Wednesday, July 20, 2011

An Overview on Group Buying - The New Discounts Trend

By Edan Barak


Group buying (Tuangou) is a process where several people co-operate online (friends and strangers alike), for the sole purpose of bargaining with a vendor in order to obtain incredible discount coupons on their items and services. Even though coupon sites have existed for ages, in SA these types of sites are still fairly new, and yet they have exploded to the scene within the past months.

The way it works is that the website negotiates with various businesses within the metropolis to obtain a group coupon which is offered online. The coupon "tips" and becomes valid only when there is enough interest in the product, at which time customer's payment is accepted (and not before). Usually these coupons offer discounts of a minimum of 50% off, and generally even much more.

As soon as you sign up to the site, you will receive every day deals by email. Every day a brand new offer will be sent, and you are able to decide if it interests you or not. You are able to of course easily unsubscribe if you're not interested in getting them anymore - it is extremely easy! As soon as you determine an offer is for you personally, suggest it your buddies too, as this will help "tip" the deal, and then the deal is on! If the deal doesn't get tipped your credit card is not charged and the deal doesn't go live.

Right: how about a sample of the coupons you can expect?

• Ever thought to go bungee jumping? Although it isn't that cheap, group purchasing can make that dream a reality. Bring your buddies, tip the deal and take your friends to the experience of a lifetime. You are able to effortlessly conserve as much as 60% on these types of offers.

• Massages and spa treatments are all the rage nowadays, providing you a good pause from that hectic schedule to find time for yourself. Coupons for massages at 50% will alleviate the stress within you And your wallet, so it's a win-win for all!

• Enjoying good eating, but not so much the bill at the finish? We offer deals on restaurants, espresso shops, and fine cuisine. Thai meals taste great at 50% off!

• Ladies, feel like pampering yourselves just a little? Pedicures and manicures are expensive, but you may find yourself an excellent coupon at a group buying website.

• You can even discover large savings on day-to-day necessities like hair cuts, dying your hair, and more. We'll throw in some fantastic day-to-day items once in a while, so keep up to date.

Can my business benefit from these services?

Offering deals is an amazing marketing strategy - cheap and effective. It is much better than traditional marketing because it is basically no-cost to the company. Either the coupon tips and you've countless new customers recommending you to friends and trying you out, or in the event the coupon does not tip you haven't lost any money. What other advertising medium can guarantee customers and profits, without any opportunity of loss?

Also, at 50% or more off, you will appeal to customers who in any other case would not be interested, or not be able to afford, your services. Of course, if they're happy with the service they receive, you will discover them promoting you to buddies and family members, bringing in additional potential product sales.

Some companies even admit they were not ready for such a large influx of new clients, and unfortunately couldn't fulfill all the new orders. Don't be one of these - prepare in advance for the day your coupon goes live so you can handle the phone calls and customers lining up at your door.

The author is a financial adviser specializing in home finances. He believes that online deals are the hot new trend, and would like to teach others how to enjoy coupons of up to 50% off without breaking the bank.

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