When was the last time you wanted to buy something, but didn’t because it was too expensive? Would you have bought that item if you had a coupon? Or if it had been on sale for 25% off?

Coupons and discounts are an excellent way to pull in reluctant buyers and they work well to ensure repeat sales, as well. They are easy to do and although you won’t make as much money when you offer a discount, you give the client a chance to try your product and encourage him to return.

Grabbing First Time Buyers

The first time buyer may be reluctant to try your product. He wants to make sure he is getting his money’s worth. When he sees something that normally costs $99 on sale for just $79, with a coupon, his brain thinks “DEAL!”

Sometimes, you don’t even have to drop the price that much, a 10% discount can often motivate a reluctant buyer to try your product. If you have samples, you can include a coupon in the sample so the client can try your product free and get a great savings by actually buying.

Encouraging Repeat Customers

When you sell something, try tucking a coupon or discount flyer into the bag. When your customer realizes how great your product is, he will probably want more and the idea of getting a discount will help him make that purchase sooner rather than later.

A flyer or coupon can also serve as a reminder of other products that you offer, so he can buy something else, even if the first purchase is still useful. For example, if you sell someone a handmade soap, you may want to remind him that you also have shower gels and lotions, something he can use at the same time as the soap, as opposed to waiting until the soap is gone to make another purchase.

Tips and Tricks for Coupons and Discounts

There are a few tricks to making discounts work for you:

- Set a limit. If the offer is only good for two weeks, your customer will need to hurry up and buy!

- Limit it to one product. This isn’t a rule, but if you get them in the door with a 50% off coupon on face lotion, you may make some full price sales as well.

- Require that the flyer be returned for discounts, that way you can track which ads brought people in. Try different wording, products, etc.

Do you already use coupons and discounts to help promote your business? Feel free to share your tips and experiences in the comments!

Read the rest of this Budget Promotion Series:

Part One: Make Your Own Business Cards

Part Two: Hold a Contest

Part Three: Blogs

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