Sitewide vs eligible-product codes

Quick answer: A sitewide code takes its percentage off the whole cart. An eligible-product code only reduces the items the vendor includes. In our table 26 of the 40 codes are sitewide and 13 are limited to eligible products, so it pays to know which one you are holding.

The difference in one line

With a sitewide code, 20% off a $100 cart is $20 off, whatever is in it (subject to any stated minimum). With an eligible-product code, 20% off applies only to the part of the cart the vendor allows. The percentage on the badge is the same, but the saving can be very different.

A worked example (invented numbers)

Take a $100 cart where $60 of it is on the eligible list and $40 is a bundle that the vendor excludes. A 20% eligible-product code saves 20% of $60, which is $12. A 10% sitewide code saves 10% of $100, which is $10. The smaller sitewide percentage is almost as good, and it would win if the eligible part of the cart were smaller.

How to tell which type you have

• Look at the Offer column in our coupon table.
• Read the vendor’s own banner or terms. Wording such as “selected products” or “excludes bundles” means eligible-product.
• Test it: add one item, apply the code and watch whether the discount line appears.

Common exclusions

Sale prices, bundles, kits, blends and newly launched products are the items most often left out. A code can also have a minimum order or work only on a first order. Each one changes the real saving, so read the total, not the badge.

Which should you prefer?

Do not rank them by the percentage alone. Estimate the eligible part of your cart, multiply, then compare the result with the other vendor’s price per mg using the calculator.