My pilates studio is about to do a Groupon. Has your studio done it, and is it worth it?
I would never do a Groupon.
No offense intended Jennifer, however, I am moved to ask is Joseph Pilates would discount the value of pilates.
He was successful because he understood his craft. He offered value that his clients recognized, appreciated and realized it was worth the investment.
I wish you success.
I have mixed feelings on discounting services. I feel that it changes the perceived value of the service. It also may not give you the quality lead you are trying to attract to your business. It really depends on the approach. One approach is looking at it as creating another venue for word of mouth advertising. Meaning, if a lead comes in and doesn’t purchase but had a wonderful experience they will share that with other people. That is valuable marketing. But…if they did not have a good experience the repercussions can be costly. I have participated in discounting a few times, my goal is to keep the studio visible in the consumer’s eye. The ad tells something different about the studio. They may not purchase a coupon but they will know we exist.
I own a pilates equipment studio and have used Social living for 2 privates, new clients only, and Groupon for Intro group equipment classes only (min 4 max 7 people per class), new clinets only, at the 50 % off rate. Our groupon did work becasue a current client bought it as a gift for mom, hubby and friend. 2 of the 3 redeemed and both have continued at regular price. The Social living group classes:, only 2 out of 13 continued and of course i lost money on paying instructors. wouldn’t do again. Actually I’m glad to see it wasn’t just my pilates business that didn’t do well and others felt the same.
One thing to keep in mind…the Groupon /S.L. companies say the typical client is purchasing to try you out at a discount, not just coupon shopping…not sure if that is true. We did get some calls after the offer was over for our services …good exposure. If I place an ad in the local paper and get no response for $450 – $500 a month I have spent money with no results. The groupon you do get some money back for your effort. I find with regular ads in the paper, the 2 times in 10 years I offered a trial discount, I maybe sold one package…so discounts arent good to do any way….McDoanlds owners don’t like all the discounts either ( my husband was a franchise owner).
