Google coupons compete with local Add Sheet
Published Aug. 25, 2006
Earlier this month, Google added another new feature to its Web services. On Aug. 15, Google Inc. teamed up with Valpak, an online coupon service, to offer coupons attached to the Google Maps feature.
Most of these coupons are for small- to medium-sized businesses, though large chains are also represented. The coupons do not limit which businesses can promote themselves. Examples of business types featured are pizza places, dentists and dry cleaners.
Google spokesman Michael Mayzel said the company is not trying to compete with local advertising businesses, such as the Add Sheet.
"We look at coupons on Google Maps as another opportunity for businesses to reach customers with relevant offers at the right time in the purchase cycle," he said. "We don't see this as competing but making more commercial information accessible to consumers."
Publishers of the Add Sheet, however, see this new feature in a different light.
"This is another competitive product," said Larry Grossman, the publisher of the Add Sheet.
Despite the competition, Grossman said, he is confident the Add Sheet's business will not be disrupted. Besides the printed Add Sheet, the company offers coupons online at www.addsheet.com.
"We've had Add Sheet Online since 1997, where we offer many of the same coupons and 250 banner views to our customers," Grossman said.
Although Add Sheet Online is not connected to a map, Grossman said the service is well received by the community.
MU advertising professor Shelly Rodgers, an advertising effectiveness expert, said she agreed with Grossman.
"I think this is an example of the Internet globalizing advertising in a way that was previously unavailable," Rodgers said. "Yes, this will create a more competitive environment."
Despite the increased competition, Rodgers said she is confident the Add Sheet and other similar businesses will be capable of operating.
"Not everyone has the Internet or prefers to use it," she said. "The Add Sheet won't go away - some people prefer print."