Daily Deals Websites - Are they any good?

 

A couple of years ago, the concept of the daily deal website was completely unknown in the UK. Now nearly every internet user gets text messages or emails from companies such as Groupon, Secret Escapes, Wowcher or Living Social offering them massive discounts on everything from fish pedicures or meals in a posh restaurant to motocross accessories or foreign holidays. On the face of it the deals are too good to be true, but are the websites really worth bothering with?

It’s Only a Bargain if You Need It

It sounds like something your Granny used to say, but in the case of daily deals websites this saying is very true. The sites work by offering experiences or goods at what appears to be a very good price, often more than 50% off the original advertised price. Just seeing that something is discounted by 50% can be enough to get bargain hunters clicking the “buy” button and entering their credit card details but the danger is buying something you don’t really need or want. If you had been planning a spa day with the girls anyway and get a voucher for 50% off then that is a bargain, but spending £100 on motocross accessories which are reduced from £250 just because they are reduced isn’t such a wise move.

Terms and Conditions

Using a daily deals website is a fantastic way for businesses to drive customers through the doors at times when they are less busy. Many of the offers for food and drink deals may be Monday to Wednesday evenings only, or deals for holiday accommodation may exclude Christmas, July and August. It is very important to read through the terms and conditions attached to the voucher before buying as often it will be difficult to get a refund if you later find out that the deal you have bought is not appropriate for your needs.

Demand

The main criticism of many of the daily deals sites, especially Groupon, is that they do not limit the amount of deals which they sell. There have been many stories of local cake shops being swamped with orders for thousands of fairy cakes which they are unable to fulfill, or of customers being promised a 28 day turnaround on photo canvasses and having to wait months. Many of the sites have taken this on board and have limited the number of deals available, but this also means if you see a deal you like you have to be quick to get in before they sell out. If buying something like a hairdressing deal or a restaurant voucher, you have to be quick to make your appointment or reservation as thousands of other customers may be trying to do the same.

Referrals

Many of the big daily deals sites offer freebies to customers who buy a deal then advertise what they have bought on their Facebook or Twitter page. If enough of your friends click through and buy the same deal, you could get it free. This is a clever marketing tactic, but also a great way of reducing the cost of a treat like a day at the races or an afternoon cream tea.

At Vision MX you can find great motocross accessories.