Group-buying site Smartie.com.au closed

[FirstPageResults]

Just noticed that Smartie (formerly Vowcha) has gone offline. Can't say I'm suprised, as the deals had been stale for some time.

Smartie is taking a little break!
Smartie has stopped sending out any deals for the moment while we review how best to deliver great results for our members.

Perhaps a sign of things to come for some of the smaller group-buying sites?

 

[FirstPageResults]

Somewhat related fairfax article today:

Some people swear by "deal of the day" offers, but complaints are on the rise.

Some people swear by ''deal of the day'' offers, in which you pay half price or less for a voucher or coupon entitling you to services ranging from pole-dancing classes to house cleaning. However, they're starting to generate sufficient complaints to be on the radar of consumer regulators.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/money/plan...cial-offers-20110802-1i8nz.html#ixzz1Tv6fy1Bo

 

[Lucas]

Somewhat related fairfax article today:

Yes, I have read some similar articles over the last few months. One had interviewed several people who had used such sites and they didn't have much good to say. Complaints ranged from receiving terrible quality goods to being forced to buy 'extras' to make the deal worth while.