BOYCOTT GROUPON

[jmra]

I got a brief answer letting me know my account had been "removed". It wasn't a canned polite one, just matter of fact. I think they are getting the message

Good. I have spread the word. Many of my friends have stopped using them.

[terryg]

When this news initially broke in January, I contacted them and got the same response as many others. I replied and let them know that I would not cancel my account at this time, pending a final decision from them. But that I would no longer be purchasing any deals during the interim.

It is now 3 months later and I haven't heard anything. So earlier this week I sent a follow-up asking for an update on their decision. This was the response:

Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us.

We understand that this is a sensitive topic, and that some of our customers may not agree with our choice to pause the promotion of firearm-related deals. Groupon has always aimed to offer a diverse range of products and services to meet the various tastes and interests of our subscribers. However, at this time, enough customers and merchants have voiced their opinions that we believe a hiatus is warranted.

Please note that we have never sold guns, and Groupons you've already purchased are still valid. This hiatus only applies to firearm-related deals including shooting ranges, clay pigeon shooting, and concealed weapons training classes. We have not made a final determination regarding this category -- we are simply taking a break and may reevaluate in the future.

We genuinely appreciate your opinion and the feedback you've given us. I'll be sure to share your comments with the appropriate people.

Regards,

Miranda S
Groupon Customer Support

So I sent this reply:

Thank you Miranda for the reply. It seems odd that after three months Groupon has still not made a final determination.

When I heard the news in January, I had decided to wait to take any action pending a final decision from Groupon. I did not want to react immediately so instead chose to simply communicate my concerns to Groupon and give the company time to formulate a well considered policy. Three months should be enough time for an entity to collect the necessary data and make a decision.

As there is no solid indication that this decision will be coming in the short term, I guess the most appropriate response from my end will be to cancel my account immediately. If I hear reports in the future that Groupon has reconsidered and decided to allow offers of legal products and services from legitimate businesses involving this category of activities otherwise protected by the United States Constitution; I will re-evaluate and possibly sign up for Groupon services at that time. In others words, I am "simply taking a break and may reevaluate in the future".

After send this email, I will cancel my Groupon account and create one at LivingSocial.

Sincerely,

[TexasGal]

Good Job!

[MotherBear]

Thanks for the update. I cancelled my account back when this originally happened but just sent them a note yesterday to ask what the current policy is (I heard rumors they may have lifted the ban, but couldn't find any evidence of that). They have a deal going with one of my favorite restaurants right now, so I told them that if they've changed their policy I'd like to reinstate my account so I can buy the deal but otherwise I'll just spend the full amount at the restaurant. After all, the restaurant appears to have no problem with my exercise of my rights. It looks like I'll be paying full price for my next meal there, but hopefully Groupon will get the message that they're losing money I would otherwise spend with them right now.

[lbuehler325]

It is their right as a private business to nix firearms related deals. It is our right to stop giving them our business. Boycott on freinds.

[Wes]

Looks like they have started offering gun deals again, not that I am interested in giving them my business

http://www.groupon.com/deals/shoot-smart-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RoyGBiv]

Looks like they have started offering gun deals again, not that I am interested in giving them my business

http://www.groupon.com/deals/shoot-smart-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just sent them a letter thanking them for reconsidering their policy and I turned on my account notifications again.
As much as it was a bad decision originally, just like raising children, I think you should reward them when they do the right things and punish them for doing bad things.

Thanks for the update Wes.

[knotquiteawake]

Looks like they have started offering gun deals again, not that I am interested in giving them my business

http://www.groupon.com/deals/shoot-smart-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just sent them a letter thanking them for reconsidering their policy and I turned on my account notifications again.
As much as it was a bad decision originally, just like raising children, I think you should reward them when they do the right things and punish them for doing bad things.

Thanks for the update Wes.

I agree. At a minimum I'll give the wife the go ahead to start using them again. She loved using it more than I did.

[TexasGal]

Thanks Everyone! By working together, we apparently made a dent and they have decided our money wasn't so bad after all. If anyone sees them backpedaling on this, please post.

[mjoplin]

I sent them a note yesterday asking if they had reversed the "hiatus". I cancelled my account (along with emails to customer service explaining why) on January 29. If I get a response back I will post it.

[mjoplin]

The mighty dollar may sway them. I just checked the current gun range deal online and they've sold $20,400 worth already. Money speaks!

[mjoplin]

Another range post for SG&A in Houston/Spring: http://www.groupon.com/deals/spring-guns-and-ammo-4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; $13,000 sold so far.....

[mjoplin]

Reply from yesterday from Groupon:

Hi Michael,

After consistent requests from customers and merchants, we have decided to pilot certain types of firearms-related deals in specific markets on a trial basis. These are limited to skeet and target shooting deals, as well as shooting range deals.

It’s always our goal to offer the kinds of products and services that our customers are interested in, and feedback like yours helps us accomplish that.

Thanks again for voicing your feedback. If there’s anything else I can help you with, please let me know.

Regards,

Aliza S
Groupon Customer Support

[knotquiteawake]

Reply from yesterday from Groupon:

Hi Michael,

After consistent requests from customers and merchants, we have decided to pilot certain types of firearms-related deals in specific markets on a trial basis. These are limited to skeet and target shooting deals, as well as shooting range deals.

It’s always our goal to offer the kinds of products and services that our customers are interested in, and feedback like yours helps us accomplish that.

Thanks again for voicing your feedback. If there’s anything else I can help you with, please let me know.

Regards,

Aliza S
Groupon Customer Support

This is barely good enough for me. So basically no CHL related deals, or defensive pistol course deals.

[RoyGBiv]

This is barely good enough for me. So basically no CHL related deals, or defensive pistol course deals.

I try to reward my kids for making an honest effort. I think this qualifies. But I think they can do better.
But just like kids, you gotta keep an eye on them every second.