When it comes to offering discounts or free entries for your race, coupons, vouchers, and reserved entries all provide unique benefits. But which one should you use? Understanding the differences and best use cases for each can help you make the right choice for your event.
In this blog, we’ll break down how coupons and vouchers work, along with tips on when to use each—and where reserved entries fit into the mix.
What are Coupons?
Coupons are one of the most common discount tools for races. They allow you to offer a dollar amount or percentage off the cost of registration (as well as, add-ons and store purchases).
How a coupon code works:
- Coupons are entered as code during registration to apply a discount
- They can be limited by date, event type, or fee type (i.e. registration fees, store purchases, etc.)
- Coupons can have usage limits (e.g., only valid for the first 100 registrations, only good through a certain date)
- They are an effective marketing tools for boosting sign-ups and engagement
When to use coupons:
- Early bird discounts: reward participants for registering early
- Sponsor promotions: provide exclusive coupon codes to event sponsors
Learn how to set up a coupon here.
What are Vouchers?
Vouchers are different from coupons because they function more like a store credit. Instead of discount applied at checkout, a voucher holds a specific value that can be redeemed for race entry.
How vouchers work:
- Each voucher is assigned a unique code that can be used at registration
- They can be configured for a fixed dollar amount
- Unused balances can roll over to future registrations (if enabled)
- They are useful for rewarding participants or volunteers with free or discounted entry
When to Use Vouchers:
- Volunteer Rewards: provide a free or discounted race entry to volunteers (Example: “Volunteer at this year’s race and receive a $25 voucher to next year’s race!”)
- Deferrals & Cancellations: allow participants to defer their registration and redeem the credit later
- Fundraiser Incentives: offer top fundraisers free or discounted race entries
The main difference between vouchers and coupon codes is vouchers always retain any unused balance and the balance can be used in the future – as long as it’s within the expiration date.
Learn how to set up a voucher here.
Where Do Reserved Entries Fit In?
Reserved entries are not a discount tool but can be useful when you need to guarantee entry to a specific individual or group without making them register immediately.
How Reserved Entries Work:
- You create a list of pre-approved participants who can register with a private link (even if the race is sold out online)
- You can set special event pricing for reserved entries
- They’re ideal for holding spots for elite athletes or VIPs
When to Use Reserved Entries:
- Elite Athletes: guarantee entries for key participants
- Invite-Only Events: set aside slots for exclusive groups
- Combine with Loyalty Lists: allow races to tie a loyalty list to a multi-use reserved entry
Learn how to set up reserved entries here.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Race
- Use Coupons when you want to offer limited-time discount or marketing promotions
- Use Vouchers when you want to reward participants or volunteers with a credit toward registration on a future race
- Use Reserved Entries when you need to hold spots for key participants without requiring immediate registration
Watch this webinar for more details: Coupons, Vouchers, Discounts
Still have questions on when or how to use coupons, vouchers, or reserved entries? Reach out to your RunSignup account manager or email info@runsignup.com.