The way groupon works is that each day the site lists a deal. Previously they’ve had offerings such as cheap gift certificates to various restaurants, tickets to a Cubs game (here in Chicago), or personal assistant services. A fairly wide assortment, I’d say, and the deal changes every 24 hours.

People sign up to commit themselves to whatever the deal of the day is. But here’s the thing – this deal only actually becomes available if enough people sign up to take advantage of it. Tricky, eh? Hence the name “Group”on. The peeps in charge have worked out deals with those companies to offer discounted products if and when enough people sign up to make it worthwhile. If enough people don’t sign up, you don’t get charged anything (but you also don’t get the special deal you wanted.)

I haven’t yet taken advantage of this site, but believe me, were there something I couldn’t live without, you better bet I would!