Groupon goods global

dodds1983

Hi there looking for advice please. I conducted a direct purchase on groupon with 'groupon goods global'. On the 5 day I wanted to cancel. A conversation with them informed me that the goods were not actually available. So whilst I understand me not wanting the item could perhaps result in being given groupon credits. Can I ask for a refund back to my original payment method because they have advised they cannot fulfil the order as they cannot get stock. They are refusing to by the way...which is why I'm asking where I stand.
(If I recieved the item I could return it and get a refund to bank account I'm assuming? That's what the T&Cs imply. But being as I can't return an item i wont recieve I'm left seemingly with groupon credit. ) 
Thanks in advance for your guidance 

Aylesbury_Duck

Have a search for some other Groupon threads. I recall some similar issues and I believe the consensus is that Groupon are not obliged to give you a refund to the original payment method because they have fulfilled their contract with you, ie you buy a voucher and get a voucher. 

Is the "direct purchase" you mention different, perhaps?  Are you buying a product as opposed to a voucher?  If so, then I think normal consumer rights apply and you'd be entitled to a refund, if this was a distance sale. 

dodds1983

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I understand 'buy it now' (which is what it was) is the direct purchase of goods. It didn't say I was purchasing credits nor did it ask me to redeem credits against goods. 

Heres a snipit of the cancellation section of the t&cs. I'm not going to receive the goods, they don't have them in stock. But I have cancelled within  14 days. They haven't cancelled the item due to lack of stock...and I dont think that will, I guess they're hoping they will get more. Feels totally underhand 

born_again

If it is groupon selling the goods & not a voucher you have purchased. Then they should be refunding the payment source. Just the same as any other retailer.
It is only when you purchase a voucher to use at a 3rd party can they make it a groupon credit.