Wowcher-Instructor Network not honouring deal please advise!

sarzuaga

Hi

I purchased a deal using Wowcher that should have entitled me to 5h driving lessons with Independent Instructors Network. That was 4th September 2012. I got the voucher and followed the instructions to redeem it (got a confirmation email after filling in some online form on September 25). And after some days without an answer I decided to ring them up to ask about my classes. Rang the Instructors Network twice (22/10/12 and 25/10/2012) they took my details and promised someone would be in touch to arrange for my lessons.
October 31st I contacted Wowcher demanding some sort of reply (ie. yes you can redeem the voucher or forget about classes and here's your money back) and this is what I got:

"Wowcher simply advertise on behalf of the company, we have no control over the service provided and don't provide the item, product or service purchased.
As stated in our ecommerce terms and conditions when the wowcher is brought, redeemed or product received the contract is between the merchant and the customer.
These terms and conditions (please see 4.2, 4.3 , 4.4 ) can be found here ....
If the company did not fulfil what was offered this needs to be taken up with their management at the time of the visit or after. The same way this would be actioned if you visited any premises and the service you received was not deemed to be satisfactory, the wowcher has been redeemed and the company paid.
We do certainly appreciate the feedback and record all complaints for any company we deal with, I'm sorry for any inconvenience this deal has caused for you but this needs to be continued with the company directly.
I can now chase the merchant on your behalf or request a refund?"

I decided to let them chase the merchant, I got an email from the Instructor Network blaming me for not having had any response from them!! Long story short, same promise, "your case is on the urgent pile now to book the classes" and nothing happened.
The situation at the moment is that I have emailed the Instructors Network saying if it's not going to happen (gave them a deadline that has expired now) just give me the money back! And also emailed Wowcher asking for a refund. I am running out of ideas here, anyone please advise what else can I do? In all honesty what bothers me the most is not the money in itself but the treatment from both companies! It is unacceptable to be treated like that! Surely someone HAS SOME responsibility if the deal is not honoured?
Thanks and apologies for such a long post!

thatguy1

I purchased on of these vouchers through MightyDeals back in July, they found me an instructor straight away(one of the best in the area) and I've been having lessons since and hopefully be ready for my practical test soon.

sarzuaga

To my surprise after this post and a similar one in TrustPilot Wowcher has agreed to refund me. It seems that customer service is unknown to them and that only a threat to their reputation makes them act! A sad lesson in there!