For a year, Josh Stevens says he will live on nothing but Groupons. Earlier this year the online coupon company threw down the gauntlet with the Groupon Challenge. Groupon put up $ 100,000 to see if someone was willing to live off nothing but Groupon coupons for a year. Stevens took them up on it. Living life as the “Groupawn,” he’s about a quarter of the way through his year of travelling the country chasing Groupon deals for his basic needs. The necessities of life can include yoga classes, carriage rides and lots of food in Stevens’ Groupon world.
Discount travel tracked on Groupawn blog
Previous corporate auditor Stevens accepted the Groupon challenge in May and left his cubicle behind. CNN reports that he embarked on his quest with nothing but the shoes, socks and underwear he wore, covered by a paper suit made of Groupons. A laptop, camera, internet card and phone were also supplied by Groupon.Stevens isn’t allowed to use money, checks or charge cards, but he has all the online coupons a person could possible use. He must travel solo and only five visits from family or friends, lasting no more than a day, are allowed. He tracks his exploits in the Groupawn Blog as he barters using Groupon coupons for a place to crash, a ride or plane ticket.
Groupawn guy gains a following
Stevens wins $ 100,000 if he completes the challenge. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel caught up with the Groupawn guy last weekend.He showed up within the city as he went after another Groupon deal. The Sentinel said Stevens thought a lot more bartering on the street would be required as he traveled. But when he talks about what he’s doing individuals want to become part of it.He showed up in Milwaukee after pursuing Groupon deals for a little more than 3 months in several U.S. cities including Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York.
The Groupon business model – purchasing in
Daily bargains offered by local merchants are sold as Groupons on the company’s website. Groupon sells offers online to about 11 million subscribers in 165 markets from 22 countries. When a certain number of individuals purchase, in the deal becomes valid. Offer holders are sent a link that prints out the Groupon when the quota is met. If the sales quota falls short, the offer is pulled. Buyers aren’t charged for cancelled offers.
Groupons can be a double-edged sword
The Groupon business model has proven so lucrative that at least 500 copycat sites have emerged, according to the Chicago Tribune. But selling Groupon coupons can go haywire for an unprepared business . As reported within the Tribune, many Chicago merchants have been swamped by a tide of Groupon coupons. A bagel business in Chicago sold a Groupon coupon for $ 3 good for any item up to $ 8. Nearly 10,000 Groupons sold. After selling about $ 80,000 worth of food, the bagel shop netted just $ 15,000 after splitting the proceeds with Groupon.
CNN
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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
jsonline.com
Chicago Tribune
chicagotribune.com
