Get the most out of daily deals

05 Mar 2013

Online daily deals are all the rage nowadays. But are you seeing them all, and how can you get the most out of them?

What is a daily deal?

Deals of the day are promotions where a website offers a product or service for a period of 24 to 36 hours at a heavily discounted price. Subscribers to the particular website receive an email with the ‘deal of the day’ or alternatively, you can jump on a number of websites to see what’s available. 

How daily deal sites work

Daily deal websites offer businesses the opportunity to market their products or services at a discounted price directly to subscribers. The deal company takes a percentage of what’s sold and the business takes the balance.

If you’re a subscriber, you’ll receive a daily email from any deal sites that you have subscribed to. These will detail the local deals near you. If you want to see deals in other parts of the city or country, simply visit the website.

It’s common for daily deal websites to have a minimum purchase number before the deal becomes active. For example, there may be a deal that offers a meal including two entrees, two mains and one dessert plus a bottle of wine. However, this deal may not be activated until 30 people have clicked ‘purchase’. Generally, this is to make sure the business offering the deal can cover the costs of the discounts.

Once the deal is active and you’ve been charged, you’re sent an email with a voucher. This voucher becomes the currency for you to claim the deal so you need to keep it in a safe place. 

Do I or don’t I?

Deciding whether to purchase a daily deal is often an internal struggle. While you may be getting a brilliant deal money-wise, always make sure it’s something you need or will definitely use within the timeframe provided.

Deal sites are useful for building a gift cupboard. If you genuinely think you can use the product as a present come holiday season, or for a birthday or anniversary present, then jump on and click ‘purchase’.

Just remember that these deals create a feeling of ‘need’ in your mind. Always be mindful of whether you’ll need it or whether you’ll actually use it. Otherwise, rather than saving money, you’re wasting it. Make sure you also check any follow-up price. For example, while a deal offering a discounted check-up with a local optometrist may sound appealing, remember it’s only one check-up. Any follow-up appointments will have to be paid in full.

Suggested sites

There are loads of daily deal sites around that allow you to input your email address and your region, and they’ll do all the hard work for you. You’ll get deals on restaurants, hotels, entertainment and travel in your area sent directly to you.

Cudo is a joint venture between Microsoft and Nine Entertainment Company with one of the biggest subscriber communities.

Groupon Australia claims to be your personal city guide, only offering deals that someone in the office would want to buy.

CatchoftheDay offers deals strictly for 24 hours only from midday each day (AEST) unless sold out prior. It’s been named Australia's number one online shopping site.

Living Social is based in Washington DC but has bases around the world including Australia.  

OurDeal offers members deals of up to 90 per cent off bringing your city to your fingertips daily.

What's your favourite 'daily deals' website? Continue the conversation on our Facebook page.