Silk Road forums

Market => Product offers => Topic started by: varietyshow on December 02, 2012, 04:19 am

Title: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 02, 2012, 04:19 am
*****Current Version 1.06*****
Updated the amount drop down box values.
Other minor updates.

Version 1.05
Fixed several bugs that occurred in the last update. Everything appears to be working correctly now. As usual let me know if anything looks off asap and I'll get it fixed.

Version 1.04
Changed some internal coding with the way amounts are handled resulting in the removal of the amount cap and changed the format in which amounts are entered.
Added tooltips to most of the field texts in the program to explain fields and describe any particular formats that need to be used when entering data.

Version 1.03
Increased amount limit per requests to $99.99
*Fix serious bug in previous versions*
While I tested the coupons extensively prior to release, I left a test option active in the final version that made all coupons created require you to buy two of each item. Very sorry about this, it is fixed in this new version.

Version 1.02
Added the ability to enter manufacturer codes that use more than the 5 digits.

Also added and image of a sample of what the application can produce. http://xfq5l5p4g3eyrct7.onion/view.php?image=2e5619342b356081486ef8637a828b5f.jpg
It is enlarged to show more detail but all the text on the coupons are via fonts, not images so they scale well and will print off crisp and clear. The default printing size is a match to the original sites.
*****

Back up and running. I've made several updates to the program to make it more user friendly. I've been working with it so long that certain things I became accustomed to were making it hard for people to use it.


Hi, I wrote this coupon generator that creates coupons for use in the US and works on Windows 7.
It duplicates the format of a popular coupon website and creates valid scanable coupons. You enter the details and it gives you a pdf file.

I'm not sure of the market for this but I figured I'd give it a whirl. Let me know if you have any questions. I'll check back daily.

List of things to improve.



I'd like to thank brianbertz for his help with identifying issues with the application.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: brianbertz on December 02, 2012, 04:22 am
kinda curious... i know how to make coupons but if this is simpler than using upc helper etc. then im interested..... tell me more. how exactly does it work?
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 02, 2012, 04:49 am
It takes all the info you need to make a coupon such as amount, manufacturer ID, and other numbers and dates then creates the coupon. The databar is automatically generated during the process and placed in the correct place. The coupons are ready to print when the app is finished.

I was going to attach a screenshot but the upload folder is full so here is a link to the item, theres an image of it there. I plan on improving the app as well as the UI but as it stands the coupons are ready to go.

http://silkroadvb5piz3r.onion/silkroad/item/f0e52d9a58
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 02, 2012, 04:55 am
I've also included a feature that allows you to generate an html page that mimics the verification QRcode websites. When used properly if you scan the QRcode on the coupon a page matching what you would see on an actual verification page will appear and all the info would match. I've never seen anyone actually scan them in the store to check but it may happen in the future.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: inthedaytimewitha on December 02, 2012, 05:05 am
that's cool as shit if it works like you say.  A little much for me though
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: BruceCampbell on December 02, 2012, 05:06 am
Purplelotus ain't gonna' be too fond of a coupon machine.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 02, 2012, 05:13 am
I've purchased his package of coupons. It is amazing and I would suggest that anyone interested in coupons buys that first. This is aimed more at people that already have experience with coupon making and want to make it easier or just want to make them for products in their area. Many products are regional and he may never make coupons for them. I hope there can be room for both.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: brianbertz on December 02, 2012, 05:17 am
to be completely honest i am 150% interested in this but not at that price. i cant afford 100 dollars for it. i really do want it though.pm me if you would be willing to work something out...
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 02, 2012, 05:23 am
The price isn't set in stone yet. I'm still getting everything setup on the site here. I just wanted to get a post up. It should be finalized tomorrow. I am interested in how much others think something like this should sell for on here.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: brianbertz on December 02, 2012, 05:27 am
I've purchased his package of coupons. It is amazing and I would suggest that anyone interested in coupons buys that first. This is aimed more at people that already have experience with coupon making and want to make it easier or just want to make them for products in their area. Many products are regional and he may never make coupons for them. I hope there can be room for both.

i totally agree. i know how to make coupons i just buy Purples coupons cuz i dont have the time to make a shit ton of coupons and hes awesome. i would like this program to make coupons for certain things in my area and things that lotus wont make. but i do think the price has to come down a bit. if it does he will def. have my business. im still a loyal customer of lotus of course. doesnt hurt to get other things coupon related as long as it doesnt hurt his sales. and i dont think this does.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: brianbertz on December 02, 2012, 05:32 am
The price isn't set in stone yet. I'm still getting everything setup on the site here. I just wanted to get a post up. It should be finalized tomorrow. I am interested in how much others think something like this should sell for on here.

if it works fine i would pay maybe 30-40. i think thats a fair price since most people who are gonna buy it and use it already know how to make coupons. this is just making it faster and more convenient which is great but not at 100. id say 30 -40. and ill def. buy but i cant afford to go over that. you will still make money at that price and get more sales. just my 2cents
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: jvhero on December 03, 2012, 04:11 am
^^^^^^ i second that ^^^^^^^
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: BlarghRawr on December 03, 2012, 04:19 am
BlarghRawr Translations: "Coupon Generator that works on Windows 7" becomes "Virus that creates PDFs of 'fake coupons' when asked to"
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: brianbertz on December 03, 2012, 05:45 am
 well i am the first customer and it does indeed do what he says it does.. there are some minor improvements needed that i noticed right away but varietyshow says he is aware and will be improving the program over time. i think purple lotus needs to get on this program. he would be the biggest help in advice in imovements for this program being as he makes a shit ton of coupons all the time. it does save me a bit of time and the default generated descriptions and fine print arent perfect but you can easily edit them pretty quick and then generate the coupon. all in all i think as is right now its worth the money and if the creator keeps improving it like he says he will i do think this could be a great program to have. beats reading that long ass how to make coupons guide i have.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 03, 2012, 07:01 am
I thought about that. But there is not a whole lot that I can do to prove otherwise at the moment. Time will show that it is not.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: whostheman123 on December 03, 2012, 09:33 am
No. You can get PL's for 1/4 the cost and comes with excellent service and many coupons made at request of purchasers. Good luck though.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: purplelotus on December 03, 2012, 03:08 pm
I think in theory this is great and I would really like to check it out myself. I can't be replaced by a piece of software, anyone who has seen my new work can vouch for that. The idea though of a simple coupon generator seems pretty cool. I know there are tons of products people want coupons for that I simply can't get to every request. I know that even with a flawlessly programmed generator that just gathering and inputting the data needed is still a very time consuming process, so I don't consider this idea a threat to what I am doing here. I still think people on Silk Road are more into Instant Gratification and will continue to purchase my well made set to get them going, and some will also come here and grab the generator (assuming it actually works well)

Anyways, I hope you will sell me a copy when it's back up.

PL

Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 06, 2012, 11:28 pm
I'm glad you see it this way as I surely never meant to replace you with a program! Which would be very difficult, no this program isn't meant to make custom coupons like yours. It is only designed to copy the format of one popular coupon site at the moment. I do have plans to add a couple other sites formats eventually but that is a ways off at the moment. I know there are others making coupons out there for themselves. This could save them a lot of time. And those that would like to be able to fill that gap for coupons of items that are either local or purplelotus doesn't have time to add to his collection. Happy couponing!
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: jakers on December 07, 2012, 01:31 am
When using these coupons, who actually gets defrauded -- the retailer or the manufacturer?  Or does that depend on the manufacturer's policies?  I ask because I think that the retailers often have much smaller margins, and some I actually respect more than, say, Johnson&Johnson, or other publicly-owned behemoths.  I also appreciate how my local chain has gone to extreme lengths to make copy-cat products at much lower prices.  Like laundry detergent for $9 that would cost $20 if it were Tide.  Sure sometimes the copycat product isn't as good (like the Dawn dish soap knockoff) but the laundry detergent in particular is excellent.  Anyway, I really have my eye on that Keurig.. and my local supermarket chain sells it!  I'd love to see some K-cups on the list too.

Also, I suppose it is recommended to pay in cash when using these rather than credit..?

And, these are printable, so I suppose having a nice color laser printer is preferred (or do you think inkjets look better for this purpose? -- or does it depend on if it's color or not?)  TIA!
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 07, 2012, 01:40 am
It is in fact the retailer that takes the hit. So if you don't want to hurt a store that you like I would suggest using them at one you do not like, maybe walmart or target. I would use cash myself, especially if you plan on using a lot of coupons. I would think most people have inkjet printers since they are cheaper. This type of coupon will always be printed from the internet. Generally they can be in black & white or in color.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: Glitchey on December 14, 2012, 09:53 pm
Would love to give this a try and I might even be able to help, I'm a programmer myself. What language is it written in? You can PM details and such if you want to talk a little.

With that said though by itself I think could be an excellent product. The issue is everyone's loyalty to PL and that 100% includes me as well. I've got the guides and can create my own coupons as well. However, PL has been Johny on the spot for getting more and more out there. Why do for myself what PL can do?  ;D
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 15, 2012, 09:10 am
It's written in VB. It's in no way complicated. It was really more fun to make than anything else. A major lesson in pdf manipulation for sure. I thought I'd share it with people if they were interested but the interest is minimal. I'll leave it up here if anyone still wants it and update it from time to time but I probably won't be adding much in the way of major updates. At least until there is more interest.

The main goal was to create coupons that would be indistinguishable from legitimate internet coupons. I will probably still add a few other sites formats eventually because its fun to try and recreate what they've done with their security features. Coupon network seems easy enough but Redplum will be a challenge I bet.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: Glitchey on December 15, 2012, 12:50 pm
How about purchasing the source code then? I've got no interest in re-selling the software, more something just for me to play with and also learn more about the creation. Would love to see how you are doing the barcode generation. If I tinker with it and made it better could work out a deal where I send you my updates. Stuff like this I love to play with the programming. Programming is my life and I'm always picking up new projects just because I think they would be fun. Like you said with this project you learned a lot of PDF creation which can be a very valuable too in the future.

I once helped a few guys create a poker bot and did all these very complex algorithms and player scoring. Must of played with that project for a good 6 months. Didn't ask for any payment or anything. It was just a really fun and interesting project to see if I could even do it. The bot did fairly well, not what they were expecting but well. I did end up getting some "bonuses" from them but I would have been fine without because of a lot of things I learned while doing it I've used many times since.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: brianbertz on December 16, 2012, 04:17 am
where did you guys learn to program? im gonna go to school for computer science when i can afford it... been holding off for a few years but wanna get started soon.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: Glitchey on December 16, 2012, 01:43 pm
I'm completely self taught. I started close to 15 years ago with a simple macroing language AutoIt and just feel in love with the fact that spending just a little time I could write a macro script to make the computer do something by itself. After that I got into website design at the company I worked for and that slowly moved onto website programming and database work. As for application programming I've only done that for personal stuff. So application programming I'm not that great at but I can usually get the job done. My biggest accomplishment was helping a group of guys create a poker bot. Was a very fun project, was implied it was for free but I didn't care because it was a fun and challenging project for me at the time and I learned a lot that I've been able to apply to other project. Programming is 1 of those things you have to really have a passion for in order to do it, or at least do it well.

I tell people to start with something easy and I ALWAYS recommend AutoIt to start with. Not only is it easy, the documentation in the help file is AWESOME for a free open source project and they have a forum that is actually used by the community. Even after all these years I'm still finding myself using AutoIt to create scripts to automate things repetitive things I have to do. I actually wrote a small program in autoit for a client just the other day.  ;D

I know it's cliche` but it's true. Once you learn a couple languages you can easily pick up and learn any other languages. Once you get the general concepts down the rest is just different syntax.

Sorry for going completely off topic there.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: blueveil on December 16, 2012, 03:13 pm
I like to suggest that people interested in entry level programing learn the languages for SQL databases and honestly code for Excel too. As far as skills that you could learn to wow someone in an interview that you are a self taught database manager looks GREAT when you chat up a guy that has a Masters in the same area and knows less than you. You have no idea how many times I have blown employers outta the water with that. Plus its nothing but logic functions which are CAKE. Make this cell point to blah then move it here to this table then have it all make a pretty graph for you that explains the database in real time..... They think your a mofo Harry Houdini!!!
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: brianbertz on December 17, 2012, 12:22 am
Damn. Thanks for the info glitchey. I read a book on c+ a couple years ago and got super confused lol
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 17, 2012, 01:44 am
I'm not really much of a programmer but I did take a c based programming concepts class and an advanced c class about 5 years ago or so. I messed around with the source code to a game bot written in VB and discovered exactly what you were saying. Once you learn a language or two its all the same thing. This is actually my first real program and it is probably not very efficiently coded but it works. The barcode generation, which I could have handled in the program itself, is actually handled by an external exe that I got from that giant coupon making graphic that explains a lot of the details. I later discovered that its a free program provided by a website but the guy just recompiled it to work in the newer version of windows. I would have handled it, and may still, in the program itself once I find a good barcode library to use. I found several that looked promising but never could locate a bootleg version of them and the cost on them is way too high for this project.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 17, 2012, 11:00 pm
Here is an example of what the program can produce.
http://xfq5l5p4g3eyrct7.onion/view.php?image=2e5619342b356081486ef8637a828b5f.jpg

Keep in mind that the product of the application is actually a pdf file and all the text in the coupon is generated with fonts, not single images. This means they print off crisp and clear at any size, although the default printing size matches the originals exactly, this image was enlarged to show more detail.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: brianbertz on December 18, 2012, 10:22 pm
haha that was a funny coupon varieityshow! id print that out just for a novelty joke thingy.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: Glitchey on December 19, 2012, 01:46 am
I like to suggest that people interested in entry level programing learn the languages for SQL databases and honestly code for Excel too. As far as skills that you could learn to wow someone in an interview that you are a self taught database manager looks GREAT when you chat up a guy that has a Masters in the same area and knows less than you. You have no idea how many times I have blown employers outta the water with that. Plus its nothing but logic functions which are CAKE. Make this cell point to blah then move it here to this table then have it all make a pretty graph for you that explains the database in real time..... They think your a mofo Harry Houdini!!!

You think that's good self taught. I worked with a IT company and apparently the owner was a BIG shot years ago in helping MS build MS SBS. Couple years ago had a client with SBS issues and I thought I knew what it was but they didn't want me touch it. The big shot shows  up and took 2 days to fix when I told the other I could have had it done in 2 hours.  8)

I think you honestly learn most self taught. You get knocked down, learns ways around issues and grown even better. They can't teach that in school. Do I know the properly "terms" hell no but I can get it done.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 20, 2012, 06:46 pm
Updated to 1.03, check post #1 for details. Anyone who purchased is advised to update.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on December 22, 2012, 09:32 am
Updated to 1.04, check post #1 for details. Ease of use update.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on January 02, 2013, 06:03 am
Updated to 1.05, check post #1 for details.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on January 04, 2013, 04:58 pm
Updated to 1.06, check post #1 for details.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: robotrippin on January 04, 2013, 09:37 pm
I find this intriguing and might take the plunge and order. I've been getting into this couponing shit lately, thanks to PL, and might have some use for this. I only see 1 transaction and would like to see a bit more success before I drop the $50 on it. Sure the money would be returned in savings, but since I already have all of PL's collections and they cover just about everything this would be more of a specialty thing to me.  I don't think I'd ever stop supporting PL, you can't beat that service for the price. More positive feedback on this would probably convince me though. I know the only way for it to become established is for us to buy it, but maybe if you could get it into the hands of some known couponers here for some testing and reviews.....well that might benefit you in the long run. In the meantime I'll keep my eye on it and might just be transaction #2.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: purplelotus on January 04, 2013, 10:29 pm
I got to play with the beta, which showed a great vision, but ultimately needed some serious tweaks and revisions, but all of them I saw as very doable and an excellent product could possibly be achieved here. I actually couldn't get it to output a coupon, but this was pre-release, and I see he has made many revisions since. I found that there was plenty of room for more automation and the beta almost felt more difficult to me than making the real coupon, however the vision and idea behind it was very promising. If it were done correctly, like I imagine it could work, you could literally make a coupon in under 5 minutes just by providing a product name, product picture, a watermark picture, the 5 digit UPC, and then use drop down menus to select things like # of products and price off. A preview option and ability to resize both the product picture and watermark would be amazing, otherwise you are just stuck with what you get when you throw the picture at the generator.

Give it a drop down option with 7+ different options for the small print, and incorporate 4+ different templates and suddenly bitcoins begin to stack.

I'd like to get my hands on the latest version and see how far you have come with it.

PurpleLotus
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: robotrippin on January 04, 2013, 10:45 pm
Thanks for that PL. That's the kind of shit I'm talking about. I never had any clue about any of this shit until recently. I was just here to get my weed and then I found out about coupons. Since then my quality of life has increased greatly. Something like this could be of great value. But since I don't have much of a clue how to produce them, although I'm learning, this is something that would have to be user friendly. I'm sure I could pick it up either way, but with the packages and support already offered by PL this program would have to be solid for me to buy and be happy about it. I might end up buying anyways but that doesn't guarantee I'll be happy.  That might be my fault, or because of the program. Without more feedback it'll be hard to determine if I'm the idiot or the program has issues. I'll keep watching for more feedback before I buy and offer my own.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: Tyl3rdurden on January 04, 2013, 11:05 pm
Somebody work out how to make these coupons for the UK please :) ty
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: purplelotus on January 05, 2013, 04:08 am
I'll see what I can find, Tyler. The complicated part, in my opinion, would be testing the coupons. I'm sure I could make a coupon which worked in Canada... but how would I be able to know it worked?
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on January 05, 2013, 06:40 pm
Hey there.

Been a little busy so not much in the way of big updates just yet. I am working on the second coupon format though. Also it won't be hard to add in several more fine print options. PL the link should be incoming. I forgot to update yours.

As far as Canadian coupons that sounds interesting. I remember reading a post in PL's old thread I think about them not working or maybe it was in his listing. I wonder if its just a different format completely or if just a few things are different. What would really help is getting a few clear pictures of the Canadian coupons and the UPC from the product they are for. I go there every so often so I may be able to test some.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: varietyshow on January 05, 2013, 07:03 pm
It has definitely come a long way from that beta as far as user friendliness. But there are still miles to go for UI and coupons.
the ss format is pretty much down. I might tweak a few things here and there but the fonts and spacing of everything is a match to the originals I was working from. I have noticed that they have some variation between their coupons as far as what is on each coupon and where it is placed. I will probably add the option of changing that too after I get my second format out.
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: Tyl3rdurden on January 06, 2013, 09:47 am
I'll see what I can find, Tyler. The complicated part, in my opinion, would be testing the coupons. I'm sure I could make a coupon which worked in Canada... but how would I be able to know it worked?
I can do any testing you need :) for the uk obs
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: brianbertz on January 20, 2013, 07:38 am
what up varietyshow! hey my computer is fucked up and i cant open the generator... can you pm me the link again man. also any new improvements since the first update?
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: maple on April 05, 2013, 07:36 pm
Any updates on this at all?
Title: Re: Coupon Generator
Post by: overlap on April 23, 2013, 04:50 pm
Any Update? Would like to see a new version ?