Promo Codes for E-commerce

This guide explains how Promo Codes work in Barnet E-commerce, how to set them up correctly, and common reasons why a promo code may not apply as expected.

Where Promo Codes Are Managed

Promo Codes are created and maintained in the Barnet Network under:

Online Store → E-commerce Setup → Promo Codes

Promo Code Setup – Field Definitions

When creating or editing a Promo Code, you will see the following fields:

• Code - What customers type into the website checkout.
• Description - Internal name for the promotion or campaign.
• Start/Finish Dates - Defines the active date range for the promo.
• Days of the Week - Days the promo can be used (within the range).
• Promotion Value
  • Fixed dollar amount (e.g., $10 off), or
  • Percentage discount (e.g., 10% off)
• Minimum Cart Value (Optional) Sets a minimum cart subtotal (before tax) required to use the code (e.g., $100 minimum).
• Usage Limit (Optional) Limits how many times the promo code can be used.

Category Groups – How They Actually Work

Apply Promo Code to All Items in the Store

• Do NOT check any Category Group boxes.
• Leaving all boxes unchecked automatically applies the promo code to all eligible items.

Apply Promo Code to Specific Categories Only

• Check only the category group(s) you want the promo to apply to.
• The promo will apply only to items in those selected groups.

Important Limitation

Even when category groups are selected correctly:

Promo Codes will only apply to items that are NOT marked as “On Sale.”

Sale items are always excluded from promo discounts.

“Use as Discount” Setting – What It Means

Inside the Promo Codes screen, you will see an option called “Use as Discount” under Other Promo settings.

If Use as Discount is UNCHECKED *Not Recommended as it creates a new Category:

• The promo code appears as a separate negative line item in the cart.
• The cart shows a reduced Cart Total after the promo is applied.
• The invoice shows the promo as a separate discount line.

If Use as Discount is CHECKED (Recommended Setting):

• The promo is applied directly to the product price.
• Customers see the discounted product price in the cart.
• The invoice reflects discounted item pricing instead of a separate line.

Why a Promo Code May Not Be Working

If a promo code is not applying, check the following:

• The item is already on sale
• The promo is limited to specific category groups
• The cart does not meet the minimum value
• The promo code has reached its usage limit
• The promo is outside its active date or day range
• The promo code was typed incorrectly by the customer

Best Practices

• Promo Codes are case-sensitive for customers when entered on the website.
• Avoid stacking sale pricing and promo codes—only one can apply.
• Leave category groups unchecked if the promo should apply store wide.
• Test promo codes with a sample order before launching a campaign.
• Clearly communicate promo rules to customers (sale exclusions, minimum spend, etc.).