Scoopon offers first ever group buying deal on air flights, signals move into bigger ticket items

15 July, 2011: Melbourne, Australia: In an industry first, Australia’s number 1^* group buying site Scoopon, has signaled a move into bigger ticket items, offering the first ever group buying deal on air flights with its first red hot special on a flexible, direct return flight from Melbourne to Phuket, Thailand, flying Strategic Airlines.

The move is part of the company’s intention to carve out a position in the market as the ‘champion’ for the Aussie shopper, bringing them the best deals a broad range of product and services - not just massages and restaurant deals!

Extending into new categories and larger value purchases allows Scoopon to increase the value they can offer their customers with more choice as well as allow them to reach new customer segments that traditionally may not have shopped on group buying sites, as Jon Beros, general manager of Scoopon explains.

“The typical shopper of group buying sites is female aged between 20 and 45. Most offers that group buying sites promote are more skewed to this demographic, however we are keen to broaden our appeal and capture the middle ground by bringing the Aussie shopper the best deal on practically anything.

“The airline industry is one area we can help the Aussie shopper get better value and we are really shaking things up with the unprecedented deal we are running, offering close to 75% off the standard price," said Beros.

Beros says that the airline sector is one of many new product categories the company will be exploring as it looks to build upon its leadership position in the Australian group buying market.

On sale today, Friday 15 July at 12 noon, Scoopon’s Strategic Airlines deal will ensure holidaymakers get the most from their travel experience. For just $599 including taxes, these flexible direct return fares will deliver $2,298 worth of value, including in-flight entertainment, a complimentary meal and drinks, 23 kilograms of checked luggage, 7 kilograms of carry-on baggage plus a generous 10 kilogram sporting equipment allowance.

The offer is valid¹ for 12 months which means unlike typical deals that airlines offer where you have to nominate your travel date upfront, shoppers can buy now and then choose at a later date when they would like to fly — and still enjoy the same super low price.  To sweeten the deal, Scoopon is also offering a $100 voucher which can be spent on any future airfare offers.

“We have saved Australian group buyers over $230 million this year alone. From entertainment packages, to travel and accommodation deals to dining and beauty, our team is always on the hunt for new and exciting offers we can bring to our members,” said Beros.

¹Validity is of travel is for these dates 2011: 26 Jul to 15 Sep, 25 Oct to 18 Dec AND 2012: 2 Feb to 25 Mar, 20 Apr to 31 May

^* Telsyte Australian Online Group Buying ReportMarch 2011; June 2011

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Media enquiries:            Melissa Shawyer:  +61 412 066 048           melissa@prgroup.com.au

Notes for editors:

About Scoopon

Scoopon is Australia’s number one group buying site. Founded in 2010 by brothers Gabby and Hezi Leibovich, the site features one unbeatable deal a day on services and experiences.

Featuring everything from restaurant deals to pampering packages, movie tickets to luxurious getaways, every day at noon a new offer promises a top deal based on a pre-determined number of coupons purchased. With the deal relying on numbers to happen, Scoopon redefines social shopping as customers band together to secure something they really, really want for a fraction of the price!

Scoopon is part of the CatchOfTheDay eCommerce group, which boasts a combined membership base of more than 1 million active and engaged shoppers. Each day the e-commerce group receives more than 150,000 visitors to its sites, with a product sold from its sites every four seconds. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, the CatchoftheDay group employs more than 100 staff.

For more information visit:
 www.scoopon.com.au

Fast facts about Scoopon
#Australia’s number 1 group buying site according to Telsyte group buying report March 2011 & June 2011
#Has saved Australian group buyers over $230 million this year alone
#Supports more than 2000 vendors
#Sells on average one deal every 4 seconds
#Has sold over 1.3 million Scoopons
#In the past year, Australia's favourite Scoopon deals were
            Full day fishing charters (2000 in 3 hours)
            Movie tickets (more than 20,000 sold in 24 hours)
            Rendezvous hotel packages (more than 7,000 sold in 24 hours)
            Melbourne attraction passes (more than 5,000 sold in 24 hours)
            Swim with the dolphins packages (more than 2,500 sold in 24 hours)