The Coupon Bureau
A non-profit centralized data exchange connecting all stakeholders to the new Universal Digital Coupon positive offer file.
$225B
ANNUAL CPG PROMOTIONAL SPENDING
1.7B
ANNUAL COUPON REDEMPTIONS
$100M+
ANNUAL COUPON FRAUD
Mission
The Coupon Bureau is a non-profit, industry managed, centralized data exchange connecting all stakeholders to the new Universal Digital Coupon positive offer file. The Coupon Bureau's mission is to collaborate with industry partners and accelerators to connect manufacturers, retailers, and consumers with new and improved coupon offerings that are accurate, secure, and delight consumers. We shall achieve our mission by developing new technologies and partnering with third-party technology companies, educating and informing manufacturers and retailers, and communicating clearly to consumers. As a non-profit, we shall contribute surplus proceeds to the community.
Evolution
of Coupons-3.0
Universal Digital Coupons
As consumer engagement has migrated to mobile devices, the coupon industry technology and standards have not been uniform. The result has been a fragmented and siloed coupon distribution landscape. Making matters worse, the legacy coupon format, AI (8110), has experienced what many consider to be unacceptable levels of fraud and the industry is seeking more efficient and effective processes. Enter AI (8112), a new GS1 application identifier that has been established to support the industry.
Non Profit
Non-profit and managed by industry organizations that represent manufacturers and retailers
Industry
Managed
Borne of JICC/ACP digital subgroup, The Coupon Bureau is directed in its scope of work by a team of advisors from JICC/ACP
Stakeholder
Agnostic
A guiding principle for TCB is that it shall remain neutral to stakeholders, and will not disrupt or displace any current participant in the coupon ecosystem
Centralized
Single Source of Truth
Manufacturers will create a 'Master Offer File' which will be the single source of truth. All associated stakeholders will be able to access the file in order to perform their specific functions (distribution, validation, clearing). The TCB Positive Offer File is accessed via a set of standardized APIs in order for retailers to connect, validate the coupon, and retrieve the offer details; as well as real-time reporting to all stakeholders involved with each coupon: manufacturer, coupon provider/distributor, manufacturer agent, retailer clearinghouse.
Standardized
Universal Digital Coupon
The platform to create and manage Universal Digital Coupons through the positive offer file is a new GS1-US coupon standard and coupon type, AI (8112). Guided by JICC/ACP, The Coupon Bureau is responsible for creating, maintaining and rolling out the coupon format AI (8112) to all stakeholders in 2020, including grocery retailers, convenience store retailers, coupon provider/distributors, CPGs, and clearinghouses. A single set of standards, found in the Coupon Data and Specifications document, will be used to create and execute all coupon programs, creating more secure, and more efficient data exchange between parties.
Thank You To Our Advisors & Partners
How it works
Positive Offer File (8112)
As a centralized database, The Coupon Bureau has enabled a new standard allowing all stakeholders to access a single source of truth for real time offer distribution and redemption.
AI (8112)
AI (8112) coupons are universal, single-use coupons validated in real-time through TCB’s Universal Positive Offer file.
Serialized Offers
Single use, serialized executions ensure security and accuracy of promotion redemption.
Real Time POS Authentication
Retailers will connect to the Positive Offer File via API from the POS in order to authenticate the validity of a coupon in realtime.