Concerns also raised over the quality of goods sold and delivery timescales
In addition to its findings on refunds, the CMA says it is also concerned that Groupon isn't doing enough to ensure that:
Purchased vouchers can always be redeemed within the advertised periods.
Descriptions of goods and services are accurate.
Products are in stock and delivered within the advertised timeframes.
Items are of a satisfactory quality.
Customer service is satisfactory when shoppers contact Groupon about problems.
The deals website will also need to address these issues.
It's not the first time Groupon has found itself in trouble with regulators – in 2012, it agreed to change some of its business practices following an investigation by the CMA's predecessor, the Office of Fair Trading. At the time, Groupon pledged to ensure information on its website was not misleading and to comply with customers’ legal cancellation and refund rights – pledges the CMA says it may now be breaking.