Comeback Code used by unknown buyers

[Dots2Dreams]

I have noticed the “COMEBACK” discount code used by customers that have NEVER purchased anything from my shop. The code is deactivated but still being applied. Can any customer use COMEBACK in any shop and receive a discount? This doesn’t seem right?!? Had I known, I would have adjusted my price. Just this week, I had 2 buyers use the code. This is terrible. Anyone else notice this? Is there a solution? I found a couple of threads but no resolution. 

[TheVintagePineapple]

Those buyers who never purchased before may have favorited an item or had something of yours in their cart at one point and did receive the coupon code.  They still have 60 days from the date they received it to apply it even tho you have now deactivated it.

Also, anyone who received the coupon before you deactivated can still use it during the coupon's duration.  Now that it's no longer active, it just won't be sent to anyone else.

Another problem could be because you used a very common code word that a lot of sellers use, such as the one Etsy uses as a suggestion when setting up the coupons - COMEBACK.   Buyers soon learn to try inputting the common codes to see if any of them work.  Keep in mind that coupon codes can be found on several sites.

[dayspringcollectible]

Pretty much anyone can use any code that is out there.  There are sites that scrape codes from the net, credit card companies search for codes for their clients, codes are everywhere.  If you don't want certain people using codes, don't use them...period.

[BootifulLabels]

Sites like Honey make a habit of scraping codes from other websites to distribute to their members.

The best advise I can give you is to never offer a discount coupon or code that you would not be comfortable with every single buyer using.  Once created, they are fair game, and if you can afford a discount for one person, then you should be able to afford it for all, in the worst case scenario.  Cost possible discounts into your pricing formula and you won't need to worry.

[GlassyFields]

I use the promotion coupon codes and they do get used frequently. That's the point, generating sales. What is the real difference between a previous buyer coming back and someone else buying something. Yeah, it's a little gamey, but bottom line, those codes triggered an order.

Over time, a large portion of my sales are from repeat buyers. Promotional fall into that category. People who use a code might just become repeat buyers.

Price so that you feel good or at least ok with every sale - so that it's a win-win between you and the buyer.

Another option would be to cancel the sales if you don't want random people using the COMEBACK code.