Groupon sells prepaid vouchers for local businesses — restaurants, spas, massages, fitness classes, car services, days out — plus travel deals and physical goods. The price on a Groupon is usually far below the merchant's normal rate. Whether it is a bargain depends on something the headline does not show: whether you can actually book and use it on terms that suit you.
A Groupon that expires in a drawer is the most expensive purchase on the site. This guide covers what to read before buying, how the voucher's value works, and how to get the most from a Groupon code.
Read the fine print before the price
Every Groupon deal has a fine print section, and it decides more than the discount does. Read it before you look at the percentage saved.
Limits — how many vouchers you may buy, how many per visit, and whether one voucher covers one person or a group.
New customers only — many Groupon deals for salons, gyms and studios are valid only if you have never been a client. If you already use the business, the deal is probably not for you.
Days and times — some restaurant and activity Groupons exclude weekends, holidays or evenings. A Saturday-night dinner deal that only works Monday to Thursday is a different product.
Extras — tips, taxes, upgrades and add-ons are often payable on the day. A Groupon massage may not cover the gratuity or a longer session.
Paid value and promotional value
A Groupon voucher usually has two parts. The paid value is what you handed over. The promotional value is the extra discount on top.
The promotional value carries an expiry date printed on the voucher. After it passes, the extra discount is gone. In many US states the paid value does not expire and can still be put towards the merchant's services, but rules vary by state and by deal, so check the Groupon terms for yours.
The practical point: diarise the expiry date the day you buy. The full discount only exists before that date.
Booking the service
Buying a Groupon is not the same as booking. For most services you still have to contact the merchant, or use Groupon's booking tool where the deal offers one, and get an appointment.
Popular Groupon deals can sell thousands of vouchers, and small businesses fill up. Book soon after buying rather than in the last fortnight before expiry, when everyone else is trying to.
Before buying, check the merchant's own reviews as well as the Groupon ratings. Look at recent comments about how Groupon customers are treated and how far ahead appointments are available.
Check the location carefully. Some Groupon deals list several branches, and the voucher may only work at one.
Is the discount real?
Groupon shows a reference price and a percentage off. Treat the reference price as the merchant's claim, not a guarantee.
Look up the business's own menu or price list. If a spa usually charges less than the Groupon reference figure, the saving is smaller than it looks.
Also ask whether you would buy this at full price. A Groupon for something you would never otherwise do is not a saving; it is new spending at a discount.
Goods, getaways and gift cards
Groupon Goods sells physical products shipped to you, often from third-party sellers. Compare the delivered price with other retailers, check the seller and the delivery estimate, and note that some items ship slowly.
Groupon Getaways bundles hotels and trips. Read what is included, which dates are blocked out, and what resort or local fees are charged at check-in.
Groupon also runs gift card offers, where a card for a brand comes with bonus value. Check the conditions on when the bonus can be used.
Refunds and what happens if a merchant closes
Groupon has historically allowed refunds within a short window after purchase for unused vouchers, and has offered help when a merchant closes or refuses to honour a deal. The exact terms change, so check the current Groupon refund policy before relying on it.
Refunds are sometimes issued as Groupon credit rather than to your card. Read which applies before asking.
If a merchant will not honour a Groupon, contact Groupon support promptly with the voucher number and any messages. The sooner you raise it, the more options you have.
Where the Groupon savings are
Groupon promo codes apply on top of the deal price, which is already discounted:
Groupon percentage codes usually carry a maximum discount and often apply to local deals only, not Goods, Getaways or gift cards. A 40% Groupon code capped at a fixed amount stops growing past a certain basket size, so check the cap.
A dollar-off Groupon code tends to have a minimum spend. On a small voucher, a percentage code often wins; on a pricier spa or activity deal near the minimum, the dollar code can beat it. Work out both at checkout.
Codes named for a category, such as beauty or wellness, usually only work on those Groupon deals. Most Groupon codes are once per account, so save the biggest one for the biggest purchase.
Buy only vouchers you will book within weeks. A code that saves money on a voucher you never use still costs you the paid value.
Common questions
Does a Groupon voucher expire?
The promotional value expires on the date shown. The paid value often does not in many US states, but check your Groupon terms.
Do I have to book after buying a Groupon?
For most services, yes. Contact the merchant or use Groupon's booking tool, and do it early.
Why won't my Groupon code work?
It may exclude Goods, Getaways or the deal's category, need a minimum spend, or already have been used on your account.
Can I get a refund on a Groupon?
Groupon has allowed refunds on unused vouchers within a set period, sometimes as credit. Check the current policy.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Groupon → |
| 15% off | Promo code | View at Groupon → |
| 15% off | Promo code | View at Groupon → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Groupon → |
