Group buying power creates “ridiculously huge” coupons
Deals of the day and internet-only bargains abound in the online shopping world. Now Groupon.com lets individuals save even more when they harness group purchasing power at restaurants, spas, hotels, theaters and other popular community venues. Getting a life while sitting at your keyboard has never been easier or more affordable.
What is Groupon?
Groupon is a collective buying system that can save you up to 90 percent off dining, events and other experiences in more than 40 U.S. cities. Each day a Groupon partner offers a single, stellar deal. Only when a minimum number of customers like the deal and agree to purchase it can they “tip” the offer. No minimum? No deal.
If a deal is too good to pass up, encourage your friends to purchase the day’s Groupon or give Groupons as gifts to help the deal reach its tipping point. And, what better way to rally support for a deal than through social networking. Groupon groupies can use “Share This Deal” buttons to spread the word via Facebook and Twitter. If a friend or follower uses your refer link to subscribe to Groupon.com and they make their first purchase within 72 hours, you’ll get a $10 credit toward your next Groupon deal.
How do I get started?
When you arrive at Groupon.com, it uses your computer’s IP address to decide which city’s deal to show you. Planning a vacation or buying a gift? Simply click on “Visit More Cities” to choose Today’s Deal for another urban locale.
If today’s deal is something you like and it hasn’t tipped yet, then clicking “buy” is really just an agreement to buy it if and when it does tip.
Tipping points
If a minimum number of people don’t snap up a deal, then it’s canceled. When you commit to buy a deal, you have to provide a credit card number, but if the deal doesn’t tip, you won’t get charged. If you arrive at Groupon.com and the deal of the day already has tipped, you can still benefit. Buy all the discount coupons you want until a deal sells out.
If yesterday’s sushi bar discount or today’s two-for-the-price-of-one hot air balloon ride didn’t appeal to you, get tipped off about future Groupon.com deals by signing up for a daily blast to your email inbox.
Cashing in Groupon deals
Once a deal tips, Groupon.com will charge your credit card then send you an email that includes a link. Follow the link, sign in to the Groupon.com site and print your coupon. Your print out will have complete redemption instructions as well as a map to the venue.
Buy the deal today, but use the coupon whenever you want. Groupon.com deals usually have expiration dates and they may have other restrictions, but you’ll have plenty of time to cash in. If you bought discounted tickets to the symphony but you couldn’t find a babysitter, you can always gift a Groupon.com coupon to someone else. And, if you’re ever dissatisfied, Groupon.com says they’ll refund your money.