What Is an App-Only Deal?

An “app-only deal” is a special promotion or discount available only through a company’s mobile application. These deals encourage users to download and engage with the app through unique benefits that can’t be accessed via a website or in-store. For example, streaming services often have app-only subscription plans that include special features and lower introductory rates.

Key Takeaways 

• An app-only deal is a special promotion or discount available only through a company’s mobile application. These deals encourage users to download and engage with the app through unique benefits that can’t be accessed via a website or in-store.
• App-only promotions tend to result in higher engagement levels from users, particularly frequent users of retail or travel booking apps. Retailers offer exclusive app deals to drive more traffic to their mobile apps, gather valuable consumer data, and streamline the shopping experience.
• App shopping discounts let retailers use push notifications to alert users about new promotions, product launches, and personalized deals. Shoppers can upgrade their savings by checking the mobile apps of their favorite brands regularly.
• App-only promotions offer higher discount margins compared to regular promotions. Exclusivity in offers can include special discount codes, early access to sales, or unique product offerings not available on the website. Types of app-only deals include a percentage off, a flat amount off, exclusive sales, early access, BOGO (Buy One, Get One), free shipping, loyalty rewards, and in-app games.

What Is an App-Only Deal? An Overview

App-only deals are promotions or discounts that are exclusively available through mobile applications. These deals tend to result in higher engagement levels from users. Frequent users of apps like retail or travel booking apps benefit the most as they get access to exclusive app deals. 

Retailers offer exclusive app deals to drive more traffic to their mobile apps. This strategy helps them gather valuable consumer data, streamline the shopping experience, and build a direct channel of communication with their customers. App shopping discounts also let retailers use push notifications to alert users about new promotions, product launches, and personalized deals, increasing engagement and sales.

App Deals vs Regular Promotions

App-only deals have features that set them apart from regular promotions, including differences in discount margins, exclusivity, and limited-time availability. These factors change the user’s shopping experience and savings potential.

Discount Margin

App-only promotions often come with higher discount margins compared to regular promotions. For example, an app might offer 20% off storewide, while the website may only feature 10% off the same items.

Some retailers offer bigger savings via their apps to encourage users to purchase through the app. This approach drives engagement, and increases app installs and usage as the app becomes part of the core experience of finding great discounts. Customers then feel more “tied” to the app and are likelier to check it more regularly and make impulse buys.

Exclusivity in Offers

These can include special discount codes, early access to sales, or unique product offerings not available through the regular website.

Time-Limited Availability

App-only deals are often available for shorter periods. This urgency encourages quick decision-making. For instance, an app-only deal might last for just a few hours compared to a regular promotion that runs for several days. Lightning Deals on Amazon, which are short-lived sales, often have better conditions if accessed through the app.

By limiting availability, retailers create a sense of exclusivity and immediacy, “pushing” users to act quickly to take advantage of the deals.

Types of App-Only Deals

• Percentage off: for example, “get 20% off your first in-app purchase.”
• Flat amount off: such as “$10 off when you spend $50 or more through the app.”
• Exclusive sales: special sales events accessible only through the app, often featuring big discounts on many products.
• Early access: priority access to new product launches or sales events before they are available to the general public.
• BOGO (Buy One, Get One): offers like “buy one, get one free” or “buy one, get one 50% off,” exclusive to app users.
• Free shipping: waived shipping fees for orders placed through the mobile app.
• Loyalty rewards: earn extra loyalty points or rewards for purchases made via the app, which can be redeemed for future discounts.
• In-app games: users with in-app games or challenges that offer discounts or rewards upon completion.

How to Get App-Only Deals

• Download and install retailer apps: download the mobile apps of your favorite retailers from the App Store or Google Play Store. Create an account and log in to access exclusive deals.
• Enable push notifications: allow the app to send push notifications. You’ll receive real-time alerts about new promotions, exclusive offers, and upcoming sales events.
• Check the app regularly: check the app frequently for new deals and promotions. Retailers update their app-exclusive offers often.
• Join loyalty programs: sign up for the retailer’s loyalty program through the app. Many retailers offer extra rewards and discounts to loyal app users.
• Engage with in-app content: participate in in-app games, challenges, or surveys to unlock discounts and rewards.
• Follow retailers on social media: follow your favorite retailers on social media platforms. They often announce special app-only deals and promotions there.
• Read reviews and recommendations: sometimes, fellow shoppers share tips on how to get more savings through app-only deals.

Benefits of App-Only Deals

🛍️ Benefits for Shoppers

• Money savings: app-only deals often provide better discounts than those available through other channels.
• Convenience: shopping through a mobile app is a seamless and user-friendly experience, with features like saved payment methods and quick checkout options.
• Personalized offers: retailers can use data from app usage to offer personalized deals and recommendations.
• Real-time notifications: shoppers receive instant alerts about new promotions, special offers, and product launches via push notifications.
• Better shopping experience: extra app features like augmented reality try-ons, product videos, and customer reviews improve the shopping experience.

🏢 Benefits for Businesses

• More app engagement: app-only deals incentivize customers to download and use the mobile app frequently, driving higher engagement.
• Customer data: mobile apps give retailers data on consumer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns, which can be used for targeted marketing and inventory management.
• Direct communication: push notifications let retailers communicate directly with their customers, promoting new products, sales events, and personalized offers.
• Customer loyalty: exclusive app deals improve customer loyalty through personalized and exclusive shopping experiences.
• Higher conversion rates: mobile apps typically have higher conversion rates compared to mobile websites, as they’re more streamlined and convenient.

App-Only Deals FAQs

How Can I Find App-Only Deals?

Download the mobile apps of your favorite retailers, enable push notifications, check the app regularly, join loyalty programs, and follow retailers on social media.

Are App-Only Deals Better Than Regular Deals?

They’re often more generous and come with additional perks, such as exclusive access to sales events, early product launches, and personalized offers.

Do I Need a Special Code to Use an App-Only Deal?

You may sometimes need to enter a promo code at checkout to redeem the app-only deal. The code is usually provided within the app itself.

How Often Are App-Only Deals Offered?

It varies by retailer. Some businesses offer these deals regularly, while others may provide them during special sales events or holidays.

Can I Combine App-Only Deals with Other Promotions?

Some businesses may allow you to combine app-only discounts with other promotions, while others may have restrictions.

Do App-Only Deals Apply to All Products?

Not always. They may be limited to specific products, categories, or purchase amounts. Read the terms and conditions of the offer.

Why Do Retailers Offer App-Only Deals?

To drive more traffic to their mobile apps, gather valuable consumer data, streamline the shopping experience, and build a direct communication channel with their customers.

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