6 Alternatives to Coupon Codes for Offering Discounts

Exploring alternatives to traditional coupon codes, we turned to six experts, including founders and marketing leaders, for their unique recommendations. From implementing bulk-purchasing discounts to creating rewarding loyalty programs, dive into the diverse strategies they suggest for offering discounts without relying on the usual coupon codes.

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Implement Bulk-Purchasing Discounts

One alternative I recommend to coupon codes for offering discounts is implementing a “bulk-purchasing discount.” It motivates customers to buy larger quantities of our products at a time. This is particularly effective in the tech industry, where customers often need multiple units for their teams or projects. This not only helps the customer save money but also contributes to our company’s bottom line by increasing sales volume. It’s a win-win situation—customers get a great deal, and we boost our sales.

Abid Salahi, Co-founder & CEO, FinlyWealth

Offer Store-Wide Discounts

Some stores also offer store-wide discounts that apply to every product, although they might exclude a few products that you’d be able to resell for close to their retail value. This kind of discount is more flexible than a coupon that only gives you a discount on a specific product.

Eric Novinson, Founder, This Is Accounting Automation

Organize Exclusive Flash Sales

Coupon codes aim to give customers a sense of exclusive savings and brand rewards. To achieve this, you can organize a flash sale and allow your most valuable customers early access. This approach lets you offer discounts smartly by setting a specific number of products available during the flash sale and displaying a live stock counter. This strategy can speed up sales and effectively engage your most active customers. Other exclusive discount models, like pre-launch offers, can also be equally effective.

Rob Clegg, Senior SEO Manager, Exclaimer

Provide Educational Freebies

I’ve found that being involved with customers through education is incredibly effective. Rather than handing out discount codes, I prefer to enrich my audience’s experience by giving free tutorials or valuable informational content. This technique doesn’t just maintain the product’s worth—it improves it. 

When I give you a tutorial, it’s more than a simple giveaway. I’m empowering my customers with new skills, creating a sense of achievement, and inspiring them to attempt creating on their own. This strategy not only strengthens the bond they feel with my brand, linking us to their process of learning and growth, rather than a one-time purchase.

I really stand behind this method because it is a good example of my brand as an authority in our field, which in turn builds a solid base of trust and loyalty. Unlike passing discounts, a well-designed tutorial can be an ongoing resource, giving input whenever they need it. This nurtures a community that values what we offer past the price tag, improving customer retention and creating organic growth for your business.

Gabriela Statie, Founder, Makenstitch

Promote Future Purchase Coupons

It truly depends on the market, but one thing I’ve seen a lot of recently is future coupons. For example, an e-commerce fashion brand may have a banner at the top of their site mentioning something like: “Spend $75+ and get 20% off your next purchase.” 

For alternative ways to promote discount codes, I’ve seen major success with Influencer Marketing when we have influencers include their dedicated discount link as a swipe-up on their IG stories, where the discount auto-applies to the cart, as opposed to users having to enter in a code like MARISSA15 at checkout. Whatever makes the customer journey smoother tends to work best.

Rachel Hanon, Marketing Consultant

Create Rewarding Loyalty Programs

We recommend loyalty programs as a great alternative. Loyalty programs are ideal for building customer retention and increasing sales. They reward customers for their repeat business, which not only makes them feel valued but also encourages them to keep coming back. It’s a win-win. You can offer points for every purchase that can be redeemed for discounts, free products, or even exclusive perks. It goes beyond the one-time discount, too, and helps to build long-term relationships. 

You can also get creative with your loyalty programs or rewards, and instead of just offering discounts, throw in early access to new products, special member-only events, or even personalized gifts. This makes customers feel special and appreciated. Loyalty programs also provide valuable data on customer behavior. You can see what products your customers love and how often they shop, and then you can tailor marketing efforts to suit them.

Steele Walster, Digital Marketing Director, Yikes Marketing

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