Coupon
A coupon is a voucher or document that can be exchanged for a financial discount or rebate when purchasing a product. Traditionally, coupons are issued by manufacturers of consumer packaged goods or by retailers, and are used in retail stores as a part of sales promotions. They are often distributed through mail, coupon envelopes, magazines, newspapers, the Internet (social media, email newsletter), directly from the retailer, and mobile devices such as cell phones.
Here are a few types of coupons:
- Manufacturer’s coupons: These come directly from the manufacturer and offer a discount on a particular product. They can usually be used at any store that accepts coupons and carries the product.
- Store coupons: These are issued by a specific store and can only be used at that store. They may offer a discount on a particular product or on any items you choose to purchase at the store.
- Online coupons: Also known as e-coupons or digital coupons, these are typically codes that you can enter at an online retailer’s checkout to get a discount on your purchase.
- Mobile coupons: These are delivered to your smartphone through an app or text message. You can show the coupon at the store’s checkout for a discount.
- Rebate (or cash back) coupons: These require you to pay full price for an item, then mail in the coupon and a copy of your receipt to receive a check for the discount amount.
Coupons are a popular marketing tool used to boost sales and attract new customers, or to promote new products. They can provide a significant benefit for consumers who are willing to invest the time to find and use them.
Example of a Coupon
Here’s an example of how a coupon might work:
Let’s say you’re shopping at a grocery store and you have a manufacturer’s coupon for $1.00 off a box of Brand X cereal. The cereal is priced at $3.50 per box. At checkout, you give the cashier your coupon. The cashier scans the coupon, and it subtracts $1.00 from your total. So, you only pay $2.50 for the box of cereal.
Here’s an example of an online coupon:
You’re shopping online at a clothing retailer. You’re ready to checkout with a few items in your cart, and you have a coupon code that offers a 20% discount on your total purchase. During checkout, you enter the code into the appropriate field. The system validates the code and automatically calculates the 20% discount, reducing the total amount you need to pay.
Remember, coupons usually have certain terms and conditions, like an expiration date or a requirement to purchase a certain quantity or type of product. Always read these terms carefully to make sure you’re using the coupon correctly.
