The future of coupons is here
To mitigate fraud, simplify consumer experience and reduce settlement time- the industry has established a new coupon format, AI (8112) or “Universal Coupons” to replace the current AI (8110) coupon type. The Coupon Bureau is an industry-managed, Nonprofit that is the facilitator of the Universal Coupon ecosystem. For retailers this new standard is groundbreaking… No more counterfeit coupons, no more waiting weeks for settlement and with 3rd Party validation- no longer are your cashiers in the hotseat with shoppers.
Reduced Fraud & Ops Costs
The new AI (8112) coupon standard includes mandatory serialization of every coupon, and uses real-time validation of coupons. Now coupon risk is mitigated through a 3rd party validator, just like credit card transactions. The data is then exchanged digitally which speeds up settlement and reduces paper coupon handling costs.
Increased Topline Revenue
CPGs have stated that with fraud mitigated, they will be executing MORE coupons and HIGHER value coupons. This means more savings for your shoppers thus increasing overall revenue. These Universal Coupons can be used in paper or digital format- giving CPGs a direct-to-consumer digital coupon option.
Future Proofing Coupons
With every new coupon standard, Retailers seem to have taken the brunt of the technical and financial burden of adoption. TCB built the new standard and ecosystem with this in mind. By connecting to TCB’s “coupon cloud”- all future innovation and updates can happen there without need for POS implementations or adjustments.
Why are Universal Coupons Important?
AI (8112), Universal Digital coupons are the new coupon type that enables CPGs to engage in direct-to-consumer marketing with a digital tool. This new pool of coupons represent the digitization of paper coupons. Shoppers have been asking for digital and now they can receive them from their favorite brands and retailer loyalty- increasing overall savings potential.
63% of shoppers said that they choose which stores to shop
in based on whether or not they offer digital coupon redemption.
Retailer Benefits
- Reduce fraud and operational costs
- No family code maintenance
- Real-time, 3rd party validation
- Increased basket by increasing savings opportunity
- Speed up clearing and settlement
- Drive more in-store traffic
- Access to a new consumer audience
- Estimated savings per location over $20,000 annually
Shopper Benefits
- Additional savings opportunities
- Reduce paper coupons
- Simplified checkout experience
- More coupons and higher value offers
- Seamless integration with native wallets
Manufacturer Benefits
- Mitigate coupon fraud costs
- GTIN level validation
- Direct-to-consumer digital coupons
- Enhanced activations like media, newsletters, etc.
Top Retailer Questions Answered
Absolutely not!
Universal Digital Coupons are used in CPG direct-to consumer promotions. These are simply the digitization of manufacturer-funded paper coupons that increase a shopper’s savings potential and basket size in your store.
Decreased operational costs and increased revenue.
According to a recent study, the addition of a digital coupon can increase basket by $50. On the flip side, the new Universal Coupon process represents an approximate savings of $20,000 annually per location.
TCB makes it easy.
There are no hardware update requirements to adopt the new coupon standard. API connectivity to TCB’s “Coupon Cloud” and a POS logic update is all that’s needed. If you prefer, one of TCB’s technical Accelerator partners can do most of the work for you- for FREE.
Now!
CPGs already have Universal Coupons in market. The early adopters of the new standard will reap the benefits of the additional savings for their shoppers and steal foot traffic from competitors.