Everyone likes getting a bargain, right? Imagine bargain shopping and helping out a worthy cause at the same time. That’s exactly what Deals for Deeds does. Founded by DC natives Josh Hoffman and Harrison Miller, the program was launched in early 2010 with the goal of using the power of social media to both bring new patrons to local businesses and give customers the ability to do some good for local nonprofits all at once. According to Miller, “For us, Deals For Deeds isn’t just about being environmentally conscious, or socially conscious, or being a part of the community, or promoting local businesses, or helping local charitable organizations, its about ALL those things, working together!” Sound idealistic? Perhaps, but it works. And it’s coming to a store near you (read: on the Hill). Read on.
Deals for Deeds works in a similar manner to other group-buying and local bargain websites. Users sign up for a daily email deal, which is available for a limited time. Most of the deals seem to save the purchaser 30%-70% off the normal retail price for some goods or services from a DC retailer or company. Purchasers buy the deals from the website and are emailed the receipt, which functions like a gift certificate. During checkout, the purchaser elects which of the three local nonprofits for the month will receive 5% of the purchase price. The charities change each month, and new ones can be suggested by emailing socialgiving@dealsfordeeds.com. To date the website has donated over $1,600 to local nonprofits.
The first Capitol Hill merchant participating in Deals for Deeds is Michael Antony Salon. On Tuesday, June 29, you can purchase a manicure and pedicure combination for $37, half the normal retail price. As you purchase, you can choose whether your 5% goes to Back on My Feet, Living Classrooms, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of the National Capital Region.
Interested in some nail therapy and donating to a worthy cause? Sign up today for the daily deal emails or check the Deals for Deeds website tomorrow to purchase the deal at Michael Antony Salon. I’ve been told another deal at Michael Antony Salon may be in the works for the near future, and certainly other Hill merchants will participant in the coming months and years.