Let’s face it, in consignment and resale, we recycle everything from our merchandise to 2nd-time-around hangers, re-purposed fixtures, rescued pets (and a few re-purposed spouses.)
So what could be more natural than to recycle shop coupons? And how news-worth, word-of-mouth-worthy is this?
Here’s how I’d do it: Make them credit-card size (for easy storage and exchange) I’d laminate them (or get plastic cards made up*) and encourage the “passing on” from friend to friend. Whatever the offer, I’d headline the coupon with
“I love recycling…so much, I’m recycling this discount coupon to you”
Then the offer, and basic shop info.
On the back of the card I’d compose a little friendly message like (note: the parentheses are part of the copy!)
“The Recycling Credo: I certify that I got this coupon from a friend (or maybe a stranger in line at the movies), and will, after I claim my savings, pass it on to another friend (or maybe, a stranger in the grocery store) who will pass it on to another friend (or maybe to that helpful librarian or sales clerk or neighbor) so I can recycle the wonderful news about MyShop”…
With a card like this, you get the benefits of the coupon, plus you encourage conversations about you shop, plus you generate new customers. Can’t get much sweeter than that!
So, what do YOU think?
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
This is a super terrific idea! We were just getting ready to make up some certificates that staff could hand out to people and now we will do it with the plastic credit card sized coupons with the wording that you suggested. I love it!
This is a great idea. I love it. We are always looking for ways to get the word out, and this one would help the environment too.
Ruth, wouldn’t it be COOL if your recyclable coupons, since you are a furniture/home decor store, were wood? Of course these might be so cute that people wouldn’t pass them on, which is the point… hmmm.