Tech Talk: Good deals a magnet

Published in the August 26 2010 issue of The NAIT Nugget. Tech Talk


Good deals a magnet

LINDA HOANG
Issues Editor

Welcome to Linda’s Tech Talk. Each week in this column I’ll be highlighting technology trends and student-relevant tech for you, the NAIT student population.

I kick this semester off with Groupon.

It’s a daily deal that encourages Edmontonians to explore the city.

The marketing company has teamed up with local businesses in the city to highlight something “cool to do at an unbeatable price.

“We see ourselves as a city guide that pushes you off the couch and makes you want to try new things in Edmonton,” said Julie Mossler, Groupon consumer marketing manager. “The great discounts are the catalyst.”

Groupon made its Edmonton launch in August and so far the response has been overwhelming.

It’s the ultimate online coupon book and it’s a must-sign up, a must-bookmark, for all money-conscious, starving students – myself included.

The first deal – pay $20 for $50 worth of food and drinks at Sabor Divino Restaurant and Lounge was bought by 522 Edmontonians in the 24-hour time limit.

Hundreds bought into a deeply discounted indoor rock-climbing pass to Climb Edmonton and nearly 2,000 people bought a deal for Famoso Pizza. A deal for a $50 coupon to the Gap for $25 even crashed the server because there were so many people trying to grab the bargain.

I’ve been monitoring Edmonton Groupon since it started and although I haven’t bought one yet myself – I am really, really, money-conscious – I know that it’s only a matter of time before the perfect deal pops up.

Mossler tells me Groupon has three months of local business deals lined up for Edmonton and more continue to sign up. From restaurants to bookstores, spas and adrenaline-pumping activities, if you have an e-mail address, sign up for Groupon.

The deal is sent in an e-mail each morning or you can check bargains via a handy iPhone application.

Not only can this company do wonders for local businesses, I just think it can be so beneficial for poor students.

Save your money for these deals everyone, it’s worth it.

You can sign up at http://groupon.com/edmonton.

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