Being semi-new to the area, I'm always looking for opportunities to find new vendors & shops through Groupon. It's a nice way for me to evaluate vendor services and offerings without the heavy financial risk. Usually, I end up finding great vendors to add to my loyalty list. This time, however, was an exception.
I went to Hardee Brothers one Saturday morning to drop off two pieces of cleaning, mentioning that I had purchased a Groupon for $20 worth of cleaning. It had taken me a few weeks to make the time to go in since they are not open on Sunday and their weekday hours are too early for me to make post-work.
When I mentioned the Groupon, they asked for it and I showed the digital version on my iPhone. "No," the women said, "You have to print it out." I questioned this since it did not state that on the Groupon. She pointed to a man (I think he may have been the owner) and said "He makes the rules."
I questioned He Who Makes The Rules, and was told in a very rude, and condescending manner that he would only accept the print-out and that "it says it in the fine print" (it wasn't. I checked a second time as soon as I left). I said, "So you want me to drive all the way home, print it out, and drive all the way back?" Yes, I was told. Not, "Just bring it in when you pay", or anything even remotely flexible.
Well, I drove all the way home all right, but I will NOT be driving back. Groupon was kind enough to refund my money. (Hello, Hardlees! Take a lesson on customer service!)
If you're going to offer a Groupon, be sure to have your customer service game face on because customers are checking you out! read more