No More Zip Code Box On Coupons.com!

[Barb May]

I have had a ton of comments and emails about the loss of the zip code
box on Coupons.com!

I promise...my page isn't broken and it's not something that I did!
Remember, I just host the iframe on my site to make it easy to access
the coupons so we can all get great deals at Publix. In all honesty, I
wish I had that kind of tech savvy as I would certainly put it back if
I could!

At then end of last week I got an email letting me know that the change
was about to take place. I have a great contact over at Coupons.com who
immediately called to explain why the change had been made. You see,
the folks at Coupons.com want the user experience to be as easy as
possible. They are always looking for feedback to ensure that things
are working like they are supposed to. They have their technology set
up so that their program can determine your zip code and you don't even
need to enter it.

I guess all our zip code hopping has been causing issues. You see, many
of the brands who put out the coupons want them to be used in specific
areas only. When folks start manipulating zip codes to access coupons
not intended for their area...the brands get grumpy! For example...say
a sausage company is trying to push their sausage in the Northern
states so they put out a high value coupon. It just so happens that
here in the South we get a BOGO sale for that same sausage that makes
it under a buck with the coupon. All of us Southern folks use up all
the prints and redeem all the coupons here when the intent was
ultimately to push trial for our Northern buddies.

While we are happy campers...the sausage company isn't so happy!

I am a little torn...I can see both sides. I am of the opinion that if
you put out a coupon that you only want certain folks to use you should
put specifications on the coupon! We all know the drill. Wording such
as "redeemable only at xyz" or "valid only in GA" would nip the issues
quickly! That way you are able to specify exactly what you are wanting
and then everyone is happy!

I personally like the zip code box for a couple of reasons. Yes, it
gave us access to more coupons but also it allowed for better
customization. We don't all live in the same zip code! If I want to
share a deal/coupon with you guys - I like being able to KNOW that I
can give you the most accurate information. Being able to create a
pre-clipped coupon with the corresponding zip code would ensure that
you guys would be able to easily find that same coupon. Now, I have to
hope that a coupon I share will be something that everyone can access.
That doesn't thrill me. Making things easy for you guys means that
things are also easy for me.

There is an option to change your zip...you can go directly to
Coupons.com, log in and then in your profile you will need to change
your ZIP and your STATE.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the change. I told my contact that
I would be gathering comments and emails and sharing them with her.
Maybe we can help them change their minds and bring the zip code box
back!