Coupon-clipping Canadians can continue to save, while brands tap into the power of budget-minded shoppers through CouponClick.ca, an online coupon destination set to launch this fall.
The site, developed by Québec-based PromoPost Services, will provide consumers with online product and service coupons that can instantly be downloaded and printed.
For security and tracking purposes, each voucher will contain a coupon and consumer code that can be traced back to the individual user.
The site was developed because coupons have become more popular than ever during the recession, said Christian Dion, senior business development manager for CouponClick.ca.
The number of Canadian visitors to online coupon sites has increased from 1.6 million in December 2007 to almost 2.6 million earlier this year, according to comScore.
However, Dion said most coupon sites simply act as portals that link consumers to retailers or manufacturers’ websites—or require users to sign up for coupons that are later sent in the mail.
“They are very easy to integrate into the marketing mix,” he added. “Right now in the current economic context where consumers have their hands on their wallet, a little coupon can go a long way with your current consumer and any new consumer to keep them loyal,” he said.
CouponClick.ca is looking to recruit companies at the retailer and manufacturer level, especially those that market packaged goods, “because consumers want to save on every day items,” said Dion.
A study conducted by Ipsos Reid found that more than half of respondents said they would be “extremely likely” or “very likely” to download electronic coupons for discounts on consumer goods they purchase regularly, such as gasoline (58%) and groceries (54%).
Consumers also indicated an interest for online restaurant (44%), food delivery (38%), consumer electronics (35%), hotels (34%), and airline (34%) coupons.
“The technology provides marketers with a direct link to customers, and the ability to gather rich, aggregated information on coupon users that enhances customer relationship management efforts and enables the creation of customized promotions,” said Pierre Chasle, president of CouponClick.ca, in a release.
