A discount voucher is a type of financial discount incentive that is used by many retail situations to allow consumers to purchase goods and services at reduced prices. Vouchers of this type are often structured with what is known as a voucher code, a simple alphanumeric sequence that can be scanned to ensure that the proper discount is applied to the purchase. Today, discount vouchers may be obtained through the mail or online and used to make purchases at different types of retail stores, or even at restaurants.
In many instances, a discount voucher must be used at a specific retail location, and only under the terms that are spelled in the text found on the voucher itself. For example, a restaurant may issue a discount voucher that provides a substantial discount off the price of a specific entrée, providing that the customer also purchases a different entrée at full price. In like manner, a grocer may offer a voucher that allows shoppers to purchase a given item at a deep discount if one or two units of a related product are bought at the regular price. Discount voucher codes often also are only good for a limited period of time, with the terms of the voucher identifying the start and ending dates that the business will honor the discount.
Along with private vouchers issued by specific retailers, manufacturers may also issue discount voucher codes that may be used in the purchase of specific goods for a limited period of time. This means that the manufacturer of major household appliances may offer vouchers on refrigerators or washer and dryer sets, provided the purchases are made within a certain time frame and those purchases are through participating merchants. With vouchers of this type, consumers may be able to purchase the appliances for anywhere between 20% to 50% off the usual purchase price.
Today, it is possible to obtain printable discount vouchers from online sources. Once printed, the discount voucher can be used in any applicable retail establishment, receiving the benefit immediately. There are also a number of online discount vouchers that allow shoppers to make purchases at online retail sites and key in the specific voucher code when prompted during the checkout process. The discount is immediately applied to the purchase just before the shopper’s credit or debit card is charged, allowing the shopper to verify that the discount applied is in fact the amount that was promised on the discount voucher itself.