5 Tips for Using Groupons to Save on Everyday Items and Fun Splurges

I check www.groupon.com and a couple of other deal sites on a daily basis because they are a fun way to save money while trying new services and products. The discounts are often 50% off or greater and the offers include local businesses, such as Tiff's Treats and Taste Dallas, as well as national retailers, such as Barnes & Noble, Old Navy and eBay.

Try these five tips to make the most of Groupon.

Compare savings offers.
Some daily deals are amazing bargains while others are similar to standard coupon offers. Be discerning and consider the offer's value to you. For example, Texas de Brazil recently offered a $50 voucher for $25. The offer was restricted to one per table and excluded other discounts or offers.

The Brazilian steakhouse chain periodically offers coupons to its e-mail club members, including a welcome coupon for 25% off and a free birthday meal with the purchase of another dinner. All three offers are good deals, but it is better to make an informed choice instead of assuming the daily deal is automatically the best available.

Read the fine print.
Before clicking the buy button, read the offer terms to make sure it is a good fit. Double check the location, expiration date and offer details. If you happen to buy a Groupon and realize it does not suit you, cancel the purchase or contact customer service.

Check review sites.
Use a search engine and review sites such as Yelp.com to check out unfamiliar businesses. If the discount is for an online company, visit its website to gauge the merchandise selection and prices. With a few minutes of research, a gamble can become an informed decision.

Visit the discussion forum.
Groupon staff and businesses answer questions and provide additional information in the discussion section. It is my ideal method of asking a question because I receive a written response and do not have to fuss with calling a phone number that is likely busy with calls from other inquisitive shoppers. It is also a timesaver because I usually find someone else already asked the same question and received a reply.

Respect the Groupon.
Groupons are a win-win for shoppers searching for a bargain and businesses hoping to attract customers. There are occasions where shoppers discuss an unfair caveat, such as FTD charging higher prices for Groupon shoppers, and the company corrects it. However, these offers are not an open negotiation.

Some shoppers recently complained because a restaurant offer was limited to one coupon per table and only included a specific location instead of the entire chain. This is a common policy that was crystal clear in the offer details. Speak up when it is appropriate, but also understand that businesses have to watch their bottom line.

So far, my daily deal shopping is successful. I tried new local businesses and returned to some old favorites because of the discounts. I had a small snafu when I let my GattiTown Groupon expire in December. Within five minutes of sending a two-sentence e-mail to customer service, Groupon credited the purchase price, $4, to my account.

Sources:
Jessica Dickler, "No Love: Groupon Users Revolt Against FTD Deal," CNN