Groupon for Energy Audits?

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?

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Permalink Reply by Melissa Baldridge on September 15, 2011 at 3:57pm

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).

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Permalink Reply by Jim Mikel on September 15, 2011 at 4:10pm

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!

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