Most people know what a coupon is – it’s basically a ticket or document that can be exchanged in return for a financial discount or rebate on a product. However, how does the coupon concept work online?

The basic idea is still the same. With an online coupon you receive a series of letters and numbers in the form of a unique code from a retailer. The details of this coupon can then be entered into a promotional box, typically at the shopping cart stage, on the retailer’s website. You will then receive whatever the discount may be – assuming that the coupon is still valid and that you have followed all of the terms and conditions. Marketers will often use a different coupon for a certain channel or group in order to distinguish the response rates.

If you want a South Africa coupon then you have come to the right place. 5hop5.co.za will collect coupons from a number of retailers across the country and beyond so you can quickly find the savings you are looking for in one place.

If you’re on the lookout for a coupon code then you’re already a savvy shopper who knows how to be vigilant when it comes to saving money. However, how can you use a coupon code most effectively?

The first step with a South Africa coupon code is to not assume that the product it is available on will automatically be the cheapest. For example, just because a coupon code offers 10 per cent off a product with a certain retailer, it doesn’t mean that product isn’t available elsewhere at 20 per cent less. So make sure you compare the prices of products online so you can be sure you use a coupon code effectively.

In addition, use a coupon code only on items you planned to buy anyway. Remember that retailers will issue a coupon code in the hope that it prompts you into making additional purchases or that it attracts more business to their website. However, if you stick to using the coupon code on your planned purchase then the only one to benefit will be you.