An innovative way of online shopping, which allows shoppers to meet online and purchase products as a group to get the lowest prices on branded items, has has hit the region for the first time.

Big Deal is the brainchild of 25-year-old Bahraini entrepreneur Salman Al Zayani, who hopes to provide buyers in Bahrain with a new platform for retail shopping.

"It's called a group buying website, where people group up to get the best and lowest deal on a product available in the market," said Al Zayani. "It's derived from a traditional Chinese method of group-buying."

He was referring to an ancient Chinese tradition where people who wanted the same item would be grouped together to get discounted prices from retailers.

The website, www.bigdealarabia.com, offers products and services at bargain prices on condition that a minimum number of people make the purchase.

It has been up and running for nearly a month and has already received feedback from customers and retailers in the country.

"It's been in the US and the UK for a while now," added Al Zayani. "It's new in Bahrain but it's catching on, we're seeing some response so far."

Once the minimum target of buyers is reached, the discount is set and a coupon is printed. The buyer can take the coupon to the retailer to receive his/her purchases.

"The original group buying websites only offered credit card payments, but we introduced the cash on delivery option," said Al Zayani.

"We market brands for free on our website. And we're the only website that guarantees customers for retailers."

Online shoppers can also share the deals with friends to reach the desired target and help them bag the deals they want. – TradeArabia News Service