Call it the incredible bulk: An increasing number of websites are offering discounts for everything from groceries to salon services to flower bouquets, but only if shoppers team up and opt into the promotion in bulk. If too few people sign on, no one gets the deal.
The LA Times covers the trend, mentioning city-specific sites like What’s the Deal DC and websites with deals for multiple cities, including Groupon—which you can read about in a Cheapskate Q&A with the founder.
A warning from the LA Times piece:
“A consumer who is not discerning about these things can certainly buy an item he doesn’t need,” said Matthew Tilley, co-chairman of the Promotion Marketing Assn.’s Coupon Council.
But prudent consumers could end up enjoying an “affordable luxury,” he said.