Do Coupon Codes Actually Work on Sale Items?

One of the most common checkout frustrations is a code that will not apply to discounted items. Here is why, and what to do.

Why codes exclude sale items

Retailers protect margins on already-reduced stock, so terms often exclude clearance categories.

Where codes do stack

Some stores allow codes on full-price items plus free delivery on everything. Read the terms line to see what is included.

Try a different code

If a percentage code fails on sale items, a free-delivery or spend-and-save code may still work.

Watch the basket order

Sometimes applying a code before adding an item makes it stick. Re-add items in a different order if a code misbehaves.

When to skip it

If the sale price is already the lowest you have seen, a failing code is not a reason to wait.