Digital Coupons in the Current Economic Climate

August 2, 2011

If you’ve ever been stuck in the checkout line behind someone redeeming a handful of paper coupons, you know that many people are still clipping them in the traditional sense. There’s even a reality show dedicated to the madness of “the deal.” It’s both disturbing and interesting.

But the times are changing. Digital Coupons are popping up and being used at the same rate as paper coupons. According to a recent study from Promotional Codes, “in 2011, 53% of redemptions are still done with paper coupons, but Internet-based redemptions are creeping up. By 2014, most Internet couponing will be the norm.” This means the use of coupons is not going away, but growing. It’s the way people are redeeming them that is changing. And it’s the way merchants are offering them that is also evolving and changing. Now, consumers have more than one option for how to redeem their coupons, which makes it convenient for them as well as merchants.

Consumers are enjoying the convenience of redeeming coupons via their smart phone, but also having the option to print the coupon at home or cut it from the Sunday paper. The economy continues to drive consumers to use more and more coupons, with new daily deals cropping up around every corner. But who’s looking out for the publishers- and the merchants? The Forkfly platform offers the ideal way for media- including publishers, radio and television- to jump on board the digital advertising train. Forkfly also offers something a lot of these large, deal-centric companies are missing: the local angle. Who knows the locals better than the local advertisers and media partners? Each market is different and unique, and each market has its own specific needs.

Three years ago we started building Forkfly, a collection of web based and mobile tools aimed at keeping publishers in the digital game.  Our approach was unique: Publishers, when working together, are a force to be reckoned with.  The collective marketing ability and sales potential of the industry could effectively compete with national disruptors like Groupon, Living Social, and myriad of other players on that national scene that wish to divert small business marketing spends.

So what does Forkfly actually do?

Forkfly allows merchants to offer ongoing and one time deals via web and mobile apps. If a consumer wants to redeem, it’s simple; they print a voucher or hold up their phone. Soon they’ll even be able to earn rewards for sharing deals with their friends via social media!

Forkfly is a self serve platform for small businesses. Advertisers can manage offers, social media, their print and digital spends, and more, all from one platform.  They can even build a loyal follower base and use this tool for instant communication and engagement with their customers.

So what’s all of this about Groupon Now!?

Groupon Now! is now being rolled out in select markets.  Imagine Groupon not offering just one daily deal in your market, but hundreds.  It represents a significant threat to media partners’ ability to retain local advertiser spend.  Forkfly is a huge win for local.  Alisa Cromer, from the trade journal “Local Media Insider” said it best:

“Our recommendation to compete immediately for the space is a partnership with Forkfly”

What’s Happening Now in the Digital Coupon Space

June 10, 2011

There’s a ton of buzz about what’s going on in the deal site space right now. In short, Groupon now must show their financials in order to go public.

Groupon confirmed its plans to go public this month, raising an estimated $750m on the US stock markets at a price that could value it at potentially over $20bn, according to analysts. The company will become the latest social media firm to go public, adding to a highly competitive new technology market.

Consumers and merchants alike see the benefit to offering on-going or daily deals. Studies are proving that the lasting effects include customer loyalty, customer retention, and new customer acquisition. Daily deals and on-going deals also prove to be a better method of managing marketing in a digital market and allowing merchants to give the customer the deals they desire through on-going communication. Analytics built into online coupons and mobile coupons also offer result tracking like never before.

The companies that are set to take advantage of this new market place are those that have a model built for sustainability. In short – the Groupon sales/employee weight and the national marketing expense coupled with the end user acquisition cost is heavy. Compared with the Forkfly model, which is light, nimble and based heavily on merchant to customer communication and retention.

As Local Media Insider Alisa Cromer writes, “Don’t cede your DMA to GrouponNow (or GoogleOffers) in the locational deal store/coupon space. The locational coupon and certificate store space is still up for grabs. Forkfly, can, at least conceivably, be launched in 30 days, because most of the technology is already built. It also has a nascent national network, which is better than launching alone.”

From 2006 to 2009, the proportion of digital coupons among all coupons redeemed increased from 1% to 10%, while newspaper coupons fell from 63% to 50%, according to data from NCH Marketing Services. With digital coupons on the rise, customers are looking for a fully integrated digital solution, and who better to offer them that than the publishers.

While Forkfly is not a daily deal centered business (Only 7% of our revenue) we have put the time and attention to build a platform that utilizes the relations of the publisher/media companies. Forkfly utilizes the wholesale platform, merchant to customer communications and retention in real time, and hundreds of free and every day deals for end users.

The frequency of more and more people buying and using Smart Phones means more people are consistently “plugged in” and the success of daily and on-going deal platforms is sure to only increase. The real question for merchants and publishers is not if you’ll sign on, but when and with whom.

Discover Portland: Leisure Public House

January 6, 2011

One of my friends was just commenting on how much she adores the St. Johns area and would love to move there.  She is in love with the area’s small pretty shops, quaint diners, and friendly atmosphere. I myself have never been, but after stumbling across the Leisure Public House in the St. Johns neighborhood I will most definitely be taking a trip to the North.

Leisure Public House is one part bar, one part pub, and is 100% the kind of place I would love to hang out at. They have a full bar, an absolutely gorgeous outdoor seating area, and a menu that is anything but ordinary–instead of a hamburger and fries, why not try their chevre salad with fresh goat cheese, or one of their gourmet pressed sandwiches?

They definitely succeed in the fun area as well. You can play some ping pong, something called bocce ball or just play some tunes on their jukebox. Then on Mondays you can show off your talents during open mic night. Tuesday try your luck at trivia night to win some cool prizes. Then wind down on Sundays with Sunday movie night–last week they showed one of my faves, Big Fish.

I really love the story of how Leisure came to be as well. Owners, Travis and Nicole, had a passion for pubs and a love of their neighborhood, and they both wanted to create a place where people could come hang out and get to know each other in a comfortable, fun setting.  You can really tell when you look at this place that they put a great deal of thought and hard work into designing it. Travis actually built  Leisure’s patio, tables, benches, planter boxes and bocce ball court, all himself!

I can’t wait to visit Leisure Public House located at 8002 N. Lombard St. Find them online here.

Discover Portland: Brow Betty

January 5, 2011

With hundreds of spa/salon options available in Portland, it is easy for consumers to be overwhelmed by choices and for salon owners to get lost in the crowd.  Brow Betty, a premiere eyebrow and waxing bar, hopes that their fun, no stress atmosphere and to the point slogan “Perfect Eyebrows in the Bat of an Eye…No Lie!”, will make them stand out from the sea of businesses for years to come.

Even though they offer other types of waxing and products, brows are of course their passion and forte. Unlike some salons where waxing is more of a secondary side business, Brow Betty does eyebrows all day every day, and they won’t let you leave until they have found the perfect arch for your face.

Surrounded by cotton candy pink walls and 50′s style wooden mirrors you just can’t help but feel upbeat and ready for beautification. The estheticians are all waxing veterans, and are all as cute as a button.  Besides eyebrows, the team also does all other types of facial waxing, body waxing and tinting.

They will also give you some great tips and tricks on how to keep your newly plucked/waxed areas looking great all the time. As someone who took off half her eyebrow last time I tried waxing it myself, I would very much appreciate that kind of advice.  You should also check out the shops highly entertaining blog here–where I found out about something called vagazzling, and yes it is what it sounds like.

Brow Betty is located at The Pointe at Bridgeport, 7114 Hazel Fern Road in Tigard.

Trendy Tuesday: A Hip Airport Hotel With a Focus on Style & Green Practices

January 4, 2011

The Marriott, Holiday Inn, Motel 6, these are the standard sleeping options that are normally nearby an airport when you visit any U.S. city.  You can expect a hard bed, minimal design, Denny’s style food, and an overall lack of comfort and entertainment. And then there is Aloft Portland Airport Hotel, basically the opposite of everything I just described.

Aloft is located at 9920 NE Cascades Parkway, and is just minutes from baggage claim at Portland International Airport. Stylish, fun, and green minded to boot, Aloft is a clear display of Portland pride and the creator’s love for the North West. This bold new airport lodging sports a loft inspired design with earth tones and geometric shapes, as well as a green building plan and an enforced eco program.

The hotel itself has a gorgeous gym, an impressive bar, a 24/7 open pantry packed full of healthy and indulgent snacks, a beautiful pool, and complimentary hotel-wide internet access. Once inside your room it gets even better, and each room has an ultra-comfortable signature bed, an over-sized showerhead, custom amenities by Bliss® Spa, and a fun, art-deco design. And you don’t have to be afraid to bring the kids along for the stay. Aloft offers for the kids a child-size air mattress and kid’s bedding, kid-friendly food options, games galore, and their splash pool.

And even though there is plenty to see and do right within the walls of the hotel, the establishment urges visitors to get out and enjoy our fantastic city, boasting about our “urban energy, cool culture, edgy art galleries, unique boutiques, and tons of outdoor activities.”  You might expect rates to be high at a place like this, but they start out as low as $99 and have a lot of great offers you can take advantage of.

This is a fun, innovative and stylish airport lodging that is like nothing I have ever experienced before.  It is a welcome addition to our fare city!

You Gotta Try This!: Sugar Mamas’ Hearty Breakfasts & Delicious Baked Goods

December 23, 2010

Growing up I was extremely lucky to have adoptive grandparents who lived right next door to us and would have my family over for Sunday breakfast on a consistent basis.  They loved filling their house with children who adored them, and we loved being spoiled by them!  My grandmother would make biscuits and sausage gravy, cinnamon rolls, and hashbrowns.  My own mother was more of a bran muffin and granola for breakfast type of person, so getting such a huge breakfast like the one my grandmother would make was a special treat for us.  I haven’t had the pleasure of eating breakfast at Sugar Mamas’ Cafe yet, but I imagine the experience is just as delicious and heart warming as mine growing up.

Sugar Mamas’ Cafe, located at 579 SW 13th Ave & SW Alder, is the creation of two adorable sisters, Michelle and Zelda, who love cooking and the joy that their food brings to their customers. Known for their big breakfasts, Sugar Mamas doesn’t scrimp on size or taste, so bring your appetite.  Breakfast is served all day long with yummy options like the Power Cakes Mama’s Cakes with dried cranberries, coconut, banana & REAL maple syrup; their authentic corned beef hash; biscuits and gravy just like how my grandmother made them; and even a meatloaf breakfast served with hashbrowns and eggs.

But Sugar Mamas isn’t just about breakfast, they also serve lunch and scrumptious baked goods. For lunch try their meatloaf sandwich, tomato soup made from scratch, or a tasty grilled sandwich.  For anytime of day, you must try a German Chocolate Brownie, their famous Carmel Pecan Sticky Buns, and their homemade Snickerdoodles just in time for Christmas!

Sugar Mamas is open Mon-Fri 7am to 3pm and Sat-Sun 8am to 1pm. Want to get them delivered to your home or office? Portland Pedal Power has got you covered, just order here and they will deliver it to you by bike!

Discover Portland: Distillery Row

December 22, 2010

Portlanders love to buy their clothes from local designers, are loyal to their favorite neighborhood cafe, and boast about having some of the best wineries in the NW, so why not take it one step further gang and try out some fantastic locally made liquor too!

I am so excited to have discovered Distillery Row.  Situated in SE Portland, Distillery Row is a handful of small distilleries who make handcrafted, locally distilled spirits available for the first time since prohibition. How great is that! There are 5 distilleries on Distillery Row–Deco Distilling, House Spirits, Integrity Spirits, New Deal Distillery, Stone Barn Brandyworks–and they make everything from vodkas and gins, rums and whiskeys, to more specialized spirits such as absinthe, aquavit, and flavored liqueurs.

Deco Distilling, located at 1311 SE 9th Avenue, makes one of my favorite rums of all time the Deco Ginger Rum. It is great with some Cola, Sprite, or some warm cider. All of their rums are made from natural ingredients. The ginger flavored rum in particular has no added sugar, which I love because then you can mix it to your desired taste.

House Spirits, located at 2025 SE 7th Avenue, makes everything from vodka, gin, whiskey and aquavit.  Sporadically House Spirits also releases a small batch of limited-edition spirit in their Apothecary Line available only in their tasting room. Their goal is to pour into every creation the taste and flavor of the Northwest. “We have great respect for our distilling elders and incorporate old world philosophy into our products for the savvy new world palate.”

Integrity Spirits, located at 909 SE Yamhill Street, sells vodka, gin and a specialty absinthe. Their concoctions are more of an art form than a drink, which makes since why their labels are designed with as much care, love and attention as their spirits. I am extremely enticed by their Hazelnut Vodka and 12 Bridges Gin.  The 12 Bridges Gin is aptly named for the number of bridges in Portland, and for the 12 botanicals in its recipe, like Hungarian Juniper Berries, cucumber and peppery ginger.

New Deal Distillery, located at 1311 SE 9th Avenue, is all about vodka. They carry four different styles of vodka, including the award winning Hot Monkey Pepper-Flavored Vodka and the one I am dying to try the Basil-Flavored Vodka. They also make a special brand of organic liqueurs called LOFT Organic Liqueurs. These are made from as-local-as-possible organic fruits and botanicals available.With flavors as diverse as Lavender Cello, Spicy Ginger Cello, and Lemongrass Cello.

Stone Barn Brandyworks, located at 3315 SE 19th, Suite B, produces yummy craft distilled, regional fruit brandies and spirits. Check out just a few of their amazing sounding drinks, like their pear and apple brandy, coffee and quince liqueurs, and an unoaked rye whiskey. I first tried one of their liqueurs at the fabulous Gilt Club and it was absolutely delicious!

I highly recommend you make a visit to Distillery Row.  I just hope Santa is reading this and makes a special delivery to my house this year!

Trendy Tuesday: Local Designs & Unique Handmade Pieces at Frock

December 21, 2010

Mix some vintage styles with some Burning Man inspired fashion and you have Frock–a unique boutique that sells independent designs and small runs of rare, one-of-a-kind pieces, and handmade items. As local as it gets, Frock is committed to the local, living economy with a product mix consisting of 90% locally designed and produced items supplemented with 10% regional, independent, and other goods.

It doesn’t matter your age or sex because Frock has something cool for everyone. They have a plethora of items and it was really hard for me to choose my favorites, but here they are!  For women, I would recommend the Stumptown Tee, Peacock Tank Top, Red Floral Applique Tunic, a belt buckle by Namaste, the bike earrings by Handmade Julz, and the What’s Your Poison necklace.

For kids, I love the Octopus Onesie, the Hotdog Hi Five Tee, and the Cat Eye Sunglasses. How cute are these little models by the way!

For the men out there, check out the Cock Tee, Oregon Undies, Lucha Mask Socks and The Hole In One Sweater Cap.

Frock is located at 1439 NE Alberta St. in Portland, Oregon.  Enjoy your holiday shopping (hint, hint) !

More Holiday Events from Forkfly!

December 17, 2010

Yesterday we looked at some Forkfly merchants who are hosting events and specials for the holidays. Today we have even more great things to do in Portland, from holiday displays and parties to cookie classes and an awesome giveaway. Have a great weekend everyone!

The Benson Hotel Gingerbread Display and New Year’s Eve Party

Every year the Benson Hotel has their resident Chief Baker and Architect erect a gingerbread masterpiece. It will be on display in the festive Benson Hotel lobby this season. Take a look at the YouTube video of the unveiling of the gingerbread village. The Benson worked with the Make a Wish foundation for the unveiling and they will be selling Make a Wish stars all month, so stop by to see the display and support a great charity.

The Benson is also hosting an event this season: Copacabana, a Latin Masquerade Gala, will take place on New Year’s Eve. There will be a Brazilian buffet, drinks, dancing, masks, and a balloon drop at midnight. You can buy a package to stay the night or just go for the party: check out this and other holiday special packages here.

Holiday Cookie Classes at In Good Taste

This weekend, Saturday December 18 and Sunday December 19 at 1 pm, In Good Taste hosts two cooking-making workshops. Seats are limited, so call and sign up now. Here is the info page for this cooking class. Looks like both classes will fill up, which means they will meet the maximum cooking capacity of 14 kinds of cookies and 3 dozen cookies to each participant! Learn to make (and come away with) sugar cookies, gingerbread, peanut butter fudge and more. The cookies make great gifts, and the experience would be fun for a couple or parents and kids. Or give this class as a gift to a foodie friend. And remember that In Good Taste is your retail destination for high-end kitchen products as you craft your holiday meals.

Shop Adorn 12 Days of Schwag

Keep on top of the Shop Adorn blog for a chance to win a giveaway now through Christmas! The theme of the giveaway is “keepin’ it local,” and all the prize packages tie in to some great local business. As you know, we at Forkfly have the same priority of encouraging independent and local business, so a high-five to Shop Adorn. So far they have selected winners to receive a massage from Blossom Clinic, an Amalfi’s Restaurant gift card, and a portrait photography session. Today’s giveaway is a barre3 package. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment or retweet Shop Adorn’s blog post, so there’s nothing to lose, just a great holiday treat to gain.

Holiday Events from Forkfly!

December 16, 2010

Our Forkfly merchants are all over the opportunity to host events, dinners and provide special accommodations during the holidays. Today we have event suggestions from our merchants to keep you in the holiday spirit and help you get the most out of what Portland has to offer this time of year.

Holiday Suite at Mark Spencer

The Mark Spencer Hotel offers a special Holiday Suite package that you can recommend to guests (I’m picturing a holiday-sweater-wearing aunt loving this.) The blurb about this special on the website mentions cookies, eggnog, wrapping paper (genius! Of course an out-of-town visitor would need access to wrapping paper!), and seasonal music. The other amenities include continental breakfast, wifi, afternoon tea and cookies and a wine reception. There’s no price listed (the website wants you to “name your price”). This sounds like a real treat — much more festive than your average hotel stay.

Wilfs Winter Wonderland and Holiday Shows

Wilfs is decked out for the holidays and ready to share the spirit of the season with you. Seriously, take a look at the many pictures they’ve posted of their Winter Wonderland. Wilfs always hosts live jazz, so naturally they have some holiday performances lined up. Tomorrow and Friday you can see Kate Davis’ Holiday Show at 6 pm. Take a look at the event calender to see what other shows you might want to catch. And as their website reminds me, Wilfs is a great place to grab dinner before a Blazers game, and you can leave your car near Wilfs and take the MAX to the Rose Garden to avoid parking headaches.

Oregon Zoo’s Zoolights

Zoolights at the Oregon Zoo is an annual event where lighted displays all over the zoo feature animated creatures. “Displays include swinging monkeys, leaping frogs, flying bats, [and] diving penguins,” according to the website. This is a great time to take the Zoo Train around the zoo grounds, as many of the displays are best seen from the train. Zoo Lights is also a time for music and performances, and the zoo hosts performances every night through December 23. Take a look at the performance schedule, and peruse the website for more information on times and ticket prices.

Acadia Bistro Chrismas Eve Reveillon Dinner

Acadia Bistro has a special 3-course dinner for Christmas Eve. I imagine this would be great for a couple spending the holidays with just each other — no cooking at home, a delicious Southern meal and specialty cocktail, and the feeling of celebration that comes with eating a nice meal out. This is not an especially vegetarian-friendly option, but that’s what we expect from authentic Southern cooking. The meal has a $30 set price. Take a look at the menu here.  They also have a special dinner on New Year’s Eve for a more hefty $50/person and with a more extensive menu.

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