[foulmouthboy]

The truth is that people who use Groupon-type deals are the last kind of customer your business wants.

I'd really like to see a study that proves this, because unless this is true then the entire article is bunk. Almost every form of advertising is based on some sort of incentive, and the concept of "mention this ad" to gain a benefit is not new. From the perspective of a small business owner, Groupon not only makes people aware of your restaurant/store/whatever, but also gets people in the door, which is something traditional advertising doesn't do.

I would postulate that just because they're coupon chasers doesn't make them bad customers. It just gives the business owner more reason to provide exceptional service and get people to come back even without an Groupon.

[blueben]

Myself, and my circle of friends, use Groupon and none of us could be accurately described as "coupon chasers". Frankly, articles like this come off sounding angry, jealous, and ignorant.

[araneae]

I do sometimes buy Groupons to things I know I will probably not go to again. For instance there was one for a new vegan restaurant and as I'm not a vegan I have a limited tolerance for pizza with weird fake cheese stuff on it.

It's certainly an exaggeration but I don't think it has no merit.

[bdhe]

But within your experience, has the loss leader been justified in the restaurants/services you used Groupon for? Did you see yourself going again, possibly several times, for the business to recoup its loss?

[blueben]

Absolutely, more often than not.