Is Groupon or LivingSocial a Better Service?

When it comes to using deals and discounts from online platforms, each service has its own strengths and weaknesses. Personal experience can often provide valuable insights into which service better caters to the needs of its customers. In this article, we will delve into the customer service experiences of two popular platforms: Groupon and LivingSocial. This comparison will help potential users make an informed choice based on their preferences and requirements.

The Positive Experience with Groupon

My personal encounters with Groupon have been overwhelmingly positive, especially when dealing with customer service. On occasion, I faced issues with vouchers for services, but the problems were minimal and did not detract from the overall experience. Both instances of customer issues occurred out of numerous transactions and were due to vendor-related errors. Groupon's responsiveness to these situations was admirable, as they acted swiftly to ensure customer satisfaction. In one particular instance, Groupon not only refunded my money but also provided extra credits on top of the refund to regain my trust. This over-the-top service demonstrated their commitment to their customers, even in the face of a bad experience, giving me confidence to return and use their platform again.

The Disappointing Experience with LivingSocial

In stark contrast to Groupon, my experience with LivingSocial has been much less favorable. Over the course of a year, I spent over a hundred dollars, but my satisfaction with the service drastically declined due to a singular incident involving an email miscommunication. The problem arose when the system defaulted to an expired credit card instead of the newer, valid card I had added to my account. Instead of simply charging it to the valid card, they sent me an email with a strict 11-day deadline for changing the card. When I attempted to make the change after 8 days, I was faced with a harsh reality.

LivingSocial's customer service was so poor that it led to a complete cessation of purchases from them. When I informed the customer service that I had been given an 11-day window but was now told I only had 5 days due to their internal policies, I received contradictory information. Upon mentioning this discrepancy, I requested an exception, but their response was non-committal—essentially, they never addressed my request. Instead of resolving the issue promptly and maintaining customer satisfaction, they focused on adhering strictly to their policies, resulting in the loss of a customer over what I felt was a preventable mistake.

Comparison and Conclusion

When comparing Groupon and LivingSocial based on customer service, it is clear that Groupon provides a much more positive experience. Groupon's quick response and willingness to go the extra mile in resolving issues demonstrate a strong commitment to their customers. On the other hand, LivingSocial's customer service department seems rigid and unresponsive, ultimately resulting in customer dissatisfaction.

Based on customer experience, Groupon comes across as a more reliable platform for deals and discounts, especially considering its ability to quickly rectify any issues that may arise. For those seeking a hassle-free experience with customer service, Groupon is definitely the better choice. However, it is always advisable to read reviews and personal experiences before making any significant purchase or subscription to any service, as every user's experience can vary.