Manufacturer FAQs
Which coupons have the highest redemption rate?
Our Analytical Services group provides analysis regarding distribution and redemption trends. Annually, we publish Worldwide Coupon Distribution and Redemption Trends, a study that includes information regarding average redemption rates by media and category. We can provide you with this study to assist in your review of redemption rates. Custom studies are also available for your brand by a variety of coupon characteristics such as face value and expiration date.
I'd like to order a copy of the most recent Worldwide Coupon Distribution and Redemption Trends publication? Who do I contact?
The most recent edition of the Worldwide Coupon Distribution and Redemption Trends publication is available for $295 (US). To order the publication or for additional information, please contact Dianne Kamenear at 847-317-5587 or mchan@NCHMarketing.com.
Can you help me with the design of the coupon?
Yes, NCH has a series of guidelines to help you design your coupons. For more information, contact Karyn Polak, kpolak@NCHMarketing.com. Please make sure to put "coupon design" in the subject section of your email. Industry recommended standards and other guidelines regarding coupons are also available in the JICC Complete Guide To Coupons which is available from the GMA at www.gmabrands.com.
Can you help me with bar coding my coupon?
Yes. NCH has a coding guide that can be sent to you. NCH recommends EAN-128 Format 1 currently, and we are available to walk you through the elements of the bar code and how they are used. For more information, contact Karyn Polak, kpolak@NCHMarketing.com. Please make sure to put "bar coding guidelines" in the subject section of your email.
Does NCH supply the numbers for the coupon bar code?
NCH provides the offer tracking code which will be used in the redemption process and serves to identify your offer. The MIN code is assigned by the UCC and is related to your product UPC, depending on coupon format. The manufacturer assigns the family code, and the value code is taken from a set table. All the other numbers are either check digits, application identifiers, or number system characters that will be generated by your coding software. For more information regarding coupon bar codes, please contact kpolak@NCHMarketing.com.
What is a family code and who is responsible for establishing family codes? How do these get communicated to the industry?
A family code identifies the product or grouping of products for which a coupon is valid. For example, utilizing a family code on your coupon will ensure that the correct flavor or size is purchased by the consumer in order to receive a discount, when a coupon is scanned by a retailer utilizing validation files.
Family codes are established by the manufacturer after taking into consideration how their products/brands are marketed and the related couponing efforts. NCH can provide guidance in establishing or revising family codes.
The establishment of a family code structure is a two-step process. The first step is to develop the appropriate family code structure. The second step is to communicate the structure to the industry and retailers. Communication to retailers may occur in several ways - through sales/broker groups, through direct mailings to your retailers/customers, or through NCH.
How do I code a coupon that has a value that is not listed on the UPC Value Code list?
The UPC Value Code list is the industry recommendation for the coding of coupons. If you do not find the value of your coupon on the list, the checker intervention value of '00' may be used. Keep in mind that use of this value code may result in additional costs charged by some retailers, as the coupon may be considered "hard to handle."
If I have never couponed before, how long does it take to open a box with NCH?
We recommend at least 30 days so that we have time to communicate the new redemption address to other clearinghouses. We can release a redemption address and offer codes as soon as we have a signed agreement.
What do redemption services cost?
This is determined by the volume of coupons redeemed and is usually expressed as an amount per thousand coupons redeemed. NCH will gladly work with your distribution plans to arrive at a redemption estimate and a price per thousand redeemed.
What about other costs?
When budgeting for a coupon, plan on reimbursing the retailer the face value of the coupon plus $.08 for their handling of the coupon, as well as, their shipping and handling costs which can vary widely. You also will want to include your redemption costs.
I am not sure how long the coupon should be valid, and how long does it take for retailers to submit coupons?
The duration or length of time the offer is valid to consumers depends on many things; the promotional objective, the distribution media, product shelf life, etc. all which should be weighed carefully. Retailers will expect some time to submit the coupon past the printed expiration date. This period, called a grace period, can range from three to twelve months after the printed expiration date but should take into account the needs of the smallest, remotest retailer that will be submitting your coupons via standard mail (six months is recommended by industry standards). Remember, not all retailers submit coupons on a daily basis.
How can I better analyze my redemption? Can you help me evaluate the effectiveness of our recent promotions?
There are a number of tools that can be utilized to perform analysis on your recent promotions. NCH's on-line software LAUNCH® will allow you to review coupon information and retailer information in real time. In addition, we can provide standard or customized reporting that will assist in your evaluation of promotions. Lastly, we offer analysis tools that will allow you to evaluate your promotions at the market level.
Can you provide information on my competitor's promotions?
Through our Analytical Services group we are able to provide two types of competitive analysis. One analysis is based on distribution trends for the top manufacturers in your category. The other analysis is based on redemption information from NCH proprietary data. Both of these can also be customized to meet your market needs.
How is NCH different from other clearinghouses?
Timely payments, superior information delivery, and responsive customer service are the hallmarks of NCH. Today's retailers expect payments in a timely manner. NCH is the only clearinghouse to pay via ACH transfers to most retailers or their agents and only NCH provides electronic payment remittance to back up our payments. This means no delays in applying funds and information from NCH.
Also, NCH features proven software solutions for our clients such as LAUNCH® for manufacturers and BENCHMARK™ for retailers.
Finally, NCH account teams are fully trained to understand the needs of CPG retailers and manufacturers and provide solutions to those needs in a timely manner.
I submitted coupons to NCH. How can I check the status of my payment or ask other questions about the payment I received?
Call the NCH Retailer Relations Service Center which is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (CST) Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is 1-800-833-7096.
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