What is Groupon?

Each day, Groupon features an unbeatable deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in your city. By promising businesses a minimum number of customers, we get discounts you won't find anywhere else. We call it "collective buying power!"

Do I have to sign up a group of people I know to get the deal?

Nope - our hundreds of thousands of members make up a big enough group. You'll probably want to invite people anyway, though — Groupons are fun to use with friends, grandparents, and men who wear monocles.

I like today's deal - how do I get it?

Just click "BUY" before the offer ends at midnight. If the minimum number of people sign up, you'll get a printable gift certificate in your inbox the next morning that you can use whenever you want. If not enough people join, no one gets it (and you won't be charged), so invite your friends to make sure you get the deal!

What happens if the Groupon doesn't reach its required minimum number of purchasers?

If not enough people sign up, then the deal is canceled, and you won't be charged. Better luck next time! So if you really want the Groupon, be sure to either beg or threaten your friends .

Do I need to use my Groupon the same day I buy it?

No. Many Groupons have an expiration date, but you never have to use them on the date of purchase.

I bought a Groupon - how do I use it?

The day after the Groupon feature, you'll receive an email with redemption instructions and a link to your printable Groupon.

Can I buy a Groupon as a gift for someone else?

Yes. We communicate with all the businesses that we work with that Groupons can be gifted, and unless the Fine Print specifically states otherwise, gift away!

Wait, my name is on the Groupon. Are you sure I can use this as a gift?

Yes!

If I don't use the full value of the Groupon in one visit, can I use the remainder later?

No. Unless otherwise stated you do not receive store credit or cash back for whatever you don't use. Bring a friend - share a little!

Can I combine my Groupon with other offers or specials?

No... not unless the Groupon specifically states otherwise.

Am I billed as soon as I join a Groupon?

No - you are only charged if the Groupon reaches the required minimum.

Is Groupon safe?

Extremely. Your credit card number is transmitted by SSL directly to a secure electronic vault. At no time is your credit card information stored on our servers.

Can I return a Groupon?

Returns are handled on a case-by-case basis. Within the limits of reason, we'll do what it takes to make you happy. Unless there is something wrong with the purchase, we are generally unable to offer refunds after one week from the purchase date.

If you'd like to discuss returning a Groupon, email, call us: (877) 788-7858, or snail mail us a picture of a threatening note you attached to your refrigerator using poetry magnets.

Do you ever remove comments from the discussion board?

Generally, no. We only remove comments when someone is making personal attacks or engaging in other conventional forms of trolling.

What if the business for my Groupon closes down?

If anything happens that makes it impossible for you to redeem your Groupon, we'll make sure you get your money back.

How can I get my business on Groupon?

Check out GrouponWorks for more information.

I just sent a referral to my friend - now what?

If your friend makes their first Groupon purchase within 72 hours from the time they click on the referral link you send them, we'll send you an email to tell you that we've put $10 worth of credits in your account.

What if the person I refer subscribes to the site - any love for that?

Of course! If someone you refers subscribes within 72 hours, you'll receive a $10 credit whenever they make their first purchase.

Can I refer as many people as I want?

Yes!

I received referral codes from three people - do they all get rewarded?

No, only the last code you click on before making your first purchase will generate a reward for the person who sent it to you. Which friend do you like best?

Why do you only feature one deal a day? I want more Groupons!

When you're looking for stuff to do, choice can be overwhelming. We focus on one great thing each day and offer it at an unbeatable price to make things simple for you. Hang out with Groupon for a week, and you'll find something that's impossible to refuse.

One of your write-ups stated that "hummingbirds come from cocoons"... I'm not sure that's correct.

Thank you for your suggestion, but it is correct.

Where did you get the name "Groupon?"

Groupon is a city in Switzerland where Goodyear tires are sold at heavily discounted rates.

When will Groupon be in my city?

Hopefully soon - we're growing fast. If you'd like to help us launch Groupon in your city, feel free to email us.

Who are you guys?

Groupon evolved out of The Point, a platform for organizing not only group discounts, but all forms of collective action. You can learn more about Groupon, and learn more about The Point.

Where is Groupon based?

Groupon is headquartered in Chicago. We also have employees in cities across the U.S.