Discount codes, also knows as voucher codes are a massive part of online promotions these days and collective data from a number of high profile sources on the internet suggests that voucher and discount code searches have actually overtaken that of the price comparison search, taking discount and promotional code sites to new traffic levels above and beyond what the biggest price comps were achieving.

But are you a sucker for a code and how far would you go to get one? If a retailer has a great price on a product but no discount code, would that put you off? Would you drop that retailer's basket at the last minute and head over to a retailer that offered a discount code, even if the saving was miniscule? The question is, would a valid voucher code affect you're purchasing habits? Take your most recent online purchase for example. Did you look for a code? Did you use google as a tool to get further discount or do you belong to a site, like www.HottestOffers.co.uk where you can hunt around for a reduction before finalising your purchase?

Would a discount code, regardless of its value, tip you towards finalising your purchase? Something you must remember when devising answers to all of the questions mentioned here is that discount codes are very much an acquisition tool used by retailers to drive more traffic. In some cases the retailer will take a reduction in margin, but in many cases issuing a voucher code is a precise part of an online marketing strategy to drive incremental sales, which otherwise may have ended up going to a competitor.

Discount codes can be the consumers best friend, but they must always be treated with caution, if a product is cheaper elsewhere without the need for a discount code, then why take time to look for one and make a purchase with a brand who is no doubt highly focused on reselling and customer retention, giving you no end of gip in the future? Choose wisely my pedigree chums...