Cigarette coupons by mail

The nostalgia! Cigarette coupons by mail were a popular way for tobacco companies to promote their products and reward loyal customers. Here's a brief overview:

How it worked:

  1. Cigarette companies would send out coupons to customers through the mail, often in the form of a booklet or a single coupon sheet.
  2. The coupons would have a specific value, such as $1 off a pack of cigarettes or a free pack with the purchase of a certain number of packs.
  3. Customers would redeem the coupons at participating retailers, such as convenience stores or gas stations.
  4. The coupons would typically have an expiration date, after which they would no longer be valid.

Why they were popular:

  1. Convenience: Coupons were a convenient way for customers to save money on their cigarette purchases.
  2. Loyalty program: Cigarette companies used coupons as a way to reward loyal customers and encourage repeat business.
  3. Marketing strategy: Coupons were a cost-effective way for tobacco companies to promote their products and increase brand awareness.

Some notable examples:

  1. Marlboro's "Marlboro Man" campaign, which featured coupons and other promotional items.
  2. Camel's "Camel Cash" program, which rewarded customers with cash and other prizes for purchasing Camel cigarettes.
  3. Winston's "Winston Rewards" program, which offered coupons, discounts, and other incentives to loyal customers.

The decline of cigarette coupons:

  1. Anti-smoking campaigns: Public health campaigns and anti-smoking initiatives led to a decline in cigarette sales and a decrease in the popularity of coupons.
  2. Increased regulation: Governments began to impose stricter regulations on the tobacco industry, including restrictions on advertising and promotion.
  3. Shift to online marketing: Tobacco companies shifted their marketing efforts to online platforms, such as social media and email marketing, which reduced the need for physical coupons.

Today:

While cigarette coupons are no longer as common as they once were, some tobacco companies still offer digital coupons and promotions to their customers. However, the industry has largely shifted away from traditional mail-based coupons and towards more modern marketing strategies.