Sending those on your subscriber list coupons is a great way to get them to visit your supermarket more frequently. Whether you send a 'deal of the week' coupon or occasional coupons to thank people for being loyal customers, helping people save money will lead to increased sales. After all, few people visit the supermarket to buy only what they need. Get people in the store and they will more than likely buy a few additional items – especially if they can save some money using coupons you provide!
Coupon Design
On the coupon, clearly state what the coupon may be used to purchase in your store. Supermarket coupons may include a range of products or a specific product. Other items to include on in-store coupons:
· Amount of discount
· Product description (weight of product, color, brand, etc.)
· Expiration date
· Disclaimers (coupon may not be used with manufacturer coupons, coupon only good at this location, etc.)
· Coupon Limit – Limit One Per Customer (deters people from printing off thousands of coupons)
· Name of store and location
Create your coupon using coupon design software or MS Office (basic versions include some design features). Make sure to review the coupon carefully to catch any spelling or grammatical errors and to ensure all important information is included.
Best Time to Send
Depending on the expiration date, the best time to send a coupon is a week or two before it expires. This gives customers plenty of time to print it off and visit your store. Other times to send a coupon include:
· Friday or Saturday evenings – many people go to the supermarket on Saturday and Sunday
· Two weeks before major holidays
· Weekday mornings
· Beginning of new seasons (beginning of spring, summer, autumn, winter)
Determine whether items covered by the coupon are necessity or 'extra' items. Necessity items include toilet paper, canned goods, meat or fish, processed foods like pasta, and other items that people regularly buy at your store.
'Extra' items include candy, fruit, magazines, expensive meats, cheeses, and other items most people buy on a semi-regular basis. Send coupons for necessity items on Friday and Saturday evenings (most people with families tend to shop on the weekend to stock up for the week) and coupons for 'extra' items on weekdays (these days are when most people pick up one or two items they may have forgotten or 'extra' items)
Create Compelling Subject Lines
People can't redeem your supermarket coupon if they don't open your email. Use compelling subject lines to get people to open the email and print off the coupon.
Bad Subject Line: Open to View Your Coupon
Good Subject Line: Shop Two for One – Print Your Coupon Now!
Better Subject Line: Like Butterscotch Candy? Buy One Get One This Week Only!
The last subject line tells people what the coupon is for and that they need to open the email now because the sale won't last long.