November 6th, 2009 
Groupon is an online provider of coupons to various restaurants, spas, sporting events, and many other service providers. Currently Groupon is available in 35 cities throughout the US. Typically, the deal is for anywhere between 50 and 90% off regular prices. What sets Groupon apart from other coupon sites is that it has to do with collective buying. So, only if enough people click on the button to buy, will the deal be valid. And there is one deal per day. So, if you don’t buy the deal that day, you won’t get another chance to get it unless they bring that particular coupon back at a later date.
How does it work? Go to the site at Groupon.com. If you are interested in the deal of the day, just click “BUY” before the offer ends at midnight. If the minimum number of people sign up, you’ll get a printable gift certificate in your inbox the next morning that you can use whenever you want. If not enough people join, no one gets it and you won’t be charged.
I’ve only ever bought into 2 Groupons, but it always seems that the deal is “on” by the time I get around to purchasing. My experience using the coupon was positive. The checkout process was easy. You will have to create an account with them in order to buy. You can also sign up for email alerts for their Groupon deal of the day, although most of the time this funnels into my junk email folder. When I went to use the Groupon, it was easily accepted at the restaurant.
- Pros and Cons – Groupon.com vs. Restaurant.com
Pros:
- There isn’t a lot of fine print or “gotchas” to Groupon. It appears that what you see is what you get.
- There isn’t a minimum purchase required. Restaurant.com requires a minimum purchase based on the amount of the certificate.
- They don’t automatically add a tip on to your bill. Restaurant.com vendors are entitled to 18-20% gratuity.
Cons:
- Groupon coupons expire quickly. Many within 3 -6 months as where restaurant.com purchases are good for 1 year.
- More costly than restaurant.com. Restaurant.com coupons can often be found for as little as $2 for a $25 certificate. I’ve spent $15 each on my Groupon coupons. These were good for $35 towards food purchases.
Extras: If someone you refer subscribes within 72 hours, you’ll receive a $10 credit whenever they make their first purchase.
Groupon Website
Restaurant.com Website
More Discount Sites:
Insider Access to Wholesale Electronics
Designer Wholesale Resources – Your Favorite Designer Brands For A Fraction Of The Retail Price!
Exclusive access to top Brand Name Wholesalers
Posted in 
Tags: 
