[image]
[title]Gilt City Chicago
WHAT IT OFFERS Weekly deals on events and services, available in limited quantities
THE GIMMICK If it’s a restaurant or spa deal, Gilt sends the discount to the business so it automatically shows up on your check.
RECENT DEAL Eight-course dinner at Avenues for two with wine pairings, as well as a special visit from the chef ($275)
Tippr
WHAT IT OFFERS Up to three promotions each day at mostly suburban restaurants and bars, and online businesses
THE GIMMICK The more people buy the deal, the bigger the discount.
RECENT DEAL $15 for $35 worth of movie posters at moviegoods.com (plus, once 100 people buy the deal, everyone gets a free poster)
TwoBuckDuck
WHAT IT OFFERS One deal (anything from restaurants to products such as an agate stone necklace) a day, for just $2
THE GIMMICK Pay $2, and you’ll get access to a coupon or code to access the deal.
RECENT DEAL $16 off two entrées at Sapori Trattoria in Lincoln Park
DashMob
WHAT IT OFFERS Alerts you to deals happening that day or week during merchants’ off-hours or slow times, available only to DashMob members
THE GIMMICK No prepurchase necessary—just show up to redeem the deals
RECENT DEAL Four-course meal at Kith & Kin for $25 (normally $52), valid Mon–Thu, 5–7pm
Living Social
WHAT IT OFFERS One deal per day featuring up to 90 percent off at local businesses; lately with more of an emphasis on spas
THE GIMMICK Spread the word! If three people buy the deal using your personalized, postpurchase link, the deal is free for you.
RECENT DEAL Six laser hair-removal sessions at Lakeshore Plastic Surgery for $125 (normally $750)
YouSwoop
WHAT IT OFFERS A daily deal—available for 24 hours—for bars, restaurants, beauty services, travel and more
THE GIMMICK No minimum “tipping point” of group purchases required; you get reward points (which can be used for future deals) with every purchase; and one randomly selected member gets a free swoop each day
RECENT DEAL $49 for a ten-pack of 30-minute dog-walking sessions from Millennium Dog Walkers ($130 value)
FineDineDeal
WHAT IT OFFERS Discounted multicourse menus at local (usually upscale) restaurants, available on specific days and times
THE GIMMICK Search for dates and times that work for you, and then choose from available restaurants.
RECENT DEAL Three-course dinner at Aria for $35 (normally $50)