Attention, caffeine lovers: on Wednesday, Google is offering a $10 Starbucks electronic gift card for just $5.
Yes, the deal essentially grants you $5 in free coffee, just for buying into the deal from Google Offers, Google's daily-deal program. But the offer is only good for Google Offers subscribers. Those that are already subscribed will receive the offer via their daily email.
You see what's happening, right? Google is buying your subscription for the price of a macchiato. However, Google and Starbucks are also offering to make a donation to charity for everyone who signs up.
"The Starbucks Google Offer includes a contribution to a good cause. For every deal purchased, Google Offers will donate $3 to the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) for the Create Jobs for USA Fund (up to $3 million), "Google said in a blog post. "Founded by Starbucks and OFN, the Create Jobs for USA Fund helps provide loans to community businesses in order to create and sustain jobs in America. So, when you buy this Google Offer, you're also taking action to help Americans get back to work."
It's been a while since we've seen any whopping nationwide daily deals. Last year, Amazon's LivingSocial division sold 1.4 million offers to buy a $20 Amazon voucher for $10. In 2010, Groupon got on the map with its first national deal, partnering with Gap to offer $50 worth of apparel and accessories for $25. Other deal sites have offered two-for-one deals via Fandango, which lets customers reserve movie tickets.
Sure, two-for-one specials are common at restaurants and other entertainment offers. But for many, a $10-for-$5 deal for coffee is like a discount on the rent. Will you buy in? Let us know in the comments below.
For more from Mark, follow him on Twitter @MarkHachman.
