Before purchasing a coupon on a group purchasing Web site, check its refund policy. It may not be possible to cancel a transaction if you change your mind.

Merchant terms and conditions

Merchants are free to set their own terms and conditions. Some offer a satisfaction guarantee and will refund your coupon upon request. Others may provide a refund only if you submit your request within 14 days of your purchase.

Deadline to use the coupon

The Office de la protection du consommateur recommends using your coupon shortly after purchasing it. If you wait too long, the business where your coupon is valid could close or go bankrupt. Using the coupon will be difficult or impossible if this should occur.

Certain conditions apply to most discounts available on group purchasing Web sites. The merchant operating the site must make you aware of those conditions before you make a purchase. For example, some discounts only apply on weekdays, or during the summer, etc.

Discount expiry date

Coupons generally have a discount expiry date. If you use the coupon after this date, you will not lose the amount you paid for the coupon. The cost of the coupon can be used to make a purchase from the merchant.

If you have purchased services through a group purchasing Web site, the merchant providing the services may be required to abide by specific rules, depending on the service you will receive when you use your coupon. They may, for example, be required to provide you with a written contract outlining the details of your agreement.

To learn more about your rights for different types of services purchased, see:

• Courses (language, dance, music, art, karate, etc.);
• Travel;
• Fitness and weight control centres;
• Beauty treatments, tanning, massages, hair removal.