In the discussion "Transforming Existing Buildings Through New Media: An Idea Exchange." the question of using Groupon or other couponing sites like Living Social came up. Consumers of the products are often looking for new products and services they might not otherwise try like an energy audit (my sister in law tried a pole dancing class with a few friends). If you use Groupon to sell an energy audit, it basically means you're going to give away they audit and hope to get paid back on the retrofit work on the backend if the customer follows through.

 

Has any tried social couponing? Any suggestions?

Views: 512

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I have a friend in a complete unrelated industry (waxing, aesthetician, etc.) who's used Groupon before.  What she discovered, and what I feel like I hear from outside our industry, is that the people who tend to pounce on these social coupons are often bottom feeders (not always but a lot of the time).  It's not a super way to build repeat business, but it can be a punch to the bottom line if your business needs that.  

 

'Sounds like that was your experience, Theresa.  People in it for the quick discount, but not for the long haul (or bigger expenses).

I totally agree. 

 

I personally like Groupon for deals on museums, eating out,etc., but as far a big ticket items it is not there. Groupon, in my opinion is aimed at the younger crowd and their android app allows you to instantly find deals and use them the same day. 

Energy audits are not in the same category. I was told about 3 months ago that Groupon is looking at specifically offering products for homes and homeowners.  At this point that is not their target group.  It is a much broader group and more "social" - going out, dining out, fitness, etc...

Thanks for all the input! 

 


 

RSS

Home Energy Pros

Home Energy Pros was founded by the developers of Home Energy Saver Pro (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) and brought to you in partnership with Home Energy magazine.

Latest Activity

Dennis Heidner replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??
"Ben,  the German highway system concept actually started BEFORE Nazi Germany during  the…"
2 hours ago
Stan Kuhn replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories
"You note overheating on the south side (naturally.)  Assuming the typical roof overhang of…"
8 hours ago
Patrick Michaelyan replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories
"Thanks a lot Ed. And thanks to all who have added their two cents. I think I know where to take…"
8 hours ago
Ed Minch replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories
"We have successfully treated this same problem in perhaps 1000 of this same house in the…"
10 hours ago
Craig Savage commented on Craig Savage's video
Thumbnail

What is a Heat Pump Water Heater

"Hello Tom We are working with A.O. Smith, GE and Stiebel Eltron on a Building America task to…"
11 hours ago
Tom Delconte commented on Craig Savage's video
Thumbnail

What is a Heat Pump Water Heater

"Craig: I was serious, since my propane price jumped from .98 to 1.85! according to everyone the GE…"
12 hours ago
Ben Jacobs replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??
"I think that government support for good ideas results in major benefits over the long haul. Please…"
12 hours ago
Craig Savage commented on Craig Savage's video
Thumbnail

What is a Heat Pump Water Heater

"Hello Tom Not sure if you are being sarcastic, but a serious answer would be that GE is selling…"
15 hours ago
Tom Delconte commented on Craig Savage's video
Thumbnail

What is a Heat Pump Water Heater

"Craig: do you have a diagram of one that will run longer than one year? They don't really seem…"
15 hours ago
Cory Chovanec replied to Bachi Brunato's discussion Boxing and Insulating Around Non-ICAT Cans
"All good points brought up. My advice is not to leave the lights. When you said halogen I think…"
16 hours ago
Jon Haehnel replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??
"The first 2 answers by Tom and Sean jive with my thinking and experience. Thank you Don for…"
17 hours ago
Tom Smith replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories
"The most bang for your buck will come from airsealing the attic plane and sealing the…"
18 hours ago

© 2013   Created by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service