ukagentsonline

© liewcf

A new startup deals site can best be described as a cross between sites like Groupon and eBay. Chicago company Bid My Way lets deal seekers sign up for free via Facebook, set a budget, and then bid once on an item or buy it immediately at 95% of its value.

The site sells coupons for services such as spa packages, and gives buyers more control with the ability to pick their own price and set their own parameters. The site charges a bidder's credit card after he or she wins an auction. Bid My Way also incorporates social media by enabling subscribers to input their spending budget and preferred location, and then name their best price among the restaurants that pop up from the search. A subscription to the site is free, and winning b ids are kept confidential. The participating merchants decide to accept or reject offers without disclosing how they reached their decisions.

© Markusram

At ABCunderwear.com, you can find cheap lingerie deals that has been discounted from its original prices. The site features a huge selection of closeout lingerie items, so the availability of most items is limited to the stock on hand. Each item is typically available for a limited time only, from great brands like Magic Silk and Coquette.

It's important to note that all of the items on this site are sold as is, and there are no refunds or exchanges allowed since they are shipped directly from the manufacturer. Therefore the buyer assumes responsibility for any defects, including missing buttons or incomplete sewing. Some of the discounts are impressive, including lingerie sets that retail for $35.00 on sale for $10. The site offers lingerie and underwear items for both men and women, along with swimwear and some other accessories.

© Ed Yourdon

The Emke group, which operates the LuLu supermarket and hypermarket chain in the UAE, has announced that they will be entering the discount coupon deal finder site space.

This was previously the domain of small startups only, but the growing popularity of discount coupon sites is now attracting some bigger players. The company plans to pursue a daily deal model which will supplement the many promotions they already have running in their stores. The online deals will be tied in with other company promotions at the LuLu supermarkets, and Emke has hired an outside contractor to manage the site for them. The timing of the move could be an attempt to compete with coupon giant Groupon, which has expanded globally and recently launched UAE service. Another US firm, Living Social, is also getting into the local market with its acquisition of UAE startup GoNabit.