Flow launched its own group buying site www.collectivecow.com in September 2010. Called Collective Cow, it is celebrating its first birthday, having gone from strength to strength in its formative months, with bases now in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Happy birthday to moo!
Says founder and shareholder, Tara Turkington, “A year on, our group online buying site, Collective Cow, continues to grow and do better and better, with dozens of new subscribers signing up every day.”
Group buying has quickly become a global phenomenon. Inspired by international group buying names such as Groupon and LivingSocial, Collective Cow offers its subscribers (affectionately known as “the herd”) regular deals and discounts that are redeemed by using vouchers (“Cowpons”) purchased online. Once a certain number of people have signed up for a deal, it’s on!
“Trying to understand consumer online buying behaviour is a process that will stand us in good stead,” says shareholder Nick Stern.
This simple and rewarding system has gained Collective Cow a host of dedicated followers, and has also provided a number of businesses with valuable exposure.
“It’s been a fabulous year,” says Tara. “Some of the highlights have been growing the herd steadily, while offering some great deals to our subscribers, from half-price hot air balloon rides and go-karting for the adrenaline junkies, to spa treatments and restaurants for those who need a bit of pampering and relaxation. We’ve connected clients with some top attractions, such as Maropeng, the Origins Centre and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, and have hopefully encouraged our members to experience things they might not have otherwise.
“We have always based our Collective Cow business on integrity, reliability and innovation, and believe that, in the long run, these values will guide us far into the future, despite the competitive online buying environment South Africa is now experiencing.”
Says Collective Cow’s sales and marketing manager, Patrick Gurney, “Collective Cow has grown from strength to strength, with an amazing 1 000% increase in our reach for the Gauteng area. We have been offering our members a daily deal for over a year, and we salute our highly valued and supportive vendors.
“Our team constantly pushes the boundaries of this industry and keeps vendors well informed. The Calf to Cow - what an amazing journey it has been with even greener pastures ahead of us.”
If you haven’t joined the herd yet, visit www.collectivecow.com and register right away – registration is free, after which you may just find yourself visiting a place or doing something, courtesy of Collective Cow, that you never contemplated before!