Groupon is one of the most widely known deal sites there is.  If you haven't heard of Groupon, here is a rundown for you:

When you sign up for Groupon, you will receive a daily email that lists deals that pertain to your city.  You can also check their website each day to see the deals by going HERE.  Groupon also offers national deals, Groupon Now, and is launching Groupon Travel Deals.  Each of these deals work a little different.

Groupon Daily Deals

Businesses partner with Groupon to offer you 40% to 60% off of their products.  Why?  It is a way for the businesses to advertise and to be sure that the people that they advertise to will be interested in the deal.  The businesses never pay Groupon unless people purchase the deals.  Businesses are hoping that you will enjoy their product and will be a return customer.  I have personally made many purchases on Groupon and I haven't regretted any of them.

Daily Deals are offered for a short period of time and are only offered if enough people purchase the deal.  If a business sets the sale limit at 50 people and Groupon only sells 35 deals… the deal will be cancelled and you will receive your money back for the deal.  You will know if a deal has enough purchasers because Groupon will say "The Deal is On" or "22 purchased, need 50 to activate the deal." 

Daily Deals are also only offered for a short period of time.  So, if you see a deal that you like, you have to purchase it before the countdown clock ends.  On some deals, the business will also have a purchase limit.  If Groupon reaches that purchase limit, the deal will close and you will no longer be able to purchase the deal.

Groupon Now

Groupon Now is a relatively new feature of Groupon, but I like the concept.  If you have some free time, check out the offers on Groupon Now.  I have seen manicures and massages available and also discounted restaurant deals.  The important thing to understand about Groupon Now is that these are deals that must be redeemed during a certain period of time.  If the deal is NOT redeemed during that time, Groupon will automatically refund you for the price of the deal. 

Groupon Travel Deals

Groupon Travel Deals have just been announced, so more details on these will come in the next few weeks.  Check back soon for more details!