Yesterday, Facebook launched 'Deals' - a new application within Facebook's now updated iPhone app - it will let you find deals at nearby businesses. It's only available on iPhone for now, and only in the US until early next year.
Mashable explains that there are four types of deals: "Individual Deals (for discounts, free stuff or other rewards), Friend Deals (where you and a pal claim something together), Loyalty Deals (for the regulars) and Charity Deals (which allow you to donate to a cause)".
The concept is simple enough - users look for the yellow icon when they Check In using Places. You then click on the deal to claim it, and simply show it to the cashier to cash in. Deals that a user claims will also be shared on your Facebook News Feed, which will allow your friends to reap the same benefits should they want to.
Why game-changing?
- It's big because Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, already shared that 200 Million Facebook users rely on mobile access to Facebook - so the reach is already there - the Facebook app is on the "vast majority of iPhones", Zuckerberg says
- The Android Facebook app (currently poor compared to iPhone's version) is also about to be refreshed on with Places and Groups - this can only increase the reach that Facebook has with mobile users
- There are already a lot of businesses (22 from what I can understand) signed up for the launch including GAP (who are giving away the 10,000 jeans to the first check ins) and McDonald's - so proof of concept will follow quickly
- It certainly stirs up trouble for the founders in the geo-location space, Foursquare especially, since they don't have the reach that Facebook do, and brands will surely test new ideas for a mobile digital strategy where there's already reach
It's an exciting time. It will be fascinating to see how the pioneering US brands are going to make use of Facebook Deals, especially with the Christmas (sorry, 'Holiday) period coming up as well.