I must say I that I love Groupon. I have bought movie tickets, tickets to museums, and train deals through Groupon. I have saved a lot of money with them. Some people are not so impressed with Groupon though. Groupon is currently be sued over a deal gone bad and issues with their privacy policy.
In November, 2010, Adam Dremak bought a Groupon for $25. The Groupon was for $50 worth of merchandise at Nordstrom Rack. 50% sounds like a great deal to me. Well, the Groupon had an expiration date of December 31. Dremak didn’t go to use the Groupon until after the first of the year. Of course, Nordstom Rack didn’t accept the Groupon. So Dremak feels that he wasted his money buying the Groupon that didn’t get used.
While I agree it sucks, whose fault is it? I mean, if I don’t use a coupon by the expiration date, I lose it. I’ve had free coupons that I forgot about and had to just toss because I didn’t use them in time. It happens. Would it suck if I had actually paid for the coupons I didn’t use? Of course it would, but whose fault is it? I KNOW to check dates to make sure they don’t expire. If I allow it to expire, it is only my fault.
There is another case where they are being sued due to their privacy settings. They have expanded the personal data they collect, including location, and have been sharing it with merchants. Is it a huge surprise? Not to me. Congress has gotten involved in this one and believes it is not right for them to gather so much information and share it.
I totally agree with this. There is no reason they should be sharing this information, although it does not surprise me in any way. This is happening more and more. Does it suck, of course. I almost expect it when I sign up for these types of sites though.
Am I going to quit using Groupon? Absolutely not! I love Groupon and have found great deals. I’m sure after Congress gets done with them, things in their privacy settings will change. Will they change the expiration dates on their Groupons? Who knows. I honestly am not so worried about that. When I purchase one, I know when I have to use it by. If I don’t get around to using it, yep, it sucks, but isn’t the end of the world. I will continue to get deals through them as long as I can.
What do you think? Are you going to keep using them?
About Amber
had not heard about this thanks for passing along news come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
I agree- our responsibilty to check for expiration dates! As for lacale disclosure, if you are online and active in any community at all- deal sites included, you just take it for granted your info is out there. I guess if someone doesn’t like it- they can just opt out of stuff!
While it is our responsibility to check for expiration dates, some are very sneaky. You buy Groupons thinking you have a while to use them. I just bought one and it expires in September. So yes, it was my choice to buy it knowing it expired soon, but it seems they are kind of sneaky about things sometimes.
Also, Groupon takes advantage of the businesses! Not only do they take 50% of what the business makes, they also take fees out of the businesses half! So the business really gets $25 for a $50 purchase and is shelling out about $100 in merchandise in most cases.
So, while I do agree that it’s our responsibility to check expiration dates, I think Groupon is shady overall and I don’t buy from them too often at all.
I have only bought admission to places through Groupon. Like 2 movie tickets for $9, or half off admission to the Racing Museum or half off train rides.
Merchandise wise I’ve never really paid attention since I don’t go to any places that they are available to.
I like Groupon! I kinda don’t like the expiration dates…. they got rid of those on gift cards, but I understand WHY they have them. It’s to help some businesses gain business during slow times!
Totally agree…it is your own responsiblity to keep track of expiration dates, especially on things you have purchased!! I <3 Groupon!!
It’s totally the person’s responsibility to check the expiration date of a coupon. People these days are just sue happy. I love Groupon!!!!
Wendy
Around My Family Table
Wow! I think it just goes along with the whole “everyone is sue happy these days”. So sad. You are responsible for checking the ex. date on your coupons. Sorry he’s out the money, but totally his fault. I’m still happy with Groupon and will continue to use them.
Expiration is a needed thing. You can’t keep it forever. Privacy issues to me have their ups and downs. Some people get way too freaked out and others have no concept.
People are crazy, what can you say. I’ve not used Groupon, I live in a smaller area and it makes it difficult to handle those expiration dates
ohhh come on now!!
Sueing someone because YOU didnt read the expiration date.. what is our world coming too?