Google Offers means Google will no longer be chasing after companies like Groupon. (Photo Credit: CC BY-ND/Mediaspin)

Google tried to convince Groupon to accept a $6 billion buyout in December, but Groupon chose not to bite. Now Google is taking the booming online coupon business into its own hands, reports Mashable. Google Offers, a Groupon-like product that offers online discounts at local businesses for consumers, will soon enter the fray.

Google Offers a consumer win

Bargain shopping is the name of the game with Google Offers, and consumers who have shown that they will eat up 50 percent off discounts at online coupon companies like Groupon and LivingSocial are sure to find more of what they love with Google. Considering the search giant’s tremendous reach, local business promotion shouldn’t be a problem, nationwide or even worldwide. LivingSocial claims to make more than $1 million per day on average, while Groupon is on its way to the largest IPO valuation in history at possibly $15 billion. An online coupon company with the power of Google will be a cash monster.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Mashable reports that Google Offers will resemble the Groupon model at launch, and there’s nothing wrong with that, as the Groupon layout and interface has proven to be successful with consumers. However, powerful Google tools like Checkout, Analytics, ad networks and more should be more than enough to help Google Offers stand on its own. Then there’s that ubiquitous brand name. The name “Google” alone translates to power.

Google Offers on a pre-paid system

According to MSNBC, Google Offers will operate on a pre-paid system that will require no additional out-of-pocket expense for a small business to enjoy local promotion. After that, businesses only have to pay if a customer buys the online coupon offer, which is a handy tool for local business promotion. Mashable’s Ben Parr explains the Google Offers system this way:

“Google will pay out 80 percent of a business’ revenue share three days after its deal runs. Google will hold the remaining 20 percent for 60 days to cover refunds before sending the rest.”

Sources

Mashable

MSNBC

Financial News Network coverage of Google Offers

(Photo: MissMessie/Flickr/CC BY-SA)

Coupons are everywhere now. Almost all retail businesses use coupons to entice new customers. You can save a lot of money on almost anything and prevent the need for a payday loan just by using coupons. Even if you feel you don’t really need to save money, you can use coupons to start a fund for your favorite charity. Everything you save from coupons will be much appreciated by food banks, Toys for Tots foundations and many other organizations in need of donations.

Saving money with coupons

Coupons are easy to find. Type “coupons” into your web browser and click search. Your local newspaper’s website should have them, as well. There are multiple websites now that are offering thousands of coupons ready for you to take advantage of. They can be very substantial, too, such as the 50 percent off fabric store coupon at JoAnn Fabrics and free shipping coupons at Cabela’s. Many of them have Internet codes that let you get a discount right off your online order. Next time you go shopping, take a minute to look up coupons for the store you’re buying from or perhaps on a particular item you’re looking for. You never know what you might find.

Double your coupon value

The local papers also put out coupons for everyone. Sometimes, you can even find “double coupon” savings. This is when you really want to take advantage of those small coupons, as you could double your savings easily. There are folks who buy all their household items with coupons. A program once documented a woman buying $125 worth of groceries for only 25 cents! Who needs a payday loan or cash advance loan at this rate?  To think you could save yourself that much or benefit your favorite charity that easily.

Begin slowly by simply looking for coupons. Start collecting them and pay heed to discounts offered online. Then, when you do go shopping, you will already have your own collection to use.