www.groupon.co.uk

mrsmasterplan

ONly just found this - amazing!!

Cracking deals on there - you get one a day and can save a lot of money! Good for gifts too...

mrsmasterplan

www.groupon.co.uk

red

welcome to the forum, mrsmasterplan!

i have used groupon for a while and have found them to be okay, but do check the prices they quote as the RRP as often they will inflate the cost and so the saving is not as would appear. Also, make sure you book well in advance as I have had quite a few deals that were not honoured as the supplier could not fit me it - in all cases Groupon did eventually refund the money but it was often a long painful process!

With all that said, I have found some great deals through them and will probably use them again from time to time...

reje68

I've been luckier,no problems at all to date with accessing the deals.Its a good idea to keep an eye on the deal expiry date,as they vary.Also worth having a look at the National Deal every day:)

EB69

I have had extremely mixed experiences with Groupon. I used to think they were great, but I'm afraid they are now a bit big for their boots and the customer service has been allowed to slide.

I have had some amazing deals (really, really fab - the custom made shirts were absolutely superb and great value, and I have had some fantastic bargain meals out, etc) but also some real dodgy experiences too - I bought a christmas hamper before christmas and the company never called me back, I got a refund eventually but its all hassle as by the time I realised I wasnt going to get what I paid for I had to dash about buying another present, and it took a few days for refund to come through. I bought a keratin straightening treatment last September, by January I was still waiting for the appointment but before I received my treatment the salon (apparently) went out of business - for that one Groupon said I could not have a refund but instead would receive vouchers to use against a similar product. I did get the money back eventually, but had to argue for it.

I've had beauty treatments that I have bought and paid for but then had to wait 4 months for the appointment - my most recent disaster (eyelash extensions) was in the dingiest most revolting salon ever and I came out looking like a drag queen! I would have made her take them off there and then but the treatment was so painful and uncomfortable (not to mention unprofessional it was a disgusting place) I just wanted to get out and away from her - I got stared at all the way home and soaked them off within 5 minutes of coming in the door.

The main problem as I see it is that companies often seem go to groupon when they are on their last legs (often because they are low quality providers EDIT - OFTEN, BUT NOT ALWAYS) and are hoping for a sudden surge of custom. Groupon (I'm told) then pressurise the providers into offering ever cheaper and cheaper deals which in theory is great for the customer but the result is that the company cant then cope with the orders, and customers are left waiting yonks for the frequently sub-standard service.

Sorry for the doom and gloom, but as a vrey frequent user of groupon I thought it only fair that I gave both sides of the coin!

lisyloo

Thanks for your comments EB69.

I have bought a number of groupon deals recently.
Have used a couple and they've been great.

I have however been concerned about committing too much money in case the vouchers don't get honoured.
A few of them (like haircuts) I don't want to use straight away and there is a risk of businesses going bust.

So thank you for your comments they have been very useful.

I had a really fab meal in Bristol (as a gift) but obviously each deal will only be as good as the individual provider.

lisyloo

but do check the prices they quote as the RRP as often they will inflate the cost and so the saving is not as would appearp

Good advice Red.
I went for a meal where it said "value up to £65" and we spent £47.50.
To be fair with a meal it's bound to depend on what you pick and it did say "up to", but it's something to be aware of.
Do check things out and don't take them at face value.
It's easy to see "60% off" and get all excited. We're all guilty of that.

gentleorange

They have this deal for a language course, it's only on for another 5 hours so I'm dithering whether to take it or not, but they say it's £9.99 for a 6 month course, value £50.77. The languages are Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Russian and French, and I believe you have access to all six? busuu.com - has anyone used them?

EB69

My friend booked the language course when it was on a few months ago but has not been able to get through yet to book anything...

celebrate

check the small print before you buy the deal as well, nearly bought a car valet recently was really cheap at about 15pds but when read the small print car had to be new or nearly new to qualify!!!

[Deleted User]

Welcome to the world of group buying!

Alot of MSE'ers are already aware of Groupon etc as of course we have an eye for a bargain like a magpie on a diamond! lol

But we do all get burnt at some point so its good to warn other people as the stress caused when things go wrong makes the 'bargain' oh so not worth it!