Bekim Ahmedi talks about all that's going on at OfferMe, including Christmas Group Buy specials.


Changes to the OfferMe Group Buy Newsletter...

If you're like me, you usually sit through the ads when watching TV. There are one or two ads I might enjoy seeing, but mostly I just stare at the box until my program starts again. After all, there are a vast amount of ads on TV that are in no way relevant to me. So why should I show them my attention?

My issue with television ads carries right through to the newspapers. When you buy the paper there are so many different sections. Business, sports, entertainment and there is usually one section that's just not related to me. Currently I don't need the careers section, I'm happy where I am. So wouldn't it be good if I could just select what I wanted to see?

Well, at OfferMe, this is why we have made changes to the OfferMe Group Buy newsletter. You simply choose the category you are interested in receiving and that's all you'll get. And, if you're someone who really doesn't mind watching all the TV ads or going through all the sections of the newspaper, then that's not a problem either; you can continue to receive all of OfferMe's newsletters. It's just a way for us to ensure you're getting the most out of your OfferMe experience.

Decking the Halls at OfferMe...

Christmas is around the corner, only a couple of months to go now, so you may notice changes to our site over the coming weeks. Well, of course we're putting up the Christmas decorations, with a new Christmas theme garnishing our site and a little bit of Christmas cheer being invested into our communications with you guys. We at OfferMe together with our community want to get into the spirit of Christmas and the holidays.

We're just as amazed as you that another year has ticked by so fast, but this year we're getting you prepared. Presents, presents and more presents. Family, friends and Kris Kringle... sounds like a lot of gift buying. I'm just thinking of the crowds I'll have to negotiate in the shopping centres over the next couple of months. How annoying! No parking! No seat in the food-court! Long queues at the cash register! Even longer queues getting out of the car park! Arrgghhh, I'm already over it! Group Buy will be a perfect opportunity for that gift without the hassle of the Christmas rush period in the shopping centres.

Yet just like Santa, OfferMe won't know what you really want for Christmas unless you tell us. After something special like Pandora jewellery or a bottle of Calvin Klein cologne. Then let us know. We have connections with plenty of sellers, so we can negotiate a Group Buy discount on almost anything. But without your input, how are we going to get you that Christmas gift that you've searched everywhere for?

OfferMe Credit Look Out...

Keep your eyes peeled for the OfferMe Credit logo. Starting last week, OfferMe Credit will be available on more and more select Group Buy deals. That means, on top of the 20% - 50% that you save with Group Buy, you could also get a few more dollars off! For more information about OfferMe Credit – how to get it and use it – check out this link.

Listening to the Buyers: You get a say with Group Buy

OfferMe's BDM explains how listening to customers increases Group Buy demand.

Ernest Hemingway once said:

“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.”

It's amazing that in today's world of new age relationships and hi-tech communications that his quote would still ring true. I mean, listening is such a simple way to let someone connect with you. Yet no one really seems to do it. Failing to apply this fundamental principle creates frustration, annoyance and just plain disappointment. No one enjoys the thought of being unheard. Especially in retail. When you're trying to get a cheap buy and no one wants to listen to you, what's to stop you from just giving up. You feel deterred and just want move onto something else. It's the same for everybody.

I've been there. And, in my job, I see it every single day. Last year my wife and I visited one of the big electronics retailers (name withheld to protect the innocent ie me). We were looking for a good deal on a laptop. After fiddling my thumbs waiting to be served for over 20 minutes, a staff member finally made their way into our aisle and faintly introduced themselves. We already knew what features we were after and simply asked the Sales Assistant to tell us what deals they had. Instead of actively listening to our needs, the Sales Assistant pretty much cut us off and introduced us to products that we neither wanted, nor could afford. We walked out empty-handed and feeling like we had wasted our time.

As a consumer I have the belief that this should be easier. It's the nature of commerce: supply exists due to demand. Therefore, actively listening to your buyers allows you to find the right products to sell. For us at OfferMe, listening to our buyers helps us determine which products we need to negotiate the best deals on. This also has the direct benefit of increasing buyer confidence and retention, by continuing to provide the right product for your buyer. This is exactly what they're referring to when they're talking about 'good service'.

As a Business Development Manager, listening to our buyers and understanding their needs is essential for me to do my job. This is the first step before I can search for the best deals on the market. It's even more important when you consider that I do it for OfferMe, a buyer focused community. After all, that's our biggest differentiator, setting us apart from our competition. At Offerme, your voice needs to be heard loud and clear. As a member within the sales team, I have to make myself available to actively listen to your needs and requirements.

Which brings me to Christmas...

Chances are you'll spend countless hours during November & December searching for a wide variety of gifts. That meaningful item for someone that made your year special. Or that Kris Kringle gift for a random at work. At OfferMe, we appreciate that Christmas is really meant to be about spending cherished quality time together. That's why you should let us handle all the searching for you. Let us waste our days finding that perfect item at the best price. All you need to do is tell us what you want.

We're always here, we're always searching and we're ready to listen. What deal can we find for you?

The OfferMe Community: Working Together for Group Buy Savings

Online Content Manager, Nadim C Sharbean, explains why Community is key to OfferMe's Group Buy.

If you're reading this blog because you've come from the link on the OfferMe site or our Facebook fan page, then I'm doing my job well. My name is Nadim and in my role as the Online Content Manager for OfferMe.com.au, it's my responsibility to communicate and interact with the OfferMe community.
Now, granted, most companies in today's virtual world have blogs and Facebook pages. 'Social Media' and 'Social Marketing' are two chic terms in business right now. Yet with OfferMe it's so much more than simply having an online presence. You see, to us here, OfferMe is built on and built for our Community. Our mission is to create a social shopping platform that focuses on gaining benefits for buyers.

That sounds like more marketing shtick. So let me whittle it down to basics. Essentially we exist so that OfferMe users can get the best deals on products they want. As most of our users know, the biggest way we do that is our Group Buy feature. This innovative concept allows users from all across the 'net to join together and get bulk buying prices on... well, anything really. As most people know, go into any store with two mates to buy the same product and the Sales Person will be more than happy to negotiate a better price. OfferMe's Group Buy takes out the hassles of that process. You simply say whether or not you want in on the Group Buy deal.

(On the Right: The highly requested Kingston 4GB DataTraveller sold for a mere $9.95 last week!)

How Group Buy products get chosen...

Currently, the OfferMe BDM, Erick Teresa, handles all the Group Buy product searches and negotiations. He bases his searches on the higher requested items on OfferMe (for more on requesting items, check out this page). What this means is that some of you are getting what you want, while others have to wait. So, if you are a user that's waiting, how do you get Erick onto your item? It's pretty simple really. First you request the item on OfferMe. Then you get people to click the 'Register Interest' button on your listed item.
And that's where the OfferMe community comes in. Want a PS3? Get on the Facebook page and get the votes behind it. Or try out OfferMe's InTouch social platform. It's like a Facebook for our users. In the end, all you need is a handful of people hunting for your product to get Erick on the job.

Group Buy your Christmas cheer...

Right now we're trying to stock up on cool things for Christmas. Yes, the 'Time for Giving' is right around the corner and we're looking at sorting out all your Kris Kringle needs and Christmas gift ideas in one hit. Got an item you think EVERYONE needs for Chrissie? Well, go on and tell us about it. We're like Santa... But with credit card access.

Introducing OfferMe Credit: Getting Bigger Online Bargains on Group Buy

My name is Bekim and I'm part of OfferMe's marketing team. I've got to be honest, I really enjoy my job and not just because of the City views from my computer. A good part of the reason I like my job is because I really am a strong believer of what we here at OfferMe have to offer. OfferMe is the future. With our features, including Group Buy, OfferMe will change the way you shop for online bargains. At OfferMe, you request what you want and let the sellers find you. Rather than you looking all day for the best prices, they come to you. There's no auctioning, no bidding; OfferMe's just a platform where you and the sellers can interact.

I'll give you a real example: I'm after a new DVD player but, like most people, I don't have the time, nor the energy, to go from shop to shop looking for the best price. And while online shopping seems easier, with the amount of people out there hocking dud stuff, it's just as frustrating. So instead I've simply put in a request for a DVD player on OfferMe and will now sit back and let the sellers find me. When one of our registered and approved sellers sends me an offer, I can either choose to accept his quote or - the best bit - haggle for a cheaper price. And it's all at no cost, OfferMe doesn't charge any membership fees. The only time I'll pay is if I agree on something with a seller.

Another feature that we have is 'Group Buy'. It's a platform where individuals can group together to create an advantage where everyone involved benefits. Similar to bulk buying, buyers from across Australia are able to purchase products at a lower price than what would have been achievable had they purchased on their own. With factory outlets and direct wholesalers becoming so popular nowadays, OfferMe Group Buy essentially delivers the same thing, to your computer. The best part is that you don't have to round up and beg your friends to join in. The deal is available to all OfferMe users, so all you have to do is make sure you don't miss out!

OfferMe Credit – Available on Group Buy

Our latest feature, though, is the sugar on top. OfferMe now also offers OfferMe Credit which can be used as currency on only on our site. The credit can be payable on any deal – including Group Buy deals – which feature the OfferMe Credit logo. It even includes payment on shipping and handling.

It basically works like this...

OfferMe Credit in Cash...
Group Buy Price = $49.99
OfferMe Credit = $3.00
The amount to be paid = $46.99 + S/H

OfferMe Credit in Percentage...
Group Buy Price = $49.99
OfferMe Credit = 5% (5% is $49.99 = $2.5)
The amount to be paid = $47.49 + S/H

The amount is automatically calculated for you when you click on the 'I Want to buy' button!

And, you can score up $30 in OfferMe Credit the day you register. Simply register your mobile and you'll receive a $30 OfferMe Credit Bonus in your account, absolutely free. Also, it's important we mention that mobile number registration is only done for security & validity purposes. We do not, in anyway, text or call you unnecessarily. It simply helps us in keeping your online shopping experience safe.

Right now you can $5 of OfferMe Credit on our Group Buy item, the Nokia Bluetooth headset. That'll bring the full price of the headset down to $21.50. Check it out

And when you're done that, I dare you to comeback and tell me that my job isn't great!

Negotiating an Online Bargain: Why the old principles never change?

It's interesting how times have changed so much, yet the same issues remain unsolved. If anything, people have become more confused. For a long time, we spent countless afternoons driving to different shops looking for a good deal. We spoke to different shop assistants asking about different products and trying to haggle a bargain price. More often than not, we ended up driving home empty-handed knowing we had wasted precious time; time we could have spent with the family going to the beach or a picnic.

The emergence of the Internet as a viable retail solution only ended up muddying the waters, leaving us even more confused and worried whether the e-retailer we were dealing with was legitimate and not just a scam aimed at our hard earned dollars. Further, with so many stores booming online, people were still wasting countless hours, yet this time it was spent searching different websites, trying to find that elusive online bargain.

There had to be an easier way. People demanded convenience and needed peace-of-mind, knowing that they could quickly and easily get the right product they were looking for, at a competitive price. They wanted back their free time, to return their focus to their children or their mates. They wanted to spend romantic weekends with their partners, without worrying about the annoying hassles of day-to-day life.

If you could go to one place to achieve all of the above, wouldn't that make things so much easier?

Well, that's my job. My name is Erick Teresa and I'm a Business Development Manager at OfferMe.com.au

Every morning, when I step into the office, I get on the case of finding the best deals on the 'net. My team and I start with the OfferMe customers. Knowing what buyers, like yourself, are interested in purchasing is vital to our process. Then we go about handling all the searching that you'd normally spend half a day doing. This goes beyond simply comparing prices and quality between verified e-retailers. It's the aim of our team to build relationships with reputable sellers and negotiate special deals for our growing list of buyers. What we want is for you to find the best prices on OfferMe. By doing this we can assure your convenience and peace-of mind, while offering you a quality service.

At least once a month I'm going to get on here and tell you how it's going in my side of the company. Perhaps I'll let you know about some new products we've got coming up on Group Buy. Or maybe I'll be able to give you some goss on what we're looking for. I'd really like it if you guys jumped on and told me what you're after. And please, no one say PS3... I'm already on the case (and as soon as I find a great price you'll be the first to know). So go on, go enjoy your weekend. Just check in every now & then and see what we're offering you.

Thanks Mum

Mother's Day is a time to really thank mum for everything she has done. From cutting the crusts off our sandwiches to making our favourite dinner when we aren't our usual selves, Mums play a special role in most people's lives. This Mother's Day, let mum know how much you appreciate her.

Chrysanthemum's are the obvious choice for Mother's Day but why not think outside the box this year. If you have children so your mum is also a grandmother you can't go past some home made gifts. Paddle pop jewelry boxes and glittery cards are timeless keepsakes.

If your mum lives overseas or interstate make sure you send your Mother's Day card well before. If you're sending a parcel send it even earlier to make sure it arrives on time. Remember:it's ok if a card arrives early, not so good if it's late. Threw in a bit of card etiquette my mum taught me there.

Most importantly, don't forget to see mum or get in touch with her this Mother's Day.

If you yourself are mum, we would like to wish you a wonderful and happy Mother's Day from the team at OfferMe.

Author: Katie Preston Toepfer

Easter is upon us

It was during a trip to my local grocery store a few weeks back when I noticed a large display of colourfully wrapped goodies. It was then that I realised, Easter was upon us.
Gradually over the next few weeks this display will keep growing in size, filled with chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies. Ever so subtly, these delights will work their way into our trolleys and eventually...onto the thighs.

One Easter phenomenon I want to mention is the creation of the Easter Bilby. The Australian distant relative of the Easter bunny. I think we should support our native species and I applaud the chocolate manufacturer who started creating the Easter Bilby chocolate range. Not only are they delicious but they also support the 'Save the Bilby fund' which has been helping the survival of the Bilby since 1999.

We have our own version of Santa clad in shorts, thongs and a wife beater, why not have our own version of the Easter bunny too?

We all know Easter is not just about over-eating and Easter egg hunts. It's a time to be spent with family and friends. Whether it be a trip with the family up the coast over the long weekend, or a quiet seafood BBQ feast in the backyard. From the whole team at OfferMe we would like to wish you all a very safe and happy Easter...We'll deal with the over-indulgence at a later date.

All the best



Author: Katie Preston Toepfer