RapidBuyr, a business to business daily deals site, took a survey of 2,000 shoppers at the end of 2011 and the results are in. Let's take a look.
RapidBuyr survey results
The RapidBuyr survey was conducted in November and December of 2011, and was aimed straight at small business owners. Among the findings:
·✔ Shoppers are actively looking for mobile technology bargains.
·✔ Shoppers are regularly seeking out travel deals.
More specifically, the results showed that 49% of those surveyed said they wanted to purchase a mobile technology device in the next six to twelve months, and 44% of respondents planned to invest in a new mobile phone. Participants were also keen on travel buys, with 62% saying they planned to make an air travel purchase in 2012 and 55% seeking out hotel rooms and other lodging at a discount.
Why this is good news
Computers, tablets, iPads, iPhones and other mobile devices are in high demand, so it should come as no surprise that small business owners (and the general population) continue to invest in new technology. Being able to tether yourself to email or a work document while sitting in a meeting or flying on a plane across the country keeps many small businesses afloat, and helps them to stay in constant contact with those they serve. As Pete Angus, director of marketing with RapidBuyr remarked, “These results underscore just how important having access to the latest technology can be for small businesses to allow them to get more done with fewer resources."
New technology is expensive, though. Outfitting even a small office with the latest model iPhones or Android tablets can mean spending thousands of dollars upfront. And that’s where daily deals come in. Websites that feature flash sales and group buying discounts can offer companies and individuals a huge price cut on items they already plan to buy. As Demitri Moore, Florida small business owner said, “I was able to buy three tablets for the price of one with a daily deal website. Without that deal, we still wouldn’t have the proper equipment.”
Perhaps this is also a sign that “The Great Depression” of the early 2000s is coming to a close and business owners and the general public now feel comfortable enough to invest in technology and travel again. After all, while convenient, technology and travel expenditures are still seen as luxury items that many intentionally go without.
Whatever caused the shift in thinking and spending, these results are good for the economy, daily deal websites and for shoppers. And that benefits everyone.
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