BizSugar.com › Marketing › What Science Says About Discounts, Promotions and Free Offers

In 1887, Coca-Cola distributed the first-ever coupon. Little did the company realize how important the concept would be in shaping the future of commerce. With the Coca-Cola voucher, recipients could redeem one free glass of Coke at any dispensary. Coke, which was introduced a year earlier, benefitted from this marketing strategy as it encouraged both consumer and vendor adoption. Families would visit their local pharmacies to get their free Coke and give it a try. In turn, pharmacy owners would tap Coca-Cola to replenish their supply as demand grew. The manufacturer’s coupons worked, and it was just the beginning of something much bigger.