Power in Numbers

Looking for something to do, eat, buy in Porto Alegre? How about going for parrilla in Moinhos or sushi in Cidade Baixa? Or trying a new experience—what about deep tissue massage, a photography course, or a weekend in Gramado? Maybe your car needs servicing, or your poodle needs pampering?

With so much on offer in and around the city, how could you ever afford to do it all? But what if we all got together and asked for a group discount? In these shaky economic times, who’s going to say no to guaranteed business? And buyers have always loved a bargain.

So, enter ‘collective’ or ‘group’ buying. In the past few years, consumer discount sites such as Groupon and Peixe Urbano have burst onto the scene. You can’t open your social network or browser pages without seeing ways to save on activities, restaurants, services. And savvy business owners are cashing in, realizing that this low-cost/low-risk advertising brings huge exposure and overnight increase in trade.

Groupon, in 23 countries worldwide, and one of the largest collective buying sites in the US, boasts that 97% of advertisers ask to be featured again. Here in Porto Alegre, it exists along with Peixe Urbano and others, as a reason many people across the city look forward to opening their emails each day.

Subscribers receive a daily deal, with discounts up to 90% on all kinds of businesses around POA. Each offer only becomes valid once a certain number of buyers is reached, and is only available for a limited time.

As a consumer, it’s a great way to explore new places and try new activities. In the past couple months, I’ve bought vouchers for pizza, cake, beer, bowling, an animal safari and a day spa. I got a new phone, an online DVD membership and a subscription to a magazine.

What kinds of things will you get with your next discount…?