In manipulation, there is a technique where if you want favour from someone, beat them to it by giving them something in advance. This is a psychological ploy,

In manipulation, there is a technique where if you want favour from someone, beat them to it by giving them something in advance. This is a psychological ploy, and it doesn't even have to be all that meaningful of an item. At trade shows, it could be yet another novelty pen, an uninflated balloon with an outdated industry joke printed on it, a sticker you'll never stick, or whatever -- something they gave you, and that you will carry around. They don't give out t-shirts or cheap raffle tickets for neon pink Teslas just because they suspect you need one. They're triggering your brain into wanting to give them something in return - your time, your money, your resources. Well, inevitably it's always to eventually sell you whatever their product is, to avoid returns, and get/keep you on board. A coupon is only one step outward from there. With a coupon, you actively "clip" it or whatever, keep it aside, carry it to the store and then cash it in. Basically a coupon is lame schwag with a hint of psychological manipulation. If they simply docked the price by 15 cents, nobody would care and the item would probably only sell at normal volume. But on coupons, your brain has been actively trying to pay them back for the honour of having that coupon. Notice, the store honours or redeems them, but only if you hurry and do it before the deadline. You always feel like you're holding up the line and inconveniencing everyone all around for the honour of using them, yet they happily abide you. Because that was the intent all along. Yes, I'm a couch psychologist. But on this, I don't think I'm very far off the mark.