According to a recent survey by MasterBuy, over 50% of people in U.S. use coupons While the use of Internet coupons is growing, consumers still prefer to cut out coupons from newspapers and mail-in coupons for online printing. Main reasons for not using the coupons were lack of awareness Web sites of online coupons, long time to search online, and some printing problems and just do not want to appear cheap.

With agitation continued economic and predictions of a global recession, retailers are bracing for a sad holiday season this year. People are tightening the purse strings and the search for deals this holiday season. Expect retailers to offer last minute deep discounts. These are short term and Long-term trends in the industry of coupons:

1. Coupon in place – the promotion of industry sales has been declining in recent years. More than 300 billion coupons a year are issued in the United States alone, less than 1% are redeemed [1]. However, whenever there is economic hardship, increase the use of coupons. This time is no different: the use of coupons and an increase of 14% this year.

2. Retailers that offer more frequent but restrictive promotion sales this year – According to a recent CNN news, we hope to see lots of deals this holiday season. However, retailers are offering discounts, coupons make restrictive by imposing shorter duration periods and conditions of redemption for more than purchase using the coupon. [2]

3. From paper to digital coupons – Over 90% of the coupons used today are not online coupons coupons from the newspaper and send them by mailed directly to you. However, with online trading becoming more and more people are using online coupons rose industry online over 500% last year. [3] coupons online are becoming safer to use and more distributors are offering home printing of coupons or vouchers discount for online purchases.

4. Digital Technology Improves rebate – rebate fraud is a major concern for retailers. Digital Coupons can be copied and manipulated by hackers. With the new guidelines on digital stamps from (Association of Coupon Professionals) ACP and (promotional information center) CIC, which control the industry to stamp fraud, progress has been made to prevent counterfeiting of digital coupons.

5. Adding online coupon data – There are over a hundred websites coupons online. Everyone is wary of having to browse through hundreds of sites to find coupons today offers, and even if you have a coupon code for a store or brand that we like we find that the coupon does not work. Fortunately, there are few websites that have started to data discount aggregates from various sources and check the validity of the coupons This is a very necessary feature.

6. Connect online with the coupons in the store existing loyalty programs – Most of us already participate in loyalty programs of our supermarkets. AOL Shortcuts allows shoppers to search brands coupons Favorite online and use the loyalty card vouchers at the store without a clip or print coupons.

7. Mobile coupons are here — Imagine shopping at your favorite store and present a coupon at the online search box, without making and printing online coupons or newspaper clipping coupons and then remembering to use on your next grocery shopping trip. Will be possible with mobile coupons There are already some companies with which you can subscribe coupons Although mobile still in its early stages, location-based mobile coupons is a promising area. Incorporating the use of vouchers in devices Mobile is still at least a year away.

8. mCommerce innovation – An mCommerce mobile Erico is the creation of innovative mobile hardware and software solutions. Powered by ECRI of MoBeam and small keychain-based device (called ClipPod "), Eric is working in creating the next generation of mobile solutions redemption. Again, common use may be a few years away.

What are the implications of these trends for buyers, manufacturers and retailers?

Use digital coupon is gaining ground. Look innovation continuous digital and mobile coupons that will benefit everyone.

Buyers will receive information relevant to purchasing decisions resulting from the cost savings and shorter buying process.

In addition to attracting consumers in the tight economy, retailers and manufacturers also want renew their interest in promoting effective sales and marketing tool. Whether it is to get consumers to try new products, to create the individual relationships customers, drive sales away from competitors, get rid of their perishable stock and clearance items or sell everything in one out of business sale. Coupons and digital sales promotions are here to stay!

Sources —

[1] CMS, Carolina Manufacturer Services

[2] CNN – economic crisis gives rise to coupon cutting.

[3] eMarketer, Mediamark Research, CMS, Carolina Manufacturer Services

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