What are the requirements for discount terms visibility?

Question

As an e-commerce business owner, I'm struggling to understand the legal and ethical requirements for displaying discount terms clearly to customers. I want to ensure my promotional offers are transparent, compliant with consumer protection laws, and don't mislead potential buyers. What specific details must be included when presenting discounts, and how can I communicate these terms effectively without overwhelming customers or creating confusion?

Muhammed Tüfekyapan · Accepted Answer

Requirements for Discount Terms Visibility
Clear discount terms are both a legal requirement and a trust-building element. Customers who feel misled by hidden restrictions become your loudest critics. Terms transparency is good compliance practice and good brand practice simultaneously.

Required Disclosure Elements

ElementRequirementExample

Expiry date and timeMust be clearly visible before customer acts on offer"Offer expires March 15, 2026 at 11:59pm ET"
Eligible products/categoriesMust specify if not all products are included"Valid on skincare only; excludes gift cards"
Minimum purchase requirementRequired prominently if applicable"Minimum order $50 required"
One use per customerMust be disclosed if applicable"One code per customer; non-transferable"
Geographic restrictionsMust be disclosed if offer limited to certain regions"Valid for US customers only"
Stacking restrictionsMust clearly state if not combinable with other offers"Cannot be combined with other promotions"

FTC "Clear and Conspicuous" Standard

The FTC requires disclosures to be:

Close to the claim: Near the discount offer, not only in separate T&Cs page
In readable font size: Not in 6pt type that requires magnification
In contrasting color: Not white text on white or barely visible gray
Not hidden behind clicks: "See terms" links are insufficient for material conditions

Popup and Exit-Intent Offer Terms

For behavioral trigger offers (exit-intent popups, cart recovery offers), include a brief summary of key terms directly in the offer creative. Full T&Cs can be accessed via link, but expiry, eligible products, and minimum purchase must be visible in the offer itself without requiring the customer to click to see restrictions.

What are the requirements for discount terms visibility?

TL;DR - Quick Answer

Complete Expert Analysis

Requirements for Discount Terms Visibility

Required Disclosure Elements

FTC "Clear and Conspicuous" Standard

Popup and Exit-Intent Offer Terms

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Use Cases

Element	Requirement	Example
Expiry date and time	Must be clearly visible before customer acts on offer	"Offer expires March 15, 2026 at 11:59pm ET"
Eligible products/categories	Must specify if not all products are included	"Valid on skincare only; excludes gift cards"
Minimum purchase requirement	Required prominently if applicable	"Minimum order $50 required"
One use per customer	Must be disclosed if applicable	"One code per customer; non-transferable"
Geographic restrictions	Must be disclosed if offer limited to certain regions	"Valid for US customers only"
Stacking restrictions	Must clearly state if not combinable with other offers	"Cannot be combined with other promotions"