My husband, a business guy in the technology sector, is always looking for new web startups. He recently told me about Groupon, and how I just had to check it out. I ignored his suggestion for a little while, but then decided that he usually knows what he’s talking about and that I might want to look into it afterall. That’s when I found this little beauty called Groupon. Now, I haven’t tried it myself (since it’s not available in my area yet), but I think this would something to look into for those who have Groupon for your city.
Groupon is a site that taps into local collective buying power to give customers some great deals. Basically, Groupon works out deals with local businesses in certain major metros across the U.S. to offer Groupon users special offers. There’s one deal a day for each participating city, and if enough people commit to buying a certain majorly discounted offer, the company honors those purchases. Credit cards are charged and the offer is awarded to everyone who commited. If Groupon doesn’t get enough people to commit to the deal by day’s end, no one gets the offer and credit cards aren’t charged.
Take the DC area for example, just recently they had a a deal for Ace Hardware: Get $20 for use in-store for just $10. They’ve also had majorly discounted gift certificates (or “Groupons”) for local restaurants and spas, and significantly discounted tickets to shows and events in the area. Today’s DC deal: $185 for three laser hair removal sessions through a local cosmetic doctor, valued at $600.
You can also give Groupons as gifts, so this might be a nice Christmas idea, giving you more bang for your buck.
Right now, Groupon is available in the following areas (but more are being added): Alburquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinatti, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Fort Worth, Fresno, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, LA, Lousville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St Paul, Nashville, New York, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Philly, Phoenix, Pittsburg, Portland, Raligh, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Fran, San Jose, Seattle, St Loius, Tampa, Virginia Beach, and Washington DC.
If you’re a Grouponer, I would love to hear your thoughts on the site! Love it? Hate it? Any issues with it?
{ 6 comments }
I do indeed GroupOn, or at least I have once. I bought a massage at a nearby spa – about half-price, I believe. I have yet to use it…
I see a lot of interesting things through there but a lot of it is spa services (tanning, haircuts, etc.) and restaurants I’ve never heard of.
The ordering process was easy – I can’t say anything about redeeming it yet!
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Commute =-.
I’ve used Groupon (DC) several times and I think it’s great! I stopped seeing my regular stylist because with all the salon deals, I can easily get my haircuts & coloring for half off. There have been a few restaurants we were really excited about (pizza/sushi places we loved anyway), and I recently bought one for $35 for a purchase of $70 worth of maternity clothes at a nearby maternity store. Redeeming my coupons has been really easy, one time my printer was broken and it didn’t matter because the shop already had all the Groupon codes on file. The occasional steal is definitely worth the extra email in your inbox every day!
Oh, you guys are really making me wish we had Groupon in my area! It seems like such a wonderful way to get some great deals, especially on things like haircuts, as you mentioned, Melissa.
lets figure out how to get it going here in cville!! my husband works for a local business, ill ask!
I love it. We took advantage of the Let’s Dish deal from a couple of months ago- $79 for a 4-meal plan, plus a side and dessert and scones. My husband said there were a ton of other Grouponers there when he went. Bought a few more deals that I still need to use, but it’s a good deal.
It’s really very good explanation about groupon and where really it available. Its very interesting topic.
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