New, Local “Social Buying” Company Brings Non-Profit Twist
Friday, December 17, 2010
After the reported offer of acquisition for Groupon.com at a whopping $5.3 billion, many companies have been looking to steal a slice of the market. These include Living Social, BuyWithMe, LocalLiter, Yipit, and the list goes on. Spreehive, a locally based social buying website that is beginning operations in Providence, is in it for a piece of the pie as well and planning to launch in January.
Spreehive, however, has taken a more socially responsible approach to the group buying experience. Every time you participate in a Spreehive deal, you get to select a local 501(c)3 that will receive 5% of the proceeds. 501(c)3’s that are currently nominated include the New Urban Arts Program, Spurwink|ri, Meals on Wheels, the RiverzEdge Arts Project, and thirty others. Donating to non-profits helps Spreehive reach its goal of creating a “kinder, gentler form of capitalism.”
“Spreehive is revolutionary because of three reasons. One, we offer six-different daily deal categories instead of just one. Two, businesses keep the majority share of revenue. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, after making a purchase, shoppers get to select a local charity to which we donate 5% of the deal revenue.” says Arnell Milhouse, Founder and CEO of Spreehive. “Social Buying Meets Socially Conscious Buying, it’s a Win-Win-Win scenario for shoppers, businesses and local communities. Shoppers get to save cash, and save the world at the same time.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWhile the deals won’t officially launch until January, Spreehive is now conducting a statewide $60,000 non-profit giveaway contest for Rhode Island based 501 (c)(3) organizations. Rhode Islanders, as well as those from other states, can vote for their favorite non-profit on the Spreehive website.
“Over 1000 people were registered to vote in the competition in the first three days,” Milhouse says. “Extrapolating at this rate should put us at 30,000 registered users before we launch, which would make us the fastest growing social network in Rhode Island’s history, including the pace at which Groupon grew within the state! This bodes very well for Spreehive’s future.”
Voters can vote once a day and are encouraged to vote everyday until the contest ends. Five winners will be announced on January 11th, 2011 and will receive cash and in kind prizes worth over $60,000. In addition, the winners will fill five slots for non-profits that are to receive the 5% of Spreehive’s daily sales based upon each shopper’s selection.
You can register to vote at the Spreehive website here. Also, you can check out their new video below.
Related Articles
- Brown Grad Gains Inspiration Through Social Media
- “New and Noteworthy” App To Boost Local Supermarkets, Retailers
- 10 Great Gifts for Guys
- Brown U. Ranked 25th in Regional Survey
- iPhone 4 Mania in Providence Place Mall