After writing about location-based social networking tools such as Gowalla, foursquare and Yelp, I promptly stopped using them.
The fact was I didn't really see the point of using these new tools. I wasn't interested in badges, dukedoms, mayorships or virtual gifts. I didn't need to add one more thing to complicate getting errands done (Kids, slow down! Mommy's checking in!). And, only checking into the four or five places I visit on a daily, or weekly basis, (work, coffee shop, lunch place and Target), was just a little depressing.
But recently I was "forced" to take another look at foursquare and discovered something new – deals and discounts.
Actually, specials deals within foursquare are nothing new, but they were largely reserved for the Mayor of a location (Mayor: A user who has checked in to a place more than anyone else). Now there appeared to be more deals available, and there were no special requirements other than to check in to a venue.
Here's how it works:
Step 1: Using the foursquare application on your mobile device (click here for a full list, but I'll tell you now that if you have a 10 year old flip phone it will not work with foursquare), review the nearby venues. Notice in the illustration below that some of the venues have an orange "Special" graphic in their listing.
Step 2: Select the specific venue and click "CHECK-IN HERE".
Step 3: Click the "SPECIAL HERE" graphic to see what you've won! (You can also view the special before you check in, but it won't appear as unlocked).
A quick search of my local area revealed the following deals for foursquare users:
Rugby by Ralph Lauren (Natick, MA)
Show this screen at the register to receive a FREE Rugby Ball! While supplies last (1/person). Offer ends 10/10/10. Be sure to check out our Give In Style promo 9/30-10/11. Register code FSQ01.
Payless ShoeSource (Natick, MA)
Welcome to Payless! For 1st Time Check-ins: Take $5 off of any $25 purchase now! Show coupon code 38257 to a Payless associate or use on payless.com (valid thru 11/30). Not@Shopko
lululemon athletica Natick (Natick, MA)
Do yoga. Show an educator this screen in store and receive a local yoga studio pass on us.
Data Doctors (Natick, Ma)
Save $24 off Any Computer Service when you check-in!
Since discovering this new resource for deals, I do try to open the foursquare app whenever I'm near a shopping center, just to see if something new pops up.
Have you tried foursquare? Will you if you can find a good deal?