Invalid discount codes, coupons frustrate online shoppers

According to the Coupon Craze survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, 94% of adults have used a coupon to make an online purchase. Groceries are the number one item that coupons are used for (88%) followed by health/beauty products (63%), clothing (54%), electronics (46%), gifts (43%) and travel related items (32%).

Coupon Craze also found that many online shoppers (95%) who had gone to use an online coupon had found them to be out-of-date or invalid. While many would abandon their online shopping cart at this point, over half (57%) proceed with the purchase despite having to pay full whack.

Most online bargain hunters have invested much time and effort into researching discounts and deals and, despite their decision to purchase at full price when a coupon is rejected, the damage to a brand's reputation is already done.

"I was shocked to learn that so many coupon users move forward with a purchase regardless of an expired or faulty coupon," said Coupon Craze CEO, Christian Gordun.

"At Coupon Craze we update our site daily. We strive to provide the most reliable and up-to-date database of coupons to help keep a healthy relationship between consumers and retailers because faulty coupons inevitably hurt both parties."

Tags: coupon codes, Coupon Craze, e-commerce, Harris Interactive, online coupon, online shopper