How Merchants can Apply a Commission Rule to Multiple Coupon Codes using Wildcard Character

Merchants can use the asterisk (*) to create wildcard coupon codes that have consistent prefixes or suffixes. This allows Merchants to apply commission rules to multiple coupon codes at one time using the Exclusive Coupon Code rules, Qualified Coupon Code rules and Restricted Coupon Code rules.

HOW TO SETUP WILDCARD COUPON CODES

From your AvantLink dashboard, navigate to Ad Tools > Discounts.

To start, select Create Discount and follow the prompt:

1. Fill out Steps 1 and 2 using these instructions: Discounts Merchant User Guide.
2. Proceed to Step 3: Discount Rules:

3. Enter the coupon code pattern using a wildcard (*).  The wildcard (*) matches any additional characters in the coupon code. Use it to apply the same Coupon Code Rule to multiple coupon codes that share the same beginning or ending.

   • To match coupon codes that begin with the same characters, place the wildcard after the prefix.
     • Example: save* matches any coupon code that begins with save, such as:
       • save-1234
       • save-ABCD
   • To match coupon codes that end with the same characters, place the wildcard before the suffix.
     • Example: *save matches any coupon code that ends with save, such as:
       • 1234-save
       • ABCD-save
4. Choose Coupon Code Rule – see the articles below for more information:
   • Exclusive Coupon Code rules
   • Qualified Coupon Code rules
   • Restricted Coupon Code rules
   • Please note: unless you designate a Coupon Code Rule to the coupon code, the affiliate will only earn commission if there is an affiliate link click used in conjunction with the coupon code.
5. Designate the Affiliate(s) that can use the coupon code.  
   • Affiliates can be added individually or by Tag Group.
   • All Affiliates can be chosen unless you are using an Exclusive or Qualified Coupon Code Rule.  

TRACKING REQUIREMENTS

Merchants must pass AvantLink coupon code values in their tracking. 

There are two options to verify that your tracking is properly configured to pass coupon code values.

1. Check Reporting. Navigate to the Classic Reports page and run the Sales Commission Details report. You are properly set up if coupon codes are displayed in the report. Note: you may have to select "Show more columns" to see the coupon code data.
2. Perform Tracking Test. If you cannot confirm coupon codes are tracking via your reporting you should Perform a tracking test with a sale that involves a coupon code. If the results return the coupon code in the Sales Commission Details report noted above, you are properly set up.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

• Wildcard coupon codes may be alphanumeric and use symbols.
• Wildcard coupon codes are not case sensitive.
• Merchants must pass AvantLink coupon code values in their tracking for commission to be awarded correctly. For more information about this set up, please see Exclusive Coupon Code rules, Qualified Coupon Code rules and Restricted Coupon Code rules.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

If you have questions on how to set up or effectively use the wildcard coupon code feature, please reach out to support@avantlink.com.