[Pope vader]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15574954

[Dave.]

Just read that too - was just about  to post the same link

[bobplum]

just read it myself,to me this works for business that will get the customer buying extras,if you go to a restraunt you will buy drinks and maybe return,if you have your windows cleaned that's probably it,no more no less as the lady who owns the oven cleaning business found out once its cleaned that's probably it for 12 months or so if someone wants to use groupon to have there windows cleaned then to me they are not the kind of customer to build a business on,just my opinion

[Tom White]

Yep, this is a cleaning based company, from the link, and look what the lady says:

But for business owners like London-based Hannah Jackson-Matombe, this just simply isn't happening.

"It's been a disaster for us. We will never do a Groupon deal again," she told BBC News.

"They're dangling a carrot that's practically irresistible if you're a new business and you're desperate to get out there."

Her company, Spotless Organic, offered an oven cleaning service for £19, down from its usual price of £99. Three hundred people purchased a coupon, of which so far around 150 have taken up the offer.

Under its terms, Groupon (like most other deal sites) keeps the revenue from unclaimed vouchers unless the buyer requests a refund.


Some of the discounts are staggering
Of the ones that do get claimed, the money made is split 50-50 between Groupon and the business.

"Their approach is to get you excited about the coverage," Ms Jackson-Matombe said.

"They say they're going to get you 300 more customers. You're going to be able to up-sell your business. But if you're suddenly inundated, you have no chance to up-sell anything.

"You basically work for Groupon, delivering something that only they benefit from."

She estimated that, on average, she lost £35 on each of the 150 or so oven scrubs performed so far - with next to no return custom.

Groupon has been a disaster for her.

[daniel worgan]

And she wont be the only gullable fool to fall for this.
There will be many out there who maybe are struggling at bringing in/maintaining customers and this groupon structure must seem like a quick fix......

[deeege]

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/12/01/googles-bid-for-groupon-is-seen-as-a-bargain/

Google's $6b (yes billion) bid to buy groupon rejected.

Old news I know, but hey at least they must be coining it in to be able to reject that sum.

[Pope vader]

groupon is great idea for groupon and custy, but is bad for business usless you can up sell,  ie like restuarants or have loads of old stock you want rid of

[Paul Coleman]

I'm hoping some of the window cleaning equipment suppliers will sign up  

[gary999]

I'm hoping some of the window cleaning equipment suppliers will sign up  

best post ive seen on this subject!

[Tom White]

I'm hoping some of the window cleaning equipment suppliers will sign up