Paper or digital? Studies show that consumers use a combination of both types of coupons at the grocery store. Paper coupons clipped from newspaper inserts, sent through the mail, or even printed from the internet are, traditionally, the most common ways for consumers to save — and they’ll likely remain that way for years to come. But in the last year, digital coupon use had a significant uptick. According to NCH Marketing, digital paperless coupon redemption in 2020 indexed more than 20% compared to FSI coupons, which are directly in line with the 20%+ increase in digital paperless distribution for all CPGs.

The group further reported that data has shown that retailers who do not offer digital paperless coupons are trending behind those who do by at least 10% in CPG coupon redemption volume index. With fewer paper coupons being made available, retailers who do not have a digital paperless solution are potentially losing sales as many shoppers state that a robust digital platform is a must-have when deciding where to shop.

That doesn’t mean, of course, that print coupons are going away anytime soon. Coupon clipping has survived the test of time and is expected to bounce back as the global pandemic winds down and market conditions return to normal. Paper coupon redemptions for CPG remained the highest percent of redemption in 2020 at 73%; showing that shoppers have gravitated back to some level of in-store shopping, where physical coupons can be used (paper coupons are not accepted with online grocery orders). Also, with supply chain issues being resolved, many manufacturers are once again issuing more print coupons.

Paper Coupons

At UNFI, we can help you improve your cash flow with best-in-class coupon redemption services for both paper and digital paperless. We offer a completely free service without any hidden fees or upfront retailer costs and a rate of over 96% for redemption payment. Plus, all retailers will receive a handling share for all cleared valid coupons (based on coupon volume).

Consider the following:

• When is the last time you looked at your current coupon service?
• Are you paying someone to manage your coupon redemption? Or, are you managing it on your own?
• How quickly do you receive payments?
• Do you know your redemption payment percentage?

Our process is simple: Your store collects coupons redeemed by shoppers. You ship your coupons with prepaid labels to the clearinghouse and receive payment within 1-4 weeks. It’s that easy. No contract. No service fees. Free shipping. We pay you a share of the handling. Get payment for paper and digital paperless from one source. Start making money on coupons!

Digital Coupons

In terms of digital savings offers, they too are a must for stores that want to remain competitive. NCH Marketing states the personal economic impact of COVID-19 was rapid and broad-reaching which has increased the reliance on food banks and other sources to stretch shoppers’ wallets, including discount coupons when and where available. All generations have increased ordering online and are seeking digital coupons to help stretch their dollars and; the highest increases reflect with Gen Xers and Boomers.

Our Consumer Marketing + Digital department can help your store offer a quality and compelling digital experience — as well as an overall digital coupon experience — to your shoppers. We can help you develop a responsive website and provide shoppers with the ability to print paper coupons, use digital CPG coupons, and load digital coupons (via a desktop computer or mobile app) to their loyalty account with your store.

Conclusion

We can help your store provide shoppers with the tools they want and need — how and when they want to use them. In addition to money-saving offers, we can help you deliver your weekly ad sales and promotions both in print and digital form. We can help you personalize offers to shoppers based on their purchase history to maximize your revenue and profits. We have solutions to fit any size or type of retailer. Paper or digital coupons? We’ll help you efficiently manage both to help maximize your store’s revenue & profits and issue coupon payments to you from one source. Let’s get started on a better experience for your shoppers. E-mail us at [email protected].