Existing on nothing but Groupons for a year is the goal for Josh Stevens. The online coupon business came up with the Groupon challenge promotion earlier this year. Groupon dared somebody to survive off nothing but unlimited free Groupons for a year. Stevens went for it. Travelling the country chasing Groupon offers for his basic needs, he's about a one-quarter through living his life as the "Goupawn". In Stevens' Groupon lifestyle, life's basic needs have included carriage rides, yoga classes and plenty of food. Article source - Groupawn tries to live on nothing but Groupon coupons for a year by Personal Money Store.
Groupon blog tracks discounted adventures
Stevens, who used to be a corporate auditor, left his cubicle behind and accepted the Groupon challenge in May. CNN reports that he embarked on his quest with nothing but the shoes, socks and underwear he wore, covered by a paper suit made of Groupons. Groupon gave him a laptop, camera, internet card and phone.Stevens can't use or even touch cash, but he's supplied with online coupons that could be used for lodging, dining and buying. He must travel solo and only five visits from family or friends, lasting no more than a day, are allowed.He shares his experiences within the Groupawn blog as he uses Groupon coupons to barter for sustenance.
Individuals warm to Groupawn guy's quest
If Stevens completes the challenge, he wins $ 100,000. Last weekend, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel caught up with Stevens.He showed up in the city as he went after another Groupon deal. Stevens told the Sentinel he thought his travels would involve a lot more bartering on the streets. But when he talks about what he's doing people want to become part of it.He arrived in Milwaukee more than 3 months into his Groupons tour, which has taken him to New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and several other cities so far.
The Groupon business model - getting in
On the Groupon website, daily discounts from local merchants are offered for sale. Groupon sells offers online to about 11 million subscribers in 165 markets from 22 countries. The deal becomes valid when enough individuals buy in. If the quota is reached, buyers get links to print out their Groupons. If the sales quota falls short, the offer is pulled. Buyers aren't charged for cancelled offers.
Groupons can catch a business off guard
The Groupon business model has proven so lucrative that at least 500 copycat online websites have emerged, according to the Chicago Tribune. But Groupon coupons can backfire for a business promoting its products and services . Many Chicago merchants, the Tribune reports, have been burned by the scale of the response. A bagel business in Chicago sold a Groupon coupon for $ 3 good for any item up to $ 8. Groupon subscribers bought nearly 10,000 coupons. After selling about $ 80,000 worth of food, the bagel shop netted just $ 15,000 after splitting the proceeds with Groupon.
