posted by: Tara

I'm sure most of you have heard of or have even signed up for a group buy or deal of the day. They are growing in popularity and abundance on the web so I would be shocked if you have never seen or heard of one. With the increasing popularity of these group buy bargains, how do you know when a deal may be to good to be true? 

Yesterday a New Wave Media team member sent me an online coupon that she thought I would like....she was right!  The deal was fantastic, a whole month of free fitness and tanning services at a discount of 91% WOW! Knowing that I only had a few hours to "get in on the deal" I had to make my decision quick. Just before clicking on the "BUY" button I decided to take a look at the fine print to make sure this deal was legit. I was unpleasantly surprised to read "Must activate membership within 1 year" as one of the coupon details. This immediately stopped me from purchasing the deal but what about the 42 people that did purchase it? I wonder if they read the fine print and know that  they are required to buy a membership that may cost them $2400/year?  What will happen if they don't buy a membership within the first year? Will they receive a big fat invoice from the company?

Since I can admit that I am an amateur at buying group deals online I asked around the New Wave Media office to see what the team thought of my findings. The team shared my same reaction....complete shock! We decided to investigate some similar group buys to see if this was an industry standard. Most deals seemed to be 100% legit but there were a few that included an additional mandatory purchase above and beyond the one-time group buy deal.

Buyer Beware: Make sure you read the fine print or offer details before buying any online deal. A $19.00 deal may end of costing you $2400.00 in the end. That doesn't sound like a deal to me.

About New Wave Media

New Wave Media is a fully integrated marketing agency located in Calgary, Alberta. We are dedicated to unleashing the possibilities of what powerful strategic marketing can do for your business. Our passionate approach to your marketing needs will ensure that you generate consistent and effective awareness that drives use of your services among target audiences. Our philosophy is to use our industry expertise, experience, unique skills, objectivity and our belief in a partnership with our clients, to produce results strategies that will persuade your customers to stand up, take notice and, most importantly, act.

Contact Us | (403) 457-0919 | info@new-wavemedia.com | www.new-wavemedia.com

• March 4th, 2011
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• Tags: calgary online marketing, deal of the day, group buy deals, New Wave Media