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How Merchants Can Use Qualified Coupon Codes

Updated

Merchant advertisers can apply a Qualified Coupon Code rule (QCC) to any coupon code.  When setting up a QCC, merchants can designate/authorize either a single affiliate or a tag group of affiliates that can use the code. When a sale occurs, AvantLink 'qualifies' the use of the coupon code before rewarding commission:

  • If the sale resulted from a click associated to an authorized affiliate that can use the coupon code, commission is rewarded.
  • If a sale resulted from a click associated to a non-authorized affiliate, the sale will track but zero commission is rewarded. 

This can be an opportunity to develop valuable strategic partnership opportunities among affiliates while protecting the use of coupon codes.  Check out Exclusive Coupon Code rules and Restricted Coupon Code rules for additional options.

 

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.

 

HOW TO SET UP A QUALIFIED COUPON CODE RULE 

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

Step 1 – Discount Title and Details:

  • Choose a Title for your QCC
  • Supply a description/details of your QCC
  • Choose your destination URL

*For detailed information about Discount Title and Details, please see our Discounts Merchant User Guide

Step 2 – Discount Schedule:

  • Schedule your QCC
    • Be sure to choose a start and an end date (if applicable).
    • You can schedule the QCC to be available/active at a date in the future.

Step 3 – Discount Rules:

  • Input the Coupon Code for use by your affiliate.
  • Choose Qualified from the Coupon Code Rule Type dropdown menu.
  •  Choose the affiliate(s) you would like this code to apply to. You can Seach by name, URL, affiliate classic ID or Tag Group.

Merchant QCC.png

 

Step 4 – Save!

You have now created an Qualified Coupon Code rule.

 

BEST PRACTICE & IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

  •  Affiliates can see their active QCCs from their AvantLink dashboard > Ad Tools > Discounts, but they are not automatically notified. You must reach out directly to let them know that the QCC is available.
  • The terms and conditions for your merchant program will auto-update when at least one QCC is active. It will let affiliates in your program know to only use coupon codes available to them to ensure they receive commission. The terms and conditions page does not list actual coupon codes; it is just a general statement.

 

HOW TO REVIEW QCC PERFORMANCE

There are a few ways to measure the performance of an QCC:

  • Sales Commission Detail report
    • Navigate to the Classic reports page and run the Sales Commission Details report. 
    • Select ‘Show more columns’ will expose the Coupon Code column.
    • Filter to the specific coupon code or by the transaction type "Sale (Qualified Coupon)”.

 

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QCC STRATEGIES

Offering a qualified coupon can go a long way in securing media placements with affiliates. Affiliates may discount or waive placement fees altogether if they can promote an exclusive coupon to their audience.

 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
If you have questions on how to set up or effectively use the Exclusive Coupon Code feature, please reach out to support@avantlink.com.

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