Coupon site ties in social networking to get you the deals

Northbrook-based FlyCoupon.com launched Thursday and encourages consumers to spread the word about its deals via Facebook and Twitter.

The money they save could depend on it, says co-founder Steven Shlagman.

Like similar consumer sites, FlyCoupon.com offers discounts and deals on products, services and restaurants throughout Chicago and the suburbs. But its offers require a minimum number of consumers who buy a specific item. If that minimum isn't reached, then there's no deal.

"If it doesn't reach the minimum, then no one gets charged," said Shlagman.

The site was the brainchild of Shlagman, Galina Roytshteyn and another partner, all of Deerfield. They started to develop the concept while attending their neighborhood's annual block party last summer. Then, they talked with business owners and persuaded them to offer special discounts if a minimum number of buyers were available, he said.

So the trio started a Facebook page about three months ago and have since signed up about 150,000 people. The Facebook page promoted the upcoming Web site, which launched Thursday.

Deals offered included dinners at Adam's Road House in Buffalo Grove, Jimmy's Charhouse in Riverwoods and Toscana Italian Restaurant in Arlington Heights, among others. It also provided specials on pet grooming, toy stores, martial arts and various services, he said.

Subscribing is free for consumers and businesses. Companies that provide specials only pay a percentage of the amount that was purchased through the site.

The Web site only offers Chicago and suburban businesses, but plans are in the works to expand to other cities, he said.

Surfing: Schaumburg-based Motorola Inc. (www.motorola.com) has shipped its 100 millionth digital entertainment device, which includes the set-top boxes used for cable television.

•Chicago-based Vibes.com, an interactive mobile marketing firm, has about 30,000 fans subscribed to the Chicago Blackhawks Mobile fan club during the past year. They now receive discounted tickets and merchandise.

•Macy's is encouraging shoppers to tweet to a loved one between Feb. 1 and 13 and the sweetest tweet will be chosen to receive a three-stone diamond ring. See www.macys.com/tweets.

•Following Anna Marie Kukec on LinkedIn and Facebook and as AMKukec on Twitter.