What you need to know about deal sites

If you haven’t signed up for any social group buying sites you’re missing out on the next generation in coupon clipping. These companies use the purchasing power of a large number of buyers to organize deep discounts on everything from house cleaning to coffee. We’ve got the inside scoop on the biggest coupon sites with the best deals.

There’s a reason why 100 million people worldwide have signed up to be emailed deals from Groupon every day: There are outstanding bargains to be had. But, as savvy online coupon buyers know, there are a few cardinal rules for success: Always read the fine print, beware of expiration dates and set a spending budget to avoid too many impulse purchases. Now that you know the basics, read on for the top sites worth subscribing to.

Groupon

How it works: Sign up to receive a new discount for your city every day, and share them with your friends on Twitter and Facebook.

Outstanding feature: New “Now Deals” are one-day-only sales meant to be used on the spot. Just put in the postal code of your current location and select from deals in that neighbourhood, like a coupon for a nearby ice cream shop or car wash.

Best family-friendly deal we’ve seen recently: A half-price Family Season Pass to the Bowmanville Zoo.
WagJag

How it works: A different deal is up for grabs each day — you can peruse them on the website or sign-up for email alerts — but coupons will only be activated if enough people sign up to buy it.

Outstanding feature: Earn a $10 credit when someone you’ve referred makes their first purchase.

Best family-friendly deal we’ve seen recently: Popular Playmobil toys at 51 percent off the regular price.

Living Social Deals

How it works: The name says it all. With concert tickets and restaurant promotions a-plenty, the daily deals available on this site are geared toward social butterflies.

Outstanding feature: We love the new “Adventures” category — it’s the perfect way to take date night to the next level: A kayaking and wine tasting tour for two? Sign us up.

Best family-friendly deal we’ve seen recently: The “Families” section features creative and useful buys for the whole gang, like a family portrait session at an 85 percent discount.

Team Buy

How it works: This all-Canadian company has a keen eye for hot ticket items, like discounts at popular restaurants and services at top spas. Check out the multiple offers up for grabs every day.

Outstanding feature: No need to remember to print and bring along your coupons, use their app to redeem them with your smartphone.

Best family-friendly deal we’ve seen recently: There may be more here for Mom and Dad, but deals like a day of go kart racing at less than half price definitely spell family fun.
Kijiji Daily Deals

How it works: No longer just a place to sell your old lawn mower, this company is one of the more recent to join the online coupon game, offering a new deal each day in select cities (offers should soon be rolling out to other parts of the country).

Outstanding feature: They’re best known for their gift certificates, which means even more bang for your buck since you can spend it on anything you like.

Best family-friendly deal we’ve seen recently: $10 for a $25 gift certificate for Chapters Indigo online.

Must-try coupon sites just for tots

BabySteals Buy baby and maternity necessities from blankets to bottles, all from hot brands like Babylegs and Ju-Ju-Be. BabySteals makes it easy by selling the goods directly on their site.

Baby Heist This Canadian company offers a new deal on unique baby, kids and maternity clothes, accessories and toys every day. Mom N’ Tot Deals This site caters to Canadians and only offers deals on products from Canada, or from companies who ship to Canada, like Hatley, Well.ca or Bamboo Bebe.