Jane I may be wrong, but I think the deals only go ahead are charged to your debit or credit card, once enough numbers of an offer are sold. In other words, the businesses are getting the volume of business which justifies the lower price.
Therefore I don't think businesses are "desperate" (although maybe some are) - I think it is simply another way of marketing.
I don't think this is the same as Groupon, but last Christmas (I was desperate ) I bought both sets of adult children accommodation vouchers from Buy-a-gift. Both got excellent value for money, booking was easy, and they were delighted. My son and his wife used theirs to stay in an upmarket B&B in Bath - rolltop bath in the room! I paid £100 or maybe £120 per voucher and each got 2 nights accommodation.