Website Spotlight: Saveworks

I recently had the chance to interview Alan Gould at Saveworks about this new site.

1) What makes Saveworks different from other discount websites?

 

www.saveworks.com was created to save both the consumer and business owner money. We do not charge consumers to use SaveWorks and we do not charge business owners to list their discounts. Unlike virtually every discount service we are aware of, the main goal is to capitalize by charging the business owners to list. This will always limit the number of discount a service can offer.

 

Our mission is to simply create the largest collection of discounts in the United States in one convenient location. No more clipping discounts, looking online, etc. etc. It iwould be a valuable tool for the consumer to literally be able to find all the discounts available in their community in one single location. We have a video that explains this in detail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdVh72Oe5Xk.  In fact, if a business is currently offering a Groupon or Living Social discount for example, that business can list that offering with us. One single location to find it all.

 

2) How can a business use it and what are the benefits to businesses?

 

The largest benefit is that our services are free for the business owner. Any business that currently offers a discount or would like to offer a discount can go directly to www.saveworks.com and sign up for free. The business owner can list their discount, set a tracking code, expiration date, control frequency of use, add multiple discounts and multiple locations to name a few.  Given both online and mobile applications are available to the consumer, it is like the business owner getting their own suite of mobile applications. SaveWorks can be promoted confidently with there existing customers and join other community members supporting the service.  

 

One of our challenges early on has been business owners thinking there is a catch, trick or gimmick. There is none. Our model seams to good to be true and there has been hesitation or a concern about quality. We have invested over two years and about 15,000 hours to make this the most high-end self-serving discount platform in the world. Believe it.

 

3) How does it help consumers?

 

Consumers are helped in that as we grow the concept of having to manage direct mailings, news papers, emails, websites, etc. will be a thing of the past. Click on SaveWorks, click on what you want in your area, all discounts are displayed. I frequent a local Mexican chain here in California (El Torito): they offer 10% off your meal with AAA. I lost my card two weeks ago and I am now paying full price until this is replaced. It would be a lot nicer if I could just show them the discount on my phone. Our goal is to eliminate the hassle factor for the consumer in finding every discount available in their area.

 

We are very early in our market growth; some users will find nothing in their area; but this is about participation. If you have SaveWorks, tell managers and business owners where you shop to sign up to SaveWorks. When you go back again; you might just save some money.

 

4) What types of businesses are currently listed?

 

We are just getting started but the diversity of businesses listed in my area is wide spread. For example, we have a Dentist, HVAC Repair, house cleaning service, a realtor and a volleyball trainer right near me. It will take time for the listings to grow; but they well. If your readers are interested in helping, they can ask for the owner or manager where they shop, tell them you are using SaveWorks and get them to sign up.

 

5) I see that there are mobile apps as well - how do they work?

 

Unlike other products or services, we created mobile applications for the entire line of Smartphones. Any one of your readers can download right now from the Android, Windows Phone, iPhone/iPAd and Blackberry marketplaces from their handset. We have an easy to use directory broken down by category, listings driven by GPS range, business addresses listed are all hot links to provide you point-by-point driving and mapping instructions, displayed phone numbers are links that dial and more. We have also incorporating a rating system to rate the business with stars, write comments and tag your comments to Facebook and Twitter.  We came from the wireless industry; our apps are quite feature rich.

 

6) So, how do you make your money?

 

We are a software company looking for new customers. We put out SaveWorks as an example of the quality of work we can do and we are confident it will lead to other business. But we also wanted something new that could really help and have a positive impact on everyone. Everyone the business owners. They need a break away from so many costly discount programs and systems. As like our slogan says. SaveWorks, where everyone saves.