Discount codes are a fantastic way to run promotions, reward loyal customers, or encourage first-time buyers. You can create codes for percentage discounts, fixed amounts off, or even free shipping.
This guide walks you through creating a new discount code and customizing its rules.
In this article
Navigate to discount code settings
Click the Settings icon (the gear ⚙️) under the All Tools menu or your pinned tools.
Under Merchandising and Invoicing, select Discount Codes.
You'll see a list of any existing codes here.
Create a new discount code
Click the New Discount Code button in the top right-hand corner.
This opens the form where you'll define your new discount.
Enter core discount information
Start with the basics:
Enabled On toggle: Make sure this toggle is ON for the code to be active upon saving (this will be enabled by default).
Name: Give your discount an internal reference name (e.g. "Spring Sale 15%", "VIP Free Shipping").
Code: Enter the actual code customers will type in (e.g. SPRING15, WELCOME10, SHIPFREE). Keep it relatively easy to type!
Start Date / Expiry Date: Set the dates when the code becomes active and when it expires. Leave the expiry date blank if you don't want it to expire.
Set the discount type
Choose how the discount will work using the Type dropdown:
Percentage Discount: Reduces the applicable amount by a percentage (e.g. 15%). You'll enter the percentage value.
Amount Discount: Reduces the applicable amount by a fixed dollar value (e.g. $10 off). You'll enter the dollar amount.
FREE Shipping: Makes eligible shipping methods free for the order.
Apply limitations (optional)
By default, a discount code applies to the entire transaction. You can restrict it using the Limitations dropdown.
No Limit: Applies to all transactions/products meeting other criteria.
Specific Customer: Only a specific, chosen customer can use the code.
Specific Product: Only applies the discount to specific products you select.
Specific Product Variant: Narrows the discount down to only specific variants (e.g. only the 'Large Red Shirt').
Specific Category: Applies the discount only to products within selected categories.
Specific Brand: Applies the discount only to products from selected brands.
Set usage limits (optional)
Control how often your code can be redeemed:
Total Usage Limit: Enter the maximum total number of times the code can be used across all customers (e.g. limit a special offer to the first 100 uses). Leave blank for unlimited uses.
Customer Limit: Enter the maximum number of times a single customer can use the code (e.g. limit a 'welcome' discount to 1 use per customer). Leave blank for unlimited uses per customer.
Saving your code
Once you've configured all the options, click the Save button. Your discount code is now created and active (if enabled and within its date range)!
Apply a discount code in the POS
Once you've created your discount codes, here's a quick overview of how to apply them during a sale in the Helcim Point-of-Sale (POS) app:
After adding items to your cart in the POS, tap Review.
If you've enabled discounts in your POS settings, you should see a Discount field.
Select the + sign next to the Discount field.
Under Preset, look for and select the discount code you created.
The code should now be applied to the eligible items in your cart.
| To learn more about enabling discounts in the app and different ways to add discounts to an order, visit this article: Apply Discounts in the Helcim POS. |
Next steps
Go back to the main guide for managing your product catalogue
Organize the products or categories you might link discounts to
FAQs
Can customers use multiple discount codes on one order?
Helcim’s POS only allows one discount code per order. The customer (or you, in the POS) would need to choose which code offers the better deal.
Can I edit a discount code after creating it?
Yes, you can go back to the Discount Codes list in settings, click on the code name, and modify its details (like expiry date, usage limits, or even the code itself), then save the changes.
What happens if a discount applies to specific products, but the customer has other items in their cart?
The discount (percentage or amount) will typically only apply to the eligible items identified by the limitation (specific product, category, brand, etc.). Other items in the cart will remain at their regular price.
I followed the steps but my discount code isn't showing up in my Helcim POS app. What's wrong?
If you've just added a discount code through your Helcim settings, your app may need a refresh for it to show up. Try fully closing the app on your device, reopening it, and logging back in. Your discount code should now appear when you add a discount in your cart.