Grab a Bargain in Perth

Perth is considered one of Australia’s most expensive cities, especially for accommodation and eating out. But did you know that many local businesses offer huge discounts on all sorts of things online?

The online discount industry emerged around five years ago, and there are now a number of discount coupon websites, such as Scoopon, Groupon, LivingSocial, Cudo, Deals Extra, Spreets and Our Deal.

You don’t need to be web-savvy to grab a bargain, and there’s no bidding involved – just read the terms and conditions of each offer before you buy. Really…you need to read them.

The High Cost of Living

According to research group Numbeo’s bi-annual cost of living index released this month, Perth has Australia’s second highest cost of living after Darwin. Worldwide, we rank as the 23rd most expensive city for consumer goods (an improvement on 11th place in 2013).

Statistics aside, it always feels good to pay less.

Perth’s Discount Websites

Some discount websites offer deals to consumers from businesses they sign up (eg. Scoopon, Groupon), while others are a third-party site that collect all the available deals and point you to where you can find them (eg. Spreets, Deals Extra).

The first kind of websites are much the same, although some are more user-friendly than others. To begin, just select your location and your search category, and click on a deal to view the details. If you decide to buy, you will need to be a member first (it’s free).

Some of the sites include a countdown until the deal ends. Others give an extra discount if you buy within a certain time. Don’t wait too long if you are keen – some deals sell out.

Scoopon

The Scoopon site is relatively small and easy to navigate. You can’t search for a particular category, but with Local Deals, Travel Deals and Shopping Deals tabs, it’s easy to scroll through the list and see if anything takes your fancy. The common themes are hair and beauty services, eating out, online learning courses, fitness and activities.

Groupon

On the Groupon website, you can search by category or simply click on ‘All Deals’.

In Groupon, the advertised deal becomes available when a minimum number of people have purchased. Groupon also reward you with a $10 voucher for every new customer you convince to sign up, which you can use with your next purchase.

Living Social

The LivingSocial site has four main categories: Local, Escapes, Shop and Gifts, with heaps of sub-categories. You can select deals with a certain radius of you, and deals within price ranges. See what’s new and what’s ending soon.

Redeeming Your Purchase

Each offer has its own (short) list of fine print.

For example, some businesses allow mobile phone redemption, while others require you to print out your voucher and bring it with you. You may not be allowed to use the voucher on certain days. It must be within the validity period. You may only be allowed to purchase one voucher for personal use. There may be age restrictions.

In addition, standard fine print applies to all deals, such as:

Unless otherwise stated, the voucher is valid from the day after purchase.
All bookings are subject to availability.
No refunds if your preferred date is unavailable.
24-hour cancellation policy or voucher is forfeited.

If you need help, either contact the discount site (most have email and phone contacts), or the business offering the deal directly.

You Have Mail

Once you register your details with a discount website, expect lots of emails with the latest deals – sometimes several a day. But you can always unsubscribe or manage your preferences.

If you love Perth and you love a bargain, you’re in for a treat.