Menu
16/03/2012
Groupon Issued Deadline For Changes
Voucher company Groupon has been set a three-month deadline to improve its operations by a UK regulator.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) carried out an investigation, which found “widespread” examples of breaches of protection rules.
The OFT specified concerns over “pricing, advertising, refunds, unfair items, and the diligence of its interactions with merchants”.
Groupon is the trading name of MyCityDeal Ltd. They negotiate discounts with businesses, which it then emails to its customers outlining the various deals on offer each day.
If enough of people then sign up to the offer, they can then present a voucher to the trader and benefit from the advertised discount.
Concerns however have been raised about the exaggeration of some of the discounts offered and the time limit attached to taking up the offer.
In one case, the Advertising Standards Authority said it had found that there was no evidence that advertised deals were available. This included deals claiming that consumers could buy a bouquet of flowers for £8 and that they could take advantage of an "all you can eat in London for £3" offer.
Groupon has agreed to implement changes to ensure customers trust in the service.
The OFT warned Groupon that it would monitor complaints closely and that any breach of the undertakings could lead to court enforcement orders.
(H)
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) carried out an investigation, which found “widespread” examples of breaches of protection rules.
The OFT specified concerns over “pricing, advertising, refunds, unfair items, and the diligence of its interactions with merchants”.
Groupon is the trading name of MyCityDeal Ltd. They negotiate discounts with businesses, which it then emails to its customers outlining the various deals on offer each day.
If enough of people then sign up to the offer, they can then present a voucher to the trader and benefit from the advertised discount.
Concerns however have been raised about the exaggeration of some of the discounts offered and the time limit attached to taking up the offer.
In one case, the Advertising Standards Authority said it had found that there was no evidence that advertised deals were available. This included deals claiming that consumers could buy a bouquet of flowers for £8 and that they could take advantage of an "all you can eat in London for £3" offer.
Groupon has agreed to implement changes to ensure customers trust in the service.
The OFT warned Groupon that it would monitor complaints closely and that any breach of the undertakings could lead to court enforcement orders.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 May 2004
Pinewood Shepperton share offer promises £46m
The share launch by UK film studio complex Pinewood Shepperton on the London Stock Exchange today was expected to net £46.2 million, but the oversubscribed share offer promises to net the company much more. The studios, home to Harry Potter and James Bond film productions, announced today that the shares had been launched at 180 pence each.
Pinewood Shepperton share offer promises £46m
The share launch by UK film studio complex Pinewood Shepperton on the London Stock Exchange today was expected to net £46.2 million, but the oversubscribed share offer promises to net the company much more. The studios, home to Harry Potter and James Bond film productions, announced today that the shares had been launched at 180 pence each.
03 March 2011
ITV Profits Gets X Factor Boost
There has been a major profits surge for the commercial broadcaster, ITV. It has reported that pre-tax profit almost tripled last year to £321m thanks to a market-beating 16% boost in TV ad revenues, but its programme making division struggled as earnings dropped more than 10%. ITV reported total revenues up 10% to £2.
ITV Profits Gets X Factor Boost
There has been a major profits surge for the commercial broadcaster, ITV. It has reported that pre-tax profit almost tripled last year to £321m thanks to a market-beating 16% boost in TV ad revenues, but its programme making division struggled as earnings dropped more than 10%. ITV reported total revenues up 10% to £2.
28 January 2010
New ITV Chief Appointed
Adam Crozier has been appointed Chief Executive at ITV. Mr Crozier is the current head of Royal Mail, having earlier presided over the Football Association. ITV boss Michael Grade announced his intentions to stand down as Executive Chairman of the broadcaster in April.
New ITV Chief Appointed
Adam Crozier has been appointed Chief Executive at ITV. Mr Crozier is the current head of Royal Mail, having earlier presided over the Football Association. ITV boss Michael Grade announced his intentions to stand down as Executive Chairman of the broadcaster in April.
22 September 2009
Search For ITV Boss Stalls Over Pay
It has emerged that salary concerns are holding back a bid by ITV to find a new boss. Their attempt to hire a new Chief Executive is stalling over the preferred candidate - said by the Daily Telegraph to be the former BSkyB boss Tony Ball - who is asking for a deal worth £30m over five years.
Search For ITV Boss Stalls Over Pay
It has emerged that salary concerns are holding back a bid by ITV to find a new boss. Their attempt to hire a new Chief Executive is stalling over the preferred candidate - said by the Daily Telegraph to be the former BSkyB boss Tony Ball - who is asking for a deal worth £30m over five years.
06 August 2008
ITV Cuts Prompted By 'Flat' Advertising Revenue
ITV is to cut costs by an additional £35 million per year by 2010, following expectations that advertising revenue will fall to 20% in September compared to last year.
ITV Cuts Prompted By 'Flat' Advertising Revenue
ITV is to cut costs by an additional £35 million per year by 2010, following expectations that advertising revenue will fall to 20% in September compared to last year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
