How to distribute unique codes for restaurants, physical stores, and events
Coupon Carrier helps you distribute unique, single-use codes to customers and verify redemption in the real world—at the counter, at the door, or in-store. Use it to run one-time offers without coupon abuse, and track what gets delivered and redeemed.
In this guide you’ll learn the most common ways businesses use Coupon Carrier for:
- Restaurants & cafes
- Physical (brick-and-mortar) stores
- In-person events
You’ll also get a quick “which method should I use?” decision guide—and links to the exact setup docs.
Quick decision guide: which method should you use?
Use this if you’re not sure where to start:
If you’re sending codes in email
Use Redeem Links (best for welcome offers, win-backs, loyalty, and referrals).
✅ Best for: restaurants, stores, memberships, promos
➡️ Setup guide: How to Distribute Unique Codes Using the Redeem Link
If staff needs to verify in person (counter / kiosk / door)
Use QR code scanning (fastest for staff, best for busy situations).
✅ Best for: events, high-traffic locations, in-person redemption
➡️ Setup guide: Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes
If you already have your own codes (from another system or spreadsheet)
Import them into a Code List, then distribute them using Redeem Links or QR codes.
✅ Best for: switching from paper / legacy systems, migrating existing coupons
➡️ Setup guide: Import Your Own Unique Discount Codes
How verification works (the important part)
Most coupon systems fail at the moment of redemption. Coupon Carrier is built around real-world verification.
There are two main ways offers get marked as redeemed:
- Redeem Link “Mark as Used” button (customer opens a link and the code can be marked used)
- QR code scanning (staff scans and marks used instantly)
➡️ Full guide: How To Mark a Code as Used
Tip: Many businesses use both: Redeem Links for delivery + QR scanning for fast in-person validation.
Restaurants & cafes
Restaurants typically run offers that customers redeem in person, often during peak hours—so staff needs a process that’s quick and fraud-resistant.
Common restaurant offers
- “10% off your next visit” (welcome / win-back)
- Free appetizer / coffee / dessert (single-use)
- Loyalty offers (after X visits / monthly perks)
- “Bring a friend” offers
Recommended setup (most common)
Deliver via email using Redeem Links → verify redemption in person using either:
- Mark as Used button
- QR scanning
What the customer sees: a simple redemption page with their code.
What staff sees: instant confirmation when the code is used.
➡️ Set up delivery: How to Distribute Unique Codes Using the Redeem Link
➡️ Set up in-person scanning: Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes
➡️ Learn all “mark used” options (including admin tools): How To Mark a Code as Used
Physical stores (brick-and-mortar)
Retail stores often want codes delivered digitally, then redeemed at checkout without slowing down the line.
Common store offers
- “$10 off $50” / “15% off next purchase”
- VIP early access / “members-only” coupons
- Seasonal promotions (Black Friday, back-to-school)
- Local partner promos (cross-promotions)
Recommended setup (simple and scalable)
-
Deliver codes using Redeem Links
Verify using:
- QR scanning at checkout (fastest), or
- Mark as Used button for smaller stores
➡️ Deliver codes via email: How to Distribute Unique Codes Using the Redeem Link
➡️ Verify at checkout: Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes
In-person events (concerts, venues, pop-ups, attractions)
Events are where coupon abuse and bottlenecks happen fastest. You need instant verification—especially when staff is checking tickets, entry, or perks.
Common event offers
- Free drink / VIP upgrade
- Entry vouchers / “one-time pass”
- Sponsor activation vouchers
- Merch discounts (one-time)
Recommended setup (best practice)
- Use QR scanning for entry or redemption
- Set “max scans per code” based on your use case (usually 1)
➡️ Setup: Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes
➡️ Full redemption/mark-used guide: How To Mark a Code as Used
Should you import codes or generate them?
You can run campaigns either way:
Import your own codes (best if you already have codes)
- You already have pre-generated codes from another system
- You want full control of the code format
- You’re migrating from paper or legacy tools
➡️ Import guide: Import Your Own Unique Discount Codes
Generate codes in Coupon Carrier (best for automation)
- You want to launch quickly
- You don’t want to manage spreadsheets
- You want automatic assignment and tracking
If you’re not sure: start with importing a small test list, then switch to generated codes later if needed.
Recommended “starter flows” (copy/paste playbooks)
Playbook A: Restaurant welcome offer
Deliver: Redeem Link in email
Redeem: In person
Verify: QR scanning (or Mark as Used)
Links:
- Redeem Link: How to Distribute Unique Codes Using the Redeem Link
- QR Scanner: Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes
- Mark as used options: How To Mark a Code as Used
Playbook B: Retail seasonal promotion
Deliver: Redeem Link (email)
Redeem: In store
Verify: QR scanning at checkout
Links:
- Redeem Link: How to Distribute Unique Codes Using the Redeem Link
- QR Scanner: Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes
Playbook C: Event free drink voucher
Deliver: Email with QR code
Redeem: At bar / entrance
Verify: QR scanning, single-use
Links:
- QR Scanner: Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes
- Mark as used options: How To Mark a Code as Used
Troubleshooting & common questions
“Do customers need an app?”
No. Redemption works in the browser. Staff can scan using a web-based scanner on a phone.
➡️ QR scanning setup: Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes
“How do I prevent codes from being reused?”
Use single-use verification (Mark as Used or QR scanning). Once marked used, a code can’t be redeemed again.
➡️ Full guide: How To Mark a Code as Used
“We already have a list of codes—can we upload them?”
Yes. Import codes into a Code List, then use them in Redeem Links or QR scanning.
➡️ Import guide: Import Your Own Unique Discount Codes
Next step: choose one setup and test it
Most teams start with one of these:
- Redeem Link + Mark as Used (fast to launch)
- Redeem Link + QR scanning (best real-world flow)
Start small, test the redemption flow once, then scale.
➡️ Redeem Link setup: How to Distribute Unique Codes Using the Redeem Link
➡️ QR Scanner setup: Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes