Kuponki

Kuponki, in English often translated as coupon, is a voucher or code that entitles the holder to a discount, a free item, or another benefit when purchasing goods or services. Coupons can be issued by retailers, manufacturers, or loyalty programs and come in several forms, including paper coupons, digital or mobile coupons, promo codes, rebates, and store or manufacturer coupons. They may be offered for specific products, categories, or general savings, and sometimes require a minimum purchase or have expiration dates.

The concept originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the first widely publicized coupons appearing in the United States. Coca-Cola is frequently cited for issuing one of the earliest coupon campaigns in 1887, which helped popularize the idea of offering a free product to stimulate demand. Over time, the practice expanded from paper vouchers to digital formats, QR codes, and integrated loyalty program offers, reflecting growing e-commerce and mobile shopping.

Usage and redemption vary by format. Paper coupons are typically presented at the point of sale and scanned or manually entered, while digital and promo codes are applied online or in mobile apps. Common restrictions include expiration dates, minimum spend requirements, product or brand limitations, one coupon per purchase, and restrictions on stacking multiple offers. Digital coupons often employ unique identifiers or barcodes to prevent fraud.

Coupons serve as a marketing tool for retailers and manufacturers, enabling targeted promotions, customer acquisition, and data collection on buying behavior. They can reduce consumer costs and encourage trial, but may also contribute to pricing complexity and coupon fraud, prompting ongoing regulatory and anti-fraud measures.