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  • Report:  #672983

Complaint Review: Daily Dealster

Daily Dealster Dealster, dealster.com Grossly overblown discounts advertised-"92% OFF!" when it's a half price deal? And you have to pay to participate? I don't think so! Chicago, Illinois

  • Reported By:
    A consumer — Chicago Illinois U.S.A.
  • Submitted:
    Sat, December 18, 2010
  • Updated:
    Sat, January 08, 2011
*UPDATE Employee: As Advertised *Author of original report: This is how discounts are figured in the real world

Restaurant.com started it with their "80% off" promotions that is merely 80% off a coupon, not off the meal, or whatever. Well Dealster has taken this to a whole new level.

In today's offer, it's "92% off Pizza." Not even close! What they seem to be doing (It's impossible to figure out their math it is so convoluted.) is taking the total of the discounts offered and then saying they are giving you 92% off that. And what are you paying for? Essentially, "half off" and "buy one, get one free coupons." In my book, that's called a maximum of 50% off. And you are paying for the coupon so it's not even 50% off in the end. (I haven't even read the fine print.)

So, if they wanted to be honest (which I really don't think they want to do) it might be 92% off discount coupon. But even that would mean you are paying (at least) 58% of their menu price. Or 42% off.

Did I confuse you? That's OK. Now you have an idea of why Dealster is such a ripoff. Their numbers are anything but honest. I shouldn't need a slide rule to figure out a deal and that's what you need with Dealster.

2 Updates & Rebuttals

A consumer

Chicago,
Illinois,
U.S.A.

This is how discounts are figured in the real world

#3Author of original report

Sat, January 08, 2011

Thanks for that breakdown. Although many of your deals do not include a freebie, and the deal you site was not the one to which I referred, it is instructive although even your explanation is full of contradictions.

Are you trying to explain a deal for Cafe Quattro or Poochie's Pizza? Is it $8 for $16 worth of food or $10.99 For 2 Pizzas, 50% Off Total Pizza Order and 6 Buy One Get One Pizza Offers? Can it be found at www.dailydealster.com/boston/deals/35726 or www.dailydealster.com/deals/36501? Or neither link since neither shows either Cafe Quattro or Poochie's. But let's just break it down from what information you do provide.

$8 for $16 worth of food? Hate to break it to you but in the real world, that is a 50% discount. Maximum, since the likelihood of hitting $16 exactly is pretty slim.

$10.99 for 2 pizzas with maximum $14.95 value means somebody is paying $10.99 for less than $30 in pizza. That's a maximum of 64% discount. So how do you get a 92% discount? You add in half off and buy one get one free discounts.

So basically, you are taking a 64% discount, tossing in 50% discounts, and it adds up to 92% discount? Is this the new math they are teaching in schools these days?

You are lying. Period. If I can get get $140 in food for $11, that is a 92% discount. Anything less is just sleight of hand.

Daily Dealster

Chicago,
Illinois,
United States of America

As Advertised

#3UPDATE Employee

Mon, December 20, 2010

Dear Consumer,

We apologize for any inconvenience. It is not our goal to deceive people nor is it to falsely advertise as that is what we do not do.

We provide an outlet to small local businesses to reach consumers and offer "SPECIAL" promotions not available anywhere else.

We'd like to deconstruct the deal for you, which is already done on our site, so that you may understand it better. Some of the merchants (local businesses) like to offer multi-visit deals so that they can earn you as a customer. Many of our deals are structured on the first visit, for example like this offer in Boston:

$8 for $16 at Cafe Quattro in Boston ( Link is http://www.dailydealster.com/boston/deals/35726 )

The offer you are speaking about is located here:

http://www.dailydealster.com/deals/36501

The title states

$10.99 For 2 Pizzas, 50% Off Total Pizza Order and 6 Buy One Get One Pizza Offers

So, for $10.99 you get 2 Pizzas, 50% off Total Pizza Order, and 6 Buy One Get One Free Pizza Offers.

The deal with Poochie's Pizza was constructed to allow Poochies to use us as an effective marketing method to earn customers not just one time users. We obviously want to help the business grow.

For you, this is what it means, as it is stated on the website as well.

The Deal Includes


  • - 2

    Pizzas




    You will receive one large or medium one-topping pizza absolutely free. Valid two times before expiration date. Maximum one free pizza per day. Valid for Carry-out only. Not to be combined with any other offers. Maximum Value: $14.95/visit.


    - 1

  • 50% Off Total PizzaOrder




    You will receive 50% off your total pizza bill, up to a maximum savings of $25.00. Excludes beverages. Excludes gratuities and taxes. Valid one time before expiration date. Not to be combined with any other offers. Maximum Value: $25.00/visit.



    - 6

  • 6 Buy One, Get OnePizzas




    You will receive one free pizza when a second pizza or equal or greater value is purchased at regular price. Valid six times before expiration date. Valid for Carry-out and/or Dine-in only. Maximum Value: $14.95/visit.


  • Our Website also states that this deal Saves UP TO $124.

     

    Retail Value$140Discount92%=Save Up To
    $129

     

    For consumers who want to help local businesses, Dealster is one of the many sites to take advantage of.

    We have not advertised anything other than what it is.

    If you have any further questions, please contact us at info@dealster.com and we'd be happy to discuss with you.

    Kind Regards,

    Dealster Management

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