Groupon wont give me a cash refund

Saraebsworth

Hi 
I have had an appalling service from Groupon and I need some advice on how to rectify this.
I bought a Groupon 3 night stay at a holiday park in Devon for the 24th of April.  I recently received an email from the holiday park advising that they would have to cancel my holiday due to the CoronaVirus and that I could get a refund via Groupon.  I contacted Groupon and was offered Groupon Credits.     I advised that I didn't want credit and as I had paid by credit card I expected the refund to be the same.  I also advised that I had been furloughed from work and need the money, which they refused.  I have sent numerous emails to Groupon asking that they put me in touch with the department that deals with appeals, which they have ignored.  I tried to log into my account this morning and received a message that said I do not have an account with them, so they have deleted my account!   I cannot believe the service I have received, it is totally unethical if not illegal and I cannot accept this.  Can anyone help?

Sara Ebsworth

Westin

Wrong forum. This is the Report Holiday Deals, Bargains & Special Offers board.

Perhaps one of the Board Guides can move for you.

Saraebsworth

Hi 
 I can't find a board that matches my query, this was nearest.
Thanks anyway

Aylesbury_Duck

I'm afraid Groupon have done nothing unethical or illegal.  I think you've misunderstood what you've bought.

You bought a voucher, which they then exchanged for the break with the holiday park.  You didn't buy a break at a holiday park.  Therefore, when the break was cancelled, you got your voucher (credit) back.  By using Groupon, Wowcher or any other of these companies, or just buying gift vouchers from a shop, you are trading in flexibility, often for price.  I suspect you paid less than you would have done had you paid the holiday park directly by credit card.  Lower price, less freedom.

When you say they've deleted your account, have they literally taken your credit away?

silvasands

I was interested in how Groupon works now, with the Coronavirus. I`d bought a 3 course meal with wine etc as a thank you to one of my sons..now, I won`t be able to use it. I too asked for a refund and was offered credit. I argued that I`d bought a service and, if that service wasn`t going ahead, I`d like a cash refund. I think that`s fairly simple. I took a credit for something else that isn`t able to go ahead but the meal was expensive and would`ve given the lad the cash, especially as he`s one of the, `fallen through the gaps/self-employed for less than a year so no cash , people`. I was hoping to hear some good news re a contract that can`t be fulfilled/ credit card payment  cover.