Students are increasingly using online websites like Groupon instead of paper coupons to snag deals from local businesses.
Deborah Onnebane, psychology senior, said she uses sites like Groupon instead of print coupons. Onnebane said she enjoys deals on items she couldn’t normally afford.
“A lot of things I use them for are just extra,” Onnebane said.
Jennifer Kennison, senior marketing consultant for a new website called getUone, said the site offers an alternative to Groupon and similar sites. GetUone offers local deals to more than 30 cities in the U.S., according to its website.
Kennison said getUone negotiates with individual businesses instead of setting a price to which companies must adhere.
Kennison said this method will allow for deals with businesses that wouldn’t normally agree to Groupon terms.
“Some types of companies can’t offer their products that low,” Kennison said. “We’re going to get a good range of businesses.”
Audrey Alem, international studies and anthropology senior, said she never has the desire to cut coupons.
Dane Monic, marketing sophomore, said he uses Groupon only when offers pertain to his interests.
“I wouldn’t say I go out of my way,” Monic said.
Monic said Groupon regularly offers coupons for things he doesn’t need like massages, so he waits for deals in which he is interested.
Emily Burris Hester, coordinator for the LSU Student Financial Management Center, said collecting coupons helps save money and builds positive associations with shopping and spending.
“Having a thought process will save you money,” Hester said. “Saving money is more discipline than actually adding up those dollars and cents.”
Kennison said online coupon sites help consumers organize, and they also benefit businesses because companies don’t have to pay to design or mail print coupons.
Kennison said the getUone website has launched, but coupons won’t be posted until all Southeastern Conference schools return from spring break in early May.
Hester said clipping coupons ensures students won’t make impulsive purchases.
“You only need to use those coupons on things you would buy anyway,” Hester said.
Hester said an easier way to keep coupons organized is to go through coupon books and keep the ones likely to be used in a wallet.
Hester said the SFMC suggests other ways for students to save money including taking Tiger Trails buses, buying generic brands and making coffee at home.
Hester said making and reviewing a budget helps students analyze where they are spending their money.
 
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Contact Kevin Thibodeaux at [email protected]