Case Study: Why Referru Wins Where Groupon Lost
Groupon's model was loved by consumers but failed businesses by attracting margin-hunting deal seekers. Referru fixes the model by replacing the "open coupon" with a verifiable, trust-based "Social Token."
The Architectural Difference
You’re right to see the comparison to Groupon—but our "one token" referral model is much more robust. By linking every lead to a vetted professional identity, we’ve created a high-trust, high-margin marketplace that Groupon’s anonymous model could never sustain.
| Feature | Groupon (The Old Way) | Referru (The Fintech Way) |
|---|---|---|
| User Quality | Anonymous bargain hunters | Vetted Professionals & "Aunts" |
| Business Cost | High upfront discount + 50% fee | Small validation fee + Success-only commission |
| Lead Integrity | High abuse/fraud potential | Single-use token linked to partner reputation |
| Incentive | Price-driven | Relationship-driven (Loyalty & Trust) |
The "Single-Use Social Token"
By linking every referral to a specific Partner and a specific Lead ID in our Firestore ledger, we create a closed-loop system that Groupon never had. This architectural advantage is amplified by our future plans for algorithmic interest-tagging, creating an ever-improving, intelligent marketplace.
For the Brand
You only pay when a real, qualified human shows up. No more paying for fraudulent clicks or low-intent coupon hunters.
For the Partner
Your reputation is protected. You aren't spamming deals; you're providing a valuable, concierge-level introduction.