Printable Coupon Leader Introduces Significant Improvements for Consumers

Couponstar re-designs coupon solutions to enhance online experience

Couponstar, the leading provider of consumer-printed coupon marketing and technology solutions, today announced the release of a significant upgrade to its coupon printing system and “Coupon Printer” technology." The enhancement follows the increasing use of consumer printable-coupons in online marketing campaigns by major FMCG companies including Unilever, Pedigree Pet Foods, GlaxoSmithKline Kline, and Ocean Spray.

With the upgrade, which is resultant of significant consultation and consumer testing, Couponstar is introducing a more streamlined, consumer-friendly format to the market, which will allow consumers to navigate their way more easily and rapidly through the coupon/voucher printing process without compromising security.

Drawing on the responses from hundreds of consumers and its five years of experience enabling consumers to print secure manufacturer and retailer coupons, Couponstar has developed the new system to reflect the growing expectations of the consumer. As Jared Keen, Managing Director, Couponstar explains, “Security has been the prominent issue within the online marketing arena over the past year, with fear of phishing and email security commonly stated as the reasons for consumers failing to engage with brands online. However, despite this focus on security, experience is ultimately the most influential factor.”

Keen continues, “Through listening to our clients and their consumers we have discovered that consistency, speed of navigation and how easy the interface is to use are key. The circumstances under which a consumer is asked to install the “Coupon Printer” have not changed; it is still a one-time download and install. The most significant change is that instead of a browser-driven ActiveX install the consumer will simply download and run a typical Windows installer. The new “Coupon Printer” now supports Windows Vista as well as earlier versions of Windows, and continues our support for Mac Safari users. Additionally we have improved the instructions at each stage of the process and provided more opportunities for the consumer to provide feedback on their experience, enabling us to tailor the process accordingly.”

The development process of the new coupon interface contained five main stages. After initial consultation with Couponstar, The Hiser Group, part of the Serco Group of Companies, a leading usability and user-centered design company, produced interactive process mock-ups to be tested in “one on one” usability tests. Following the results of these preliminary tests the new interfaces were put in front of consumers for testing and feedback and the final version of the site was returned to Couponstar for final development and integration.

The new interface will be live across Couponstar’s CouponNETTM and CouponSOLOTM platforms by mid September and is scheduled to go live across Couponstar’s BricksTM platform a few weeks after in October.

As Keen concludes, “With the Internet becoming an increasingly popular channel with consumers there is discussion about ensuring that your web application delivers, but few companies are turning this talk into action. With the newest release of Couponstar’s already-visionary coupon printing solution we are keen to enhance the user experience we provide and look forward to learning more as consumers continue to use printable coupons more frequently.”

Couponstar currently works with over 50 brands, including some of the world’s leading consumer packaged goods manufacturers, retailers, digital marketing and sales promotion agencies as well as media owners. Its CouponNET™ Network is the UK’s largest coupon network providing marketers with access to the growing Internet audience, making it easy for them to target hundreds of thousands of interested consumers every month, and launch new coupon promotions within a matter of minutes rather than days.