But there are some key differences. For one, these deals are being offered by the item’s manufacturer, rather than the retailer. And the way customers actually go about redeeming their coupons is different as well. Here’s how the process works (I’ll use a recent deal Aisle50 had featuring Chobani yogurts as an example):

First, customers receive an email about the latest deal in their area — in this case, a large tub of the premium yogurt at 50% off the normal price — as well as the name of the nearest partner grocery store that carries the item. If the customer is interested, they’ll pay for the item on Aisle50′s site, then ‘load’ that purchase onto their grocer’s loyalty card.

The customer then heads into the store to pick up the Chobani yogurt, along with their other groceries. The cashier rings up everything as usual, and when the customer swipes their loyalty card, the price of the yogurt (which they’ve already paid for) is deducted from the price.

Manufacturer’s will be paying for the discount, as well as the Aisle50’s small fee and an 8c administrative fee for the retailers but this is something they are accustomed to paying for wide exposure.

We really like this model as it’s a win win for customers, retailers, manufacturers and Aisle50.  In particular it drives footfall to grocers with apparently 26% of customers shopping in a store as a result of Aisle50 for the first time in months.

This could be a reall winner and one to watch.