‘MyDeal.lk’ hits 30,000 fans on Facebook

Monday, 2 January 2012 00:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The newest online deal site – MyDeal.lk – hit a record 30,000 fans on Facebook after just eight-and-a-half weeks in operation, a source at the cutting-edge e-marketing site said. Offering a number of value deals and discounts on a range of products and services, MyDeal.lk which occupies the No. 2 ranking behind the current market leader, continues to push forward with its viral marketing campaign that has Facebook users and retail shoppers buzzing with interest. Current statistical data shows that over 5,000 users are actively talking and texting about the amazing deals offered by the site, which surpasses other online deal sites in Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the value proposition and reach offered by social media marketing, MyDeal.lk CEO Kumar Melvani said: “Social media and viral marketing are the new tools in the competition to attract more customers and we have leveraged our strengths to garner a record number of followers and vendors in a very short span of time.” Currently holding a web ranking of 415 in the Srilanka, MyDeal.lk is ranked higher than many retail vendor sites in Sri Lanka. The site, which currently offers a number of great value deals on hotel stays, restaurants, consumer goods, and other products and services, also offers loyalty freebees through regular competitions with high-value prizes on offer to the winners, including helicopter rides, designer eyewear and more. Using an enhanced version of the popular US-based Groupon’s system, MyDeal.lk offers users and shoppers the opportunity to avail of all deals advertised on the website on an individual basis as compared to many sites which require a minimum number of takers. The deals offered on the various products on services include discounts of up to 40 per cent and are available to shoppers in three convenient purchase options. Shoppers may either shop online using their credit cards, purchase a voucher at the office or deposit money directly into an account to avail of the offers.

“The deal system we offer is a great opportunity for retailers to market either excess product or even to increase sales margins in a diminishing retail market. Statistics show that retail buying on the whole has been sluggish of late and vendors are taking the opportunity we offer to maintain sales targets and even increase market share,” Melvani added.

The increasing importance of viral marketing and the use of social network sites to increase brand visibility and presence are some of the salient features of using MyDeal.lk. Another significant feature for vendors is the site’s policy of charging a fee only when a product is sold, thereby eliminating overheads and further costs.Deals and discounts offered on the site have a validity period of around three months, which allows shoppers to utilise vouchers at their leisure.Elaborating on upcoming specials deals and developments, Melvani added: “We have already tied up with both Visa and Mastercard and have plans to introduce other card as well in the near future. We will continue to reward loyalty with promotions and competitions that will offer shoppers real value in addition to the great deals on our site.”