Consumers' usage of coupon web sites is increasing, most notably among the highest education and income brackets, according to the second annual Consumer Coupon Behaviour Benchmark Survey commissioned by web-based coupon distribution service RetailMeNot.com.
The survey also found that coupons have become the deciding factor in the purchases of a growing number of consumers.
With the ongoing recession putting extra pressure on household budgets, nearly half of the online adults surveyed (45%) said they plan to spend less money on gifts in the 2009 holiday season, compared to the 2008 holiday season.
In order to save money, 62% said they now look for coupons for online stores, and 12% said they never make a purchase without checking an online coupon web site first (a significant increase from 8% in the 2008 survey).
"Consumers are more aware of their spending than ever and are very active in trying to find the best deals. Coupon web sites are still growing rapidly in popularity, with nearly two-thirds of consumers checking for coupons when they shop online," said Guy King, co-founder of RetailMeNot.com. "As a result, we are seeing more and more merchants embracing coupons as a way to connect with budget-conscious shoppers."
Among the survey's other findings, coupon usage was seen to be increasing not only across nearly all demographics, but actually highest among the employed and educated (i.e. college graduated). For example:
Consumers also appear to be increasingly defining their spending habits by whether or not retailers offer coupons:
Of particular interest of lifestyle marketers, large families and homes with children are one of the fastest growing demographics to use coupon web sites:
Among the survey's other findings, the largest age group to use coupon web sites is 35-44 at 41%, while married adults who use tools or web sites to find good deals are significantly more likely to use coupon web sites (39%) compared to 29% of those who are single or never married, and 21% of divorced adults.
Categorised as: