Drinking the Groupon Kool-Aid

I have never been one to clip coupons. It's not that I don't like coupons - or saving money - but I just never got a system down and I would always forget to bring them. My mom likes the Entertainment Book coupons and discounts; I have had horrible experiences with them. So, I have to admit, that I was really reluctant to give Groupon a go. I had nightmares about trying to use one and having the people toss some ridiculous restrictions out and denying the discount when I was already there.

In reality, I have used multiple groupons over the past year and I have to say: I LOVE GROUPON.

Granted, I have one hard and fast rule - I only purchase groupons for things that I would do, eat, or buy anyway. In other words, I would never get a groupon for, say, indoor skydiving just because it's a good deal. But I will buy a groupon for dinner at a restaurant I've always wanted to try or a groupon for a store that I frequent anyway.

I used a groupon earlier this summer to Old Navy and got some of the boys' uniform pants there; I've gotten groupons to photo book making websites and created keepsakes to remember different trips. I used a groupon last weekend for a local organic orchard for our annual apple-picking. And last night I used a groupon for a date night. Cheers to that one!

Here's how it works...

1. Sign Up at Groupon.com
2. Get an email about deals in your area.
3. Purchase the deal at the massively discounted price. Most of the time these deals will be at least 30% off with some of them being 90% off.
4. Once enough people purchase the deal, it’s activated and you will receive your discount. If not enough people buy then the deal is cancelled and no one gets it. I, for one, have never not gotten a deal. I don't know, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't go active, you don't get charged.
5. Once you receive your deal, print out your groupon and claim it at the specified store, restaurant, or whatever. Check out the expiration date and terms that explain how you can use them. Sometimes you can only use them on certain days or times and you can't usually combine them with any other coupons you might have.

Check it out for yourself. I was hesitant to drink the groupon kool-aid myself, but I have no regrets. Good fun at fab discounts. What's not to love?!?