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What's the deal? Scoutmob works in two ways: daily deals sent to your email, and an app on your iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry. Daily deals usually offer 50% off at a local business, and you have to claim the deal that day or it's gone. You don't have to use it that day, though — typically, you have three months from the day you claim the deal to make your way to the establishment to use it.
The smartphone app works a little bit differently. With the smartphone app, you have to actually be near the business to claim the deal — and you can use it right then and there! You can also browse through dozens of local deals currently up for grabs to use later. The smartphone app is great for discovering new businesses as you're out and about, since you can sort by what's close to your exact location. You can also sort by expiration date, to make sure you don't miss out on something fun.
No up-front cost to youWith a lot of the group buying services, you have to purchase the deal in question. You actually need to buy that $10 coupon that'll give you $20 worth of gift cards or what-have-you. With Scoutmob, however, you don't have to pay a dime up front. No credit card is required to join, and the deals are all for things like a certain percentage off your purchase. All you have to do is show up at the merchant, show the coupon on your phone, and enjoy your discount!
With Scoutmob, you don't have to buy something in advance and hope that you can manage to use it before it expires. You can find deals for the businesses near you and use them immediately.
Most importantly, Scoutmob doesn't accept any paid advertising from they businesses it features, nor does it allow "pay for play" from businesses that want to offer a deal. Every business featured on Scoutmob has been visited and researched by Scoutmob's "motley crew of local-curious writers, designers, and mobile geeks," who then offer personal descriptions and recommendations about the business in question.
Local, independent, interesting
Scoutmob focuses on local, independent businesses of the highest quality. You'll probably notice that Scoutmob has a penchant for the quirky, unusual, and just downright interesting side of things, too. This is highlighted in the articles on its website and in the Curiosities section of the app, showing you interesting facts about wherever you happen to be. (Did you know that in 1950, President Truman threw out the first ball twice at the opening day Washington baseball game, once right-handed and once left-handed? Now you do!)
The folks at Scoutmob definitely have a quirky sense of humor. Case in point: the Stache Cam, the fourth tab on the Scoutmob smartphone app. Choose from four different amusingly named mustache styles, then take a picture of yourself, your significant other, your dog, or whatever else you'd like wearing the mustache in question. Of course, you can then email that photo, because sharing is caring! Well worth checking out
Scoutmob is currently available in 20 cities around the United States, with more locations coming. The relatively limited range is the only reason we're not giving it 5 out of 5 stars.
Setting your home city on Scoutmob is easy, and you can change cities if you find yourself looking for great deals elsewhere. It's a great way to discover new restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, because who doesn't love free discounts? Since there's no cost and no obligation to you, go ahead and indulge your sense of adventure!
Scoutmob
Price: Free
Tecca rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Download: Scoutmob for iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry
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