GoNabit.com, the Middle East’s first group-buying website, is continuing to pioneer e-commerce across the region after the successful completion of the beta-phase of its Amman site. Having brought one of the Web’s fastest growing retail phenomena to the country in October 2010, GoNabit has seen growing interest in the group buying model in Jordan from both consumers and merchants. 

 

As the original daily deal website in the Middle East and the first group-buying company in the world to offer its web content in Arabic, GoNabit has brought a tried, tested and loved online shopping experience to Amman consumers. GoNabit operates successful daily deal sites in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beirut and a combined site for Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, and is now transitioning from its beta testing phase in Amman as well as Kuwait City.  

 

With a diverse range of shopping options in Jordan, from traditional handcrafted goods to the latest in fashion, GoNabit offers Amman shoppers something completely new – the ability to save online and discover their city like never before, with complete peace of mind.  

 

E-commerce in Jordan is on the rise, with a survey by Arab Advisors Group revealing that 15.4% of internet users in Jordan shop online and spent an estimated JOD 135 million in e-commerce transactions in 20101. GoNabit says a developed ICT infrastructure and steady credit card usage combined with an active social media community makes it an attractive market for its online retail offering. With its dynamic blogosphere and relatively high Facebook penetration of over 17%2, Jordan offers favourable online conditions for the creation of an engaged social media community around GoNabit, as consumers share deals online and generate buzz.   

 

With the concept of discovery and enjoying great social experiences at its core, GoNabit caters to both residents and tourists looking to get the most out of the best variety in experiences that Amman has to offer. 

 

“We believe the timing is right and the foundations are in place to continue to develop e-commerce in Amman. We believe that Jordanian residents have a desire to get out and experience new things in their city at a great price and this is what we can offer them through our online deals,” said Dan Stuart, CEO and Co-founder of GoNabit. 

 

How does it work?

 

It’s super easy. Buyers subscribe for free to GoNabit and receive an email offering them something cool to do in Amman with a discount of between 50 to 90 per cent. Deals range from massages and beauty products to dining experiences and outdoor adventures. 

 

To successfully “nab” the deal, it must first tip – the point at which a minimum agreed number of purchasers opts into buying the deal. Once the tipping point is achieved and the deal goes live, any GoNabit subscriber can purchase it. But it is for a limited time only - the deal is available for 48 hours, or 72 hours for Thursday’s deal which extends over the weekend.  

 

In this way GoNabit encourages customers to share daily deals with friends via email, Facebook or Twitter, plan joint activities and take advantage of the low prices together. Customers that refer friends are also rewarded. Registered users to the website earn US$10 of store credit every time a new buyer uses their personalized referral link to make their first purchase on GoNabit. 

 

Purchases are made securely online by credit card via PayPal and GoNabit customers are only charged if the deal tips. Interested buyers can also pay via bank transfer or direct payment at the local GoNabit office. 

 

“The days of not telling someone about an incredible sales promotion for fear of missing out are over. GoNabit is a new way for consumers in Amman to use strength in numbers to get great discounts while discovering fun things to see, eat and do in their city,” explained Stuart. 

 

Successful transactions on GoNabit receive an e-voucher for the product or service to be redeemed directly with the merchant within an agreed time frame, normally four to six months. They can even elect to purchase the deal as a gift for someone else – a boon for last minute gift giving. 

 

“GoNabit is all about discovering great experiences for our subscribers – be it a hidden gem, or a trusted favourite, our nabbers are offered an array of remarkable options. The time is now for residents of Jordan to enjoy the benefits of group buying. We created GoNabit.com to be a pioneering, safe, secure, online group buying platform for the region that helps people come together, save and discover locally,” added Stuart.