# Send each customer their own coupon

> Use the Send coupon step to give each customer a single-use code for their next order, then send it in an email or WhatsApp step.
>
> Source: https://docs.bcl.my/automation-send-coupon/

The **Send coupon** step gives each customer a coupon code of their own, for their next order. Each code works one time only. It copies the discount and rules of a coupon that you already have, and it stays valid for the number of days that you choose.

## Start from a template

The **Thank-You Coupon** template waits 7 days after a payment, makes a code that is valid for 14 days, and emails it to the buyer. Find it under **Automations** → **Templates** (see [Start an automation from a template](/automation-templates/)).

*(Screenshot: The Thank-You Coupon template card with Use template highlighted)*

The **Bonus Content for Big Orders** template also uses this step: smaller orders get a coupon to come back for more.

## Add the step yourself

First create the coupon to copy from, under **Coupons**. Then:

1. In your automation, click **Add Node** and pick **Send coupon** under **Sales & content**.

   *(Screenshot: The Add Node menu with Send coupon, Unlock content and Revoke access under Sales & content)*

2. Double-click the new step to open **Send Coupon Settings**, and type an **Action Name**.
3. In **Copy from coupon**, pick your coupon.
4. In **Valid for**, type the number of days that the code works.
5. In **Code starts with**, type a short word, such as `THANKS`, or leave it empty.
6. Click **Save Send Coupon**.
7. Add a **Send Email** or WhatsApp step after it. Put the code in the message with `{new_coupon_code}`. You can also use `{new_coupon_discount}` and `{new_coupon_expiry}`.
8. Click **Update Automation** and switch the automation on.

Click **Variables** in the later step to find these under **From earlier nodes**.

## Common issues

### Do I need a coupon before I add the Send coupon step?

Yes. Create a coupon under Coupons first (see Create a discount coupon (/create-coupon/)). The step copies its discount, rules and allowed forms into a new single-use code for each customer.

### How does the customer get the code?

The step makes the code but does not send it. Add a Send Email or WhatsApp step after it, and put {new_coupon_code} in the message.

### What do the new codes start with?

With the text in Code starts with, letters and numbers only. If you leave it empty, the codes start with the code of the coupon you copy from.