Can’t buy it? Build it.
A logo was found today in Google’s (GOOG) treasure trove Logo folder (Google Music was found here too – so buyer beware). It looks like a new service called Google Offers and from the name alone, it seems to be something that would compete in the coupons space.
Google tried to buy Groupon last month for a reported $6 billion figure. After getting turned down, Marisa Mayer, in her new role in charge of location, went on to say (video below) that Google would be building that type of service internally.
Going to Google.com/offers gives a different type of Web error than going to a random Google URL error page so Google is likely dogfooding the service to its employees internally.
Groupon, the leader in this space is valued at $4-$6 billion so it is a big market for Google to get into. Google already has one foot in the door with its local Places service, which allows business owners to offer specials as well as local advertising through a separate channel. I expect Offers to be the consumer deal searching side of Places.
Update: Mashable gets a Google Offers cheat sheet which is deemed official.
Watch out, Groupon.
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