Using Coupons to Boost Registrations

Overview

Coupons allow Race Directors to offer discounts, free entries, and promotional incentives to increase participation or reward sponsors. Each coupon is controlled by a unique Keyword, which runners enter during online registration.

You can create, limit, and schedule coupons directly in your race dashboard under the section titled “Would you like to add a coupon?”

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create a Keyword
This is what runners will type in at checkout (for example: RUNFREE, TEAM10, or SPONSORVIP).
Keep it short and easy to remember.

Step 2: Choose a Type
Select whether the coupon will be a percentage discount (for example, 10% off) or a flat dollar amount discount (for example, $5 off).

Step 3: Enter the Discount Amount
Type the value of the discount in the appropriate field.

Step 4: Set a Limit
The Limit determines how many times a coupon can be used.
For example, if you only want the first ten registrants to use it, enter “10.”
If there’s no limit, leave it as “Unlimited.”

Step 5: Select Begin and End Dates
Use these fields to set when the coupon becomes active and when it expires.
This is useful for time-sensitive promotions such as early bird or holiday discounts.

Ideas for Usage

1. Sponsor Entries
Offer your title sponsor a few free registrations as part of their sponsorship package.
Example: 100% off with a limit of 10. Keyword might be SPONSORNAME.

2. Team or Club Discounts
Provide schools, clubs, or teams with a small percentage off registration.
Example: 10% off with a keyword selected by the coach, such as CABELLXC.

3. Early Bird Promotions
Encourage participants to sign up early by creating a short-term coupon.
Example: 15% off valid for the first week registration is open.

4. Holiday or Seasonal Sales
Promote participation around key times of the year.
Example: $5 off for anyone who registers during July 1–5 using the keyword JULYRUN.

5. Charity or Cause-Based Discounts
Reward runners who donate to your event’s charity with a small discount code in a thank-you email.

6. Referral Codes
Offer returning runners a referral coupon they can share with friends.
Both the referrer and the friend receive a discount when the code is used.

Best Practices

Keep keywords short, clear, and relevant to the event or promotion.
Test your coupon before sharing it publicly to ensure it functions correctly.
Avoid running overlapping coupons that could stack discounts unintentionally.
Monitor coupon activity using the Discounts Used report (stored in the discounts_used table).
Update or remove expired coupons promptly to prevent confusion.