"The Lure of Web Deals" on NPR this morning

[annettemarie]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...ryId=129386346

Interesting story on Morning Edition about Groupon and other group buy sites this morning. I've just discovered these. Sometimes, it's even a better deal than the co-ops I used to join!

[Amys1st]

I have done Groupon for about a year now in the Chicago area. I know most major metro areas have them across the country.

I get an email for the hot items usually. They have daily ones, hot ones like the $50 Gap card for $25. I usually pass up 90% of what they are offering because honestly, we most likely would not do it anyhow or go to the eatery.

When a local restrnt we have dined at for the last 20 years, had a $50 for $25, I bought 2. We went last week and ordered our normal fare. It would be a $75 dinner for both DH and I with an entree, one dessert, and each of us having a wine or beer. If we had an appetizer, it would be closer to $100. So we had to add about $35 to the bill but we enjoyed it. We will use the other card late fall or winter time.

A friend who told me about Groupon is constantly forwarding the email and saying- LETS DO THIS!!! great place!! When in reality, most of the places are located an hour or so away in a very crowded neighborhood. Between getting a sitter etc and going, it would not be a "Deal" for us.

[sweetjasmine]

Thanks for this, annettemarie, I will check it out!

[annettemarie]

I've done two so far-- one was Jasmere and they had a GREAT deal on Montgomery Schoolhouse wooden toys for Christmas. The other was Eversave. I got a $25 worth of trail mix (for labor!), nuts, and some candy for only $6 shipped, plus I shared the deal and got a $20 credit to the site when someone else joined.

[Biscuits & Gravy]

I bought that Gap deal. It was awesome. I got a pair of jeans, a cute top, and 2 tanks for wearing underneath stuff. Paid $25 for the coupon, handed that over at the Gap and my balance was $.99. So $25.99 total for 4 items!

[Logan's Mom]

I purchased a message, but have yet to make my appointment. Come to think of it, perhaps I'll do it this weekend!

[SeekingJoy]

I have done two deals (and really should have done the Gap one, too; I need new jeans). I could see how it could be hard to only buy things you were already searching for, and one of mine (laser hair removal) was certainly a splurge. The other was a kids activity for the winter way cheaper than we have been paying for a similar activity. Good stuff.