# How to use a discount code correctly: 7 common mistakes that cost you the deal | Rakhasli

> More than half of discount codes are misused, causing the discount to silently disappear. Here are the 7 mistakes we see every day — and how to avoid them.

Source: https://rakhesli.com/en/blog/how-to-use-discount-codes-correctly/

- [Home](https://rakhesli.com/en/)
- / [Blog](https://rakhesli.com/en/blog/)
- / How to use a discount code correctly: 7 common mistakes that cost you the deal

Shopping tips Published: 1 November 2026

## Why do codes sometimes fail?

Many shoppers have a perfectly valid code, only to find the price unchanged at checkout. The cause is almost never the code itself — it is usually how it was applied.

## 1. Applying the code before your cart is complete

Some stores calculate the discount against the cart **at the moment you apply the code**, not at checkout. Adding items after locks in the lower subtotal and the code may not recalculate.

**Fix:** Fill your cart entirely, then apply the code once.

## 2. The code is for new customers only

Codes marked “first order” will not work if you have previously bought from the same store with the same phone number or email address.

**Fix:** Check the code detail page — we always note who the code is for (new / existing / all).

## 3. Minimum order not met

Most discount codes require a minimum cart value. If your cart is SAR 149 and the code requires SAR 150, it will be rejected.

**Fix:** Look for the minimum order field in the code details before you shop.

## 4. Copy-paste errors

A missing character, or a lowercase letter where an uppercase is required — codes are exact-match.

**Fix:** Use the “Copy” button on the code page instead of typing it manually.

## 5. The code has expired

Some codes expire within days or even hours.

**Fix:** We update expiry dates daily. Look for a code with a valid date before you start shopping.

## 6. Your product is excluded

Some codes exclude certain products: already-discounted items, specific brands, or seasonal deals.

**Fix:** Open the “Terms” section on the code page — we list the main exclusions.

## 7. You have already used it

Most first-order codes can only be used once per account.

**Fix:** Check your order history in the store app or your email inbox for previous uses.

If you tried a code and it did not work, send us a report from the code page — we review within 24 hours.

[Back to blog](https://rakhesli.com/en/blog/)