We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Groupon - complete and utter shambles, advice on where to go next

Hi all

I have had the most awful day today courtesy of Groupon and I was hoping to get some advice on what to do next.

To cut a very long story short........Back in February I bought a morning's paramotoring experience from Groupon to the value of £160 as a surprise gift for my brother's 30th birthday. Payment was taken from my account, I received the voucher and booked the experience for today (27th July). I invited 10 friends and family to come with us to share the experience and see the joy on my brother's face. All 10 of us had to book the day off work and we travelled to Manchester in 3 separate cars. When we arrived, we were told "Sorry, Groupon cancelled this experience months ago, they should have told you about it and refunded the money".

Well, you can imagine how incredibly disappointed I was. Groupon most certainly did not inform me about the cancellation and neither had they refunded me the money. The 10 of us had to drive the long journey home and I immediately called Groupon. The woman on the phone was rude and abrasive and said that if I wish to complain I should send Groupon an email.

I sent a lengthy email to Groupon with all the details regarding this completely unacceptable situation. I have just received a response saying that they will refund the cost of my purchase and are will to give me £10 worth of Groupon credit by means of an apology.

£10???!!!!! I'm sorry but that has completely hacked me off. How insulting to think that ten pounds worth of credit is equivalent to what my friends and family have been put through today.

I now want to let as many people know about this situation as possible. I want to stop Groupon thinking that they can get away with ruining people's experiences. Any tips or advice about what my next steps should be are extremely welcome.

Many thanks for taking the time to read.

Comments

  • Techhead_2
    Techhead_2 Posts: 1,769 Forumite
    I'm not sure you can expect them to be responsible for the ten extra people that you invited.

    If you were to raise a formal complaint you might persuade them to refund you and your brother's travel expense. One small suggestion, I personally find complaints more effective if you stick to facts and don't emotionalise your complaint .
  • Blessed
    Blessed Posts: 64 Forumite
    I went on a groupon his and her pamper experience and paid £75 instead of £150. The treatment was advertised as 90 mins but we actually relieved 60 mins and the beauticians whispered all the way through what should have been a relaxing experience! We complained to groupon and they would not refund the experience but gave me the £10 credit too. I have since taken them off my email daily alerts and try to avoid there unnecessary deals I advise you to do the same.
    :A Too blessed to be stressed:j

    outstanding debt August 2012 £17274 /£18874
    August £5 a day challenge £339.33/£155
    September £10 a day challenge £438.41/£300October £15 a day £671.82/ £465:T. November £15 a day £390.45/£450December £10 a day £65.50/£310
  • wealdroam
    wealdroam Posts: 19,181 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Blessed wrote: »
    I went on a groupon his and her pamper experience and paid £75 instead of £150. The treatment was advertised as 90 mins but we actually relieved 60 mins and the beauticians whispered all the way through what should have been a relaxing experience! We complained to groupon and they would not refund the experience but gave me the £10 credit too. I have since taken them off my email daily alerts and try to avoid there unnecessary deals I advise you to do the same.
    Did you make any complaint at the time... i.e. while at the pamper place?

    Relieved it was only sixty minutes?
    I would be too. :D
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 346.6K Banking & Borrowing
  • 251.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 451.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 238.8K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 614.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 174.8K Life & Family
  • 252K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.