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The Education of Groupon CEO Andrew Mason

businessweek.com

1–10 of 13 posts

Re: The Education of Groupon CEO Andrew Mason

#5
It seems like a mistake for him to have done this interview. The Japanese restaurant was described in way too much detail, and if he's trying to shed his goofball image this article doesn't help (just look at the photographs...). And that overshadows the more interesting and important part of the article, which is the direction Groupon is moving in.

Re: The Education of Groupon CEO Andrew Mason

#7
I like him much better after this interview.

That last paragraph seems far more damning of the author than of Mason -- they're so disappointed that he doesn't have any obvious status symbols and he's riding off on a moped.

Good for him, and shame on them, for equating consumption with success.

(he should really wear a helmet, though!)

Re: The Education of Groupon CEO Andrew Mason

#8
post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Probably so people didn't go to the restaurant and heckle him?

Or ask for 50% discounts.

Hey restaurant, You want a customer? Let me get you a customer!

Groupon: How much is a lunch meal?

Restaurant: $10

Groupon: Great, here Ill give you $2.50 for it!

Restaurant: uh.. I'm not so sure about this...

Groupon: Hey customer! Come get this lunch deal. I got a great deal for you, $10 lunch for $5!

Customer: Uh, ok.

Groupon: Sweet! I just pocketed $2.50! Isn't this a great deal!

Restaurant: WTF! I just lost 75% of my gross by doing this with Groupon!

Re: The Education of Groupon CEO Andrew Mason

#9
post #5

It seems like a mistake for him to have done this interview. The Japanese restaurant was described in way too much detail, and if he's trying to shed his goofball image this article doesn't help (just look at the photographs...). And that overshadows the more interesting and important part of the article, which is the direction Groupon is moving in.

Maybe I misread the article but I don't recall him saying he's trying get rid of his goofball image altogether. I'd say he's trying to gradually tone it down and keep it controlled to certain situations (i.e. although it may be a part of who he is, it doesn't need to apply to Groupon).

I'm glad he did this interview since it is putting faith back into investors and the general public. It's pretty apparent that he is looking to do more than just sell daily coupons or sellout to a company offering him billions of dollars. He seems genuinely interested in doing something good with Groupon. Though he still has a ways to go, I give him respect for doing it for the right reasons.

Re: The Education of Groupon CEO Andrew Mason

#10
post #8
post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Or ask for 50% discounts.

Hey restaurant, You want a customer? Let me get you a customer! Groupon: How much is a lunch meal? Restaurant: $10 Groupon: Great, here Ill give you $2.50 for it! Restaurant: uh.. I'm not so sure about this... Groupon: Hey customer! Come get this lunch deal. I got a great deal for you, $10 lunch for $5! Customer: Uh, ok. Groupon: Sweet! I just pocketed $2.50! Isn't this a great deal! Restaurant: WTF! I just lost 75%…

Going forward all merchants have to consider the Groupon/GOOG Offer cost while pricing. They already factor in credit processing - and can't discriminate on Cash customers. eventually a customer paying cash and not using any promos will pay a lot more for the same merchandise.
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