Consumer Tips

Group buying coupons (consumers)

Considering joining in on a group buying coupon? Before you do, be advised that BBB has received complaints from consumers against businesses advertising their products or services through online group buying websites.

Most of these complaints are disputes over the terms and conditions of the deal. In some instances, the business was not able to fulfill the demand for products or services as a result of the number of people purchasing the coupon. This led to delays in delivering products or services, in some cases delays to the point where the coupon expired and no services were received as a result.

Unlike most gift cards, which are legislated in B.C., online coupon promotions are allowed to have expiry dates because they are promotional.

How do they work?
- Consumer signs up on company website to receive email notifications of daily coupon offers from various businesses
- Consumers can then decide if they want to participate in an offer by purchasing a coupon
- The online coupon promotions company acts as the facilitator -- you provide them with your credit card information and make your purchase through them

Before signing up to any promotions mailing list:
- Make sure you closely read the Privacy Agreement.
- Make sure that you understand how your information is going to be used and that when you enter information, like your credit card number, it is through a secure website.
- Read the Terms & Conditions -- Do you understand how the coupons will be redeemed? (will it be sent to you from the promoter or the business itself; will it be sent by email or do you have to pick it up)
- Can you change your mind after making a purchase? If so, how do you cancel your order and/or get a refund?

Understand that the promoter cannot make guarantees about the offer in terms of quality or satisfaction. That's up to the business providing the product or service. Consumers still need to exercise their due diligence before making a purchase:

- Check out the company offering the coupon with BBB -- what have other consumer experiences been like, does the business respond to complaints, do they require licensing, etc?
- Read the terms and conditions of the offer -- is there an expiry date for the coupon, can it be used on sale items, is it limited to certain locations, etc?