Copying and pasting a discount code is a very common task when shopping online. Using discount codes can help you save money on your purchases, but you need to know how to properly copy and paste the code in order to take advantage of the savings. Here are some tips on how to easily copy and paste a discount code when shopping online.
Locate the Discount Code
The first step is to locate the discount code you want to use. Discount codes can typically be found in a few places:
- Promotional emails – Retailers will often send promotional emails with discount codes to encourage purchases.
- Coupon websites – There are many coupon websites that provide and aggregate codes across multiple retailers.
- Social media – Brands will frequently post discount codes on social media to reach a wide audience.
- Loyalty programs – Signing up for retailer loyalty programs can provide access to special discount codes.
- Review blogs – Look for review blogs related to the product you want to buy, they sometimes share discount codes.
Spend some time searching to find the best discount code for your planned purchase. Make sure the code is still valid before trying to use it.
Copy the Entire Code
Once you locate a discount code, highlight the entire code and copy it. This is an important step. You need to copy the full code in order for it to work properly. Typically a discount code will consist of a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters. It may look something like this:
20OFFNOW
Or like this:
FR5XGT21
Make sure to highlight and copy the entire code, from start to finish. Don’t miss any characters. You may even want to double check that the full code was captured before proceeding.
Paste the Code in the Coupon Field
The next step is to paste the discount code in the appropriate field during the checkout process. Each retailer’s website will be slightly different, but there is usually a spot for discount codes or coupon codes during checkout. It may say something like “Promo code” or “Discount code” – look for a text box where you can paste in your code.
Often it will be on the shopping cart or payment page. But some retailers have it on the first page of checkout instead. Carefully examine the checkout pages to spot the coupon code box. Once you locate it, paste your full discount code into that box.
Check That the Code Was Accepted
After pasting in your discount code, make sure that it was accepted by the retailer’s system. There will usually be a message indicating that the code was successfully applied. The total due should decrease to reflect the savings from the code.
If you get an error message, double check that you copied and pasted the entire code correctly. If it still doesn’t work, the code may have expired or reached its usage limit. You may need to search for a new code and try again.
But if all goes well, the code will be accepted and you’ll see your total drop down.
Only Use Each Code Once
It’s important to only use each discount code one time. Most codes can only be applied to a single purchase. Trying to use the same code again will result in an error message.
Retailers have systems in place to limit code reuse. Make sure to find a new code each time you make a purchase for maximum savings.
Take Your Time When Copying and Pasting
Rushing when applying a discount code increases the chance that you’ll make a mistake. Take your time highlighting the full code and double check that it copied properly. When pasting, carefully insert it into the coupon text box.
If you’re on a mobile device, tapping and holding on the code for a couple seconds usually prompts a “Copy” pop-up. Take advantage of this to easily copy codes from emails or websites.
Following these tips will help you smoothly apply codes to your online purchases. Taking it slow and being precise reduces errors. And who doesn’t want to save money with discount codes whenever possible?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my discount code work?
There are a few reasons why a discount code might not work:
- It was entered incorrectly – Make sure you copied and pasted the FULL code exactly.
- It has expired – Discount codes have a limited usage period, check the expiration date.
- It has reached its usage limit – Codes can only be used a certain number of times before becoming invalid.
- It doesn’t apply to your items – Some codes only work for specific products or brands.
- It is for a different website – Discount codes are retailer specific.
Where do I enter a coupon code for an online store?
The coupon code field is typically found on the checkout page, either on the shopping cart page or payment details page. Look for a box labeled “Coupon code”, “Promo code”, “Discount code”, or something similar. This is where you’ll paste the code.
Can I use a discount code on a mobile device?
Yes, discount codes will also work when making purchases directly on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The coupon code box is usually found somewhere on the checkout screen. Tap to highlight the whole code, then tap again to copy it before pasting into the coupon box.
Do I have to register to use a coupon code?
In most cases, no registration is required to use a basic coupon code. However, some retailers may require you to sign up for an account and be logged in order to take advantage of coupon codes.
Can I apply multiple coupon codes to one purchase?
Typically just one discount code can be used per purchase. However, some retailers allow “stacking” codes, which is using multiple codes on the same order for additional savings.
Why do I need to copy and paste a code instead of just typing it?
Copying and pasting the code helps avoid errors from manually typing it incorrectly. It ensures you enter the code exactly as given for a smooth application.
Conclusion
Using coupon codes can lead to great savings when shopping online. Make sure to fully copy discount codes before carefully pasting them into the appropriate field during checkout. Taking your time avoids errors so you can take advantage of the offered savings. Retailers update and change codes frequently, so do some searching to find the best current codes before making your purchases.