Collegiate Times

Note swapping site Koofers is partnering with group coupon provider LivingSocial to offer local deals to the Virginia Tech community. 

The joint project, Campus Deals, offers discounts of 50 percent to 90 percent off of food or a service at a different local business each week. 

Koofers was created by Michael Rihani and Patrick Gartlan while they were students at Tech in 2006, with alumnus Glynn
LoPresti.

“We started in the Virginia Tech dorms a few years ago,” Rihani said. “We had a studying mentality.”

The original goal of the website was to level the playing field for college students by allowing them to swap old tests, or “koofers.” The site also offers professor rankings and has recently integrated its login with Facebook.

“We’re trying to make studying and learning a more social experience,” Rihani said.

The response from those involved with the program has been positive. 

A tally from Koofers shows nearly 30 customers taking advantage of a food and drink discount at 622 North restaurant, and more than 100 people getting half-priced Brazilian waxes and 90 minute massages at Images by B.

“At least half the people (using the deal) have never been here before,” said Sam Catron, general manager at 622 North. “We’re trying to get people in here because we’re a new business.”

Last week’s deal, 50 percent off at Crab Creek, drew 12 customers. 

This week’s deal is $10 worth of ice cream at Maggie Moo’s for only $5.

A version of this article appeared in the Nov 16 issue of the Collegiate Times.