Treat Me launched by Trade Me today

Media Release:
Tuesday 15 March 2011



Treat Me launched by Trade Me today

Online marketplace Trade Me launched Treat Me today, a stand-alone group-buying site that will initially offer deeply discounted deals in Auckland and Wellington.

Trade Me CEO Jon Macdonald said the idea would harness the rising popularity of web-based group-buying kicked off by Groupon in the USA back in 2008.

“Thanks to businesses like Groupon, coupons and vouchers are back in style. In New Zealand, several sites have sprung up seeking to capitalise on this social e-commerce. With the market still in its infancy we’re confident Treat Me will appeal to Kiwi advertisers and buyers as a place to find a great deal.”

He said Treat Me was a logical addition to Trade Me’s stable. “We’ve always been focused on providing Kiwi consumers with more spending power and helping New Zealand businesses reach additional customers. Group-buying is about exactly the same things.”

Treat Me will benefit from Trade Me’s trusted reputation and broad member base, but will operate as a separate business unit with a dedicated team led by James MacAvoy.

Treat Me negotiates deals that are only activated when a certain number of customers sign up to get the offer. Buyers only pay once the deal goes live.

Initially Treat Me will feature heavily discounted deals on a broad range of services, events and experiences from businesses across Auckland and Wellington, but it has plans to expand into other regions over coming months.

Mr Macdonald said there were deals in the pipeline from restaurants, bars, cinemas, pools, zoos, accommodation and travel providers, day spas and a bunch of other businesses. “Treat Me’s focus is on offers from businesses that provide a great service or experience, rather than tangible goods.”

ends

© Scoop Media