[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xNxUIc2obQ&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Loopt has announced a new service that’s essentially a reverse Groupon, allowing users to get custom deals made on demand. The geo-social app company believes u-Deal will be able to turn a merchant’s best customer into its biggest advocate. And, since the service empowers consumers to create the deal, it’s far less obtrusive than Groupon, which provides daily deals for places you’ve never been to, or may never want to go.
u-Deal gives users the ability to create a deal and get friends to sign up for the deal. Finally, Loopt sends the deal to the business for approval.
This is a unique system that gives users the chance to save money at their favorite spots, or at businesses they’ve wanted to try. Users will be able to request deals only at places that match their personal interest.
“Loopt u-Deals are truly a team effort – deal creators, their friends and family, Loopt, and local merchants all come together to make them happen,” said Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO, Loopt. “If we can continue to make local business connections simple, fun and rewarding for mobile users, we’ll start to see much stronger social ties within local communities nationwide.”
Loopt u-Deals is available today on the Loopt Android app in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company plans to introduce the service to additional locations and on more platforms in the coming months.