Groupon

Groupon is awesome, at least in the Boston area, especially for gifts. They do 1 day sales for services and restaurants, like $20 for $50 gift certificates, or half off helicopter training school. They recently did a 3-month gym pass to a ritzy upscale gym for $27 that would've cost at least $350 otherwise! They typically only offer one sale each day, and a new one each day, so I find myself checking in often to make sure I don't miss anything :) Just make sure you ALWAYS read the fine print before buying! There are always restrictions! Such as, must be redeemed by June 1st, or only valid for 1st time customers, and they don't waiver on these restrictions so be prepared!

I've had some pretty good deals with Groupon, but then I bought a remote controlled helicopter as a Christmas present for my nephew. The thing didn't work when he took it out of the box, and since I bought it more than 15 days before Christmas, they won't take it back--not even willing to discuss it. What other reputable site has a 15 day return policy-- absurd! One horrible experience more than offsets 5 really good experiences.

I have to say... out of all the various online/deal/voucher sites... the pioneer Groupon.com rules. Their customer service always reply to you as promised (within 24 hours). I have successfully received 3 refunds due to various vendor reasons (ie: had a terrible experience but purchased more than one voucher, business closed down temporarily, etc.)... you have to be detailed in your complaint and patient in getting your refund. 98% (come on groupon.com isn't perfect) of their vendors are reputable and respect you and the voucher when presented. Simple expectations that Groupon.com executes successfully but sadly not the way of the world these days. Great job Groupon :)

I've noticed without a doubt any clients I have that purchase through Groupon have a false idea of what quality services can provide. It caters to cheap ppl looking for the best deal and act entitled when they pay a fraction of the price.
Don't use Groupon if you want your service to be great service most people will see that it's cheap and treat you differently. This is my honest opinion from first hand experience over and over again.

Let me start by saying that my children are not spoilt and I am generally an easy going person but thanks to Groupon, my daughter won't be receiving her Christmas present this year. Her iPad, I have been informed (after I chased it up) won't be arriving. No explanation! I purchased prior to the Christmas rush and my daughter has been eagerly waiting for the last 3 weeks for her anticipated parcel (required for school). At no time was I advised it would not be honoured by the hard sell but soft on service Groupon! So much for the tracking system which also failed to provide accurate details. I have used Groupon on a number of occasions but NEVER again. I will do my online shopping with Living Social. Buyer beware! Liz

I've never had a good experience using Groupon. Each time I've tried there were so many restrictions on the purchase that I never even bothered using it.

My husband has a business and when he looked into how they are set up, it is crazy. Groupon takes like 50% of the money transaction leaving nothing for the merchant. When you factor in that those who shop with Groupon are only bargain buyers, they think those deals should always apply at the stores. Makes for an non-healthy business concept.