Introduction

Promotions are a powerful tool to attract customers, boost sales, and clear inventory. iVendNext offers flexible pricing rules to implement promotions like "Buy 1 Get 1 Free," discounts, and more. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to setting up these promotions, ensuring you can leverage them effectively in your retail operations.

Understanding Pricing Rules

Pricing Rules in iVendNext allow you to define discounts and promotional offers based on specific conditions. These rules can be applied to:

• Individual items (e.g., discounts on selected products).

• Bulk purchases (e.g., "Buy 2 Get 1 Free").

• Customer segments (e.g., loyalty discounts for premium customers).

Pricing Rules can be configured for both sales and purchase transactions, making them versatile for various business needs.

Setting Up a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" Promotion

Step 1: Access the Pricing Rule Module

1. Navigate to: Home > Retail > Pricing Rule.

2. Click the Add Pricing Rule button to create a new rule.

Step 2: Define the Rule Details

1. Rule Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "B1G1 Coffee Mugs").

2. Apply On: Select "Item Code" to target specific products.

3. Discount Type: Choose "Product Discount" for free item promotions.

Step 3: Specify the Free Item

1. Under the Product Discount Scheme section:

• If the free item is the same as the purchased item, check the Same Item box.

• If the free item is different, select its Item Code from the dropdown.

2. Set the Quantity (e.g., 1) and UOM (Unit of Measure) for the free item.

Step 4: Configure Additional Conditions (Optional)

• Valid From/To: Set a date range for the promotion.

• Customer Group: Restrict the offer to specific customer segments.

• Minimum Purchase Qty: Require a minimum quantity to activate the promotion.

Step 5: Save and Apply the Rule

1. Click Save to finalize the rule.

2. Test the rule by creating a Sales Order or POS Transaction to ensure the free item is applied correctly.

Other Common Pricing Rules

1. Percentage or Fixed Discounts

• Step 1: Navigate to Pricing Rule > Add Pricing Rule.

• Step 2: Select "Discount Percentage" or "Discount Amount" under Discount Type.

• Step 3: Enter the discount value (e.g., 10% or $5 off).

• Step 4: Save and apply the rule to transactions.

2. Tiered Pricing (Bulk Discounts)

• Step 1: Create a new Pricing Rule and select "Discount Percentage."

• Step 2: Under Apply Rule On, set conditions like "Minimum Qty = 5" for bulk purchases.

• Step 3: Specify the discount (e.g., 15% off for 5+ units).

3. Customer-Specific Discounts

• Step 1: In the Pricing Rule, select the Customer or Customer Group.

• Step 2: Define the discount (e.g., 20% off for "Premium Members").

Best Practices for Promotions

1. Test Before Launch: Always verify the rule in a test transaction.

2. Monitor Performance: Use the POS Sales Report to track promotion effectiveness.

3. Limit Timeframes: Avoid overuse by setting expiration dates for promotions.

4. Combine with Other Strategies: Pair discounts with loyalty programs for better results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Promotion Not Applying:

• Check if the rule is active and dates are valid.

• Ensure the item or customer meets the rule conditions.

• Incorrect Discount Calculation:

• Review the rule logic (e.g., "Same Item" vs. different item).

• Confirm the UOM and quantities match.

Conclusion

Implementing promotions like "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" or tiered discounts in iVendNext is straightforward with Pricing Rules. By following this guide, you can create targeted offers to drive sales and enhance customer satisfaction. For advanced scenarios, explore additional features like coupons or automatic price adjustments in the system.

Pro Tip: Use the Stock Projected Quantity Report to ensure promoted items are in stock before launching campaigns.