Groupon (Android)

RATING:
3 out of 5

PRICE:
Free

TASTY:
Get super deals from local businesses on things to do, buy, see, and eat.

BUMMER:
Only one special deal per day in 65 cities spread out across the United States. The app is “read only;” current Groupon users may find it easier to get the daily deal via email instead.

COOL:
The revised app makes it easy to access your previous Groupon purchases and redeem them via your phone.

REVIEW:
If you’re serious about getting great deals on things to do, buy, see, and eat in one of 65 U.S. cities, Groupon is for you. Launch the app daily to see the daily deal, access your purchased Groupons, and find new ones nearby.

Recent deals from my area (Raleigh, NC) included combo deals on golf lessons, a bucket of golf balls, and a flat discount on items purchased at a local driving range, $10 off the purchase of $20 worth of quality steaks and other meats from a local butcher shop, 50% off a massage, and more.
(The marinated steak was amazing, thank you very much The Meat House in Cary, NC; and Groupon, of course, for making it possible!)

The most compelling element of Groupon isn’t the “coupons” offered, but the “group” purchasing concept. Local businesses set a hard number on how many people must buy a special deal before it’s activated. This guarantees a set number of customers, and encourages early purchasers to spread the word virally to local friends and family via email or their Twitter and Facebook accounts to be sure the offer is activated by day’s end.

If you see a daily deal you wish to purchase via the app, clicking “Buy” connects you to the company’s website where you can complete the sale. (Hence many calling the app “read only” – there’s currently no checkout function built into the app.)

You can even redeem purchased Groupons and see side deals using the app; just click “More Deals” in the menu.

If you’re already a Groupon addict, you may find it easier to simply bookmark their existing website on your home computer, or sign up for their morning email alerts to see each day’s deal.

The smart phone app is, of course, the best way to check on the daily deal when you’re on the go.

Keep in mind, if you frequently travel to the cities covered by Groupon, your phone will use your GPS to get a lock on your current location and show you local deals.