[entangld]

That's a legitimate argument, but you could say Groupon was pretty easy to copy.

Like magic tricks, the magician is like the first one to discover an idea is possible... I mean in general. I'm not calling mine magical.

[redredraider]

Right. So Groupon probably didn't go around hush hush. I agree with the post above about execution. It's not about being first it's about being the best.

[calebhicks]

Groupon -is- very easy to copy, hence the hundreds of Groupon clones making money hand over fist.

However, even with the clones, Groupon seems to be doing just fine.

[ljf]

I knew there were hundreds of clones but didnt know they were making cash hand over first. Any operating in a country that groupon operates in you can point me to? Just interested.

I chatted with some of the groupon guys a short while ago and was shocked by just how much cash they spend on aquiring business. I wonder how many groupon type companies a city can hold, and for how long?

[petervandijck]

By acquiring business you mean acquiring users? Acquiring companies that will offer deals on them? Interested.