• Groupon

Groupon

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Overview

Groupon has a rating of 1.6 stars from 5,268 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Groupon most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and fine print problems. Groupon ranks 284th among Daily Deals sites.

  • Service
    652
  • Value
    598
  • Shipping
    444
  • Returns
    509
  • Quality
    515

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 2%
Positive
2
Neutral
0
Negative
100
278
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How would you rate Groupon?
Top Positive Review

“Sketchy”

G u.
1/2/24

For exactly 120 for a couples massage was not reflected on my account. I contacted groupon and gave them the order number in question as well as screenshots of my confirmation email. Instead of inquiring on the issue they refunded a second groupon voucher I bought for a movie ticket in the amount of 26.45 when I paid 29.45 and skipped out on paying my 3 additional dollars. When I contacted them a third time, my email was blocked. I would have been fine calling and explain this issue but there is no customer service number. Beware of the bs. Groupon is sketchy.

Top Critical Review

“So hard to make a review on groupon have sent this to Mystery Flights no reply... want all to know.”

Ange F.
10/27/24

We were so excited my husband was given this as a birthday gift…. The extra expenses have been ridiculous… extra $100 each to fly out from Brisbane… extra costs to sit together on flight… car hire for 3 days cause a very basic motel is not near city, beach, etc…. We were not honoured any of our three Friday and Saturday night options… had to fly out on a Thursday… taking away our income (haven't even gone and down $1060)… gosh I hope our bottom of the peeking order destination is worth it!

Reviews (5,268)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (1519) credit card (285) phone number (152) store credit (79) customer support (178) coupon site (14)
Thumbnail of user anag15
Georgia
3 reviews
13 helpful votes
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May 15th, 2017

First time i use them, years ago, was fine, then i got a coupon for a laser place who did absolutely nothing for me, but let's say that was that the place was bad. This May i bought an led lightbulb with mosquito killer, they sent me a 4 step stairs, i called, they email me a return label, really? Now i have a job of returning stuff they send wrong. She said it can take two weeks and it depends on how my bank handles refunds. Sounds like trouble. I heard she had an accent and all the people in the back that were talking too, they all sound chinese, i don't think this company is in the US.

Thumbnail of user dannyk24
Rhode Island
2 reviews
6 helpful votes
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July 14th, 2017

Man, Customer Service must be a foreign concept these days... I ordered the green, got the brown and no way to exchange them.

Your mistake, but you cant rectify it? REALLY? Just send me what I ordered!

Thumbnail of user anonymousp1080
Texas
1 review
2 helpful votes
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October 15th, 2021

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.

Thumbnail of user shopaholicg
Arkansas
7 reviews
40 helpful votes
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April 25th, 2010

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!

Thumbnail of user andym310
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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August 17th, 2019

I stopped using groupon 5 years ago. Recently used them again with the same awful results. Some businesses look very bad at you if you are there to use their services for cheap and will use all types of tactics to get more money from you or waste your time by asking you to come some other time.
Worst thing is the 3-days cancellation period. It relies on the fact that most people even will not attempt to use the coupon that early.

Thumbnail of user ck50
Virginia
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
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July 25th, 2018

Groupon Used to be great. Not anymore! Ive been a Groupon shopper since its inception many years ago. I was an avid fan, buying multiple coupons every week for just about every type of deal offered. Customer service is nonexistent. There is no 800-number or effective live chat anymore. Customer support used to be front and center. That is no more. I recently bought a voucher that clearly states TWO people for Paint nite and yet I only received one validation code. Spent hours, days and now weeks trying to get what I purchased... all I got was frustration and bounced between Groupon 'chat' and the vendor. I have decided never to buy from Groupon again. Customer Service matters Groupon!

Thumbnail of user victoriab6
Canada
1 review
2 helpful votes
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May 8th, 2012

They sent me invalid coupon that merchant did not accept. I have been on the phone with customer service for over a week now and they are unable to fix the issue. Will go for refund. Hopefully I can get my $200 back.

Thumbnail of user sarahw57
Virginia
6 reviews
17 helpful votes
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March 17th, 2014

Can take up to 48 hours to hear back from customer service. Most reps seem to have no clue as to what is going on.

From business standpoint, payments are rarely, if ever, on time. It is very difficult, almost impossible to find out if the payments are accurate. If you cancel your deals with them, they will freeze you out of the merchant center, so you can't even verify vouchers that had been sold.

We ended our agreement early December, on vouchers that were to have a 90 day expiration date and somehow are still getting vouchers that are valid. It's odd. But try to speak with someone about it? {sigh}

Thumbnail of user ryanm25
California
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
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October 15th, 2012

My favorite site so far, they were proactive with any issues I've had, very efficient, and always have a ton of deals available. I'm always excited for their site improvements. I do wish they would simply offer a zip code search, as I find many deals all over the place, and in areas I don't venture. Still, I'm easy to overlook that one. Keep up the great work.

Thumbnail of user annl5
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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August 10th, 2011

I have purchased four times from ideeli. I am addicted to their site. But they need a huge improvement to their shipping times. Take notes from zappos. People want instant gratification or close... 3 weeks for a product mailed USPS is not going to keep you guys in business for long... no matter the price. Build shipping cost into your prices and use UPS not snail mail. Do that and your sales will triple.

Thumbnail of user jasonf1
DeeDee L. – Groupon Rep

Hi Ann,

Thanks so much for your suggestions! I'm so glad that you're enjoying your ideeli experience, and that you also took the time to share your feedback here on Sitejabber. As a note, we ship as fast as possible once we receive your items directly from the manufacturer. Currently, they ship to us, and then we ship to you, which can result in a little bit longer of a wait time than you may be accustomed to, but does ensure guaranteed authenticity. That said, I know how hard it can be to wait for an order you're eagerly anticipating!

I'll definitely share your feedback with our Internal team. If you have any further suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us at support@ideeli.com with your ideas. And stay tuned as we continue to enhance the ideeli experience.

Best,
Jason Faria
Sr. Manager Customer Service

Thumbnail of user kenf3
Virginia
9 reviews
20 helpful votes
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January 23rd, 2013

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.

Thumbnail of user lizo1
Australia
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 23rd, 2014

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

Tip for consumers:
Keep tracking your orders because otherwise you may just be waiting in vain.

Service
Value
Shipping
Thumbnail of user yk7
Florida
3 reviews
8 helpful votes
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November 13th, 2014

Very unimpressed with the customer service. My order was cancelled a day after placing the order because my husbands account has the billing address as mine (not sure what is so difficult to understand). I tried contacting ideel several ways.
1. chat- tried speaking to 2 different representatives, but neither could help me, they said they would refer me to someone higher who would email me within 24 hours, a little late if I want to get the deal before it expires.
2. email, the responses are not very helpful and it takes a very long time to get a reply.
3. phone, tried calling several times and left messages, haven't heard back from them.

Service
Thumbnail of user jasonf1
DeeDee L. – Groupon Rep

Hi There,

Thanks for reaching out to us on Sitejabber. The situation you are describing falls under the prevue of our Loss Prevention team, which is why a customer service representative could not speak to the issue – your inquiry needed to be forwarded on to a member of the correct team, and I’m sorry if that was not clearly explained at the time. I have spoken with them and I can assure you the issue here is not a shared billing address. We understand that multiple people can live in the same house or apartment building. All three accounts bear your name and credit card information, however, which is why they have been flagged as belonging to you.

When you joined Ideel, you were required to read and agree to our Terms and Conditions, which you can find here:
http://www.ideel.com/pages/terms_and_conditions

The terms and conditions state that "You agree not to (i) register for, activate or use more than one Account; (ii) use a false or misleading address or e-mail address to activate or use an Account;... (iv) register for an account on behalf of an individual other than yourself " (Section 1.3) and that "Members may not knowingly permit or allow any other person to use their account..." (Section 2.3). In regards to our referral program, "Your eligibility to earn benefits will be based on your ability to make referrals that result in new ideel subscribers who makes at least one completed [shipped] purchase." "We reserve the right to disqualify you at any time from participation in a Referral Program if you do not comply with any of these guidelines." (Section 6)

Because these accounts do not represent a clear and conclusive ‘abilty to make referrals that result in new ideel subscribers’ the credits you received have been removed from your account, and the order they were applied to was cancelled to effect that removal.

According to our records, we have been in contact with you via customer service and I hope we have been able to explain the situation concisely and clearly here, and through our normal CS channels.

Best,

Jason Faria
Director, Ideel Customer Service

Thumbnail of user elisabeths110
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 18th, 2022

Purchased a 2 day hotel in Hershey PA. My daughter woke up sick and had ear aches. Took her to the Dr. and confirmed she had an ear infection. So - no rides or water park for us.

Groupon does not have a phone number on their site. Email response stated my email would be addressed in 24 hours. Live Chat started out as a robot. Then when someone did respond - the responses were 15-30 minutes apart. Told me I should have made the change yesterday. I didn't know yesterday that my child had an ear infection. The person from the Chat said they could expedite my request to reschedule - but it would be 7 business days. That will be to late as we were supposed to go tomorrow.

I am out $300 dollars because they will not reschedule - even though I talked to the hotel and they said Groupon could reschedule it.

Tip for consumers:
Buyer beware

Service
Quality
Thumbnail of user janiceh23
Canada
22 reviews
196 helpful votes
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December 23rd, 2015

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.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user sandraw18
Canada
1 review
2 helpful votes
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September 5th, 2013

This has been hit and miss with me but my last experience will be my last experience. Bought a oil change package for $18. Ending up costing me $82. They did not credit the Groupon properly, ended up telling me I had to have more expensive oil. Really lousy business practice that can only make enemies.

Thumbnail of user somkidd
New Jersey
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 9th, 2015

Bought $49.99 Groupon for A/C cleaning service with Brake-O-Rama. Called and visited three different branches of Brake-o-rama in Central Jersey but never get the service done because they kept asking me to come back later day coz they don't have a supply available. Wasted my time and made me frustrated so I contacted Groupon customer service asking for a refund or credit. Groupon customer service is even worse. They never respond or giving me a help. This is really a scam.

Stay way from Groupon. Most deals there are provided by substandard merchants and the Groupon's customer service itself is ridiculously terrible and they won't response anything to you when something goes wrong with your orders.

Again, stay far far away from Groupon.

Thumbnail of user terenceo4
GB
16 reviews
9 helpful votes
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March 7th, 2016

No to both questions a very honourable company never had a problem but this can not be said for another online one that transferred it's business to another one then that went bust now I see they have started up again so beware as i lost money Only deal with established ones

Thumbnail of user donf311
California
1 review
14 helpful votes
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June 25th, 2020

They send you email promos about limited time deals -- then they reduce prices before you even get shipment. I bought an iPad for $249 and by the time I got it four days later it was $20 less... They are hype merchants with lousy service and a crappy return policy. It is impossible to reach customer service in a timely way, and they won't refund money on returns either... They only offer Groupon credit. Why would anybody buy from Groupon when other major retailers and resellers offer refunds and better customer service... I will never buy from them again.

Thumbnail of user bruces43
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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October 7th, 2014

AWFUL!

I am a new volunteer in Search and Rescue. I had to order camping equipment in a hurry. Of the 250.00 I've ordered over 2.5 weeks later only 80.00 has arrived. No email information and the tracking information and order update on 2 backpacks and one portable air cushion.

I sent an email on day 10 and they said to email back if the items never arrived. I did, including emails via their website. I've heard nothing back from them since. I'll give their customer service a go but think I'll get better resolution through my bank disputing the charges.

BEWARE GROUPON!

Tip for consumers:
DON'T.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user victora1
Canada
1 review
3 helpful votes
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April 26th, 2012

On the face of it the deals do look good but 99 % are crappy with very poor experience. In fact, on so many occasions they have refunded money to customers for businesses going bust even before the customer could redeem her/ his coupon. Also, watch out for expired coupons, they do not give you credit in the form of even groupon bucks which many other similar sites do, no questions asked. Stay away!

Thumbnail of user sumans1
Kenya
3 reviews
8 helpful votes
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February 12th, 2012

Right, I almost got hooked up with groupon as the deals look so lucrative that you find hard to resist yourself from getting. I bought voucher of £18 to spend on ladies handbag costing £70 from a website. ( i can't even remember the website $#*!!). Eventually after long wait i received it and it looked so cheap and fake that It was like something you would rather give for charity rather than keeping at home.
I didn't know groupon get 50% share of total price of whatever we pay. I see that fact that why the deal look cool. FAKE, CHEAP and RIP OFF! I will never turn around to that site and am going to delete the app from my iPhone.

Thumbnail of user depd1
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 20th, 2020

Groupon has some good deals but if you have a problem and your issue is not addressed by the frequently asked questions area then their customer support is non-existent. They have no phone number. Their customer support email address is no longer active. Their on site chat and email options are visible randomly and never during their non-business hours. Clicking customer support or contact us sends you in an endless loop from frequently asked questions to help and back again. There is absolutely no instruction about how to get help. Seems pretty simple to me. But I guess it's that same old big business tactic of wasting your time and getting you so frustrated you give up on getting a resolution for your problem.

Products used:
I have purchased different items but sometimes the shipping costs are hidden or high. The best deals are for local services. When Groupon works correctly it can be great but if there is a problem not covered by their generic question section you are screwed

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user juanitar1
Minnesota
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 1st, 2014

Groupon to consumer complaints re: lack of sufficient coupons. Also, if you do not use the coupon for the deal by the date, the amount of money you paid is still valid for services. Great! I have bought many items. And sometimes shipping was slow but that has also improved. The things I bought were just as the product info. Wrote. Great shopping site. However, I recently read they may not have had success as before and changes are forthcoming. Perhaps sell higher end and priced stuff as other sites are doing. And not as many offers as in previous couple of years. Always had great deals for hair cuts, styles, colors. Not so much in my area.

Thumbnail of user whitneym9
Colorado
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 18th, 2013

I've been using groupon for several months now for a variety of different things and have never had an issue. In fact, my boyfriend and I went on vacation and when we got to the hotel we found out that our groupon included all meals and other amenities that were not initially listed when we purchased; it was a great surprise.
We've discovered new restaurants we may have never tried before, every business has always been very accommodating and pleasant to redeem with, and any goods we order arrive within the expected time frame and work perfectly. To me, groupon has been one of my best and most favorite discoveries.

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From the business

Groupon is the largest "daily deal" site, selling vouchers for discounted local experiences and services such as restaurants and spas, as well as travel packages, shopping, and a number of other items. Vouchers are purchased upfront and typically must be redeemed by a certain date, after which time Groupons expire. To businesses Groupon markets itself as a way to drive new customers. Groupon is a public company (NASDAQ: GRPN) and is based in Chicago, IL.

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user jasonf1
DeeDee L.
Ideel Customer Service Supervisor
Typically does not respond to reviews

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