I recently came across an old Groupon for a photo book I printed out 2 years ago…but that I never actually used. The deal has since expired, and I have totally wasted my money. I hate that. Sometimes, I surprise even myself. I go out of my way to save money on groceries, and then let something like that slip through my fingers. Believe me, I am just as confused about it as you are.
Sometimes, there are killer deals on Groupon–hello $10 Starbucks card for $5! Other times, I think it’s easy to get wrapped up in the allure of a good deal. A deal that you might never have considered purchasing. Ever. Except, it was on Groupon, deeply discounted. So, how do you know if a Groupon deal is really the right deal for you?
First up, I think it is important to ask, is it something you would buy if you were standing in the store right this second? Honestly, I could totally say no to the photo book. I have never been a photo book sort of person–but when it was such a good deal, I thought, I should totally put one together. I tried to be something I am not for a good deal. Lesson learned {I hope}.
Next, if it is an experience, is it something you can commit to using in the next month or two? Restaurant, rock climbing, painting while you drink copious amounts of wine? If it is something you REALLY want to do, you’ll know, because you’ll want to do it right away. If you have to talk yourself into wanting to do it, it’s not for you. Pass.
“Herb, can I get a price check on aisle 6?” Before you hit the almighty “buy” button, price check. Sometimes the exact same thing is on Amazon for a cheaper price {it’s happened to me a lot} or on the companies actual website for cheaper. Sometimes, a little price checking also reveals that the product has bad reviews {or the company, or the restaurant, or the hotel, etc.}. Make sure to do your homework.
Finally, consider that big, giant ever-looming question: Is it something I need? Do you really need another pair of activewear pants? Or are they just a great deal? I promise, Groupon will have another great deal on the pants when you need them. Because, on the bright side, that’s the beauty of Groupon: they have to keep showing up everyday with great deals to entice you.
So, those are my new Groupon standard self-questions. Maybe I wouldn’t have to do it if I hadn’t found that stupid unused voucher, but I am punishing myself for sheer stupidity.
How do you make sure that you Groupon {Groupon has officially become a verb} right?
~Mavis
Christy says
Hey Mavis, some groupons the value of what you spent (say $10 for a photobook) can still be applied to a photobook purchase or other on that website.. so a lot of times if the groupon expires, your money isn’t really ‘gone’ but if it was only a photo book for $10 that got your attention, you may not want to spend the other $10 to get the photo book.. BUT, keep in mind they make great gifts. I made one for my mom of a trip we did together.. or one of the kids to give to grand parents.
Have a great one, and thanks for posting fun and insightful blogs!
Sheryl says
Groupons never truly expire. They are always good for the amount you paid, after the “great deal” expires
Meanie says
Lol!
I totally signed up for the photo book deal, too…& it was one of the very few deals that I wasted $$$…or maybe just $.
🙂
I try not to visit the land of Groupon…I save more that way!
🙂
Patty P says
Every year I look for a groupon deal for my Christmas cards. For the last two years I have ordered my cards from the Staples Copy and Print center for way cheaper than some of the other card places would be….and I can pick them up in less than a day….and the quality is great (especially for something people might not hang on to). I think that’s the only thing I’ve ever bought on Groupon!
Brianna says
I’ve only ever done 1 Groupon purchase and I think I will leave it that way. I just wasn’t impressed. The deals I tend to waste or forget about are restaurant.com vouchers. I have a $50 one that I have had for 2 years now and no intention on using it. We tried to use it right after I received it, but my bill was a just shy of the $50 purchase requirement and the waitress was rude about it. I have no intentions of returning to that restaurant.
Mary Ann says
I’ve purchased quite a few Groupon’s in the past for restaurants in Las Vegas and was happy with them, but we go so often that I have far too many comps in Vegas now to consider even paying a discounted price for food there.
However, I just have one thing to add — IF you decide to buy a Groupon, make sure you go through the Ebates site first and get a little bit more money back on your purchase!
Julia says
We sometimes use Groupon for activities for our son and his friends, like going to a trampoline park. Other than that I don’t even look at them. Keeps me from potentially spending money shouldn’t. Same strategy as not going to the mall:)