When it comes to rewarding customers, driving sales, or offering employee perks through an online store, two popular tools often come into play: e-Certificates and promo codes. While they might seem similar at first glance, they serve very different purposes. Knowing when to use each one can make all the difference in your campaign’s success.
What’s the Difference Between E-Certificates and Promo Codes?
Let’s break down the key features of each:
E-Certificates Hold a Set Value
E-Certs are essentially digital gift cards with a specific dollar amount tied to them. For example, employers might give a new hire a $200 e-Certificate to purchase company swag. The amount doesn’t have to be used all at once; the recipient can place multiple orders until the full balance is spent. E-Certificates are great for controlled spending and more personalized gifting.
Promo Codes Provide a Discount
Promo codes offer a discount, not a set spending amount. For instance, an organization might offer the code SPRING50 for 50% off the recipient’s next order. You can customize how often a promo code can be used - once per email, or unlimited until a deadline when the code is disabled. These are perfect for driving traffic, boosting sales, or promoting a limited-time offer.
When to Use Each in Your Sales & Marketing Strategy
Drive Customer Loyalty Using E-Certificates
It’s a great opportunity to use e-Certificates when you want to:
- Offer a gift to new employees during onboarding.
- Celebrate employee milestones or anniversaries with a thoughtful reward.
- Send a thank-you to top customers or partners with a fixed-value gift.
- Control how much is being spent, while still giving the freedom to choose.
Boost Sales Volume Using Promo Codes
Promo codes are a great sales tool when you want to:
- Run a flash sale or seasonal promotion.
- Offer a limited-time discount to drive traffic or conversions.
- Launch a marketing campaign with an incentive to shop now.
- Create urgency and encourage impulse buying.
Both e-Certificates and promo codes are valuable resources for your online stores. Knowing when to utilize each is important to drive sales and build customer loyalty for your business. Use e-Certificates when you want to give a fixed dollar value with flexibility and controlled spend. Use promo codes when you want to drive sales quickly through discounts and incentives.
Both are powerful tools—you just need to pick the right one for the job.