💰 Discount: A direct price reduction, like "20% off" or "$20 off." No code needed — applies automatically.
🎫 Coupon: A voucher (paper or digital) you present to receive a discount. Traditionally physical, now mostly digital.
🔤 Promo Code: An alphanumeric code entered at checkout, like "SAVE20." Exclusive to online shopping.
How you use them: Discounts apply automatically, coupons require presentation, promo codes require manual entry.
When to use each: Discounts suit store-wide sales, coupons suit targeted distribution, promo codes suit online tracking.
Stacking: Discounts typically don't stack. Coupons and promo codes sometimes can, depending on store policy.
Percentage discount: Original price × (1 - discount rate). E.g., $100 at 20% off = $100 × 0.8 = $80.
Threshold discount: "Spend $100, save $20" = pay $80. But if you spend $110, the actual discount is only 18.2%, not 20%.
Stacked discounts: Percentage off first, then fixed-amount promo? Or the reverse? Order matters. Generally, percentage first then fixed-amount is better for consumers.
Q: Can discounts and coupons stack?
A: It depends on the store. Generally, only one main discount type per order. Some stores allow "discounted items + promo code" stacking.
Q: Where do I find promo codes?
A: Brand websites, email subscriptions, social media, coupon aggregator sites. Subscribing to brand emails is usually the best way to get exclusive codes.