New social buying site opens

Founded by Miles Marshall and Nicola Louw, it adds a twist to deals websites. Each special offer only becomes 'active' if enough members buy the deal vouchers, which encourages social sharing with friends through Facebook, Twitter and email to ensure that the 'deal is on'. If the minimum numbers of vouchers are not bought, the deal is off, the buyer is not charged and the business does not incur any costs.

By adding the 'group' element to the equation, it provides businesses with a way to reward their customers with special offers. Already a well established concept in America, group buying provides a lucrative marketing tool for any kind of business and makes 'coupon-clipping' cool amongst consumers.

"It's an exciting new marketing strategy for large or small businesses and it's risk free. With no upfront costs or fine print, it's a win-win situation. The viral element that results from social sharing is difficult to achieve with other marketing methods. Worse case, your business gets a few days of free advertising," says Marshall.

Whether sellers are looking for bums on seats during slow periods, a promotion to get rid of excess stock, or a hassle free way to attract customers and keep appointment books full, the site can tailor-make a deal to suit.

The site, www.skoop.co.za, is currently running an iPad 2 competition on its Facebook page.