Groupon has been operational since its launch in December 2006. For the past 8 years, their goal has been to provide consumers and merchants a mutually beneficial site by working with vendors to offer discounts in order to drive more traffic to businesses. They offer a large selection of product categories for consumers with a large percentage of potential savings. Their platform allows customers to purchase virtually any product anywhere.

• Large selection of deal categories
• High percentage of potential savings
• Great return policy

Groupon works with a large number of vendors to bring great value to their customers.

Consumers will find over 50 categories to search for savings. They offer 4 main categories which include local deals, goods, getaways, and clearance as well as coupons specific to certain businesses such as department stores and travel sites. Each main category includes a list of sub categories. Consumers can search for virtually any service from restaurants to clothing stores. Planning a vacation? Consumers can search Groupon's database for deals on cruises, hotels, and more.

Consumers who use Groupon have the potential to obtain up to 90% in savings. Groupon offers deals that provide a percentage off of a service or a dollar amount that can be put towards a purchase. Many of the coupons include the option to choose whether to redeem a discount online or in the store.

Groupon uses what they call the 'Groupon Promise' when handling returns. They promise consumers who have used a local Groupon voucher before its promotional value expired, took a Getaway trip, or attended a GrouponLive event and were disappointed with their experience that they can contact Groupon within 14 days and they will work with the consumer to make it right. Each type of service also has a no hassle refund policy:

• Local Deals: A voucher may always be redeemed from the merchant for at least the total amount the consumer paid for it. Unredeemed vouchers may be refunded if returned within 3 days.
• Getaways: Purchases may be refunded if the merchant is unable to book your stay during the dates specified by the voucher. Vouchers that have passed the book-by date may be used as credit with the merchant.
• Goods: Any item may be returned within 14 days of delivery on Groupon.

• Difficult to find contact information
• Limited years of experience

Groupon's website can be difficult to navigate when searching for customer service help.

It is very difficult to find contact information via Groupon's website. The only contact information for customer service provided is a website. Only consumers who are members of Groupon are able to access the link necessary to contact customer service. This may make it difficult for some individuals to gain information and access certain questions without committing to become a member with Groupon.

Groupon has been a company for 8 years. While this is a decent amount of time in business, some other deal sites reviewed have been around for 10 or more years. This gives other companies more experience in working with customers and providing savings.

Groupon offers customers a wide selection of products and services at incredibly discounted prices. Their platform allows customers the flexibility to find deals locally as well as nationwide that they can obtain from virtually anywhere. Their lack of transparency when providing contact information may make it difficult for some individuals to fully utilize their website. However, for those who are willing to join Groupon as a member, they provide an excellent resource for obtaining savings.