Coupon & Discount Integration
Coupon codes provide a reliable method to attribute sales to affiliates, especially when customers switch devices. This page explains recommended patterns and integration notes.
When to use coupons
- Use coupon attribution when you expect conversions to happen across devices or when strict privacy settings block cookies.
- Use unique codes per affiliate or per campaign for precise attribution.
Implementation patterns
- Single-use affiliate codes: generate unique codes for high-value, limited promotions.
- Persistent affiliate codes: assign a code to each affiliate that can be used repeatedly.
Shopify setup
- Create discount codes in Shopify (manual or via API) and store the mapping to
affiliate_idin Sprusify. - When a discount code is used at checkout, the Shopify order webhook will include the discount code for attribution.
Edge cases & rules
- Code sharing: if affiliates share codes, attribute to the affiliate who owns the code; monitor unusual usage spikes.
- Stacked discounts: define rules for whether affiliate commissions apply on pre-discount or post-discount totals.
Reconciliation & reporting
- Include the discount code in exports so finance teams can match orders to affiliates.
- Reconcile refunds and code reversals to adjust affiliate balances.
Developer notes
- Validate discount code presence on
orders/createwebhook and run attribution logic synchronously. - For bulk code creation, use Shopify API rate limiting best practices and store a mapping table with
discount_code -> affiliate_id.
Using coupons alongside cookies increases attribution coverage and reduces lost conversions.
- Each affiliate can have a unique coupon code or a coupon prefixed by their ID.
- When an order uses a coupon linked to an affiliate, the order is attributed immediately to that affiliate.
Implementation steps
- Create a coupon template in the app (Admin > Coupons > New Coupon).
- Assign the coupon to an affiliate or a campaign.
- Publish the coupon (Shopify discount is created automatically for connected stores).
Testing
- Place a test order using the coupon code and confirm the affiliate is credited in Transactions.
Edge cases & tips
- If multiple coupons or links are used, coupon attribution typically takes priority over an expired tracking cookie.
- For stackable discounts, verify Shopify’s discount priority settings to ensure correct totals.