By Megan Schultz and Connor Morrison

 Began as a website known as “The Point” in November 2007  Later became “Groupon” in 2008 as a way to help consumers find entertainment in large metropolitan cities  They are now in more than 300 markets and 35 countries, with 1000 employees at their Chicago headquarters

 Select a large city near you  Search their current featured deals for that area  Buy the deal that you are interested in  Once the designated amount of people have also purchased it (tipped), you get the deal otherwise you get your money back  After the groupon has been “tipped” you can print it off and enjoy!

 Called “Save the Money” spoofing celebrities who jump on causes for their public image  Originally intended to help raise money for specific causes while promoting their money saving deals on Groupon.com  Use of celebrity endorsers (Timothy Hutton, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Elizabeth Hurley) discussing deforestation, whaling, and Tibetan refugees  Ad campaign prepared by Crispin Porter & Bogusky who is known for taking risks

 The “Save the money-Tibet” ad that aired during the Super Bowl caused controversy due to the lack of sensitivity on this serious issue  Many feel that the commercials are mocking the causes that they are discussing  The commercials were intended to raise awareness of theses philanthropic causes but were not perceived this way by audiences.  The backlash has been so strong that the company is considering pulling the campaign entirely

 New ad campaign  Using emotional appeals  Partnering with charitable organizations  Humor  Rational appeals  Saving money with Groupon  Celebrity endorsers  Choosing to use new media sources  In the past they relied mostly on word of mouth and social networking sites  They are now using more forms of media to promote their growing business such as:  Broadcast television, social media sites, print media features, and internet advertising

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