How To Start a Coupon Train

So we’ve talked about how to find coupons and coupon organization as part of my Guide to Using Coupons. Next up, how to start a coupon train!

Coupon Trains are a great way to pass on coupons you won’t be using. As well as get some coupons you may need.

Often times, when I am cutting coupons in the Sunday Inserts, there are several that I don’t cut out. Instead of tossing them in the recycling bin, start a coupon train with friends, family, and coworkers.

How to Start a Coupon Train

Start by calling, emailing, or texting people that you know. Ask them if they are interested in sharing and swapping coupons.

Don’t stick with friends just in your area. Reach out to people you know in other states as well. You might get a better variety of coupons!

Next, gather a list of everyone that is interested in joining the train. Write down their names and addresses. Make the list numerical and place yourself at the top. Send each member a copy of the list.

Now, gather all the coupons that you won’t be using. Place them in an envelope and mail or deliver them in person to the 2nd Person on the list.

Leave instructions in the envelope so each person knows what to do. Tell them to remove the coupons they want and replace them with the same number of coupons. Have them mail or deliver the envelope within 2-3 days so coupons don’t expire.

The process repeats and the envelope gets mailed on to the next person on the list. This continues until it gets back to you. It’s as easy as that.

Coupon Trains are a great way to pass on savings and gain some extra savings. Here is a sample letter you can send to your Coupon Train Members.

Sample Coupon Train Letter

Hello Coupon Train Members,

Thank you for joining the Coupon Train! When you receive the Train Envelope by mail, go through and take out any coupons that you can us and replace them with coupons you won’t use. If you take out 5, replace them with 5. Within 2-3 Days send back out the Train Envelope to the next member on the route and you are all set.

Don’t know anyone to start a train with? Check out Reddit and search “Coupon Meetup” and your area to see if anyone locally already has one or is also looking to start one.

If you decide to give a Coupon Train a try, or already do one, leave a comment and let me know how it goes!

Guide to Using Coupons:

Part 1: How to Find Coupons
Part 2: Coupon Organization and Lingo
Part 3: The post you are reading