Asa Candler is a genius! He is the man behind coupons and the mind behind Coca-Cola’s coupon strategy. His idea to share handwritten coupons to the public to try out Coca-Cola became a huge hit and put the brand on the map. And people loved it, because who doesn’t love saving money, right? Almost half of the U.S. shoppers used coupons while shopping in 2024. But while the usage of coupons has not slowed down, the redemption rate has reduced. That goes to say that there are plenty of coupons out there, and you need to know where to look. In this blog, we are going to share the different types of coupons you can use to save money.
Types of Coupons to Save Money
1. Percent-Off Coupons
Let’s talk about percent-off discount coupons. These have been around for a while, but they’re still super popular. Percent-off coupons offer you a percentage of the total purchase price back, making them especially appealing for smaller purchases. For instance, a 20% off coupon on a $20 item saves you $4, which feels like a great deal.
These types of coupons are widely used for general discounts and storewide sales. The benefits are far too many—you get to stretch your budget further and feel like you’re scoring a fantastic bargain. Plus, these coupons are easy to understand and calculate, so you don’t have to do too much math while redeeming them. So, the next time you see a percent-off coupon, grab it and enjoy the savings!
2. Free Shipping Coupons
We all know how Amazon offers free delivery on certain conditions, and we all use the free shipping offers in our everyday lives. The concept of offering free shipping as an incentive is a great way for brands to amp up their sales. Because if you spend over a certain limit, you get free shipping! Brands realized that eliminating shipping costs could not only make customers happy but also reduce cart abandonment issues.
Free shipping coupons are a godsend! They save you money and make online shopping feel more convenient. Imagine buying something online without worrying about extra charges at checkout—it’s like getting a little bonus. Plus, it encourages you to shop more, knowing you won’t be hit with unexpected fees. So, the next time you place an order, check out whether the brand offers free shipping so you can use it!
3. Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) Coupons
The concept of “buy one, get one free” (BOGO) was first used by retail entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood in the 18th century. Many brands like Procter & Gamble, General Motors, and Coca-Cola took inspiration from it and started giving BOGO deals. BOGO coupons are a dream come true. They offer a free item with every purchase, which can be super enticing. You get more for your money, and it feels like a fantastic deal.
However, most of the time BOGO deals require you to pay the full price of an item, and you can select the “Get 1” item from a pre-selected list of items. But a deal is a deal, and if you see your favorite products on BOGO sale, you should probably get them with no questions asked.
4. Gift Cards
One of the first gift cards, by McDonald’s
The concept of gift cards is not new. You can give somebody a voucher that can be exchanged for goods. Back in the 1930s, large American department stores would issue gift certificates to their club customers, but the idea didn’t become mainstream until the 1970s when McDonald’s started giving out its own Christmas gift certificates.
Gift cards are super convenient, and you can buy them for friends or family, allowing them to choose something they really want. Plus, they’re easy to use—just swipe or enter the code online, and you’re good to go. Gift cards also come in digital forms now, making them even more accessible. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, gift cards offer flexibility and freedom, making them a thoughtful gift for anyone. If you don’t know what to gift someone, then consider a gift card!
5. Loyalty Points Coupons
The S&H Green Stamps that started loyalty programs
Loyalty programs have been around since the late 19th century when retailers started using trading stamps as an incentive for repeat business. Companies like Sperry & Hutchinson popularized this idea with their Green Stamps, which customers could collect and redeem for various products. This simple yet effective concept laid the groundwork for modern loyalty programs. In 1981, American Airlines launched the first-ever frequent flyer program, Advantage, allowing passengers to earn miles based on their flight distance.
Loyalty points coupons are a great way to earn rewards over time. You accumulate points with each purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts, free items, or exclusive offers. This system encourages you to shop more frequently and stay loyal to your favorite brands. Plus, it feels rewarding to see your points add up and turn into tangible benefits. So, start collecting those points and enjoy the perks!
6. Automated Coupons
While there isn’t a specific brand credited with starting automated coupons, the concept of automating discounts has evolved alongside digital technology. In the past, coupons required manual entry or clipping, but now, many platforms offer automated coupons that apply discounts without needing a code.
Automated coupons often work through links or are applied automatically at checkout, ensuring you never miss a discount. For instance, some retailers use cookies to recognize your loyalty program membership and apply discounts automatically. This system benefits you by saving time and ensuring you always get the best deals without any hassle. Plus, it encourages you to shop more frequently with your favorite brands, knowing you’ll always get a good price.
7. First-Time Purchase/Welcome Coupons
The welcome coupon that started it all
The concept of “welcome coupons” essentially started with marketing strategies like Coca-Cola’s “free glass of Coke” coupons, where they used vouchers to incentivize people to try their product for the first time, effectively acting as a “welcome” offer to new customers. This practice later evolved into the widespread use of welcome coupons across various industries to attract new customers and encourage initial purchases.
Welcome coupons are a fantastic way to try out new brands or products at a discounted price. They’re usually offered when you sign up for a newsletter or make your first purchase on a website. You can use them to get a percentage off or a fixed amount deducted from your initial order. Welcome offers help you to experience a new brand while saving money. Plus, it’s a great way for brands to build customer loyalty from the very start.
8. Holiday/Seasonal Coupons
Did you know that during Diwali deals spending index in India was 119 in 2024? That’s a jump from 96 in 2023. This goes to show that shopping during the holiday season is not just a thing in the U.S. People look forward to spending money during the holiday sales, and e-commerce brands such as Amazon and Flipkart have week-long sales! If you want to know more, you can check out Amazon’s Great Indian Festival and Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale.
Holiday coupons are a fantastic way to save money during peak shopping seasons. You can use them to snag discounts on gifts, decorations, or even festive treats. These coupons often offer exclusive deals that make your holiday shopping more affordable and fun. Plus, these holidays come at the right festive time, which can be a great way to spread out your holiday spending. Keep an eye out for these seasonal offers and enjoy the savings!
9. Referral Coupons
Companies like PayPal are notable for their successful referral programs, where users receive incentives for inviting friends to join the service. Referral coupons are a great way to share discounts with friends and family while earning rewards yourself. Here’s how it works: you get a unique link or code to share, and when someone uses it, they receive a discount, and you might get a reward too. This system benefits you by saving money and encouraging others to try new services. Plus, it’s a win-win for both you and the brand, as it helps them grow their customer base.
10. Cashback/Rebate Coupons
Cashback was the brainchild of the Discover card. In 1986, Discover introduced the idea of earning cash back on purchases. This innovative approach quickly became popular, with many credit card companies adopting similar programs.
When you use these coupons, you earn a percentage of your purchase back, which can be credited to your account, sent as cash, or even converted into gift cards. This means every time you shop, you’re not just spending money; you’re also earning rewards!
11. Mystery or Spin-the-Wheel Coupons
Mystery or Spin-the-Wheel Coupons have become a popular way to engage customers through gamification. The concept likely evolved from traditional prize wheels used in physical stores, which have been around for decades.
Spin-the-wheel coupons are a fun way to shop. You get to spin a virtual wheel and win a random discount or prize, which could be anything from a percentage off to free shipping. What makes this coupon unique is the wonder that comes from the gamification of the coupon. Brands usually use these types of coupons to build email lists and boost sales. Anytime you find the mystery wheel, give it a spin and enjoy the discount!
Benefits of Using Coupons
Using coupons is like having a secret weapon in your shopping arsenal! First and foremost, they provide direct financial savings, allowing you to keep more cash in your pocket. Imagine snagging that must-have item at a fraction of the price—what a win! Plus, coupons can stretch your budget further, giving you increased purchasing power to buy more of what you love or even try something new.
The convenience of digital coupons makes the whole process even easier; no more clipping or hunting for paper coupons! With just a few clicks, you can access a treasure trove of discounts right from your phone or computer. And let’s not forget the variety! Coupons cover a wide range of products and services, from groceries to fashion and everything in between. So, why not use coupons? You’ll be surprised at how much you can save and enjoy while shopping!
Wrapping Up…
All these fantastic types of coupons can help you save big bucks! From straightforward percentage-off and fixed-amount coupons to exciting spin-the-wheel offers, there’s a coupon type for everyone. We encourage you to experiment with different types of coupons to discover what works best for you. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or treating yourself to something special, using coupons can make a significant difference in your budget. So, head over to our website to access a wide variety of coupons and start saving today. Happy shopping! Happy savings!
