We were getting $60 for a $169 product that cost us $80-100 to make.
You're right, a spa is a MUCH better fit for Groupon than a coffee shop. Higher margins, repeat customers, the ability to schedule customers (weekdays only, etc), etc.
That said, if Groupon is going to kill your business and is a poor fit, why run a Groupon and then complain that it does so? These horror stories you hear about, these businesses would likely be in dire straits anyway because the owners show little business acumen. The attrition rate for B&Ms is ridiculously high and always has been.
You're right, a spa is a MUCH better fit for Groupon than a coffee shop. Higher margins, repeat customers, the ability to schedule customers (weekdays only, etc), etc.
That said, if Groupon is going to kill your business and is a poor fit, why run a Groupon and then complain that it does so? These horror stories you hear about, these businesses would likely be in dire straits anyway because the owners show little business acumen. The attrition rate for B&Ms is ridiculously high and always has been.