From MNHQ - discount codes

[BeckyAMumsnet]

Hi everyone,

We're receiving a number of complaints about the high number of discount codes being shared on threads and feel we should clarify our rules surrounding this kind of sharing.

We know that many of you find the codes very useful and so we don't think a ban on sharing is the right approach. We don't allow MNers to post their codes multiple times (we consider this spam) and may suspend the accounts of anyone who joins just to post referral codes.

As this is your board, we'd like to come up with a solution that works best for you. One suggestion is to have one thread here or on the promo codes board and not allow codes elsewhere.

Let us know your thoughts.

Thanks, MNHQ

I think one thread here would be the best bet. People come here for advice and info and many of us don't even know a 'promo/discount' board existed so wouldn't know to look there!

Agreed just one thread please. I’ve given up on this board a bit as only every 3rd post or so is helpful everyone else is just spamming their code

Yep 1 thread please.

I think one thread, that way it’s fairer as well because we can look in one place for the codes.

Ditto for the one thread here option thanks.

One thread here please.

@BeckyAMumsnet is it possible to pin the codes thread at the top please? Would mean that people see it straight away and may stop them posting codes everywhere else?

Brilliant idea.

This doesn't seem to have happened, has it? The discount threads are hidden away somewhere in the promo codes and bargains forum or is it here? No one really knows where it is most times. If it was pinned on the top of this forum, it would be so much easier to find both for those sharing and for those who would like a discount.

Part of the problem is the threads get so long and those looking for referrals end up looking for ways to get themselves noticed and their referral code used.

I noticed some facebook forums have monthly threads, or if someone uses a code it can be marked as used, but unfortunately MN technically couldn't work that way. Could the posters that created the website with tips and hints maybe start a section where codes could be posted and marked each time they are used so everyone gets a fair go?

I have no skin in this game as I no longer use a supplier that uses referral codes but would it would be nice for them to be fairly used and to stop referral codes that are no longer needed (mine has been used twice in the last couple of weeks when I no longer use ZAVA and haven't posted my code for a long time, but I have no way of highlighted that to others!)

@WeAllHaveWings totally agree! I asked HQ to delete my post with my Voy code as I no longer use them. May be worth doing with your Zava one?

I dread to think how many threads they are in 😳 as I was posting them mostly before the restrictions on codes in threads were introduced! Not fair to ask MNHQ to go and find/delete them all!

😂 Very true! I just reported my one on the main codes thread. Suppose I should also do the discounts and promos board…

For me, it’s more about the rules (regardless of what is decided) actually being applied consistently. People currently do post their code multiple times, although you say you don’t allow it. That gives a confusing message. To be explicit, many of these codes are referral codes with a financial incentive to the poster - hence why people are spamming them by any means necessary.

Ultimately there’s no point having rules that you won’t enforce.

Ideally there should be a system in place where people just post their code and go - but instead you get long advertisement messages and spam posts. I wonder if it’s just easier to not allow referral codes to be posted? That would slow down the posts and the complaints considerably. Most providers have a generic discount code, that could be shared instead, with no financial incentive to specific posters.

To be explicit, many of these codes are referral codes with a financial incentive to the poster

All the codes come with a financial incentive to the poster, it's why people post them. It's not a secret.

It also has a financial benefit to whomever takes the discount which is why it's beneficial to both parties. Its not as if you'd be doing the poster a favour and there's nothing in it for you. Everyone who's sharing their code has also gained from someone else's code. This is probably why mn allows codes. It's a win-win for both parties unless you want to benefit but not let others do too.

@summerl this isn't the codes thread so if you want this to be used, you need to post it on the proper one😁

I am on Mounjaro 5ml and need to order my next 7.5ml however Medexpress is £170 was wondering can I change to a different supplier using a code and still get 7.5ml or will the referral code only work if ordering starter 2.5ml. how does it work?

You can start with a new supplier and order a 7.5mg (not ml) pen from them, as long as you can show evidence of your previous 5mg prescription. So a photo of the prescription label on the box of your 5mg pen, or perhaps the GP letter for your 5mg pen, or similar. The referral codes are for new customers, regardless of the dosage they're ordering.

is this still being considered then MNHQ?

"We don't allow MNers to post their codes multiple times (we consider this spam) and may suspend the accounts of anyone who joins just to post referral codes."

This is absolutely UNTRUE, 3 months later, you just have to look at both promos and weight loss threads currently ongoing

@worriedMiL33 I have asked and asked about this - one person from MNHQ said they were cracking down and a sentence was added to the codes thread about not posting multiple times and then when the same poster kept doing it daily, another MNHQ person said they were allowing regular, active posters to do it so who knows🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Drives me absolutely nuts and I can't wait until referral codes are banned completely by the GPhC!!!! 😡

The better way to do this is for people when they've used the code to quote the post to say they've used it then report for deletion. The perhaps posters could be asked not to post again for seven days. The latter part of that would obviously have to be taken on trust but repeated flouting of that would be noticed I think.

Ffs. Even this thread is being spammed. Surely there is a way to auto filter out any in the wrong place. I'm so fed up of them cluttering up the site. Just signpost clearly to the right board so I can block it.

Same. honestly I wish MN wouldn't allow codes to be posted.I wish pharmacies would just set a fair price and do away with codes altogether.

@BeckyAMumsnet What are you planning to do about the constant spamming of codes on this board? I've reported another load today. Surely AI could screen 99% of these out. It's getting ridiculous. You posted this weeks ago and nothing has changed.