Internet coupons come in four types: printable, product code, activated link, and click coupons. Printable coupons are eco-friendly and convenient, but fraud is a concern. Product code coupons require a code at checkout, while activated link coupons are applied automatically. Click coupons are applied to a frequent shopping card. Internet coupons benefit both consumers and retailers.
There are basically four types of Internet coupons: Printable Internet coupons are just like standard coupons, except they can be found online, printed at home, and used in a retail store. Product code coupons and activated link coupons can only be redeemed online. Finally, many grocery stores offer click coupons, which are transferred online to your frequent shopping card to be credited in the grocery store at the point of sale.
There are many benefits to using printable internet coupons for the consumer. While searching for coupons usually involves searching newspapers or advertisements as they arrive, Internet coupons can be found online at any convenient time. They’re more environmentally friendly than conventional coupons, as customers print only the coupons they want, instead of throwing out pages of unwanted coupons and advertisements.
As with any new technology, there are also potential drawbacks to Internet coupons. Fraud is a significant concern for retailers, which can lead to reduced productivity through slower transactions at the point of sale, this is also bad for customers in line. The Association of Coupon Professionals (ACP) is working to improve security strategies for printable Internet coupons. Controls over the number of coupons printed, how copies might be detected, and how to prevent Internet coupons from being tampered with are some areas the ACP has addressed. To this end, many printable Internet coupons first require the user to download a proprietary small printing program designed to prevent fraud.
Product code coupons involve entering an alphanumeric code during the checkout process that applies a discount to your purchase. Product code coupons commonly offer a fixed percentage discount, such as 10% off. These Internet coupons can often be found through a search engine.
Activated link coupons do not require entering codes, but are applied automatically without user intervention. An example of an activated link coupon would be free shipping on qualifying purchases. The link discount is automatically applied to the final invoice by linking to the correct discount offer in an integrated and seamless way.
Finally, click coupons are coupons applied to the user’s frequent shopping card. This is the supermarket card usually presented at check out. While online, the user chooses the coupons they want, and by entering their grocery card number, the Internet coupon discounts are applied electronically to the account. The next time the user goes shopping, Internet coupons are automatically applied as soon as the card is swiped. Upons.com is a popular site for click coupons.
Internet coupons add value to online and offline shopping. Participating retailers and manufacturers hope the Internet coupons will encourage sales to consumers and promote a new, mutually beneficial marketing avenue through value-added savings.
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