Discounts with a Difference

Lake Minnetonka residents have a new online alternative to clipping coupons and bargain browsing. 

The new website RenderBack.com allows consumers to purchase services and products at discounted prices, and at least five percent of the price goes to charity. 

“Everybody likes to get a deal,” says Orono entreprenuer Charles Kasbohm, co-founder of RenderBack. “We’re harnessing social buying power with social awareness.”  

Schools, churches and nonprofits reap the benefits, he said.

“It’s a win-win-win situation for everyone involved,” Kasbohm said. “The consumer, the merchant and the charity.”

Besides the charity component, RenderBack differs from Groupon and Living Social in two ways. 

“First, we are locally owned and operated, so we have better knowledge of a merchant’s target market,” he says. “Second, we give more back to the merchant than other business models out there."

RenderBack merchants range from small businesses to national companies with a local presence.

Deals are offered on a range of products and services including restaurants, entertainment, auto repair, hair and nail care, spas and house cleaning.

The company was inspired by a conversation Kasbohm had last May.

“I was looking for the next venture,” says Kasbohm, who has owned wireless and transportation companies.  “I had a lunch meeting, a meeting of the minds if you will, with my business partner. That’s how we came up with RenderBack.”

Kasbohm and partner Mike Juszczak launched the website on Nov. 1.

Kasbohm encourages local charities to steer their donors to RenderBack.  

"It could be another revenue stream for the charity,” says Kasbohm. 

The consumer can choose any legitimate charity, so long as it is a 501(c)(3) organization. The charity does not need to be local.

So why give a portion of proceeds to charity? 

“I’ve been fortunate in business and life, so this is my opportunity to give back,” Kasbohm says. “If you can make a buck and can help others, that is what excites me.”

RenderBack has been somewhat of a family affair for Kasbohm. 

“My wife was using Groupon and Living Social, so she has some good input,” Kasbohm says. 

It is estimated that 60-70 percent of online discount consumers are women. Kasbohm's kids are now involved as well. 

“My sixth-grader is the technology guru of the family. He’ll say ‘Dad, you have to get the mobile app before you launch this,'" says Kasbohm. "My eight-year-old loves animals, so she is always looking for things related to that.” 

There is no fee to use RenderBack, and consumers can sign up at www.RenderBack.com  to receive daily deals and weekly specials.