Single-use code
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In short
A discount code that works for one order only. Copies fail after the first use, though the first person to use it may not be the one it was sent to.
What it means
A single-use code is set to redeem once in total. Unique codes are usually single-use, which makes a copy worthless after the first order. It differs from a once-per-customer limit, which lets one shared code be used once by each customer the store recognises, usually by email address or phone number. That limit is only as strong as the identity behind it. SimplyCodes, a coupon site and extension, tells shoppers a new email address gets them a second single-use code.[SimplyCodes, Sep 2021] (opens the source)
On your store
A customer whose parcel went missing gets a one-time apology code by email. It works once, on whichever order it lands on first, and fails for anyone who tries it after.
Why it matters
A single-use code caps the cost of a stray copy at one order, which suits apologies, staff gifts and high-value offers. Collecting them is a business. In a September 2021 blog post SimplyCodes invited members to get paid for sharing single-use codes that stores had emailed to individual customers.[SimplyCodes, Sep 2021] (opens the source)
Sources
- 1SimplyCodes, “Single-Use Coupon Codes: Secrets to Using Unique Coupon Codes for Maximum Savings”, Sep 2021. simplycodes.com (opens the source)
Read next
Related terms
- Unique discount codeA discount where each shopper gets their own code, generated in bulk, so every code can be traced to the person or channel that received it.
- Shared discount codeOne code, like SPRING20, that anyone can enter as often as its limits allow. Easy to say and share, and just as easy to copy.
- First-order discountA discount offered to win a shopper's first purchase, usually in exchange for their email address or phone number.
- Discount code leakWhen a discount code reaches shoppers it wasn't meant for, through voucher sites, coupon extensions or sharing, and lands on orders it wasn't priced for.
