I've had mixed experiences. Generally a positive feeling from saving money, but one of the Groupons I bought (a champagne cruise in SF) still has yet to come in

I've had mixed experiences. Generally a positive feeling from saving money, but one of the Groupons I bought (a champagne cruise in SF) still has yet to come in sight of being redeemed. The Groupon itself didn't specify that the cruise was only available at weekends, and the company insisted on doing everything by email with a 24-48 hour turnaround, so booking became a nightmare. After reading in this thread how easy refunds are, I may well do that instead. I've also had trouble scheduling a discount spa treatment, and the one I did redeem came with a very heavily upsold expensive beauty purchase - sure, I could have stood firm and hassled my way out of it, but she was very persistent and I value my time and sanity more than the price of a bottle of facial cream. The Groupons for "$5 for $10 of $ethnic food" I just don't bother with. To be honest, I only go for these group buy discounts if it's a really good looking deal right now, as I know what I'm getting into booking-wise. And it does work for some; I just got my hair cut at a salon that had been Grouponed, leading to a handful of new positive Yelp reviews, leading to me finding them in the first place. Happily paid full price, but all the smug Yelpers boasting about their Groupon left a slightly acidic taste in my mouth.