Are daily deal sites bad for businesses?

From the biggies like Groupon to local daily online deals, there are hundreds of websites that are happy to save you money by giving you bargains on ski lessons, massage, hair cuts, and oil changes.

How do you get in on some of these deals if they’re passing you by?

Is this a good business to start?

Are these deal sites helping or hurting small companies?

Answers on The News Chick radio show (podcast here )

You’ve probably heard the name Mark Zuckerberg. He’s the guy credited with starting Facebook. You might not be as familiar with the name Andrew Mason. He’s the 29-year-old behind the fastest-growing company in Web history – Groupon. You’ll hear from Mason, and from the company some say will surpass Groupon in a year or so, Living Social.com.

From the oldest and biggest, to the smallest and newest coupon sites. Daily Deals for Moms just went online in Seattle this month. Angela Gilbert says she’s trying to help mom-owned companies grow, rather than simply appeal to deal seekers.

One of my favorite social media guys Leigh Fatzinger who started a social media content agency in Seattle called Nology, explains why he thinks these deal sites are not good for small businesses. And Farnoosh Torabi, a contributor for Yahoo Finance among other sites, has a caution for consumers who jump on daily deals.

I’m a thrifty person, but there’s a Seattle guy who’s cheaper. David Volk, author of The Cheap Bastard’s Guide to Seattle, has some local bargains and advice on teaching kids to be frugal.

If you’re a fan of TLC’s Extreme Couponing, you’ll enjoy tips from the Krazy Coupon Lady, Joanie Demer.

Also, my friend Ed Wilkening tipped me off to HeyItsFree.net for some great birthday freebies. Sunday’s my birthday.

Have a great weekend!