Groupon I found ok, only thing was I found their customers are less loyal, I kept a fair few though, but most would rebook being happy then not show or call, not answer when called to check I had not got it wrong, so felt the Calibre of people they attract on the whole to not be that great!
Living social we're better and the customers they attract where more loyal, friendly and not just after a deal! More of which I retained and have as now regulars, but you cannot say new customers only, meaning your regulars if they see the offer can have a ridiculous offer too! Which if that's the case your best doing your own and telling them to bring a friend for the same deal! (I have just thought about that! How about do a voucher scheme style offer but word it like bring a friend to both receive this deal) maybe?
Only thing with both is you work hard for nothing! Say your deal goes up for half head foils cut and style, for 23.00 they like that number, they want 50% commotion and fail to tell you they then add VAT so you end up with about 10.00, I knew this before hand so managed to get them both to 42% commotion for them and 58% me so I got just over half in the end but still what is that? I only did it with the view of doing it once, and if one customer stayed then it worked, and to get my name out there, I had people call to come on the offer without buying it, these are a waste of time, they will not return, buuuuut you get the whole voucher amount to you, I personally advise I couldn't but would do an alternate deal saving 30% for them, some took it and stayed some left it