Once a task saved for, say, Wal-Mart, "group buying" has moved online and to Los Angeles. Launched this year and making its debut in LA this week, SocialBuy gives online shoppers a user-friendly platform to shop for the best local deals while doing it amongst peers.
Users can participate in real-time conversations with other shoppers and join various groups to receive alerts tailored to their shopping habits and interests. From dining and entertainment to high fashion and beauty, consumers gain access to steeply discounted products and services in the form of "daily deal" vouchers. For example, "Today's Deal" offered shoppers $10 of Sprinkles Cupcakes for only $5.
But what does this technology mean for LA businesses you're wondering? Through partnerships with local businesses, SocialBuy lets online patrons snag great deals, while helping LA businesses bring in new customers, pick up traffic on slow nights or sell overstock inventory.
"It's a whole new economy," explains Eli Natan, co-founder of SocialBuy. "Retail establishments that once scorned the very concept of discounting are embracing this program and slashing prices on goods and services as never before."
Partnering LA businesses include PinkBerry, Pink Dot, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Sunset Tan and more. SocialBuy currently represents San Francisco and Los Angeles, with San Diego next up later this year and plans to expand nationally to other major metropolitan cities.
Comments
The deals they have now in LA (3 deals) are nothing special. In my opinion, the best deal is the same one they've already offered.. just featured in a location outside of LA— Sprinkles (which is struggling with getting purchasers in San Francisco's section of SocialBuy). Great design... good concept.. but doesn't work for me at all. This is almost an exact copy of Groupon just not nearly as effective. Big thumbs down to these guys.
What?! I think Socialbuy's offerings are pretty cool. I live in LA, where everything's crazy expensive, I'm excited that I have a new source of deals to check out. I need new places to bring my girl!!! Anyways, cheers to SocialBuy for your first week and looking forward to watching you grow.
First off - I've graduated college (usc - $$$) and I am damn broke. Second off - I got loans up the wazoo to kalamazoo. Third off - hats off to socialbuy for helping ppl like me save some cash and afford things around my la area. now we got more options to be frugal on places i couldnt afford anymore. hell ya! praise you socialbuy.
First off - I've graduated college (usc - $$$) and I am damn broke. Second off - I got loans up the wazoo to kalamazoo. Third off - hats off to socialbuy for helping ppl like me save some cash and afford things around my la area. now we got more options to be frugal on places i couldnt afford anymore. hell ya! praise you socialbuy.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!