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Fixed Amount vs Discount Launch codes

Written by Justin Hoehn •Updated May 25, 2026

When creating a Launch code inside Launch by Lead Apparel, companies can choose between two funding structures:

  • Fixed Amount
  • Discount

Both options allow companies to fund employee merchandise orders, but they are designed for different types of employee programs and budgeting strategies.

Understanding the differences between the two helps companies create a merchandise experience that aligns with their goals, budgets and employee ordering preferences.

How Fixed Amount Launch codes work

A Fixed Amount Launch code gives employees a specific dollar amount to spend inside the company store.

For example:

  • $100
  • $200
  • $500

Employees can shop normally and apply the code during checkout. If the order total exceeds the available balance, the employee can pay the remaining amount using a credit card or PayPal.

One of the biggest advantages of Fixed Amount codes is budgeting accuracy.

Although the company may issue a larger allowance amount, the company is only billed for the amount employees actually redeem.

For example:

  • An employee receives a $200 code
  • The employee spends $150
  • The company is billed only for the $150 used

This flexibility makes Fixed Amount codes the most commonly used funding structure inside Launch.

How Discount Launch codes work

Discount Launch codes apply a percentage discount to employee orders.

Discount codes can range from:

  • 50% off
  • Up to 100% off

Unlike Fixed Amount codes, Discount codes can also include product quantity limits.

For example:

  • Employees may receive 100% off up to two products
  • Employees may receive 50% off up to three products

Quantity limits apply to the total number of products ordered using the code, not individual product styles.

Employees cannot exceed the product quantity limit assigned to the Discount code. If the discount is less than 100%, the employee can pay the remaining balance on the eligible products using a credit card or PayPal at checkout.

The company is billed for the discounted portion of the employee order total.

When companies use Fixed Amount codes

Fixed Amount codes are most commonly used for:

  • Employee onboarding
  • Annual employee allowances
  • Flexible employee merchandise programs
  • Ongoing employee perks
  • Premium apparel programs

Many companies prefer Fixed Amount codes because employees know exactly how much spending power they have available while still having the flexibility to order additional products if they choose.

This creates a more flexible shopping experience while allowing companies to forecast budgets more accurately.

When companies use Discount codes

Discount codes are commonly used for:

  • Holiday gifting programs
  • Event merchandise programs
  • Fully funded employee orders
  • Controlled product campaigns
  • Limited-time employee launches

Many companies use Discount codes when they want employees to select a specific number of products rather than manage a fixed spending amount.

For example:

Pick any two products from the store at 100% off.

This creates a simpler gifting-style experience while still allowing the company to maintain control over product quantities and ordering behavior.

Budgeting differences

Most companies that prioritize budgeting accuracy prefer Fixed Amount codes.

Because companies are only billed for the redeemed amount, budgeting is generally easier to forecast over time.

Discount programs can still be budgeted effectively, but final costs may fluctuate more depending on:

  • Product selection
  • Product pricing
  • Discount percentage
  • Employee ordering behavior

The best option depends on how structured or flexible the company wants the employee ordering experience to be.

Which Launch code structure is best?

There is no universal “best” option between Fixed Amount and Discount Launch codes.

Both structures are designed for different employee merchandise strategies.

In general:

  • Fixed Amount codes provide more employee flexibility and more predictable budgeting
  • Discount codes provide tighter control over product quantities and fully funded gifting programs

Many companies use both throughout the year depending on the type of employee program they are running.

Best practices

  • Use Fixed Amount codes for onboarding and ongoing employee programs
  • Use Discount codes for controlled gifting campaigns
  • Use quantity limits with Discount codes to manage product distribution
  • Allow employees to pay over the code value for additional flexibility
  • Match the Launch code structure to the employee experience you want to create
  • How to create your first Launch code
  • Choosing how employees pay
  • Budgeting for employee merchandise
  • Who can use Launch codes
  • Launch codes for onboarding programs