This serves to dispel the myths about so-called coupon selling. It also introduces a more correct terminology for this little-known niche service.
What? Selling coupons, is that legal?
Yes and no.
No you can not legally sell coupons. Yes you can provide the
service of locating and then delivering those coupons.
This little-known niche service is currently very hot on
eBay. While it will not make you rich, there is potential
for part-time to full-time income is very good if your
service is launched and operated properly.
I predict that the growth of this coupon service will mirror
the growth of the general coupon industry. According to
estimates from the Federal Trade Commission, 3,000+
companies distribute over 320 billion coupons each and every
year!
Verifiable redemption rates prove that people really do use
coupons. It’s been found that approximately 77 percent of
American households redeem nearly 8 billion coupons for a
savings of approximately $4.7 billion yearly at grocery
stores and other coupon issuing retailers.
In light of these strong, forward looking indicators, I have
coined a new name for this little niche: “Coupon Location
and Delivery Service”.
As far as getting started, the whole thing is relatively
easy to set up. Basically, all you need is an eBay account,
a PayPal account and a digital camera. Access to information
about starting and operating this service properly would
also be beneficial.
Your coupon inventory can almost always be obtained free.
Even the cost of mailing (delivering) the coupons is paid
for by the client. In a new report I recently published,
entitled “Coupon Location and Delivery Service Report”, you
will learn about several different sources that will keep
you supplied with coupon inventory.
One strategy if you are a member of a group, club or church,
is to post a circular on the bulletin board requesting
coupons that others don’t use.
The “coupon location and delivery service would be an
excellent endeavor for retired persons, teens and young
children (an excellent learning experience), and anyone
looking to earn some extra income. Groups, clubs, and
churches could even use it as a method of fund raising.
If you decide to participate in the coupon service niche,
read and understand all rules, regulations, policies and
guidelines before proceeding.
No doubt you will see many coupon service providers who are
not adhering to stated and written rules and policies.
Whatever you do, don’t follow the crowd. Operate a client
driven operation. Adhere to policies and regulations, and
you will be around long after much of the crowd is gone.
Go to eBay and get familiar with the type of coupons that
are in demand. Read and study the listing copy of the more
successful coupon service providers.
In most cases, you are dealing with a perishable inventory.
It is for this reason that the expiration date should always
be the first thing you look at on any coupon. Never sell a
coupon that stands the chance of expiring while in transit.
Display expiration dates prominently in you auction listings
so that bidders know for certain how much time is left on a
coupon.
Hopefully this article has answered some or all of your
questions about selling coupons on eBay; or more accurately,
operating a coupon location and delivery service on eBay.













June 28th, 2008 at 12:31 am
How does this work with coupons you need an e-mail to register for? IS is legal to make e-mails to get more coupons?