🆕Discount Codes Bulk Create

Introduction

The Bulk Create Discount Codes feature allows you to generate multiple discount codes at once without assigning them to specific customers. These generic codes can be distributed manually through any channel you choose - social media, print materials, influencer partnerships, or physical locations.

What This Feature Does:

  • Creates a specified number of discount codes instantly

  • All codes share the same discount rules and restrictions

  • Codes are not assigned to specific customers

  • You distribute them however you want

  • Perfect for influencer campaigns, social media, print ads, and in-store promotions

How It Works:

  1. You configure discount settings (value, type, usage rules)

  2. You specify how many codes to create

  3. The app generates all codes in Shopify

  4. You download the codes

  5. You distribute them through your chosen channels

Key Differences from Bulk Send:

  • No recipients needed - codes not tied to specific customers

  • No emails sent - you handle distribution

  • All codes identical - same rules for all, different codes

  • More flexible - use codes anywhere

  • Manual tracking - you manage who gets what

Key Benefits:

  • Generate hundreds of codes in minutes

  • Use across multiple marketing channels

  • Share with influencers and partners

  • Print on flyers, posters, or packaging

  • Post on social media

  • Complete distribution flexibility

💡 Common Use Cases

Social Media Giveaways

Create codes to share on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Example: Generate 50 codes for "SUMMER20" - 20% off, post one per day

Perfect for: Building social media engagement, rewarding followers


Influencer Partnerships

Generate unique codes for different influencers to track their performance.

Example: Create 20 codes, assign one to each influencer, track which drives most sales

Perfect for: Influencer marketing, affiliate programs, brand ambassadors


Create codes for physical marketing materials.

Example: 100 codes for "FLYER10" to print on direct mail pieces

Perfect for: Catalogs, postcards, newspaper inserts, packaging inserts


In-Store Promotions

Generate codes for customers to use online after visiting your physical store.

Example: "THANKYOU15" codes handed out at retail locations

Perfect for: Driving online traffic from physical stores, event promotions


Trade Show Distribution

Create codes to distribute at conferences and events.

Example: 500 codes for "CONF2025" - 25% off for conference attendees

Perfect for: Lead capture, event follow-up, networking


Partner/Affiliate Programs

Generate codes for business partners to distribute.

Example: 30 codes for different retailers carrying your products

Perfect for: B2B partnerships, wholesale customers, resellers


Email Signature Campaigns

Create codes for team members to include in email signatures.

Example: 10 codes for "CONNECT10" - each team member gets one

Perfect for: Leveraging team communications for marketing


Loyalty Program Welcome Gifts

Generate codes for new loyalty program members.

Example: 200 codes for "WELCOME10" distributed upon signup

Perfect for: Loyalty program onboarding, membership benefits


Seasonal Bulk Codes

Create large batches for seasonal promotions across all channels.

Example: 1000 "WINTER25" codes for December marketing

Perfect for: Multi-channel campaigns, broad seasonal promotions


QR Code Campaigns

Generate codes to embed in QR codes on packaging or displays.

Example: 100 codes for "SCAN15" linked to QR codes

Perfect for: Interactive packaging, retail displays, product tags

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Navigate to Bulk Create Discount Codes

  1. Log into your Gift Card Factory app in Shopify Admin

  2. Go to Bulk Operations section

  3. Click Create Bulk Operation

  4. Select Bulk Create Discount Codes from the options

Step 2: Set Title and Count

These basic fields define your operation.

Title

What it is: Internal name for this batch of discount codes in Shopify

Requirements:

  • Required field

  • Shows in Shopify Admin → Discounts

  • Should be descriptive for easy identification

Best Practices:

Include:

  • Campaign name

  • Channel/purpose

  • Date or season

  • Discount details

Examples:

  • "Instagram Summer20 Promotion - June 2025"

  • "Influencer Partnership SPRING25 - Q2"

  • "Trade Show CONF2025 25% Off"

  • "Print Flyer SAVE10 - Newsletter Insert"

  • "In-Store Promotion THANKYOU15"

Tips:

  • Be specific - you'll have many discount campaigns

  • Include date for easy sorting

  • Note the channel for tracking

  • Keep under 50 characters if possible


Count

What it is: Number of discount codes to generate

Requirements:

  • Required field

  • Must be at least 1

  • Positive integer only

How to decide:

Small batches (10-50):

  • Individual influencers

  • Team email signatures

  • Small event attendees

  • Testing new campaigns

Medium batches (50-200):

  • Social media campaigns

  • Partner programs

  • Monthly promotions

  • Moderate-sized events

Large batches (200-1000+):

  • Print campaigns

  • Trade shows

  • Multi-channel promotions

  • Seasonal campaigns

  • High-traffic social posts

Considerations:

  • Estimate realistic distribution

  • Consider code sharing (multiply by 2-3x expected)

  • Balance between scarcity and availability

  • Account for growth over campaign period

Examples:

  • 20 influencers × 1 code each = 20 codes

  • Daily Instagram post × 30 days = 30 codes

  • 500 flyer distribution + 50% buffer = 750 codes

  • 100 trade show attendees × 2 (sharing) = 200 codes


Step 3: Configure Discount Value

This section is identical to Bulk Send. Define the core discount customers receive.

Discount Type

Fixed Amount:

  • Deducts specific monetary amount

  • Example: $10 off, $25 off

  • Works with minimum purchase requirements

  • Currency: Your store's default

Percentage:

  • Deducts percentage of order total

  • Example: 15% off, 20% off

  • Scales with order value

  • Max: 100%

Selection tips:

  • Fixed: Better for high-value items, controlled costs

  • Percentage: Better for varying cart values, encourages larger orders


Value

Enter the discount amount or percentage.

For Fixed:

  • Enter number only (e.g., 10, 25, 50)

  • Shows with currency symbol

  • Example: $10 off

For Percentage:

  • Enter percentage (e.g., 15, 20, 25)

  • Shows with % symbol

  • Example: 20% off

Strategy:

  • Public codes: Start conservative (10-15%)

  • Limited distribution: Can be more generous (20-30%)

  • Influencer codes: Track performance before increasing

  • Test different values across batches


Usage Type

Specific Collections:

  • Discount applies only to selected collections

  • Click Browse to choose

  • Good for: Category promotions, clearing inventory

Specific Products:

  • Discount applies only to selected products

  • Click Browse to choose

  • Good for: Feature promotions, new product launches

All Products (Default):

  • If nothing selected, applies to everything

  • Banner confirms: "Discount will be applied to all products and collections"

  • Good for: Store-wide promotions, simplicity

Tips:

  • More restrictions = less confusion

  • Test checkout before distributing

  • Consider: "20% off Summer Collection"


Purchase Type

One-time Purchase:

  • Regular purchases only

  • Excludes subscriptions

Subscription:

  • Subscription orders only

  • Encourages recurring revenue

Both:

  • Works for any purchase type

  • Maximum flexibility


Once Per Order (Fixed Amount Only)

Unchecked:

  • Discount applies per qualifying item

  • Example: $10 off × 3 items = $30 off

Checked:

  • Discount applies once to order total

  • Example: $10 off total

Best for bulk codes: Usually checked (controlled costs)


Step 4: Minimum Purchase Requirements

Ensure profitability by setting purchase minimums.

No Minimum Requirements

  • Code works on any cart value

  • Maximum accessibility

  • Risk: Low average orders

Use when:

  • Building awareness

  • Low-value discount

  • Testing new customers


Minimum Purchase Amount

  • Customer must spend at least this much

  • Enter amount in your currency

  • Example: Minimum $50 purchase

Strategy:

  • Set 3-5x discount value

  • For $10 off: Minimum $40-50

  • For 20% off: Minimum $30-40

  • Ensures profitability

Best for:

  • Public codes (prevent abuse)

  • Higher discount values

  • Maintaining margins


Minimum Quantity of Items

  • Customer must buy at least X items

  • Enter number of items

  • Example: Minimum 3 items

Use for:

  • Bundle deals

  • Inventory clearance

  • Multi-item categories (apparel, accessories)


Step 5: Usage Limits

Critical for bulk codes - prevents abuse and sharing.

Limit Number of Times Each Code Can Be Used in Total

Highly Recommended: Check this box

Enter total usage limit:

  • General public: 50-100 uses

  • Influencer specific: 100-200 uses

  • Limited campaign: 10-50 uses

  • Print distribution: 500-1000 uses

Why limit:

  • Prevents unlimited sharing

  • Controls discount costs

  • Creates urgency

  • Tracks campaign performance

If unlimited:

  • Code can go viral (good or bad)

  • Budget risk

  • Hard to track effectiveness

  • Consider for awareness campaigns only


Limit to One Use Per Customer

Recommended: Check this box

Why:

  • Prevents single customer from abusing code

  • Encourages first-time buyers

  • Fair distribution across customers

When to uncheck:

  • Loyalty program codes

  • VIP customer codes

  • Long-term partnerships


Step 6: Combines With

Control discount stacking.

Product Discounts

  • Checked: Stacks with sale prices

  • Unchecked: Cannot combine with product discounts

Recommendation for bulk codes: Usually unchecked (protect margins)


Order Discounts

  • Checked: Works with cart-level discounts

  • Unchecked: Cannot stack with order discounts

Recommendation: Unchecked (one discount per order)


Shipping Discounts

  • Checked: Can combine with free shipping

  • Unchecked: Separate from shipping deals

Recommendation: Your choice - shipping combos can boost conversions


Step 7: Active Dates

Set when codes become active and when they expire.

Start Date & Time

When codes become usable.

Configuration:

  1. Click "From" button

  2. Select timezone

  3. Choose date

  4. Set time

  5. Click Save

Common scenarios:

  • Immediate: Now

  • Campaign launch: Specific date/time

  • Event day: Date of conference/promotion

  • Print distribution: When materials are distributed

Important: Don't distribute codes before start date!


End Date & Time

When codes expire.

Configuration:

  1. Click "To" button

  2. Set expiry date/time

  3. Click Save

Recommendations by type:

Social media codes:

  • 24-72 hours: Flash sales

  • 1 week: Standard promotion

  • 1 month: Ongoing campaign

Influencer codes:

  • 30-60 days: Gives them time to promote

  • 90 days: Long-term partnerships

Print codes:

  • 30-60 days: Reasonable redemption window

  • 90 days: For mailed materials

Event codes:

  • 7-14 days post-event: Captures momentum

  • 30 days: More generous window

Important:

  • Clearly communicate expiry when distributing

  • Build in buffer for timezone differences

  • Consider reminder posts before expiry


Step 8: Configure Data Management

Track and manage your generated codes.

Allow Discount Codes Data Download

Highly Recommended: Check this box

What you get:

  • CSV file with all generated codes

  • Access from Bulk Operations section

  • Expires after 3 days

  • Contains: Code, discount details, usage limits, expiry

Use download for:

  • ✅ Distributing to influencers (email them their codes)

  • ✅ Creating QR codes

  • ✅ Print materials preparation

  • ✅ Social media scheduling

  • ✅ Tracking which codes you've distributed

  • ✅ Backup records

Critical for bulk create: You NEED this to distribute codes!


Send Internal Email with All Generated Codes

Recommended: Check this box

What it does:

  • Emails complete list of codes to specified addresses

  • Immediate notification when operation completes

  • Backup of all codes

Use when:

  • ✅ Multiple team members need codes

  • ✅ Want immediate access (don't have to log in)

  • ✅ Need email record

  • ✅ Distributing to partners via email


Email Address

Appears when: "Send internal email" is checked

Enter: Single email:

Multiple emails (comma-separated):

Who to include:

  • Marketing team (needs codes for campaigns)

  • Design team (needs codes for graphics)

  • Partnerships (needs codes for influencers)

  • Anyone distributing codes


Step 9: Choose Execution Method

Send Now (Recommended)

What happens:

  • Codes generated immediately

  • Takes seconds to minutes

  • Download available right away

  • Can proceed with distribution

Use when:

  • ✅ Ready to distribute now

  • ✅ Time-sensitive campaign

  • ✅ Need codes urgently

Process:

  1. Click "Create now"

  2. Redirected to Bulk Operations

  3. Status: "Processing"

  4. Codes generated

  5. Status: "Completed"

  6. Download available

Time:

  • 100 codes: 30 seconds

  • 500 codes: 1-2 minutes

  • 1000+ codes: 2-5 minutes


Schedule

What happens:

  • Codes generated at future date/time

  • Automatic execution

  • Download available after execution

Use when:

  • ✅ Preparing for future campaign

  • ✅ Coordinating with launch date

  • ✅ Setting up in advance

Scheduling:

  • Select timezone

  • Choose date

  • Set time (24-hour format)

  • One-time execution only

Example: Schedule for Friday 8 AM when campaign launches publicly


Step 10: Review and Execute

Pre-launch checklist:

  • ✅ Title is descriptive

  • ✅ Count matches your needs

  • ✅ Discount value is correct

  • ✅ Usage restrictions set

  • ✅ Usage limits enabled (critical!)

  • ✅ Limit to 1 use per customer (recommended)

  • ✅ Expiry date set

  • ✅ Download enabled (critical!)

  • ✅ Internal email configured

Common mistakes:

  • Forgetting usage limits (unlimited code sharing!)

  • No expiry date (codes valid forever)

  • Wrong count (too many or too few)

  • Not enabling download (can't distribute codes!)

Test before large batches:

  1. Create 5 test codes

  2. Download and review

  3. Test one code at checkout

  4. Verify all restrictions work

  5. Then create full batch


Distributing Your Codes

Method 1: Social Media

Platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn

Distribution strategies:

One code for all:

  • Post single code publicly

  • Example: "Use SUMMER20 for 20% off!"

  • Easy for customers

  • Hard to track

Unique codes daily:

  • Post different code each day

  • Example: Day 1: CODE001, Day 2: CODE002

  • Creates repeat engagement

  • Tracks daily performance

Story/Reel specific:

  • Different code per story or reel

  • Track which content performs best

  • Example: Reel A: REEL01, Reel B: REEL02

Best practices:

  • Make code easy to remember/type

  • Include clear call-to-action

  • State expiry date prominently

  • Use eye-catching graphics

  • Pin post for visibility


Method 2: Influencer Distribution

Process:

  1. Download CSV with codes

  2. Assign specific codes to each influencer

  3. Email them their unique code

  4. Track usage per influencer

  5. Calculate ROI per partner

Email template:

Hi [Name],

Here's your exclusive discount code to share with your audience:

Code: INFLUENCER123
Discount: 20% off all products
Expires: February 28, 2025
Link: yourstore.com/discount/INFLUENCER123

We're excited to partner with you!

Tracking:

  • Document which influencer has which code

  • Monitor usage in Shopify Admin

  • Calculate commission based on sales

  • Identify top performers

Tips:

  • Longer expiry (60-90 days) for influencers

  • Higher usage limits (100-200)

  • Provide marketing materials

  • Create tracking spreadsheet


Method 3: Print Materials

Materials: Flyers, postcards, catalogs, business cards, packaging inserts

Design considerations:

  • Large, readable font for code

  • Clear instructions: "Enter SAVE10 at checkout"

  • Include website URL

  • State expiry date

  • Add QR code option

Print guidelines:

  • Test scan QR codes before mass printing

  • Proof-read code carefully

  • Consider unique codes per batch (track which materials performed)

  • Use stickers if adding to existing materials

Distribution:

  • Direct mail

  • In-package inserts

  • Trade show handouts

  • Point-of-sale displays

  • Partner locations


Method 4: Email Marketing

Integration:

  • Import codes into email platform

  • Assign unique code per subscriber

  • Or use one code for entire campaign

Email tactics:

  • Subject line: "Your exclusive 20% discount inside"

  • Hero section: Display code prominently

  • Countdown timer to create urgency

  • Clear "Shop Now" CTA

Segmentation:

  • Different codes for different segments

  • Track which segments convert best

  • Personalize based on behavior


Method 5: QR Codes

Creation:

  1. Generate QR code with link: yourstore.com/discount/CODE123

  2. Shopify applies discount automatically when clicking link

  3. Customer doesn't need to enter code manually

Use QR codes on:

  • Packaging

  • Product displays

  • Posters

  • Business cards

  • Event badges

  • Table tents

  • Window displays

Tools for generating:

  • qr-code-generator.com

  • Canva (built-in QR feature)

  • Shopify QR code apps

Best practices:

  • Test QR codes on multiple devices

  • Ensure link works

  • Place at eye level

  • Include "Scan for 20% off" text

  • Ensure adequate size (minimum 2cm × 2cm)


Method 6: In-Store/Event Distribution

Physical handout:

  • Print codes on cards

  • Include in shopping bags

  • Hand out at checkout

  • Distribute at events

Instructions for staff:

  • Explain what code offers

  • State expiry date

  • Show how to use online

  • Encourage signup if needed

Signage:

  • "Shop online with code STORE15"

  • "Thank you! Use THANKYOU10 on your next order"

  • Display at register, entrance, exit


Method 7: Partner/Affiliate Programs

B2B distribution:

  1. Assign codes to business partners

  2. They distribute to their customers

  3. Track sales per partner

  4. Pay commission or wholesale discount

Partnership email:

Dear Partner,

Here are your customer discount codes for Q1:

Codes: PARTNER001 through PARTNER050
Discount: 15% off
Usage: 20 times per code
Expires: March 31, 2025

You'll receive 10% commission on all sales.

Attached: Full code list and marketing materials

Method 8: Team Distribution

Team member campaigns:

  • Sales team: Include in email signatures

  • Customer service: Offer to dissatisfied customers

  • Office staff: Share with friends/family

Email signature example:

Jane Doe
Sales Manager
yourstore.com

P.S. Use code CONNECT10 for 10% off your first order!

Guidelines for team:

  • Who can receive codes

  • When to offer them

  • How to explain terms

  • Track usage by team member (different codes)


Tracking and Managing Codes

Tracking Code Usage

In Shopify Admin:

  1. Go to Discounts

  2. Find your bulk operation title

  3. Click on specific code

  4. View usage details:

    • Times used

    • Orders that used it

    • Revenue generated

    • Customers who used it

Create tracking spreadsheet:

Code
Channel
Distributor
Created
Expires
Total Uses
Used
Revenue

CODE001

Instagram

@influencer1

Jan 1

Jan 31

100

45

$2,250

CODE002

Flyer

Mail Campaign

Jan 1

Feb 28

500

127

$6,350


Monitoring Performance

Key metrics:

  • Redemption rate: Used / Total distributed

  • Revenue per code: Total sales / Number of codes

  • Average order value: With code vs without

  • Cost per acquisition: Discount amount / New customers

  • ROI: (Revenue - Discount costs) / Discount costs

Analysis:

  • Which channels performed best?

  • Which influencers drove most sales?

  • What discount value optimized conversions?

  • Did minimum purchase requirements help or hurt?

Optimize future campaigns:

  • Double down on best-performing channels

  • Adjust discount values based on data

  • Refine usage limits

  • Test different restrictions


Managing Codes Mid-Campaign

If codes not performing:

  • Increase marketing efforts

  • Extend expiry date

  • Share on additional channels

  • Offer higher value

If codes over-performing:

  • May run out before expiry

  • Consider creating additional batch

  • Celebrate success!

  • Document what worked

If codes being abused:

  • Check usage limits were set

  • Disable specific codes in Shopify

  • Create new batch with stricter limits

  • Communicate changes


Extending or Ending Campaigns

To extend expiry: Cannot edit existing codes, but:

  1. Create new batch with later expiry

  2. Disable old codes

  3. Distribute new codes

  4. Or manually update in Shopify Admin (tedious)

To end early:

  1. Go to Shopify Admin → Discounts

  2. Find your codes

  3. Disable them

  4. Or change end date to today

Communication:

  • Notify customers if ending early

  • Honor codes if customers complain

  • Plan better next time


Best Practices

1. Always Set Usage Limits

Critical for bulk codes:

  • Limit total uses per code: ✅ Always

  • Limit to 1 per customer: ✅ Recommended

Why:

  • Prevents viral sharing (uncontrolled)

  • Controls budget

  • Creates scarcity

  • Tracks performance

Default recommendation:

  • Public codes: 50-100 total uses

  • Influencer codes: 100-200 total uses

  • One use per customer: Always check


2. Create Clear, Memorable Codes

If using custom codes in future:

  • Keep it short: SUMMER20, not SUMMERPROMOTION2025

  • Easy to type: SAVE10, not S@V3-10

  • Relevant: FLASH25 for flash sale

  • Memorable: Avoid random characters

Current: Shopify generates automatically, but title matters for tracking!


3. Document Distribution

Track:

  • Which codes went where

  • Who received which codes

  • When distributed

  • Expected vs actual usage

Use spreadsheet:

  • Column: Code, Channel, Date Distributed, Partner, Performance

Why:

  • Calculate ROI per channel

  • Identify best partners

  • Optimize future campaigns

  • Prove marketing effectiveness


4. Set Realistic Expiry Dates

Match expiry to distribution:

  • Social media: 1-7 days

  • Influencer: 30-60 days

  • Print: 30-90 days

  • Events: 7-14 days post-event

  • Seasonal: End of season

Always:

  • Clearly communicate expiry

  • Build in buffer time

  • Send reminders before expiry

  • Consider time zones


5. Test Before Mass Distribution

Always test:

  1. Create 5 test codes

  2. Test at checkout yourself

  3. Verify restrictions work

  4. Check mobile experience

  5. Confirm email confirmation shows code

  6. Only then create full batch

Testing catches:

  • Wrong discount value

  • Broken restrictions

  • Missing expiry

  • Combining issues


6. Segment by Channel

Don't use same codes everywhere:

  • Instagram: CODE-IG-01 to CODE-IG-30

  • Influencer A: INFLUENCER-A-01 to INFLUENCER-A-20

  • Print: PRINT-MAIL-01 to PRINT-MAIL-500

  • Events: EVENT2025-01 to EVENT2025-100

Benefits:

  • Track performance by channel

  • Calculate ROI per channel

  • Identify best-performing tactics

  • Optimize budget allocation


7. Communicate Clearly

When distributing codes:

  • State discount value clearly

  • Include expiry date

  • Explain minimum requirements

  • Note usage limits

  • Provide support contact

Template:

🎉 Enjoy 20% off with code SUMMER20

- Valid until June 30, 2025
- $50 minimum purchase
- One use per customer
- Cannot combine with other discounts

Shop now: yourstore.com
Questions? [email protected]

8. Monitor and Adjust

Weekly check-ins:

  • Review usage rates

  • Check which codes are working

  • Identify underperforming channels

  • Adjust distribution strategy

Mid-campaign adjustments:

  • Extend high-performing codes

  • End low-performing codes

  • Shift budget to working channels

  • Create additional codes if needed


9. Calculate True ROI

Formula:

Revenue from codes - (Discount amounts + Distribution costs + Time investment)
÷
Total investment
×
100 = ROI %

Include:

  • Design costs (graphics, printing)

  • Distribution costs (postage, influencer fees)

  • Team time

  • Actual discount given

Don't forget:

  • Customer lifetime value (new customers acquired)

  • Brand awareness (hard to quantify)

  • Email list growth

  • Social media followers


10. Build a Library

Document:

  • What worked and what didn't

  • Redemption rates by channel

  • Best discount values

  • Optimal usage limits

  • Seasonal trends

Use for:

  • Planning future campaigns

  • Training team members

  • Justifying marketing budget

  • Scaling successful tactics


Troubleshooting

Codes Not Working at Checkout

Customer reports: "Code doesn't work"

Check:

  1. Code hasn't expired

  2. Start date has passed

  3. Minimum purchase met

  4. Correct products in cart

  5. Usage limit not reached

  6. Customer hasn't used it before

Solutions:

  • Verify code exists in Shopify Admin → Discounts

  • Test yourself with same products

  • Review all restrictions

  • Check active date range

  • Confirm customer meets requirements


Ran Out of Codes

Problem: Distributed all codes before campaign end

Solutions:

  1. Create new batch immediately

  2. Use same settings

  3. Extend expiry if needed

  4. Communicate to customers waiting

Prevention:

  • Better estimate distribution needs

  • Monitor usage rates

  • Create extras (20% buffer)

  • Have backup plan


Wrong Discount Value

Problem: Created codes with incorrect discount

Can't edit existing codes, but:

  1. Disable incorrect codes in Shopify Admin

  2. Create new batch with correct value

  3. Notify anyone who received wrong codes

  4. Honor wrong codes if already used (goodwill)

Prevention:

  • Always test with small batch first

  • Double-check value before creating

  • Have second person review


Codes Being Shared Too Much

Problem: Codes going viral, budget overrun

Immediate action:

  1. Disable codes in Shopify Admin

  2. Or wait until usage limit reached

  3. Create new codes with stricter limits

Why it happened:

  • No usage limits set

  • Too generous limits

  • Great deal (good problem!)

Prevention:

  • Always set usage limits

  • Start conservative

  • Monitor usage daily

  • Be prepared for viral success


Problem: 3 days passed, can't download codes

Solutions:

  • Check if internal email was sent (has codes)

  • Codes still exist in Shopify Admin

  • Can view individually (tedious)

  • Contact support with operation ID

Prevention:

  • Download immediately

  • Enable internal email backup

  • Store codes securely

  • Document before distributing


Can't Track Which Code Went Where

Problem: Lost track of distribution

Current solutions:

  • Check Shopify for usage

  • Review social media posts

  • Check email sent logs

Prevention:

  • Document as you distribute

  • Use tracking spreadsheet

  • Name codes systematically

  • Keep distribution records


Frequently Asked Questions

How many codes should I create?

Calculate based on:

  • Distribution reach × sharing factor

  • Example: 100 flyers × 1.5 (sharing) = 150 codes

  • Add 20% buffer

  • Total: 180 codes

General guidelines:

  • Instagram post: 20-50 codes

  • Influencer campaign (each): 50-200 codes

  • Print mailing: Recipients × 1.5

  • Event: Attendees × 2

  • Trade show: Expected traffic × 3


Can I create codes with custom text?

Not with this feature - Shopify generates codes automatically

Format: Random alphanumeric (e.g., XYBZ2K4M)

Workaround: Use title field for your reference, but codes themselves are random


What's the difference between this and Bulk Send?

Feature
Bulk Create
Bulk Send

Recipients

Not needed

Required

Emails

No automated sending

Yes, automatic

Unique per person

No

Yes

Distribution

Manual (your choice)

Automatic email

Use case

General codes

Personal codes

Best for

Social, print, influencers

Targeted customer campaigns

Use Bulk Create when: You want to distribute codes yourself Use Bulk Send when: You want codes emailed to specific customers


Can I edit codes after creating them?

No, discount codes cannot be edited after creation.

To change:

  1. Disable incorrect codes

  2. Create new batch with correct settings

  3. Distribute new codes

What you CAN edit in Shopify Admin:

  • Discount value

  • End date

  • Usage limits

  • But easier to create new batch


How do I know which codes have been used?

In Shopify Admin:

  1. Discounts section

  2. Find your bulk operation title

  3. Click individual codes

  4. View usage history

Better tracking:

  • Export from Shopify

  • Create usage spreadsheet

  • Update weekly

  • Calculate metrics


Can I schedule recurring creation?

No, one-time only per operation

For recurring:

  • Set calendar reminders

  • Create new operation each time

  • Or request custom automation


What if I create too many codes?

Unused codes:

  • Still exist in Shopify

  • Can be distributed later

  • Can be disabled

  • Or just ignore them

Don't worry:

  • Unused codes cost nothing

  • Can extend expiry

  • Save for future campaign

  • Better too many than too few


How do I handle refunds with discount codes?

Shopify handles automatically:

  • Customer returns order

  • Discount code usage is restored

  • Customer can use code again (if within limits)

Manual intervention:

  • Rarely needed

  • Shopify's default handling works well


Can I use codes across multiple stores?

No, codes work only for the Shopify store where created

For multiple stores:

  • Create separate operations per store

  • Can use same settings

  • Distribute appropriate code to appropriate audience


What happens to expired codes?

After expiry:

  • Codes still exist in Shopify

  • Cannot be used by customers

  • Shown as "Expired" in Admin

  • Can be reactivated if needed

Cleanup:

  • Periodically delete old codes

  • Archive for records

  • Use clear naming for easy identification


Advanced Use Cases

Multi-Tiered Influencer Campaigns

Scenario: Different influencer tiers with different codes

Setup:

  • Macro influencers: 200 uses, 25% off

  • Micro influencers: 100 uses, 20% off

  • Nano influencers: 50 uses, 15% off

Implementation:

  1. Create 3 separate operations

  2. Track performance by tier

  3. Calculate ROI per tier

  4. Scale investment to best performers


Seasonal Multi-Channel Blitz

Scenario: Holiday campaign across all channels

Example: Black Friday

  • Instagram: 100 codes (24-hour expiry)

  • Email: 500 codes (48-hour expiry)

  • Print: 1000 codes (7-day expiry)

  • In-store: 300 cards (7-day expiry)

Coordination:

  • All codes same discount (consistency)

  • Different expiries per channel

  • Track performance by channel

  • Adjust real-time


Geographic Market Testing

Scenario: Test different markets with different codes

Setup:

  • Create separate batches per region

  • US: USHOLIDAY20

  • Canada: CAHOLIDAY20

  • UK: UKHOLIDAY20

Distribution:

  • Target social ads by location

  • Print materials per region

  • Track which markets respond best

  • Scale winners


Progressive Discount Campaign

Scenario: Increasing discount over time

Implementation:

  • Week 1: 10% off codes

  • Week 2: 15% off codes

  • Week 3: 20% off codes

  • Creates urgency: "Discount increases weekly!"

Communication:

  • "Next week's discount will be even better!"

  • Rewards early action

  • Drives repeat visits


Partnership Ecosystem

Scenario: Multiple partners each promoting your store

Setup:

  • Create batch per partner

  • 20 partners × 50 codes each = 1000 codes

  • Track performance per partner

  • Commission based on usage

Management:

  • Spreadsheet tracking partner codes

  • Monthly performance reports

  • Adjust based on results

  • Reward top performers


Need More Help?

Documentation Resources

Contact Support

  • Documentation: https://docs.giftcardfactory.app/bulk-operations/discount-codes-bulk-create

When contacting support, include:

  1. Operation ID (if applicable)

  2. What you're trying to achieve

  3. Number of codes needed

  4. Distribution channel

  5. Any error messages

  6. Screenshots if helpful


Congratulations! You now know how to efficiently create discount codes in bulk for any marketing campaign. Start with a small test batch, track your results, and scale up your most successful channels. Happy marketing!

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