Groupon to a failed business

[CommonCents]

Have you ever successfully talked your way into a refund from Groupon for a partially redeemed voucher?

I bought a voucher on 7/7/13.  Have had issues redeeming it throughout with rescheduling issues etc. (woman up and left for vacation of one month at one point, randomly), so it probably wasn't a big surprise at the end of April to hear they had closed doors to restructure and would contact us soon.  Just got a notice that my June appointment is canceled as well. 

I suspect that they have no money so forcing them to refund me isn't going to get far, although it may be worthwhile to put up a stink just for some personal satisfaction.  It's $40 to file in small claims court.  It's partially redeemed, so I suspect Groupon will claim they won't either, hence why I'm curious for tips if you did talk your way into it.  It's probably been too long to get a refund from my credit card, although I'm contemplating a call to them to see.  Any other ideas? 

ETA: I'd be relying on calling them about their "Groupon Promise":

"We’re confident in your Groupon experience and back it with the Groupon Promise.

We always want you to have a great experience with Groupon. That’s why we have the Groupon Promise. If you use a Groupon voucher before its promotional value expires, take a Getaways trip, or attend a GrouponLive event and are disappointed by your experience, we’ll work with you to make it right or give you a refund.

In addition to our Groupon Promise, we will always honor your refund requests if a business closes permanently, an event is canceled or rescheduled, or a business refuses to accept your unredeemed Groupon voucher. We also have the following standard refund policies:..."

[Gin1984]

I don't know what you mean that it is partially redeemed.  The one time the place I had a groupon for had closed it took a quick call and groupon refunded me.

[CommonCents]

I don't know what you mean that it is partially redeemed.  The one time the place I had a groupon for had closed it took a quick call and groupon refunded me.

It's a six package deal.  I've used 4, 2 remaining (although after several prior issues with the business alluded to above, was offered and accepted an extra session to compensate me).

[Gin1984]

I don't know what you mean that it is partially redeemed.  The one time the place I had a groupon for had closed it took a quick call and groupon refunded me.

It's a six package deal.  I've used 4, 2 remaining (although after several prior issues with the business alluded to above, was offered and accepted an extra session to compensate me).

Oh, good question.  Thanks for classifying.  I'd call and ask what they will do and see if it is enough for you.

[Fonzico]

I would bet that Groupon will still refund you for the original amount you paid, minus the amount that has already been redeemed, at worst. Let us know how it goes!

[CommonCents]

I would bet that Groupon will still refund you for the original amount you paid, minus the amount that has already been redeemed, at worst. Let us know how it goes!

Will do.  I wrote a note today to the company requesting a response within 3 business days, so I'll wait for that to elapse first before calling Groupon.

[Mr. Frugalwoods]

The magic word here when talking to Groupon is "Chargeback".

If you call Groupon and say that if you don't get your money back you'll issue a chargeback... then they'll give it to you.  Companies who charge credit cards live in fear of chargebacks.  The rates they pay to process a credit card are partially based on how many chargebacks they have.  So it's a trump card.  Most merchants will do almost anything to avoid one.

And then, of course, if you don't get the money back then do call your credit card company and go through the chargeback process.  This almost always works, but can take a couple of weeks to get your money back.

[plantingourpennies]

If you click on the customer service links in Groupon, they have a form somewhere to fill out for problems like these.  Same thing happened to me twice, one for a completely unused groupon since the business switched owners and one for a place where I had used 1 of 5 sessions before they went out of business.  Both times I was offered a full refund, either in Groupon credit or in a charge back to my credit card, without hassle.  Good customer service - I'd give them a shot. 

[Thegoblinchief]

I've not used Groupon ever, but my credit card company (chase) always sides with me.

[Gin1984]

I've not used Groupon ever, but my credit card company (chase) always sides with me.

I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised on how nice and easy chase made an issue when a company decided not to send me the correct item and I called chase.

[CommonCents]

Update: Success!  Seems like I will be getting the full refund.  Interestingly, they sent me a writeup of our conversation and I've posted a part of it below.  RT = resolution team.  They didn't actually ask if I consented to share my info though.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
ATTENTION:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
It looks like a refund has been issued in this ticket. If your customer has been refunded, there's no need to send to RT. Solve the ticket out and mark as Merchant Incident.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
►►► SEND TO RESOLUTION TEAM? ◄◄◄
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
BANKRUPTCY
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. Fill out all relevant fields below.
2. Make sure to note if the customer has consented to share their information or not! IMPORTANT!
3. Deal Info and Customer Info can be pasted from the RT button

[deleted deal info and my info]

Permission to share info?: Yes
Issue (the more detailed, the better): Cx was calling because the merchant has closed, and canceled her remaining appointments. Deal notes confirms the closure. Groupon is marked as redeemed. The merchant is closed, so not sure if RT would be able to find out if she used the full service or not. After speaking with my TL I will send this over to RT to see if they can verify.
What actions can RT take to help?: See if this Cx used the full service before refund.
Location the customer visited: XXXX
Did this person receive this Groupon as a gift? If so, what is their name?: No
Sub-category from Refund Decision Tree: Merchant closed/bankrupt
Customer temperature: green

[rocksinmyhead]

Customer temperature: green

hahaha what does that even mean?!?

[CommonCents]

Customer temperature: green

hahaha what does that even mean?!?

I know!  I almost posted just that initially.  I suspect it means I called and was not angry (red) or unhappy (yellow) about the issue.  I always figure that I can move to red, but after you yell at someone, it's hard to go back to being pleasant about the issue.  And people want to help you more if you are pleasant than nasty.