Google Offers (beta) Launches in Portland, OR

Google launches Google Offers (Beta) and joins all the other local-deals-of-the-day websites that email daily a local business's special offer to local email subscribers. Google has launched their beta offers inititive in Portland, OR. first. Obviously they plan on going head-to-head with Groupon, Living Social and the others who offer a local special discounted deal sent daily to your email inbox.

Time will tell if these deals of the day will survive and continue to grow or will eventually fade away. I am not sure how many small businesses can afford to offer legitimate, deep discounts (50% or more) and pay the email-deal-sending website around 30% for a one-time mass buy-in. Lost leaders are not made up with more volume. Anyway, it will be interesting to sit on the sidelines and watch all the players vie for the deal-of-the-day crown champion.