Group buying sites addendum

Last week I wrote about our experience with BuyWithMe and about another small business who wrote about their experience with Groupon. Just the other day the Boston Globe ran a story about Groupon and similar companies in regards to Boston area restaurants. Its an interesting read.

Joanne Chang of Myers + Chang and Flour fame had this to say: “These companies are making money off of restaurants that are nervous or low on cash and presenting it in a way that makes it sound like such an amazing deal for everyone,’’ Chang says. “In fact, restaurants are getting a fraction of what they need to actually make any money. And then these companies walk away with a nice check.’’

Another chef had a different take on it: “If you look at it like ‘I’m giving my product away at 25 percent,’ it’s not a viable thing to do,’’ says Andy Husbands, chef-owner of Tremont 647 in the South End, who has worked with Groupon. “If you look at it as marketing, you’re getting people to come see your restaurant. I would say most of them are not regular customers. I believe in my product. I put it out there, and hopefully you’re going to tell people and you’re going to return.’’

There's a lot of varying opinions on group buying sites. What's yours?