Merchants can apply a Restricted Coupon Code (RCC) rule to coupon codes. When an RCC is used on an order both affiliate and network commissions will not be rewarded (eg no commissions will be paid out). For transparency, affiliate partners will see that they helped drive the sale. They will just not receive commission. Check out Qualified Coupon Code rules and Exclusive Coupon Code rules for additional options.
TRACKING REQUIREMENTS
Merchants must pass AvantLink coupon code values in their tracking.
Shopify Merchants working with AvantLink are tracking coupon codes.
Merchants with custom integrations, have are two options to verify that your tracking is properly configured to pass coupon codes:
- Check Reporting. Navigate to the Classic Reports page and run the Sales Commission Details report. You are properly set up if there are coupon codes being displayed in the report. Note: you may have to select "Show more columns" to see the coupon code data.
- Perform Tracking Test. Perform a tracking test with a sale that involves a coupon code. You are properly set up if the results return the coupon code in the Sales Commission Details report noted above.
HOW TO SET UP A NEW RESTRICTED COUPON CODE RULE
From your AvantLink dashboard, navigate to Ad Tools > Discounts.
Shopify Merchants can choose to sync discounts and coupon codes entered into Shopify to AvantLink.
Step 1 - Create a New Discount or Search for the Discount that you would like to create an RCC for
- Click the 'Create Discount' button or search for the coupon code if it has been previously entered.
Step 2 – Discount Title and Details:
- Choose a Title for your RCC
- Supply a description/details of your RCC
- Choose your destination URL
*For detailed information about Discount Title and Details, please see our Discounts Merchant User Guide
** Merchants using Shopify can choose to sync Discounts: Shopify Discount Sync: Importing Shopify Automatic Discounts and Coupon Codes as Discounts into AvantLink
Step 3 – Discount Schedule:
- Schedule your RCC
- Be sure to choose a start and an end date (if applicable).
- You can schedule the RCC to be available/active at a date in the future.
Step 4 – Discount Rules:
- Input the Coupon Code you would like to restrict from your affiliates.
- Choose Restricted from the Coupon Code Rule Type dropdown menu.
- RCCs apply to All Affiliates.
Step 5 – Save!
You have now created an Restricted Coupon Code rule.
BEST PRACTICE & IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
- For transparency, affiliate partners will be able to see the orders that are impacted by the RCC. Affiliates will see the full sales amount but receive zero commission.
- When a merchant adds an RCC, the RCC will automatically be added to your program's terms and conditions page that affiliates have access to. The RCC will also show on each of your affiliate’s Discounts page. This gives affiliates the ability to view all RCCs.
- It is recommended that merchants expire RCCs when the coupon code is no longer valid. If there is a long list of RCCs on the merchant details page, some affiliates may decide to send traffic to different merchants.
- Use RCCs sparingly. The use of RCCs should be limited to coupon codes that affiliates can reasonably control the use of. For example: this solution should not be used to restrict affiliate payouts for codes that are advertised on your website. If an affiliate drives a customer to your site they cannot reasonably control a customer from using the code that is widely promoted.
- AvantLink also provides the ability to assign an Exclusive Coupon Code rule to affiliates. This rule will only commission the affiliate that is given the exclusive coupon code rule.
HOW TO REVIEW RCC PERFORMANCE
AvantLink offers two different reporting platforms: Performance Reports vs. Classic Reports
Classic Reports
Navigate to the Classic reports page and run the Sales Commission Details report. You can filter to the specific coupon code or the transaction type "Sale (Restricted Coupon)".
Performance Reports
For a summary of coupon codes being used, navigate to the Performance Reports page and run the Coupon Code Summary report.