Why We're Not On Groupon

Everybody likes to get a great deal on whatever they are buying, especially these days, and the popularity of group discount incentives on the internet has grown as a result.


Recently there have been a number of offers for treatments such as Botox and even plastic surgery,  on sites such as Groupon, which has been a real cause for concern among industry professionals. Criticism has come from industry commentators such as the BAAPS (British Association of Associate Plastic Surgeons) who have spoken out against promoting what are, after all, serious surgical procedures and operations on group buying sites.


The main concern is the trivialisation of these serious medical procedures, such as tummy tucks, breast surgery and rhinoplasty (nose jobs to you and me!) in the media and amongst marketing groups.


Groupon and similar sites have been criticised for their discounted surgery offers. The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, (BAPRAS) have a warning on their website that 'members engaging in such activities will be the subject of investigation'.


Although we don't offer any surgical procedures at Waters Edge Clinic, we do offer Botox, dermal fillers and medical skin needling. Our industry peers and associations are also concerned about offering these treatments on group buying sites, and for the same reasons as the medical profession; these treatments should be prescribed. Imagine going for a consultation with a plastic surgeon, and being told that you have to make your decision within 30 minutes in order to get a 'special deal'?! This harks back to the bad old days of the double glazing salesman approach, and goes against established codes of practice which prohibits time-linked offers and incentives. Injectables and medical needling would fall under these auspices.


We are expected, as professionals, to give clients/patients a chance to make informed choices; people can't possibly make an informed choice if they are buying a treatment through a group incentive, without even having a consultation before presenting themselves for their 'cut price deal'.


There's absolutely no problem with group incentives for treatments such as manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions and other non-invasive treatments, although we are hearing stories of long waiting times to get the discounted deal, as salons have been overwhelmed, sometimes leading to a lower standard in service.


So, we've decided not to 'Groupon' Waters Edge Clinic's treatments, however, that doesn't mean we won't offer special promotions and discounts from time to time, and our most loyal clients will always be offered exclusive extra discounts.


We'd rather offer clients genuine discounts that don't compromise on standards of treatments, or levels of care for those having the more medically-oriented treatments that we offer.


We think we've made the right decision, but what do you think?


www.watersedgeclinic.co.uk