Thoughts on Groupon, Living Social, etc.

[disneysteve]

This topic really hasn't come up for a while here. How many of you make use of discount sites like Groupon and Living Social? We've used them numerous times and they really can be great deals. A lot of the restaurants in our area that we like post offers regularly. We've also used the deals to try out some new restaurants at a nice discount.

For those not familiar, it is basically a coupon deal where you pay a certain amount to get a coupon good for a higher amount. For example, I just got an email for a very nice upscale Italian restaurant near us that we love. It is $15 for $30 worth of food, so basically $15 off your meal.

Another format is a coupon for a fixed price meal. Another Italian place near us puts out a deal now and then for a 4-course meal for 2 for $37. The first time we used that deal, our actual bill came to $63 so we saved $36 with the offer.

It isn't just restaurants. They do show tickets, massages, manicure/pedicure, travel deals, etc. We've used a couple of non-food deals like the local paint-your-own pottery place, airport parking, and a wine tasting at a nearby winery.

The coupons DO expire but the price you paid never expires. So if you pay $15 for $30 worth of food and don't use it in time, you still can apply your $15 toward your meal. You just don't get the promotional value.

Are you using these types of deals?

[phantom]

I've used Groupon a little. I once found a deal for half price tickets for a concert I wanted to go to. Not only were the tickets half price, but there was no TicketMaster fee, so I actually saved more than 50%. Groupon is definitely on my list of places to check for deals when I have something in mind that I want to do. It seems like it could be a dangerous place to just browse without purpose though.

[Like2Plan]

I have looked at some of these offers, but never done them. What has kept me from trying them is the concern that they will be difficult to redeem. (Usually, the types of things I am interested in are experiences--like a massage or a tour or parasailing, etc. )

[rennigade]

I actually havent heard anyone use the word groupon or livingsocial in over a year. At one time a couple years ago people would be buying coupons left and right. Maybe its just not as popular anymore?

I only ever bought 2 coupons from groupon before. One was for top golf...the other was for snorkeling with manatees in florida. Saved 50% with each one, easy to use, didnt have any problems.

Its one of those things I rarely ever check to see if there are any deals going on though. Maybe ill have to check once a week or so going forward.

[disneysteve]

It seems like it could be a dangerous place to just browse without purpose though.

That's true of any shopping I suppose. Nothing is a good deal if it is something that you don't actually need or weren't planning on spending on anyway.

I have looked at some of these offers, but never done them. What has kept me from trying them is the concern that they will be difficult to redeem. (Usually, the types of things I am interested in are experiences--like a massage or a tour or parasailing, etc. )

I have never encountered any problem redeeming these deals. It is important to read the fine print before buying just to be sure you understand the terms. Make sure it's valid on the day that you intend to use it. Make sure there are no other restrictions that apply to you. Other than that, I would suggest you give it a try. The savings are very much legitimate.

[disneysteve]

I actually havent heard anyone use the word groupon or livingsocial in over a year.

Maybe ill have to check once a week or so going forward.

I think there was a lot of publicity when they first launched the services. That's died down now but they are still going strong.

I get regular emails from them with new deals. When our daughter is away at school, I check them more. Since she came home in May, I've mostly ignored the messages as my wife and I don't go out much at all while she's home.

[ronb]

I think they're great! I even used one on a date last week. The trick is to pass it to the server w/o your date knowing (I used a printout). I thiiiiiiink I was successful.

[disneysteve]

I think they're great! I even used one on a date last week. The trick is to pass it to the server w/o your date knowing (I used a printout). I thiiiiiiink I was successful.

Your date shouldn't care. She should appreciate your frugality. If not, maybe she's not the right one for you.

[kork13]

I think they're great! I even used one on a date last week. The trick is to pass it to the server w/o your date knowing (I used a printout). I thiiiiiiink I was successful.

Your date shouldn't care. She should appreciate your frugality. If not, maybe she's not the right one for you.

When I was dating my (now) wife, I frequently used Groupon & Amazon Local to find ideas for nights out. I actually would often state explicitly that "I've never been here, but I found this place on Groupon and thought it sounded like fun." However, if you want to be discreet about using the Groupon, I would just slip the printout into the payment sleeve with the receipt & your credit card. That's normally how I use them, unless (as DS stated previously) the meal/event itself is defined by the terms of the Groupon, in which case you need to point it out upfront.

To the original question, I love using Groupon/etc. for getting discounts on local events. I've used them for MANY meals, live shows, massages, and also actual goods, such as the socks that I'm wearing right now. With that said, you have to use it with your eyes wide open... Some cautions:
- With physical products (like my socks), you have to know what buying them elsewhere would actually cost. Often, they'll list them as being "$6 for 3 pairs of socks! $10 value, 40% off!" but that original price is the full retail, and you can buy the exact same things on Amazon for $5.
- Likewise, they list Groupons giving values that aren't reasonable, like "online IT certification class for $40! $200 value, 80% off!" Is that online class actually worth paying $200 to attend, or do they offer the class on their own website for $40 too?
- Last consideration is with stuff for which you need to have appointments (such as getting LASIK or a massage), getting those appointments can be difficult. My wife often would purchase massages, but would have trouble getting an appointment with the place in order to actually use the Groupon -- delays that could make you lose that promotional value.

[rennigade]

unless (as DS stated previously) the meal/event itself is defined by the terms of the Groupon, in which case you need to point it out upfront.

That always rubs me the wrong way...when I use a coupon, specifically from restaurant.com or other random places and it states to present offer to server before ordering. I know the argument is so they can put it in the system and have it taken off your bill before they bring you the check. But isnt it just as easy for them to accept coupon at the end and do all the work then? Its not like they're doing more work.

To me its like...ok this guy is using a 50% off coupon...lets give him less food or not as nice quality piece of steak, etc. I dont know...I dont like it. Im probably just being paranoid.

[disneysteve]

That always rubs me the wrong way...when I use a coupon, specifically from restaurant.com or other random places and it states to present offer to server before ordering. I know the argument is so they can put it in the system and have it taken off your bill before they bring you the check. But isnt it just as easy for them to accept coupon at the end and do all the work then? Its not like they're doing more work.

To me its like...ok this guy is using a 50% off coupon...lets give him less food or not as nice quality piece of steak, etc. I dont know...I dont like it. Im probably just being paranoid.

Some restaurants have a set menu for those using the coupons so you need to let them know before you order.

Other than that, I don't typically tell them upfront. I wait until the bill comes.

[FLA]

I use those two and crowdsavings. Gotten some great deals, food as everyone else said. As a treat to take DD for a cheap manicure. For tickets to local plays or towards places that make a fun day trip. Services: car detailing, oil change, etc. On products, I always search because sometimes they are not the best price. They have often online hobby classes, like they had a year long gardening class, supposed retail $179 (unlikely) but it only cost $5. I gave that to a friend who has been helping me who loves to garden, she really likes it and it enabled me to feel like I'm at least doing something for people helping me but my finances are very tight.

Took trips through them with ex-BF, no problems, hotels as pictured, meals very nice. You take a chance but look on TripAdviser for hotel reviews so you can have an idea of what you are getting.

[safari]

Both often offer coupons, which makes the deals even sweeter. I get them via email, but I also search for coupons every time before buying something from Groupon or Living Social. It could be anywhere up to 20% off.

[disneysteve]

Both often offer coupons, which makes the deals even sweeter. I get them via email, but I also search for coupons every time before buying something from Groupon or Living Social. It could be anywhere up to 20% off.

True. Sometimes it'll be $5 or $10 off any deal. So $15 for $30 worth of food became $5 for $30 worth of food. I've done that more than once.