How to . . . get in on group discounts

Groupon teams with businesses in the United States and Canada to provide group discounts of 50 percent or greater to individuals. If enough people buy a deal, available for purchase for just a day, it goes into effect.

1. Go to groupon.com and choose a geographic location. The site requires you to register with an e-mail address and a password.

2. If you're interested in a deal, click "Buy" and pay by credit card. If enough people subscribe, you'll be able to print a redeemable Groupon. If the deal is undersubscribed, your credit card won't be charged and nobody gets the deal.

3. Purchases can be canceled until the deal expires, as long as you haven't printed your Groupon. Refer friends to Groupon, and you'll receive $10 in Groupon money if they make a purchase.