Here’s one I never heard of before – collective buying Web sites.
The Better Business Bureau recently put out a release talking about their popularity and about one in particular –
www.Groupon.com. Groupon.com is actually accredited by the BBB and is one of the pioneers.
Collective buying sites offer one deal a day. They’re offered as products or as gift cards. The businesses associated are varied – from restaurants to retail stores to spas and even travel and recreation. The special price depends entirely on having enough people interested in the deal. If not enough people are interested, the deal is canceled and no one is charged.
Now, there didn’t seem to be many deals in the Augusta area, but there were for Atlanta. When you sign up, you pick the location you want your deals in.
Before you sign up on any collective buying site, check with the Better Business Bureau. Also, only buy what you will actually use. Do you really think you’ll take those skydiving lessons? Read the fine print, every last word. Look for expiration dates, use by dates, exclusions, etc. And comparison shop. Don’t take it for granted that the price listed is the best price out there!
Your best resource is the Better Business Bureau. You can find your local office at
www.bbb.org.
