The recent rise in popularity of discount vouchers amongst financial websites can be attributed to a surge in financially strained online shoppers searching for methods to save money. We’re all familiar with the prompt at the checkout page urging us to enter a discount code. The right code leads to an immediate drop in your total bill, sometimes by as much as 10% or more. Initially, these discounts seemed like a great deal, but with the proliferation of voucher code websites, one begins to question if this is just a marketing strategy. Regular emails featuring worthwhile discount vouchers are often sent by some email marketing services.
Numerous websites are now advertising these promotional discount codes, offering savings on a wide variety of branded products and services ranging from fashion, financial services, books, CDs, DVDs, gifts, gadgets, travel, hotels, to restaurants. The offers could be anything, spanning from a specific price deduction, scaled percentage discounts, or even free delivery. Many of these websites also offer printable vouchers for discounts at physical stores. You can get, for example, £20 off at a popular clothing store if your total bill exceeds a certain amount.
While most of the codes have been negotiated directly with the retailers, some are exclusively intended for specific customers and somehow find their way on the internet. These are often extremely valuable. If you’re making a purchase and have the chance to enter a code, it’s beneficial to look up the potential code in a new browser window. If you were planning to buy the item anyway, this method can lead to substantial savings.
Recently, the consumer group ‘Which?’ investigated the five largest voucher sites and discovered that many discount codes were outdated or simply didn’t work. Alarmingly, they also found that standard price comparison websites or personal finance software sites sometimes offer better deals than voucher codes. On a similar note, some websites do state that codes may expire, with an option to sign up for email updates. Registering with multiple sites is recommended since each site negotiates its own unique deals that you supposedly won’t find anywhere else.
The Internet Advertising Bureau, the trade association for internet marketing industries, introduced a new code of conduct on January 1 of this year. This move has significantly mitigated issues related to fake discounts. Some sites entice users to click on a retailer’s name, link them to the retailer’s website, only to reveal there’s no discount code available. The IAB’s new code of honor prohibits the use of “click to reveal” features when there isn’t a current or valid offer.
In conclusion, while discount vouchers offer an amazing opportunity to save money, it’s important to do some additional online research to ensure there isn’t a better deal available elsewhere. The most reputable players adhere to ethical standards, ensuring customers are not misled by non-existent discounts. Time spent comparing deals can significantly increase the likelihood of securing the best possible savings.
