DC: We're here with the founder and CEO of CheapCheapCheap.org, one of the Internet's hottest and fastest growing websites for finding cheap deals online, Albert Ko. Thanks so much for taking the time for this interview for DaveChung.com, Albert.CCC: It's my pleasure to be here.
DC: Tell me about the inspiration for CheapCheapCheap.org. On your website, you mention that you are just someone who loves saving money. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to really start working towards this idea and turning it into a business?
CCC: Initially, I had created this page for friends and family. I know of many colleagues who are not very internet-savvy so they have a tough time finding what they need on the internet for a good price. I decided to create my own bargain hunting webpage and to share the best deals on the web with everybody to save money. Now the page has grown significantly, with over a thousand views a day. I hope everybody is saving money.
DC: For those of us who haven't yet visited your website, give us a general overview of what people can find on your site.
CCC: We essentially roam the internet with scripted programs that we wrote to find the best prices on any product at the time. We look specifically for exclusive sales from online stores that are going on. In many cases, we find sales that have not been released yet, but we share them with our viewers to give them a heads-up on where to shop and when. We also supply coupon codes for online stores to tackle prices even further. For those looking for freebies, we have a freebie section for product sampling and promotions. Lastly, we have a forum section for members to discuss deals and their thoughts on the product. We try to keep our webpage ad-free and simple. We don't sell anything, but supply information on where to find things... "cheap!"
DC: Where are you guys based out of and who makes up the team of CheapCheapCheap?
CCC: We are based out of our homes in Boston, Massachusetts. The team comprises myself and Chris, the other co-founder. We also have a marketing team working with us, comprising various colleagues like Ruchu, Jay, and our closest friends in the Boston area.
DC: In terms of monthly unique visitors, where did you guys start from and where are you guys now?
CCC: When we first started, we received about 1,000 unique visitors in the first month. We have grown significantly since our launch in November 2006. Last month, we received over 15,000 unique visitors to our webpage, which is quite an astounding change! We thank our viewers and hope that you continue to spread the word to your friends. We are all in it to save together.
DC: Recently, you guys launched a Facebook application. What challenges did you face in trying to get your application going and how many people have subscribed to your widget thusfar?
CCC: So far, over 200 members have subscribed. The challenges we faced were to program the application and how to get people to join. It's hard to get students to join because there are so many applications; however, friends are telling friends and growth is now visible.
DC: The site recently underwent a redesign, what was the reason for that and what can people find on your site that separates it from other deal-finding sites online?
CCC: The site is constantly going under redesigns. We are always taking the feedback of our users and implementing them. We listen to our viewers and we revamp our webpage to fit those needs. Initially our page was crowded and confusing. However, through suggestions and e-mails from our audience, we now made the page much clearer and simpler. We are still working on making everybody's experience a better one.
DC: What has been the best deal that you've seen come through CheapCheapCheap and what kind of deals can people typically find on your site?
CCC: There are outstanding deals on our webpage that you will not find in any retail store. For example, I purchased 1 gallon of Listerine, which normally costs $50 and cannot be purchased unless you are a dentist, for $4. Shipped. Shipping itself must have cost them over $4. Another great deal I got was on a color laser printer. I decided I needed one because I was sick of inkjet printers, so I purchased one for a mere $99.99 Shipped to my door. Some prices we find are just unbelievable. They don't last long though. When we post them on our page, they are in-stock and available to ship. After 5 minutes, because of our viewers purchasing these products, they may be sold out.
DC: Where do you see CheapCheapCheap moving from this point forward?
CCC: I see CheapCheapCheap growing with new features and more discussion. As our forums grow from new members, I hope to soon start a community that shares coupons and deals with each other. We're constantly working to make our webpage a better experience to all those who visit. Stay tuned for newer features.
The forums house many of the best deals.
DC: To get your site to compete with other major players like Slick Deals and even Price Grabber, how do you plan on making your site compete with these leaders?
CCC: It is tough, but I feel that we are very consistent with our postings. We have the best deals BEFORE they have them posted. We are constantly looking for deals and in most cases, we find them before they are released on their front page. Thus, our viewers will get their hands on the products first before they sell out. We will also implement new features to help our viewers find deals. We have so many ideas for our webpage and hope to implement them as soon as we can!
DC: How can people get in touch with you or post their own deals?
CCC: We have the forums for members to post deals that they find. Others can respond with their opinions, and also give the original poster reputation points for taking the time to find the deal and share it. I am always open to feedback, suggestions, or anything in general. My e-mail is listed on the "About Us" page, so I look forward to hearing new thoughts and opinions.
DC: Saving people money everyday on CheapCheapCheap.org. Albert, Thanks so much for your time and best of luck in the future!
CCC: Thank you Dave Chung, and all our honorable viewers and future visitors to CheapCheapCheap.Org. Take care!
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