Coupons

Coupons let you create and distribute discount codes for subscriptions and one-time purchases. You control the discount type, duration, and how many times a code can be redeemed.

With coupons and coupon codes, you can:

• apply discounts to all invoices, a single invoice, or for a set period
• reduce the invoice total by a fixed amount or a percentage

You can also set an expiration date for coupons or limit how many times they can be redeemed across all customers.

Coupon

Coupons help customers save while supporting sales by converting into discounts during payment.

They offer flexible configuration. You can apply either a fixed amount or a percentage discount. Duration options include one-time use, unlimited, or limited time. You can also set usage limits based on redemption count or a specific expiration date.

You learn how to define discount type, duration, redemption limits, and expiration dates to run effective promotions.

Coupon properties

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Name

In the dashboard, coupons are listed and identified by unique names. These names act as internal labels for easy reference and management, making coupon management easier. They are not visible to customers, but choosing descriptive and meaningful names is key for efficient management.

For example, a coupon providing a discount on a customer’s first purchase might be aptly named First Purchase Discount, clearly indicating its intended use. It is important to note that each coupon code name must be unique within the account scope. You cannot create multiple coupon codes with the same name unless one is archived.

Discount

Percentage and fixed amount are the main types of discounts. Each type functions differently in how it reduces the invoice amount. Understanding these differences helps you apply the correct type.

Percentage

This type of coupon reduces the invoice by a specific percentage. The discount amount is dynamically calculated based on the total value of the customer’s purchase.

For example, if a customer applies a 50% coupon to a $200 invoice, the discount is $100, lowering the invoice to $100.

For example, for a “20% off on your first purchase” promotion, if a customer opts for an online course costing $50, the coupon grants them a $10 discount, which is 20% of $50.

If a 100% discount is applied to the invoice, the purchase is not entirely free. The customer is charged the minimum currency unit.

For example, if a 100% discount is applied to a $12 purchase, the customer is charged 1 cent.

Fixed amount

Unlike percentage discounts, this coupon type subtracts a fixed amount from the invoice, usually applicable once per billing cycle.

For example, if a customer has a $50 fixed amount coupon and their total invoice is $100, the coupon would reduce the invoice to $50.

The fixed amount is set in the currency of your choice, like $25. For example, a coupon with a fixed amount of $25 would reduce the customer’s invoice by $25, regardless of the total amount.

As with percentage discounts, the purchase is not entirely free for the customer when using this type of discount. The fixed discount amount may exceed the total value of the purchase.

For example, a $20 off coupon applied to a $15 purchase would result in the minimum charge of the currency unit, such as 1 cent.

There is no option to set a minimum purchase value to apply these discounts.

Duration

Choose the duration type that matches your promotion goals.

Once

With this setting, the coupon applies a discount only once and is not usable again after being redeemed. It is particularly useful for promotions targeting new subscriptions or one-off purchases.

For example, if you offer a $10 one-time discount, the coupon reduces the first invoice by $10. After that, the coupon becomes inactive for that subscription.

Forever

Choosing this duration means the discount is applicable continuously for as long as the subscription remains active.

For example, if you have a $5 ‘Forever’ discount on a $20 monthly subscription, the customer pays $15 as long as the subscription is active.

Limited time

You can use this setting to specify the number of billing cycles during which the coupon remains active. It is well-suited for seasonal promotions or limited-time offers.

For example, if you want to offer $5 off for three months of a subscription, you would set the Duration to ‘Limited time’. In this case, the discount is applicable for the first three months, after which the subscription reverts to its original price.

Redemptions limit

The redemption limit sets the maximum number of times a coupon can be used. For example, a limit of 5 means the coupon expires after 5 redemptions. This limit counts redemptions across all customers.

The system tracks each usage of a coupon but does not support per-customer redemption limits.

Expires at

The expiration for a coupon can be set to a specific date and time. The coupon becomes active immediately and remains so until the chosen expiration time.

The time zone for the expiration period is determined in relation to the account.

Create coupon

To create a coupon, specify the discount type, amount, duration, and optional redemption limits or expiration date.

Delete coupon

When deleting a coupon, there are certain limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

• No redemptions
  The coupon can be freely deleted when it has not been redeemed by any customer.
• Irreversible action
  Once a coupon is deleted, it is removed from the coupon listing and cannot be restored. This makes it unavailable for any future uses. Additionally, deleting a coupon also removes all its associated coupon codes.

Archive coupon

If a coupon has been redeemed one or more times, the only option available is to archive it, rather than delete it.

• Visibility
  An archived coupon remains visible in the coupon listing for record-keeping purposes.
• Immutability
  Once archived, no further actions or modifications can be performed on the coupon. It becomes a read-only item in your system. Archiving a coupon also archives all its associated coupon codes.

Archiving allows you to retain a history of used coupons while preventing any further redemptions or modifications. This preserves a record of past transactions without allowing further changes.

Coupon statuses

Coupon statuses indicate whether a coupon is available, expired, fully redeemed, or archived.

Coupon code

Coupon codes are alphanumeric strings that customers enter at checkout to apply discounts. Created in the internal coupon system, they represent the customer-facing discount tool. Using them applies discounts based on coupon settings.

They can be distributed through different marketing channels and are entered by customers during the checkout process. These codes offer a flexible way to incentivize purchases, attract new customers, and measure the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.

Coupon code properties

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Code

The code is an alphanumeric string that serves as a unique identifier for the discount, which customers can enter during the checkout process. While the code should be memorable for easy customer recall, it is essential to maintain a level of complexity to deter unauthorized use.

For example, instead of using a straightforward code like FIRST20 for a 20% first-time purchase discount, a more secure alternative could be F1RST20XyZ. This adds an extra layer of security while still being relatively easy for genuine customers to remember.

Redemption limit

The redemption limit for coupon codes defines the maximum number of times each individual code can be redeemed.

For example, if a coupon code has a limit of 3, it can be redeemed only 3 times.

Each coupon code limit cannot exceed the coupon total redemption limit. On the other hand, multiple coupon codes can each have their own individual limits, based on your marketing strategy.

The system tracks the usage of each coupon code. Per-customer redemption limits are not supported.

Expiration date

Each coupon code can have its own expiration date and time, which cannot exceed the overall expiration date set for the parent coupon. Once set, the coupon code becomes active immediately and expires at the specified date and time, in accordance with the time zone of the account.

For example, each coupon code can have a distinct expiration date, provided it falls within the validity period of the parent coupon.

Create coupon code

In the Solidgate Hub , you can manually create coupon codes or generate and upload coupon codes from a CSV file.

Delete coupon code

If you need to delete a coupon code, be aware that once deleted, the coupon code is removed from the listing and cannot be restored.

Coupon code statuses

Coupon codes also have statuses that indicate their availability and whether they have been redeemed. Understanding these statuses helps you manage coupon campaigns.

Discount usage

Coupons can be applied automatically to an order (predefined) or redeemed by the customer using a code (direct). For trial-based products, discounts apply to the first recurring payment after the trial, not the trial itself. Coupon behavior also varies depending on whether the subscription is paused, cancelled, or restored, and when applied mid-cycle.

Edit coupon and coupon codes

Coupons and coupon codes have limited editing options after creation.

• After you create a coupon, you can update only its name and description.
• After you create a coupon code, you cannot edit it.