Matt RubinWashington University students are no strangers to local mainstays such as Mike Duffy’s Pub and Grill, Blueberry Hill and Pointer’s Pizza. Now they can save money as they go.
Bear Discounts, a new student-run business, distributes a discount card good for 10 percent off at local restaurants and stores. With more than thirty businesses already accepting the card and plans to add more in the works, the business hopes to continue to expand.
The brainchild of sophomores Dan Horan and Phil Barkhorn, Bear Discounts takes the familiar idea of a discount card and makes it a part of the University community.
The cards cost $20 and can be purchased from www.beardiscounts.com. Specific discount offers vary from business to business, though a typical offer is 10 percent off. The card is good for a 20 percent discount from Domino’s Pizza and 15 percent off of smoothies at Smoothie King. Pointer’s Pizza offers two free sodas with any order.
Whereas a number of national businesses provide similar cards, their discounts are only good at large chain stores. Horan and Barkhorn wanted to adapt that service to the local St. Louis community.
“We’re trying to make it easier and more affordable for Wash. U. students to venture out into the community,” said Horan. “College is expensive. It all adds up.”
Horan and Barkhorn hope to incorporate the best elements of similar programs elsewhere. They plan to market the card to campus student groups to resell as a fundraiser, for instance.
Horan explained that discount programs at other universities, often set up by the school, inspired him and his partner.
“We saw a need for it here because at others schools there were programs supported by the school designed to help students save money,” said Horan. “And we thought, why don’t we have this at Wash. U.?”
The pair said that prospects for the future are bright. Having already sold more than 300 cards, they expect to have an easier time convincing more local businesses to sign on. That, in turn, should make the cards more attractive to students.
“The more students buy it, the better,” said Barkhorn. The more success we have in the fall, the better it will be for next year.”
Students currently using the card have responded enthusiastically.
Junior David Zeman has already purchased a card and made use of it several times. He said that he is confident that his purchase will prove financially-wise.
“I think it’s an awesome idea and business-wise it makes a lot of sense,” said Zeman. “Basically, they’re offering a great product.”
Sophomore Emily Feuerman expects the discount card to help integrate University students into the local economy.
“It will connect students to stores and businesses and will promote those stores and businesses that are connected to the program,” said Feuerman.
Sophomore Jesse Meyer explained that Horan and Barkhorn had asked her and other students which local businesses they should contact. The result was a product tailored to students’ interests.
“It’s really useful for students at the University, especially for students on a budget,” said Meyer.