Web links in coupon passes introduce a new level of convenience for both businesses and customers. By incorporating web links into your coupon passes, you can enable customers to redeem their coupons quickly and easily, without the need for barcode scanning or POS integration.
PassKit’s Customer-Initiated Redemption (CIR) feature simplifies the coupon redemption process, allowing customers to redeem coupons directly through their devices. This guide will walk you through the benefits of using web links in coupon passes, how to set up CIR, and how to customize the experience for your customers.
Why use Customer Initiated Redemption
Web links in coupon passes offer several key advantages:
Seamless Redemption Process
Customers can redeem coupons with a single tap on the web link, making the process quick and hassle-free.
No Barcode or Scanning Required
Unlike barcode passes, web links do not require a barcode to be scanned. This means you don’t need to use or integrate with a scanning app, POS system, or use specialized hardware. The redemption process is entirely digital and accessible through a simple tap on the link.
No POS Integration Required
With CIR, you don’t need to integrate with a POS system. Customers can redeem coupons directly through their devices, reducing complexity for your business.
Actionable Insights
CIR provides valuable data on who is redeeming coupons and when, helping you refine your marketing strategies and better understand customer behavior.
Customizable Redemption Options
PassKit offers multiple redemption methods, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your business needs.
Important Considerations
While web links in coupon passes offer many benefits, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
Limited to Coupons
Customer Initiated Redemption is only available for single-use coupon passes. This is because coupons typically represent an on/off experience (i.e., not redeemed vs. redeemed). They are not suitable for multi-use passes like loyalty cards or membership cards, which require ongoing interaction and tracking.
Customer Awareness
Unlike tapping an NFC pass or scanning a barcode, web links require customers to actively click the link to initiate the redemption process. This means you need to ensure customers are aware of the link and understand how to use it. Clear instructions and promotional messaging are essential to drive adoption.
Staff Training
If you’re using a redemption method that involves staff interaction (e.g., Code Shown to Cashier or Code Provided by Cashier), your staff will need to be trained on how to support the process. This includes understanding how to handle redemption codes and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Less Intuitive Than NFC or Barcode Scanning
While web links are convenient, they are not as intuitive as tapping an NFC-enabled phone or scanning a barcode. Customers may need additional guidance to complete the redemption process, especially if they are unfamiliar with digital coupons.
Dependence on Internet Connectivity
Web links require an internet connection to function. If a customer is in an area with poor connectivity, they may face difficulties redeeming their coupon.
How to set up Customer Initiated Redemption
Customer initiated redemption can be found in the redemption settings.
1: Access Redemption Settings
Go to your Coupon Pass Dashboard in the PassKit portal.
Click on Designs.
From the dropdown beside Other Actions, select Settings.
Click on Redemption.
Next, click on ‘Redemption’.
2: Enable Customer-Initiated Redemption
In the Redemption Settings, you’ll see two options:
API Redemption: For integration with external systems.
Customer-Initiated Redemption (CIR): For web link-based redemption.
Click the checkbox beside Customer-Initiated Redemption to enable it.
3: Choose Your Redemption Method
PassKit offers three CIR options to suit different use cases:
Simple Redeem
When a customer visits the redemption URL, the coupon is automatically redeemed.
Ideal for fully digital redemption processes.
Code Shown to Cashier
After visiting the redemption URL, the customer is shown a fixed code.
The customer presents this code to a staff member to complete the redemption.
Ideal for in-store redemptions where staff verification is required.
Code Provided by Cashier
The customer visits the redemption URL, and a staff member provides a redemption code.
The customer enters the code to redeem the coupon.
Ideal for scenarios requiring additional validation.
4: Customize Display Messages
You can customize the text that customers see during the redemption process:
Success: Displayed when a coupon is successfully redeemed.
Redeemed: Displayed if the coupon has already been redeemed.
Cancel: Displayed if the customer cancels the redemption process.
Coupon Expired: Displayed if the coupon has expired.
Offer Expired: Displayed if the offer associated with the coupon has expired.
To customize these messages, simply scroll down the Text fields, fill in the appropriate text fields under each option and click Update to save your changes.
Success
Displayed when a coupon is successfully redeemed.
Redeemed
Displayed if the coupon has already been redeemed.
Cancel
Displayed if the customer cancels the redemption process.
Coupon Expired
Displayed if the coupon has expired.
Offer Expired
Displayed if the offer associated with the coupon has expired.
5: Add the CIR Link to the Coupon Template
Add the CIR link to your Pass Template, allowing customers to redeem coupons directly from their devices.
For Apple Wallet: Click the Add Link button in the pass designer.
This is what it would look like on the Apple Wallet
For Google Wallet: Copy the CIR link, drag the link field into the Google Wallet section of the designer, and paste the link into the URL field. Add a title to complete the process.
Optional: Embed the CIR Link in the Barcode
To streamline the redemption process further, consider embedding the Customer Initiated Redemption (CIR) link directly into the barcode of the pass. This approach allows merchants to scan the customer’s pass using their smartphone camera and automatically access the redemption link, eliminating the need for the customer to manually click the link or take additional steps.
How it works
The barcode contains the CIR link (i.e.,
https://pub1.pskt.io/or/${pid}orhttps://pub2.pskt.io/or/${pid}), which directs the merchant to the redemption page.When the merchant scans the barcode using their smartphone camera they are taken directly to the redemption page, where they can complete the necessary action.
This method can be used instead of or in addition to customer-initiated redemptions, offering flexibility depending on your workflow. For example:
Customer-Initiated: The customer clicks the redemption link in their pass to initiate the process.
Merchant-Initiated: The merchant scans the barcode to access the redemption link and complete the process on behalf of the customer.
Benefits
Simplified Workflow: Reduces steps for both customers and merchants, making the process faster and more efficient.
Flexibility: Works seamlessly with PassKit’s existing CIR solution, ensuring compatibility with your current setup.
No Additional Development: Since the CIR link is already part of PassKit’s infrastructure, there’s no need to build or maintain a custom webpage.
For detailed instructions on enabling and using barcode passes with embedded CIR links, refer to the Enabling and Using Barcode Passes guide. This approach is ideal for businesses looking to enhance the customer experience while minimizing complexity.
Best Practices for Using Web Links in Coupon Passes
Choose the Right Redemption Method
Select the CIR option that aligns with your business needs and customer experience goals. For example, use Simple Redeem for fully digital processes and Code Shown to Cashier for in-store redemptions.
Promote the Web Link
Highlight the convenience of web link redemption in your marketing materials. Encourage customers to tap the link to redeem their coupons.
Leverage Data Insights
Use the data collected through CIR to analyze customer behavior and optimize your campaigns. For example, identify peak redemption times or popular offers.
Test the Redemption Process
Before launching, thoroughly test the web link redemption process to ensure it works seamlessly across devices and scenarios.
Educate Your Customers and Staff
Provide clear instructions on how to use the web link to redeem coupons. This can be included in the pass itself or in accompanying communications (e.g., email or SMS).
Train your staff on how to support the redemption process, especially if using methods like Code Shown to Cashier or Code Provided by Cashier.
Conclusion
Web links in coupon passes are a powerful tool for simplifying the coupon redemption process. With PassKit’s Customer-Initiated Redemption (CIR) feature, you can offer a seamless, frictionless experience that delights your customers while gaining valuable insights into their behavior.
Unlike barcode passes, web links eliminate the need for scanning or POS integration, making them an ideal solution for businesses looking for a simple, cost-effective way to manage coupon redemptions. However, it’s important to consider the limitations, such as customer awareness and staff training, to ensure a smooth experience.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to set up and customize web links in your coupon passes, creating a win-win scenario for both your business and your customers.
Ready to get started? Log in to your PassKit account today and take the first step toward transforming your coupon redemption process with web links!