Discount Codes
Discount codes help you offer special promotions, early bird pricing, or member benefits for your events and group memberships.
Overview
Discount codes allow you to:
- Offer percentage or fixed-amount discounts
- Create promotional campaigns for events or memberships
- Reward early sign-ups or loyal members
- Control usage with limits and expiration dates
- Track redemption and revenue impact
Accessing Discount Codes
- Navigate to your Group Settings
- Click Discount Codes in the sidebar
- View all your active and inactive codes
Creating Discount Codes
Basic Setup
- Click Create Code button
- Enter a unique code identifier (e.g., SUMMER2024, WELCOME10)
- Add an optional description for your own reference
:::tip Code Naming Use uppercase letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Make codes memorable and relevant to the promotion (e.g., EARLYBIRD, NEWMEMBER, SPRING25). :::
Code Identifier Requirements
- Length: 3-50 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, underscores (_), hyphens (-)
- Case: Automatically converted to uppercase
- Must be unique within your group
Discount Types
Choose the type of discount that best fits your promotion:
Percentage Discount
Reduces the price by a percentage:
- Enter a value between 1-100
- Examples: 10% off, 25% off, 50% off
- Best for flexible pricing across different ticket types
Example: A 20% code on a $50 ticket = $10 discount
Fixed Amount Discount
Reduces the price by a specific dollar amount:
- Enter amount in dollars (up to $10,000)
- Examples: $5 off, $10 off, $25 off
- Best for consistent savings regardless of price
Example: A $10 code on a $50 ticket = $40 final price
:::note Fee Calculations Discounts are applied to the subtotal before platform and processing fees are calculated. :::
Applies To: Events vs. Memberships
Each discount code can apply to either events or memberships:
Events Only
- Code works for event ticket purchases
- Can be limited to specific events or all events
- Applies once at checkout
Memberships Only
- Code works for joining your group
- Reduces membership fees
- Includes duration options (see below)
:::warning Important A discount code cannot apply to both events and memberships. Choose one type when creating the code. :::
Membership Discount Duration
When creating a membership discount, specify how long the discount applies:
First Payment Only
- Discount applied only to the initial membership payment
- Subsequent renewals are full price
- Best for: Welcome offers, new member incentives
Example: "WELCOME50" gives 50% off first month only
All Payments (Forever)
- Discount applies to every billing cycle
- Continues indefinitely for that member
- Best for: Permanent member benefits, scholarships
Example: "VIP25" gives 25% off every month forever
Limited Months
- Discount applies for a specific number of months (1-36)
- After the limit, member pays full price
- Best for: Trial periods, promotional campaigns
Example: "SPRING3" gives discount for first 3 months only
:::tip Strategic Use Use "First Payment Only" to attract new members, "Limited Months" for promotions, and "Forever" sparingly for special cases like board members or volunteers. :::
Limiting to Specific Events
For event discount codes, you can:
Apply to All Events
- Leave event selection empty
- Code works on any event in your group
- Best for: Group-wide promotions
Apply to Specific Events
- Select one or more events from the list
- Code only works on those events
- Best for: Event-specific early bird pricing
Example Use Cases:
- Early bird code for summer camp only
- Member discount for field trips only
- Partner organization discount for specific workshops
Usage Limits
Control how many times your code can be used:
Unlimited
- No restrictions on usage
- Code can be used indefinitely (until expired)
- Best for: General promotions, member benefits
Per Member
- Each member can use the code a specific number of times
- Example: 3 uses per member
- Best for: Preventing abuse while allowing flexibility
- Tracks usage per user account
Total Uses
- Code becomes inactive after X total uses
- Example: First 50 people to use the code
- Best for: Flash sales, limited promotions
- Creates urgency
Current Uses Tracking: The system automatically tracks how many times each code has been used and displays current usage vs. limits.
Member-Only Codes
For event discount codes, you can restrict usage:
Member-Only Enabled
- Only active group members can use the code
- Non-members see an error message
- Best for: Member perks, early access
Available to Everyone
- Anyone can use the code, including non-members
- Best for: Public promotions, attracting new families
:::note Membership Codes Membership discount codes cannot be member-only (since they're used when joining the group). :::
Expiration Dates
Set when codes stop working:
- No Expiration: Code works indefinitely
- Specific Date: Select calendar date when code expires
- Automatic Expiration: Code automatically deactivates on expiration date
:::tip Best Practice Always set expiration dates for promotional codes to create urgency and control costs. :::
Managing Discount Codes
Viewing Discount Codes
Your discount codes table shows:
- Code: The unique identifier (click copy icon to copy)
- Discount: Amount and type (10% off, $5 off)
- Applies To: Events or Memberships
- Usage: Current uses / limit (or "Unlimited")
- Status: Active, Inactive, Expired, or Limit Reached
Status Indicators
Active (Green)
- Code is working and can be used
- Within usage limits and not expired
Inactive (Gray)
- Manually deactivated by you
- Can be reactivated anytime
Expired (Red)
- Past the expiration date
- Cannot be used (can be edited to extend)
Limit Reached (Amber)
- Total usage limit reached
- No longer accepting redemptions
Show Inactive Codes
Toggle Show inactive codes to:
- View all codes (active and inactive)
- Filter to only active codes
Editing Discount Codes
- Click the three-dot menu on a code
- Select Edit
- Modify any settings:
- Code name
- Discount type and amount
- Usage limits
- Expiration date
- Event restrictions
- Click Update Code
:::note Usage Tracking You can edit usage limits, but current usage count cannot be manually changed. It tracks actual redemptions. :::
Deactivating vs. Deleting
Deactivate a Code
- Click the three-dot menu
- Select Deactivate
- Code becomes inactive but remains in your list
- Can be reactivated later
When to Deactivate:
- Temporarily pause a promotion
- End a sale but keep the record
- Want to preserve usage statistics
Delete a Code
- Click the three-dot menu
- Select Delete
- Confirm deletion
- Code is permanently removed
When to Delete:
- Code was created by mistake
- No longer need the record
- Clean up old/unused codes
:::warning Cannot Undo Deleting a discount code is permanent and cannot be undone. Consider deactivating instead if you want to preserve the record. :::
Impact on Existing Orders
Active Registrations
- Changing or deleting a code does not affect existing registrations
- Members who already used the code keep their discount
- Only new registrations are affected
Refunds and Cancellations
- If someone cancels, refund is based on what they paid (with discount applied)
- Discount code is not "refunded" for reuse in per-user limits
Viewing Discount Code Usage
Click on a discount code to view detailed usage:
Usage Statistics
- Total Uses: How many times the code has been used
- Remaining Uses: How many uses are left (if limited)
- Total Discounted: Revenue impact (total amount discounted)
Usage History
View up to 50 recent uses showing:
- User: Who used the code
- Date/Time: When it was used
- Amount: How much was discounted
- Order: Link to the associated registration or membership
Event Details
For event-specific codes:
- List of events the code applies to
- Event names, dates, and status
- Quick navigation to event management
How Members Apply Codes
During Event Checkout
- Member proceeds to payment step
- Clicks Have a discount code?
- Enters the code
- Clicks Apply
- Sees discount reflected in order summary
- Completes payment with reduced total
During Group Join
- New member starts join process
- On payment step, enters discount code
- Duration displayed (e.g., "First payment only", "3 months")
- Discount applied to checkout
- Future billing reflects duration settings
Error Messages
Members see helpful errors if:
- Code doesn't exist
- Code is inactive or expired
- Code is for wrong type (event vs. membership)
- Code is member-only and they're not a member
- Usage limit reached (total or per-user)
- Code doesn't apply to that specific event
:::tip Member Communication Share discount codes via announcements, emails, or social media. Include expiration dates and any restrictions to set clear expectations. :::
Best Practices
Strategic Discount Amounts
Events:
- Early bird: 10-20% off
- Member perks: 15-25% off
- Flash sales: Up to 50% off
- Fixed amount for simplicity: $5-$10 off
Memberships:
- New members: 25-50% first payment
- Promotional periods: 10-20% for 3-6 months
- Partner discounts: 15-30% ongoing
- Trial offers: 50% off first month
Managing Costs
- Set usage limits to control total discount impact
- Use expiration dates to create urgency
- Monitor usage regularly to gauge effectiveness
- Adjust based on results - increase limits if underused, decrease if costly
Code Organization
- Naming convention: Use consistent patterns (SEASON-YEAR, PURPOSE-AMOUNT)
- Descriptions: Note the campaign or purpose for your records
- Regular cleanup: Archive or delete old codes periodically
Promotional Campaigns
Effective strategies:
- Early bird codes with expiration before event
- Member referral codes for new members
- Seasonal promotions aligned with your calendar
- Limited-quantity codes for urgency
- Member appreciation codes for loyalty
Common Use Cases
Early Bird Event Pricing
Code: EARLYBIRD
Type: Percentage - 20%
Applies To: Specific event (Summer Camp)
Usage Limit: Unlimited
Expires: 2 weeks before event
New Member Welcome
Code: WELCOME
Type: Percentage - 50%
Applies To: Memberships
Duration: First payment only
Usage Limit: Unlimited
Expires: End of month
Flash Sale
Code: FLASH24
Type: Fixed amount - $10
Applies To: All events
Usage Limit: First 25 uses
Expires: 48 hours from now
Member Exclusive
Code: MEMBERLOVE
Type: Percentage - 15%
Applies To: All events
Member Only: Yes
Usage Limit: 3 per member
Expires: End of season
Partner Organization
Code: PARTNER2024
Type: Percentage - 20%
Applies To: Memberships
Duration: Forever
Usage Limit: Unlimited
Expires: Never
Troubleshooting
Code Not Working for Members
Check:
- Is the code active?
- Has it expired?
- Is the usage limit reached?
- Does it apply to events/memberships correctly?
- Is it member-only and user isn't a member?
- Does it apply to that specific event (if event-restricted)?
Discount Not Applied Correctly
Verify:
- Discount type (percentage vs. fixed amount)
- Amount is correct
- Fees are calculated after discount
- Member is looking at the right line item
Cannot Edit Code
Common reasons:
- Not a group owner or co-leader
- Code was deleted
- Browser cache issue (try refreshing)
What's Next?
Learn about related payment features:
- Tickets & Pricing - Configure event tickets and add-ons
- Scholarship Invoices - Generate invoices for scholarship families
- Stripe Payments - Set up your payment account
- Membership Fees - Configure group membership billing