CouponFollow

What is CouponFollow

CouponFollow is an online platform that helps consumers save money when shopping online. Its main purpose is to find, verify, and share coupon codes and promotional offers from a vast network of online retailers. The service operates a website where users can search for discounts for specific stores, and it also offers a browser extension called Cently. This extension automatically finds and applies the best available coupon codes at checkout, making the saving process seamless for the user. Founded in 2010 by Marc Mezzacca, CouponFollow was created to provide a more reliable source for coupon codes than what was available at the time. The company is now part of System1, a larger technology and marketing firm.

CouponFollow Features

CouponFollow provides several features designed to help shoppers save money easily.

• Extensive Coupon Database: Access to a large collection of promo codes for over 5,000 online stores, covering a wide range of categories from fashion to electronics.
• Real-Time Code Verification: The platform uses technology and community feedback to verify codes, increasing the likelihood that they will work successfully at checkout.
• Cently Browser Extension: A free extension for Chrome and Edge that automates the process of finding and applying coupon codes. When you are at a checkout page, Cently tests available codes and applies the one that gives the biggest discount.
• Trending Deals Section: The website highlights the most popular and current deals, helping users discover top savings opportunities without extensive searching.
• Email Newsletter: Users can subscribe to receive updates on the latest coupons and deals from their favorite brands directly in their inbox.
• Educational Resources: The site includes a blog and articles that offer tips and tricks on how to maximize savings and shop smarter online.

CouponFollow Pricing Plans

CouponFollow is a completely free service for consumers. There are no subscription fees or hidden charges to use the website or the Cently browser extension. The company earns revenue by receiving a commission from the merchant when a user makes a purchase using one of the codes or links found on the platform. This business model allows them to provide the service at no cost to the end-user.

CouponFollow Free Plan

All features of CouponFollow are available for free. Users can browse and use any coupon code on the website without creating an account or paying a fee. The Cently browser extension is also free to download and use. There are no premium tiers or paid plans; the entire platform is supported by its partnerships with retailers.

How to use CouponFollow

There are two primary ways to use CouponFollow to save money.

1. Using the Website:

• Step 1: Go to the CouponFollow website.
• Step 2: Use the search bar to find the online store you want to shop at.
• Step 3: Browse the list of available coupon codes and offers for that store.
• Step 4: Click on the desired offer to reveal the code. The code will be automatically copied to your clipboard.
• Step 5: Go to the merchant's website, add items to your cart, and proceed to checkout.
• Step 6: Paste the copied code into the 'promo code' or 'discount code' box at checkout to apply the discount.

2. Using the Cently Browser Extension:

• Step 1: Install the Cently extension from the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Edge Add-ons store.
• Step 2: Shop online as you normally would.
• Step 3: When you reach the checkout page of a supported store, the Cently extension will automatically appear.
• Step 4: Click the 'Apply Codes' button, and Cently will test available coupons and apply the best one to your order.

Pros and Cons of CouponFollow

Pros:

• Completely Free: The service is free for all users.
• Large Store Directory: Offers coupons for thousands of online retailers.
• Convenient Browser Extension: Cently makes saving money automatic and effortless.
• Verified Codes: The system for verifying codes reduces the frustration of finding expired or invalid offers.
• Easy to Use: Both the website and extension have a simple, user-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Not All Codes Work: Despite verification efforts, some codes may be expired or have specific restrictions.
• Extension Not Always Effective: The Cently extension may not find a working code for every purchase or every store.
• Data Collection: Like most browser extensions, it collects data on browsing and shopping habits.

CouponFollow integrations

CouponFollow does not offer direct integrations with other software applications in the way a typical SaaS tool does. Its primary integration is with web browsers and e-commerce websites through its Cently browser extension.

• Google Chrome integration: The Cently extension is available on the Chrome Web Store and integrates directly into the browser to work on thousands of online shopping sites.
• Microsoft Edge integration: The extension is also available for Microsoft Edge users, providing the same automatic coupon-finding functionality.

CouponFollow Alternatives

• Honey: A very popular competitor with a powerful browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupons. It also offers a rewards program called Honey Gold. It is now owned by PayPal.
• RetailMeNot: One of the largest and oldest coupon websites. It offers a wide variety of in-store and online coupons, cash back offers, and a browser extension.
• Rakuten: Primarily a cash-back service, but it also provides coupon codes. Users can earn a percentage of their purchase back as cash, which can be combined with discounts.
• Capital One Shopping: A free browser extension (available to everyone, not just Capital One customers) that automatically applies coupon codes at checkout and also compares prices across different retailers.

CouponFollow API

Yes, CouponFollow provides a Coupon API for developers and partners. This API is designed for publishers, apps, and other platforms that wish to integrate CouponFollow's extensive database of coupon codes into their own services. It is not a public API with a free key available for anyone; access is typically granted through a partnership agreement.

To get access, interested parties must contact CouponFollow's partnership team to discuss their use case and apply for an API key. The API provides real-time access to coupon data, including codes, descriptions, and expiration dates, usually in a JSON format.

An example of a potential API response might look like this:

{
  "coupons": [
    {
      "id": 12345,
      "merchant": "Example Store",
      "code": "SAVE20",
      "description": "Get 20% Off Your Entire Order",
      "type": "percentage",
      "value": 20,
      "expiration_date": "2024-12-31T23:59:59Z",
      "is_verified": true
    }
  ]
}

CouponFollow Affiliate program

CouponFollow operates a partner program that functions like an affiliate program. They collaborate with publishers, content creators, and influencers who want to provide value to their audience by sharing deals and coupons. Through this program, partners can use CouponFollow's data and links to promote offers from various merchants.

When a user clicks through a partner's link and makes a purchase, the partner earns a commission. Commission rates and payment terms vary depending on the merchant and the terms of the partnership agreement. To join, you typically need to contact their partnerships team through their website. They will review your application, and if approved, provide you with the necessary tools and links to get started.