how do i create a discount code for an item? how do i create item-specific discount codes?

Every year brands offer special promotions* or exclusive discounts* to lure in customers to shop. The specifics may vary dependent upon the brand, but in general a promotion is a marketing strategy, or event, designed to drive sales. 

*For the purpose of this article, the words "promotion", "discount", "sale" will be used interchangeably.

Maybe you thought the trend would last forever, but if you know anything about fads, they fade. Maybe you're looking to attract new shoppers and a sale might just speak their language. Or, maybe you just want to get a boost in sales at the end of the month to hit your target 🎯. Whatever the reason - we're here to help you achieve your goals!

In this knowledge-based article, we'll review how to set-up item-specific discounts.

To get started with setting up discount codes, open your B2B Direct Admin Portal and then click Settings > Discount Codes. 

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Once on the Discount Codes tab, you can view and edit all-things discounts. When you're ready, click on the "Create Code" button. Within the Discount Codes tab, there are numerous options or settings to try out when creating discounts. We will go through each one within this article.

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Step 1

Basics - the foundational elements of a discount code. Required.

• Code Name - the code name is the actual discount code that customers will enter at checkout. This code can be numerical, alphabetical, or alphanumerical. Consisting of a minimum of 3 characters and maximum of 10 characters, you can use vanity codes such as "SUMMERSALE" or more generic codes such as "12345" or "SUMMER25SALE". Discount codes must be in UPPERCASE text only. Note: Each discount code created must be unique - in other words you cannot use the same code twice.
• Start/End Date - discounts require a start and end date. If you aren't sure of an end date, click the double-arrows in the date picker and select a date many, many years into the future (due to copyright laws, we can't say what we know you are thinking here....so we'll allow you to have a jam 🎧 session or movie 🎬 night moment before we continue....). See image 4 below.
• Discount Amount/Discount Type - for these two options, one requires the other. Enter you discount amount and select "Percentage" (%) or "Amount" ($) in the dropdown menu. For example, 20% or $20.
• Free Shipping - if you are feeling extra generous, throw in some free shipping 📦 by ticking the "Free Shipping" tick box. This tick box is optional.

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Step 2

Use options - determine if customers are eligible to use a discount code once or multiple times. Required.

• Number of times a customer can use a coupon
  • "Once" - selecting once will allow customers to use the discount one time only. When the "Once" option has been selected no other area within this section needs to be completed.  

<or>

• "Multiple" - selecting multiple will allow customers to use the discount multiple times. When the "Multiple" option has been selected, additional options will need to be completed.
  • If "Multiple" is selected, you will then be able to determine how many times you would like a customer to be eligible to use the discount. If you leave "Limit number of times this discount can be used" unchecked customers will be eligible to use the code infinitely. If checked, you will then be able to enter a quantity within the text box below.

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Step 3

Minimum Purchase Amount (MPA) - if you would like to establish an MPA when a customer uses a discount, you've come to the right place! Optional.

• Minimum purchase amount - tick MPA and a text box will appear where you will need to enter a dollar amount that customers will be required to spend in order to receive the discount. See Images 6-7. Simple as 1...2...3, literally.

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Step 4

Assign Customers - if you have specific customers that have earned a discount, you can assign them here. Optional.

• Add customers - simply type within the search field and your customers will magically start to appear. 

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Now, for what you came here to do...ta dah....

Step 5

Assign Product(s) - assign one or assign all. It's really up to you oh mighty one. Optional, but if you are creating item-specific discount codes, you'll want to specifically assign products. 😉

• Add products - click "Browse" and a new pop-up box will appear (see Image 10) where you can assign products.
  • To assign products, you will need to enter the ItemID as it appears within your data file. You won't need to know the entire code, but start typing the code and items will appear. See Images 10-11. Once you've added all products desired, click the "X" to close the assign products window.

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Added a product by mistake? Never fear! Simply click the "X" beside the Item to remove it from your eligible items.

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Step 6

Assign Category(s) - assign a category or multiple categories. Optional.

• Add categories - similarly to how products can be assigned, you can also assign an entire category or categories. Simply click within the "Search by category name" field and type your category to add. Additionally, if you add a category by mistake, you can click the "X" beside the category name to remove it from eligibility.

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Step 7

Create Custom Message - set yourself apart from the competition with a promotional message. Optional.

• Custom Message - simply start typing in the text box. You have 100 characters so keep it short, but make it sweet 🧁🥧🍰! You can even use emojis ✔.

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Lastly, click "Create Code" to finalize and create your code.

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NOTES

• Only B2B Direct Plus + B2B Direct Advanced have this feature by default. If you are using B2B Direct Core, this will need to be purchased as an add-on. 
• You are not able to assign products and assign categories in one discount code. It must be either products or categories. You will also notice if assigning products to a discount code, a message will appear in the assign categories box - "Please remove assign products to assign categories to the discount code". See Image 13 above.
• The Summary will update as you update the discount code. There is no action required.
• The "Apply Discount Code" box at checkout (on the frontend—what your customers will see) will only appear if you have active discount codes. See Image 16.

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Take a whirl and have some fun!

Looking for a video tutorial? Check out our video below to see an item-specific discount code being created.

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Want to see what your customers see? We got you!

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Happy discount creating!