Ugh Groupon

[SoonerTexan]

Months ago I bought a Groupon cleaning deal with the intent of using it before N's birthday party so I wouldn't have to worry about cleaning the house. I've had pretty good luck with similar deals. I tried to schedule it a couple times via the system specified for Groupons but the date was never available. Tried emailing. No response. Tried calling, phone was disconnected. Tried scheduling through the non-Groupon portal as the date was interestingly available there, but figured I wouldn't hear back, especially after reading these reviews:

http://www.yelp.com/filtered_reviews...fp3WnrJPVh0o0g

Just like I thought, I never heard back, so I requested a refund from Groupon and explained why. I've hit a couple duds with them before and have gotten refunds, but I'm starting to wonder about them:

Hi SoonerTexan,

I'm so sorry for any trouble. Of course, this is not the experience we want you to have when redeeming a Groupon, and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
We want to do everything in our power to resolve this issue for you. We will be reaching out to the business about this and may request that they contact you directly. In case they prefer to call you, could you please provide me with the best phone number to reach you? We may also need to share your email address with them.
Thanks again. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Regards,

Joe B
Groupon Customer Support

Me:

Hello,

I'd actually just prefer the refund, as I no longer have use for the Groupon. The date I needed to use it has already passed.

Thank you

Hi SoonerTexan,

I'm so sorry for the trouble and I understand that this might be frustrating. However, this is the first time we've been contacted about this issue, so we need to reach out to give the business an opportunity to resolve it. We want to make this right so that you can redeem your Groupon as originally planned.
Before we reach out to them, would you mind sending me the best phone number for them to contact you?
Of course, if we're not able to find a solution after reaching out to them, we'll be happy to find another way to make this right for you.
Thanks for your understanding and I look forward to your reply.
Regards,
Joe B
Groupon Customer Support

Me:

Hello,

Actually, I don't think I am the first person to contact Groupon regarding this particular business for the exact same reason (unresponsiveness):

http://www.yelp.com/filtered_reviews...fp3WnrJPVh0o0g

I am not comfortable providing my phone number to speak with the owner. Actually, the owner should already have my contact information via the reservation I made, but was never contacted about in their online reservation system. I feel very uncomfortable giving my information tied to a complaint. And there is no way for them to make it right as the date that I needed a cleaning (in preparation for an event at my home) has already passed and I no longer trust this person in my house alone or with my daughter and I present, especially if this is the way they run their business.

I'd really just like a refund please.

Thank you,

SoonerTexan

Just give me the dang refund already!!!! There is no way in hell I want this person in my house now, jeez. I'm going to be extra wary of any small business now. Photography is especially bad--I've heard some horror stories from the photographers in my area. And the photo used with the Groupon is a stock photo, not work by the actual photographer.

[Momo]

I sure hope you get your refund!!

[alison]

Wait, isn't it linked to a credit card? Can't you contest the charge?

[Phoebe]

That sucks. I have never had a problem getting a refund from Groupon and I've done it more than once.

[MarissaNicole]

I think they are tightening up on refunds because I had gotten one in the past but they wouldn't give SIL one recently.

Wife to PGY3

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I've gotten one in the past. The problem with Groupon seems to be that some small businesses will present a deal that they can't possibly fill given their capacity and timeslots. That makes me wary of it thought that they're cracking down because I have had to get a refund in the past.

[SoonerTexan]

Alison, I bought it in June--is that too long ago?

[alison]

Might be worth a try. You could try saying "Services not rendered" or something.

[v-girl]

What a pain!

[niener]

I've gotten one in the past. The problem with Groupon seems to be that some small businesses will present a deal that they can't possibly fill given their capacity and timeslots. That makes me wary of it thought that they're cracking down because I have had to get a refund in the past.

That's my thought too. My mom bought a service-type groupon recently as well and had a ridiculously hard time redeeming it. I haven't had any problems with non-service items though, like restaurants or products or even activities. I'm sorry they're being difficult about it. If they don't give you your refund soon, try complaining via social media. I waited 3 weeks for a product from Adobe and finally went on their FB page and twitter to complain, someone responded within a couple of hours and 2 days later my product was on my doorstep. Amazing what a little public embarrassment will do.

[Curegirl]

Grr...good luck ST! I think persistence is key because a lot of times people just take the initial rejections and cut their losses.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Persistence is definitely the name of the game. I've gotten refunds even from banks on overdrafts, etc. because I was persistent and wrote enough letters to get their attention.

[SoonerTexan]

Hi SoonerTexan,

I totally understand your feelings. We have an entire team of people who reach out to our merchants to investigate when our customers cannot get in touch with them. The merchant is never told that you have complained about them, we just let them know that people are trying to contact them and ask if they need us to help set up appointments. You do not have to worry about the merchant being angry with you. Our policy dictates that we reach out to the merchant first to try and solve the problem before considering other options.

Please let me know what number I can pass along to my team members to help solve this problem. Of course if we are not able to resolve the issue then we will definitely be able to take care of you.
I look forward to making this right, and my apologies again for this experience.
Regards,
Joe B
Groupon Customer Support

It's on.

[SoonerTexan]

ME:

Hello,

Let me be very clear. I no longer am comfortable with this person coming to my home AT ANY TIME, regardless of whether or not they know I complained. Additionally, the Groupon was bought for a specific purpose (to have my house cleaned before an event) and the event has passed.

I understand if you do not have the authority to give me a refund without going through the process of contacting the merchant. I have absolutely no interest in going through that process and it would not be helpful to me on any level. Can I have the contact info of a manager who can help me further?

Thanks,

SoonerTexan

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I like it.

Honestly, it becomes a challenge for me. I hate being dicked around with for ANYTHING.