Mobile_Airbrush

Hey everyone! I recently started a biz. I have a website and facebook but still I havent received new customers. Has anyone tried groupon? Or do you have any suggestions? Please help!!!!

ekc123

being mobile, most of your clients will come from word of mouth and referrals from your current clients.

LatinFlavor

Groupon and LivingSocial are GREAT marketing tools. I did the Groupon and it was a hit.

kimberlytan

Groupon, Living Social and other group buying coupons can be great tools for getting your name out there, but it can sometimes be challenging to gain repeat customers. A lot of times people who use these coupons are deal seekers, want services for extremely cheap and would never actually pay full price.

But they also have great advantages, you name will be sent to thousands of people's inboxes. This is a great way to get your name out there and generate some buzz. You may also find that people who purchase from groupon leave reviews on websites like yelp. Reviews will help others decide whether or not to use your services and it provides important feedback (positive or negative).

Do keep in mind that you might sell A LOT of coupons through something like this. Can you handle that much business at such a reduced cost?

LatinFlavor

Kimberlytan is right on point. Only a few have come back paying regular price but I've also gotten new business from referrals. Do have in mind that the profit margin is extremely low.

RSterling

Here's an article that I found about Groupon that I thought was helpful. Interesting stuff... I think everyone has to evaluate their own situation and market - - as Kimberlytan said, some folks are just looking for a deal (I've been guilty of that one myself), and as LatinFlavor said... it could be an opportunity to get your name out...

http://bizeebee.com/blog/2010/06/whe...d-use-groupon/

kimberlytan

What a great article! Thanks for sharing!

jjhill02

Latinflavor- When you did Groupon how much were your tans going for? I am in the process of negotiating with Groupon right now. My Airbrushs are $30, so they want to sell for $15, then my take is $7.50- ughh!! Do you have any employees? I do this all on my own, so I am a little scared it might be TOO much to handle. But they are going to cap the number sold at 600 (supposedly approx 20% get used in the first month so 120- which I could handle). I could def use the business but $7.50 a tan!?!?

Clauds1

i did groupon and i will never do it again. because: i only spray by appoinment and almost had no time left to do my regular clients. i sold approx 300 coupons, i think approx 80 people never came.
People could get a tan for €9,99. My tans are €35,- and approx 70% go's to groupon+the coupons from people who never showed up.
On the other hand, i agree with kimberlytan and latinflavor, its a great marketing tool!

LatinFlavor

First and foremost, if you are negotiating with Groupon let them know when you want the Groupon to expire I suggest you choose 6 or 8 months.

Also, you can choose your limit by requesting they don't sell more than whatever amount you set at e.g. 150. You can also ask they print in the conditions that if the client is a no show the Groupon is forfeited. Make sure to include gratuity not included. Most of these people are so cheap they use the Groupon and don't even bother leaving a tip.

I did the Groupon once just to get new customers in and decided never to do it again despite the attempts that Groupon has made inviting me to be featured again.