covette]

i would love to join another train, just one train is not enough for me, thanks, covette

[covette]

want to be put on another train again, i think one of my trains im on has stopped...thanks,
covette

[bvanpeltsw]

I could use another passenger....

[mom2fussbudgets]

I could use another passenger....

Noted. Just please be patient. I have some issues with a couple of trains, and I'm trying to get it all straightened out.

[bvanpeltsw]

Noted. Just please be patient. I have some issues with a couple of trains, and I'm trying to get it all straightened out.

I am good right now. I am having issues with my own train.:(