Do Businesses Really Like Groupon?

Marketing is EXPENSIVE. A Groupon is a cheaper and better way for businesses to advertise because ideally the business breaks even. And that's a lot cheaper than paying for an ad somewhere. And I promise thousands of dollars in print ads in the paper can equal zero business. Groupon is a much better investment because you are guaranteed to get someone in the door.

Why feel guilty? The more I'm saving, the better the tip for the server and it's bringing people in the door. Love groupon

Charles, I agree with you. I do know many local small businesses that have used these and generated a great deal of business for themselves that they would never have had otherwise.

Ethics? This is a deal voluntarily offered by a business, a pure commercial transaction. I take advantage of only those deals that are most relevant for me (I don't have the disposable income to try this and that offer) and if it's a restaurant deal I tip on the true cost of the meal, not the discounted price. If the end result is positive, odds are I will go back, but the belief by some that offering one discount will generate a repeat and "loyal" consumer is a naive one.

I do feel guilty sometimes. I never buy them for stores I regularly shop in unless they are a chain. I think that they can be a good thing to get the word out about your store or business as long as you can balance the number available against your bottom line.