Yes i have the same problem with my customers but what i did as well was to do the above, but also edit the lanugauge
txt_add_coupon_header to include a anchor like so:
Code:
<a name="coupon_code" id="coupon_code"></a>If you have a valid discount coupon, you can enter it below, the store will deduct the discount amount from your total order.
Then in customer/menu_cart.tpl add the line:
Code:
{if $minicart_total_items > 0}
<a href="cart.php#coupon_code" class="VertMenuItems">{$lng.lbl_enter_coupon}</a><br />
{/if}
That way it goes straight to the Redeem a discount coupon box, then there is no confusion.