Pirq is a new(2011) app that works as a digital coupon. When I first heard about Pirq, I was very skeptical. I like Unilocal mobile check-in offers and deals. However, sometimes a business put up a Unilocal offer and forgot to take it off. I have had several encounters when the Unilocal deals cannot be honored. I thought maybe I should try Pirq and see how this works. Here is what it says on its website, «What is Pirq? Pirq is all about quality perks, in real time. It’s a smart phone application, providing consumers with real-time access to 20−50% offers from pre-qualified food and dining establishments. At the same time, we enable businesses to drive revenue by optimizing both off-peak and peak hours to maximize gross profits and build brand loyalty. Why is it different than the „daily deals“? Pirq is the antidote to the maze and craze of „daily deals“: no payment up front, no wasted coupons, and no „random“ deals that don’t make sense. The offers are consistent: 20−50% off from select businesses, initially food and dining establishments. Pirq is for smart phone owners and their busy lives. How does the Pirq app work? It’s simple. After downloading the app, a Pirq person finds and commits to a Pirq offer based on their location and time of the day, redeems the offer by scanning the Microsoft TAG posted in the business, and gets „Pirq’d Up“ when they receive the discount off the final bill(20−50% off the final bill — food and drinks included).» I have some comments: 1. Its app location feature is not the best. My default location is in Seattle. Whenever I try to look up a location that is not in Seattle, say if I scroll back up too fast on my phone screen, it automatically changes location to my default Seattle location. Then I have to go back and manually change the city again to view restaurants in a different city. I understand it is still new and things are still developing. 2. Overall it works great. Most of the restaurants I visited honored the Pirq deals. I have only had one incident where the discount cannot be applied. Currently Pirq is only available in Seattle, Bellevue, Bothell, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Tacoma, Woodinville, Redmond, Federal Way, Kent, Issaquah, Burlington area, and South SF Bay Area. 3. I like the idea. However, deals change on a daily basis. I am still debating if I like it this way. It only shows you the discount offers for today and the next day. Also make sure to use Pirq at least once a week to get the best discount(up to 50%). Typical and default discount is either 10% of 20% off. 4. Some web links do not work. For example, the Customer Feedback Survey is not working. 5. They donate 10% of every Pirq deal redeemed to help feed the hungry. That is pretty awesome! 6. Be aware to un-reserve a deal if you have changed your mind. A couple of times I have reserved a deal but plans change. I received a reminder on my reservation day saying make sure to use the Pirq deal or else I would receive a strike. Not sure if I like the IDEA of the strike system. If you have reserved a deal in advance and do not use it, you get a strike on your Pirq account. If you have 3 strikes, then your account will be temporarily suspended.
