I have a Groupon…
I’ve never been a morning person but since I’ve become addicted to Groupon, all that has changed. As soon as the sun cracks through my window curtains, I reach for my phone frantically wondering what the deal will be. Will it be a spa getaway? A trendy Wynwood restaurant? A chic hotel stay? I’ve managed to a try couple new restaurants with deals like spend $25 to get $50 and the best deal as of yet- 2 manicure/pedicure visits for $28. Yes, ladies, I said 2!
While the majority of “Grouponers” are looking to be frugal, they are also really looking to try something new. The deals are usually local and reveal undiscovered businesses with new and exciting things to try. Be it rock climbing, a golf 101 class, tandem parasailing, or a sight-seeing cruise, it makes you feel like you’re a tourist in your own city. It’s a great way to break the monotony of everyday life and save a few bucks as well. And I have to say, I was uneasy about using my first Groupon. Would I be given the cold shoulder because I was using a coupon to get a massage? I haven’t had one bad experience to date. These businesses understand that they are luring customers that otherwise would not be customers, so they have this one shot to turn them into loyal, repeat customers.
Local businesses have been enjoying all the success and heightened awareness, so it was only a matter of time before some well known brands would want in. Case in point, last week Groupon had its largest national promotion to date with Gap. “Grouponers” were able to buy a $50 credit for $25. According to an AdAge article, Groupon adds in a week about 500,000 subscribers that number went to 750,000 for the week after the Gap promotion. That’s pretty impressive. The deal’s timing was impeccable since it was the last week of the back-to-school shopping season. Some would argue that Gap was stooping to a new low having to offer this deal to get consumers into their stores. Gap hasn’t had the same success in recent years and this deal may have been just what they needed to convince their lapsed shoppers to come visit their stores again. Also, selfishly, I have to disagree, as a loyal “Grouponer” I want more big name brands to follow suit, so I can cash in on some more great Groupons!
Are you a “Grouponer” who has had a good or bad experience? Have you become a loyal customer through Groupon?
Read more on the Gap promotion here.
Today’s deal
Sign up for Groupon here.
6 Comments
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i couldn’t have said it better… these sites allow you to become a “tourist in your own city.” nicely done!
Please let me know when Big Daddy’s joins.
This is really an excellent blog post! Groupon is doing big big things!
I had heard subtly about Groupon, but it wasn’t until I read this post that I felt reassured about the website. I am glad to say that I just subscribed to Groupon, all thanks to this trusty blog post. Thanks!
I have used Groupon a few times, but the last time was awful! They were offering a 1 hour massage for $35. I bought and scheduled an appointment. When I showed up, the “business” is run out of someone’s home. They had sheets covering their personal belongings and cats/dogs running around! It was awful. Luckily they forgot to schedule me, so I ran out of there as fast as I could. Turns out all their reviews on Yelp were fake. Now the real reviews are coming in and it’s awful! They contract out massage therapists. (Students who have just graduated), and they give horrible massages! I’m seriously upset with Groupon for not taking the time to check out the business a little more before offering a discount.
I understand that this is a startup company, but that was not mentioned on their website or Groupon’s. I feel taken advantage of and 2,400 other people bought. They will soon find out what I did. I do appreciate Groupon refunding my purchase, but they gave me credit and after my experience, it may be some time before I buy again.
That’s horrible-at least you were able to get a credit back. I like to check out the company’s website before I purchase the Groupon just in case. I’ll admit there are some Groupons I wouldn’t purchase like Laser Hair removal, which they push a lot. There are just some things that I feel more comfortable paying full price for. Hopefully once you use your credit your faith in Groupon will be restored.