An observed coupon is not a verified coupon: auditing timestamps and CSV exports in Python
Disclosure: This article and the accompanying code were prepared with AI assistance. The described tests were run locally; coupon redemption was not tested. A discount page can remain online after its campaign ends. A source observation therefore needs its own timestamp, independently from any stated expiry. Missing expiry must stay unknown, rather than becoming a promise of indefinite validity.…
A coupon observation must carry its own timestamp, separate from any displayed expiration date. If no expiration is recorded, it remains unknown. The example dataset, eSIM Offer Audit Kit, originates from a personal eSIM deals site and contains no real customers or activation codes. To run the audit, clone the repository and execute the provided Python commands.
The CLI, built with Python's standard library, does not perform network operations. Each audit row retains a source URL and collection time, plus any review flags. The audit determines several outcomes: future_timestamp (collection time later than the audit time), stale_observation (exceeds the review interval), expiry_unknown (no explicit expiry), expired (recorded expiry is past the audit time), and unknown expiry (review flag, not an indication of perpetual validity).
CSV exports add a defensive apostrophe to text beginning with certain characters, but this does not guarantee spreadsheet import. The audit does not affirm a coupon's validity; it merely highlights matters requiring manual review, such as eligibility, device compatibility, and final payment. Automated checks should identify review needs but must not falsely claim evidence of unverified coupons.
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