Spot the Seasonal Mix-Up
This coupon mixes two seasons. The greeting at the top says HAPPY THANKSGIVING! and the background is covered with autumn leaves, but the offer is for Christmas trees, ornaments and lights, valid from December 1st to December 31st. That is not a mistake in the design so much as a choice you can use: it suits a shop that wants to sell Christmas decor to customers who come in at Thanksgiving. Or you can edit the greeting to match the December window. Decide which message you want before you print.
| Your plan | Edit the greeting and dates |
|---|---|
| Hand out at Thanksgiving for use in December | Keep Happy Thanksgiving, and say “Redeem from December 1” |
| Hand out in December | Replace the greeting with Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas |
| Run through Black Friday | Change the dates to cover late November |
What the Coupon Contains
The coupon is 6 x 3 inches in landscape. The left third is a white panel with a huge red 27, a percent sign and OFF, with a thin red rule and the line ON ALL HOLIDAY DECOR ITEMS! Below it sits a framed box showing USE CODE HOLIDAY27, then Valid from: Dec 1st to Dec 31st, then Shop Now: www.yourstore.com and a barcode picture.
The right two thirds are a crimson panel scattered with red, orange and golden leaves around the edge. In the centre, a white box shows HAPPY THANKSGIVING!, with Holiday Decor in a white script and DISCOUNT COUPON in bold capitals. A line reads Make your home sparkle this season with our beautiful selection of Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, and more!
Why 27 Percent?
An unusual number like 27 percent attracts attention, because it looks specific and thought through, and it matches the code HOLIDAY27 neatly. You can keep it or use a round number. If you change the discount, retype the code as well, so that staff and customers see the same figure.
Edit the Web Address
The sample line says Shop Now: www.yourstore.com. Replace it with your real site or delete it for a store only offer. If you run both, mention both. An accurate address is the difference between a coupon that works and one that sends people to nothing.
What Counts as Holiday Decor?
The coupon lists Christmas trees, ornaments and lights. Decide whether wreaths, garlands, outdoor displays and gift wrap are included, and write the full list in a line of small print or on a sign. Excluding large items like artificial trees can protect margin, and including small items can lift basket size.
Printing and Distribution
Print on 200 to 250 gsm card stock. Crimson areas can look deeper than expected, so run a test. Hand coupons out at the till, post them online and tuck them into orders. The 6 x 3 inch size gives three per letter sheet in a column.
Planning the Stock for December
Holiday decor sells fast once December begins. If your coupon is valid from the first day of the month, make sure the shelves are full by then, and keep reserve stock for popular items such as lights. Late deliveries are the most common reason a good coupon fails. A simple stock plan, agreed a month earlier, protects both the promotion and your reputation.
See also the Friendsgiving party supplies coupon and the Thanksgiving dinner coupon. More are in coupons and discount vouchers.
