What are 'Groupon' and 'LivingSocial' deals?

                               

The internet strives to keep us all connected in a variety of ways. From social networking to like-minded discussion boards to other forms of groups, people want to be around other like-minded people; even if "around" is relative and simply means that you share a collective experience online, still, around is preferred. 

So it is with some interest that you might come across an unsolicited offer (Hmmmm, I'm always suspicious of unsolicited offers.....)  from LivingSocial.com  and Groupon.com.

These are both  deal-of-the-day websites that feature discounted gift certificates usable at local or national companies  They are free to subscribe to and are a good deal, but only  if it is something you would have bought anyway.


How Does Groupon Work for the Customer?

Groupon itself is a free service for you and me to join. Each day, Groupon will send an email announcement to its subscribers, describing the deal-of-the-day in that metro area. Commonly, the deals are 50% discounts at a particular restaurant, or 50% discounts at a particular store.

If you like the deal-of-the-day, then you purchase an electronic coupon directly from Groupon using your credit card or PayPal account. You print that coupon, take it to the restaurant or store, and redeem it for commonly double the value you paid. 

 A word of caution is you will see many deals that are so good you are tempted to buy them... they are a good deal but, ONLY , if it is indeed something you would have bought anyway.

Living Social also offers a new deal each day to its members who subscribe via email. Once a deal has been purchased, members are e-mailed their redemption vouchers the following business day. Members must either print out their vouchers or download the LivingSocial app on their smart phones.

Below is a of living social offers you might see;

• 

  Daily Deals

  daily offers encouraging local discovery by connecting consumers to handpicked merchants at significant savings
• 

  Escapes

  distinctive travel experiences crafted to inspire easy exploration of destinations across the street and around the world
• 

  Families

  valuable kid-and-parent-approved offers that help families get out and play together
• 

  Adventures

  uniquely packaged activities encouraging members to meet new people and try something different
• 

  Takeout & Delivery

  the easiest way to find, order, and enjoy great food from local restaurants
• 

  Gourmet

  high-end culinary experiences available exclusively to select members