CC is planning on including discount codes in the next version of CCSCC Pro. Until then, I've seen a number of posts where they are needed, and I'm at the point that I need them too.

I had an idea today about possibly how to make discount codes work in a general way. However, I need some brainstorming/programming ideas help. So I'm posting here and maybe we can work this thing out so it helps all of us.

Here's the scenario. 500 unique discount codes have been issued to 500 people who can each use that code one time to get 50% off from a store created with CCSCC Pro. Here's what I've thought of so far.

1. Discount all products in the cart by 50%. Put the cart in its own directory on the site.
2. Set up a mysql database with the discount codes in a table.
3. Create a form in which visitors input their coupon code. The php then authenticates the user code against the coupon codes in the database. If it authenticates, set a cookie showing authentication and forward the user to the cart.

Here's what I need to figure out.

A. How to make the cart check the cookie for authentication so that only those who have put in a valid code have access.

B. After a successful purchase, the cart needs to trigger the code to be disabled in the database.


What do you think?

Until coupon codes are integrated in the software, I will continue to use the ones I can customize through Google Checkout.