So when the folks at a groovy new deal site called Tenka told us about their wallet-friendly twist on the usual pay-up-front model, we thought you might like to know more. On Tenka, you don’t have to pay on the front or the back end—most of their deals are totally, completely free.
Tenka, an NYC-based site founded by two ex-Googlers, Nhon Ma & Tim Zhou, specializes in mom-and-pop places that are overlooked by the bigger players in the deal space. It launches in Brooklyn today with a veritable freebie-palooza in Williamsburg: a bagel and cream cheese at The Bagel Store, a quarter chicken at Peter’s, Vietnamese sandwiches at Banh Mi, coffee at Vittoria, vegan hot chocolates at Foodswings and cupcakes at Cupcakeland.
Here’s how it works: from the site or from a friend’s link on Facebook, you put the coupons in a “pocket” like your grandma used to do–only your pocket is on your phone instead of a taupe purse. At the register, you flash the coupon and hit redeem on your iPhone, Android or 20-year-old Zack Morris phone, and voila—you’re in.
There’s no limit to the number of people who can pocket any given Tenka deal, but only a certain number can cash them in—up to 100 a piece at each of the Williamsburg venues on today’s list. A ticker on the Tenka site keeps track of how many deals have been redeemed, so you never miss one you really want.
So why would businesses give away so much free stuff? When you pocket or redeem the deal, Tenka automatically posts it to your Facebook page (you can opt out of the auto post if you’d like), so the shop or eatery gets social media buzz in exchange for your free lunch. To find out more about how Tenka can hook you up with free stuff in Williamsburg and beyond, visit Tenka.com.
View Comments (9)
If there's a limit on cashing them in, that means you could be on your way to a store only to have the deal expire before you get there. Doesn't seem worth it for a free bagel!
Free bagel is the only thing you see there? They got like 20 other free deals.. why u mad?
How does Tenka work if you have a Zack Morris phone?
Do you actually have a Zack Morris phone? If you do, we'll buy you a bagel and coffee. That's how.
Hey Tim,
If you have a non-smartphone, you can redeem the coupon via SMS. You just get a coupon message sent to your phone via SMS, and you show that to the vendor. Just goto tenka.com you will be prompted with instructions. Like your name by the way.
Hannah, they'll let you know how many are left. On the way to the dog park, getting a free bagel is worth it.
I've been getting awesome deals on Tenka for a few months now...seriously, it's pretty amazing! Me like.
I just got my the free bahn mi, it was so easy!
Hannah, I am TOTALLY with you. I put a Maoz coupon in my pocket yesterday, and after I got to Maoz today I discovered it was gone! Yes, it seems like they give out thousands of coupons but after, say, 100 have been redeemed, they're all bad. This is a ridiculous waste of time, and they really need to warn people that if you have a job or a life this isn't going to work for you.