Redeemed: Newspaper Coupons Still Effective

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A new study of coupon redemption by MARC Research for the Newspaper National Network shows that coupons that appear within newspapers (run of press) are redeemed more often than freestanding inserts, the tabloid-format circulars that typically appear in weekend editions. They are also more effective at getting consumers to try new products, switch brands, or trade up to a more expensive product

The MARC-NNN survey found that consumers who redeem ROP coupons tend to be heavy coupon users overall, redeeming about twice as many coupons as consumers who redeem other kinds of coupons. They redeem an average 59.8 in the last six months, versus just 30.3 for consumers who redeem other types of coupons.

Seventy-four percent of ROP coupon redeemers used coupons to try a new product, versus 60% of consumers who redeemed other types of coupons. They also generate more brand-specific shopping behavior, with 34% of ROP redeemers specifying brand names on their shopping lists, as opposed to 22% for shoppers who redeem other types of coupons.

Some 59% of ROP coupon redeemers use the coupons to buy a more expensive product, versus 47% for other coupon users. Interestingly, younger adults (ages 25-34) are more likely to use coupons to try new products or switch brands than older consumers. Overall, 91% of adults in the 25-34 age group use newspaper coupons.

Jason E. Klein, NNN president and CEO, summarized the findings: "Newspaper ROP coupon users are "seekers" -- they use a lot of coupons, they are more likely to use them to try new products or brands, and they are more prone to make lists of specific brand purchases before heading to the store."

The new study comes as print coupons face fierce new competition from digital coupons.

Earlier this year, for example, Coupons.com said the total volume of coupons redeemed from the Coupons.com network reached $858 million in 2009 -- up from about $320 million in 2008 and $140 million in 2007, for a total increase of over 500% in just two years.

Overall, 45 million consumers used digital coupons in 2009 -- up almost 20% from 38 million in 2008. Of this group, 13.1 million are exclusive digital coupon users, meaning they don't clip coupons from the newspaper -- up about 39% from 9.4 million in 2008.

However, print coupons still dominate, with freestanding insert coupons accounting for 50% of total redemptions by dollar value in 2009, versus 9.8% for Internet coupons, 6.2% for direct mail, 22.7% for handouts, and 11.3% for other, according to data from Valassis.

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0 comments on "Redeemed: Newspaper Coupons Still Effective".

1. Paula Lynn from Who Else Unlimited
   

   commented on: December 7, 2010 at 9:53 a.m.

   I could tell you stories and salespeople have known this, but your article is better late than never.

2. Bill Deletto from Zavenetworks
   

   commented on: December 10, 2010 at 10:28 a.m.

   There is little question incentive promotions are effective for a variety of brand building tactics. Newspapers still dominate in coupon distibution and the economic climate has precipitated increased use.

   However the Newspaper Coupons Still Effective article is ,at best, a reminder of days gone soon to be forgotton. In the movie Titanic,musicians played on deck as the ship slowly sank. The passengers may have appreciated the music, but knew the reality at hand.

   Digital incentives,both simple and complex,can now be instantly measured to a physical sale at retail. Marketers receive instant robust data leading to more relevant loyalty building incentive solution. While paper print at home incentives dominate the digital market for now,the next genneration,paper less incentives,is growing very rapidly. Paper incentives will still be around and certainly be part of the marketing mix---however budgets will be allocated very differently. Warren Buffet was quoted more than 5 years ago indicating the newspaper inductry is in dire financial situation---and its irrever

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