What is the Promo Code in Amazon

TL;DR 

• Promo codes on Amazon are short discount codes that buyers can use at checkout for savings; sellers use them to boost sales and visibility.

• Sellers can create promo codes through Seller Central under the “Promotions” section by choosing the type, setting conditions, and defining usage rules.

• Promo codes include percentage off, BOGO deals, free shipping, social media codes, and tiered discounts.

• Buyers manually apply promo codes at checkout or use auto-applied codes for instant discounts on eligible products.

• Promo codes can be shared via social media, influencers, emails, or external ads to attract traffic from outside Amazon.

• Promo codes offer more control and customization, while Amazon coupons are easier for shoppers to use and more visible on product pages.

Did you know that over 80% of shoppers say they’re more likely to buy if they have a discount code? On Amazon, promo codes are one of the easiest ways to attract customers, boost conversions, and move inventory faster. Whether you’re a buyer looking to save or a seller trying to grow sales, promo codes play a key role in the shopping experience.

For customers, it’s as simple as entering a code at checkout for an instant discount. For sellers, promo codes are a powerful marketing tool they help run limited-time offers, reward loyal buyers, and stay competitive in a crowded marketplace.

However many sellers don’t fully understand how promo codes work, how to create them, or how they differ from Amazon coupons. In this blog, we’ll break down clearly what promo codes are, how buyers and sellers use them, and the best ways to make them work for your Amazon business.

What is a promo code on Amazon?

A promo code on Amazon is a short code that gives shoppers a discount when they buy something. Shoppers can enter the code at checkout, and Amazon reduces the price for that product. Sellers or brands usually create promo codes to offer special deals, boost sales, or reward customers. The discount can be a percentage off (like 10% off), a fixed amount off (like $5 off), or a special offer like buy-one-get-one-free.

Promo codes can be shared with the customer in emails, on social media, or by influencers. For shoppers, promo codes are a simple way to save money. For sellers, they’re a helpful way to attract more buyers, promote new products, or increase sales.

Promo codes are easy to use and can make shopping feel more rewarding.

How can Amazon Sellers create a promo code?

Creating a promo code on Amazon is a great way for sellers to boost sales, attract new customers, and clear out inventory.

Here’s how to do it:

• Start by logging into your Amazon Seller Central account. Go to the Advertising tab and select Promotions.

• Choose the type of promotion you want such as Money Off, Buy One Get One, or Free Shipping. For most sellers, “Money Off” is the most commonly used option.

• Fill in the details like setting the conditions (like “buy at least 1 item”), the discount amount, and the eligible ASINs.

• You’ll also need to select the start and end date for the promo and decide how customers will access it either through a claim code or automatic application.

If you choose a claim code, you can customize it and decide whether it’s single-use or group use. Amazon also lets you add additional options like excluding other promotions or setting limits per customer.

Once everything is set up, review and submit the promotion. It usually takes a few hours to go live. Use these codes in marketing campaigns, social media posts, or Amazon advertising to drive traffic and conversions. Just don’t forget to monitor results to measure ROI.

Types of Amazon promo codes sellers can create

You have access to several types of promo codes on Amazon that can help boost sales, increase visibility, and reward your customers. Each type serves a different purpose depending on your goal whether it's driving volume, encouraging repeat purchases, or clearing stock.

#1: Percentage off promo codes: This is the most common type, where customers receive a discount say 10% or 25% on eligible products. You can set minimum purchase quantities and apply the code to specific ASINs. It’s ideal for attracting new buyers or generating more traffic to your listings.

#2: Buy One Get One (BOGO) deals: This type of promo gives customers a free or discounted product when they buy a specific item or quantity. BOGO deals work well for cross-selling related items or increasing average order value.

#3: Free shipping promo codes: While Prime members already enjoy free shipping, offering it as a promo for non-Prime customers can improve conversions, especially for heavier or lower-cost items.

#4: Social media promo codes: These are unique discount codes you can share externally like on Instagram, YouTube, or email campaigns. They’re great for influencer collaborations or tracking specific marketing efforts.
#5: Tiered discounts: These offer increasing discounts as customers buy more (e.g., buy 2 get 10% off, buy 4 get 20% off). Perfect for bulk sales or clearing seasonal inventory. You can set the duration, usage limits, and visibility of each code within Amazon Seller Central. Using the right type at the right time can give your sales a serious lift.

How does a promo code work for buyers?

For buyers, a promo code on Amazon works like a digital coupon that offers discounts or special deals on eligible products. When shopping, a buyer can apply the promo code during checkout to receive the discount instantly.

Here’s how it typically works: Once a buyer adds the eligible item(s) to their cart, they proceed to checkout. On the payment page, there’s a field labeled “Gift cards & promotional codes.” The buyer enters the promo code there and clicks “Apply.”

If the code is valid and meets the offer’s conditions like buying the right product or meeting a minimum quantity the discount is applied automatically to the order total.

Some promo codes are automatically applied without needing manual input, especially if they’re offered through Amazon's internal promotions. Others, like social media codes or influencer-shared deals, require buyers to enter the code themselves.

Buyers need to check the promotion’s terms like expiration dates, usage limits, or product exclusions to avoid issues at checkout. Also, promo codes typically cannot be combined with other offers unless specified. For buyers, promo codes are a quick and easy way to save money, try new products, or take advantage of limited-time offers on Amazon.

How to send promo codes to Amazon shoppers?

Sending promo codes to Amazon shoppers is a smart way to drive traffic and boost conversions. Once you create a promo code in Seller Central, you can share it in a few effective ways:

• Social media and influencer marketing – Share your code on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook, especially through influencers who align with your brand.

• Email marketing – If you have a customer list outside Amazon (like from your website), you can send the promo code via newsletters or targeted emails.

• Amazon’s tools – Use the Social Media Promo Code feature to generate a short, shareable URL that leads to a special promo landing page on Amazon.

• External ads – Promote your code through Google or Facebook ads to attract off-Amazon traffic.

Always ensure the promo is easy to understand and has clear terms. A strong call-to-action can encourage faster conversions.

Promo code vs. Amazon coupon – what’s the difference?

Best practices for running promo code campaigns

Running a promo code campaign on Amazon can be a great way to increase sales, attract new customers, and improve product visibility. But to make it work well, you need to follow a few simple best practices:

#1 Know your goal
Before you create a promo code, be clear about what you want to achieve. Are you launching a new product, trying to clear out old stock, or just looking to boost sales for a short time? Your goal will shape how you set up the offer.

#2 Target the right audience
Don’t just share your promo code with everyone. Focus on people who are likely to buy like your email subscribers, Instagram followers, or fans of your product niche. Here, you can opt for the Amazon selling specialist that proactively manages your account.

#3 Create urgency
Set a time limit for the promo. When people see that the offer ends soon, they’re more likely to buy quickly. Use phrases like “limited time offer” or “only for 3 days” to build excitement.

#4 Avoid misuse
Use single-use codes or set a limit on how many times the promo can be used per customer. This stops people from overusing the discount or buying in bulk at a low price.

#5 Track your results
Make separate codes for each platform you use (like one for email and one for Instagram). This helps you see where your traffic and sales are coming from.

#6 Promote the code
Don’t just create a promo code to make sure people know about it. Share it on social media, with influencers, in newsletters, or through paid ads to get the word out.

#7 Check your inventory
Before you run a promo, make sure you have enough stock to handle extra orders. Running out of inventory can lead to lost sales and affect your rankings.

Wrap up

Promo codes are a smart way for Amazon sellers to get more sales, attract new customers, and promote their products. You can create different types of promo codes, share them in many ways, and track how well they work.

It’s also helpful to know the difference between promo codes and Amazon coupons so you can choose the best option. To get good results, follow simple tips like setting limits, targeting the right audience, and checking your stock. If you need help, our Amazon consultants can guide you through the process and help you run better, more effective promo campaigns.