LivingSocial Deals: What It Is Now, How It Connects to Groupon, and How to Shop It Smart

LivingSocial still sells discounted local deals, getaways, and gifts, but it is now owned by Groupon. Here is what that means for your wallet and how to shop LivingSocial deals wisely.

“Class, today’s lesson is about a store with two front doors. Same house, different welcome mat. Knowing that before you shop is half the savings.”

What is LivingSocial?

LivingSocial was one of the original daily deal sites. It became popular in the early 2010s for offering discounted vouchers on restaurants, spa days, activities, and trips. In 2016, Groupon announced it was buying LivingSocial, and the two companies have been joined ever since.

Today, LivingSocial.com is still online with its own name and logo. It offers local deals on things like massages, restaurants, oil changes, gyms, and car washes, plus travel deals, products you can have shipped, and a coupon and promo code section for well-known stores. Behind the scenes, though, it is part of Groupon. The site’s footer links to Groupon, and many of the deals you see on LivingSocial may also appear on Groupon.

Why I still assign LivingSocial to my students

I will be honest with you, because that is my job. LivingSocial is not a separate, competing bargain bin. Think of it as another window into a very similar shop. That still has a few uses.

• A familiar name. If you used LivingSocial years ago, it still works much the same way: browse, buy a voucher, and redeem it.
• A second look before you buy. If you see a deal on one site, it takes one minute to check the other for the same offer.
• Experience gifts. A dinner, a massage, or a fun outing can make a better present than more stuff.
• Coupon codes in one spot. The coupon section lists codes for popular stores at no cost to you.

How to use LivingSocial deals, step by step

1. Set your location. Enter your city so you see deals near you. Local deal choices are usually better in larger cities than in small towns.
2. Search for a planned need. Start with something already on your list, like a car wash or a birthday dinner.
3. Read the fine print. Check the expiration date, booking rules, blackout dates, and limits before you pay.
4. Compare with Groupon. Open the same deal on Groupon. If it is the same offer at the same price, buy wherever you are most comfortable and keep your vouchers in one account.
5. Book soon after buying. Call the business right away so your voucher does not sit unused.

Is LivingSocial good for seniors and fixed incomes?

It can be, as long as you shop with a plan. Local deals work best for things you would pay for anyway, like a haircut, carpet cleaning, or a meal out with friends. They also make thoughtful gifts for children and grandchildren.

If you already use Groupon, you may not need a second account. Many shoppers pick one site and stick with it so all their vouchers, receipts, and refunds stay in one place. Fewer passwords, fewer headaches. If you do not drive, look for businesses close to home or on your bus line.

Things to watch for

• Overlap with Groupon. Since the sites are connected, deals and policies may be much the same. Do not assume one is cheaper without checking.
• Expiration dates. Vouchers have deadlines. Read the fine print for each deal.
• Refund rules. Refund windows can be short and may differ for local deals, travel, products, and tickets. Check the current policy before you buy.
• Small towns. If you live outside a big city, local choices may be limited.
• Old accounts. If you have an old LivingSocial login, make sure it uses a strong password you do not use anywhere else.

Professor Ima B. Cheap

Deals, prices, and site policies change often. Cheap101 is not affiliated with LivingSocial or Groupon. Always check the fine print and the current refund policy before you buy. More handouts: Cheap101 Class Handouts · Coupons and deals guide