Can't redeem Scoopon deal due to no parking!

Lcurlycee on 08/07/2014 - 08:56

I recently purchased a deal from Scoopon for 5 visits to a play centre, which can only be redeemed in the school holidays.
Last week I went to the play centre with my kids, and found their carpark was completely full. I observed customers of the play centre parking illegally on street in 'no standing' areas, and also in the carparks of other businesses that are clearly marked for patrons of that business (not play centre customers!) I drove around for 15 minutes looking for a spot before I gave up.

After not being able to find parking, I went home and checked Scoopon to find they sold 500 vouchers for this deal, which means that there are 2500 visits to be redeemed in a 2 week period. I really think that this was a stupid idea.

I emailed Scoopon for a refund. They have refused it, saying it is 'change of mind', and the play centre are still honouring the deal and allowing customers to enter. I also have to wonder, if the parking situation is so bad, how overcrowded it must be inside the centre.

I think it is really unethical to sell so many vouchers for a deal that the parking situation is such that it cannot be redeemed. Unless I get there right on opening time I suppose….However if the deal said, 'must be redeemed at 9am', then I wouldn't have purchased it.

What do you all think? Do I just give up on the $9?

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  • Peck on 08/07/2014 - 09:24
    +6

    Yep, unless there is an alternative transport option, just cut your losses. Non-availability of parking is not really a condition for a refund.

  • curlycee on 08/07/2014 - 09:47

    Thanks peck. Do you still think so, even if they sold so many vouchers that it resulted in this situation?
    Makes me wonder about what reasonable effort they would need to take to consider how many deals they can sell with the parking that the centre has available.
    I thought when I purchased that I would be able to park, I've never had such an issue with a group buying deal before.
    I want to redeem the voucher. I will go back again today and see if I can get a parking spot.

  • Smulder on 08/07/2014 - 10:21

    Is public transport an option?

  • frondono on 08/07/2014 - 10:22

    at the end of the day it's only $9

    you win some, you lose some

    it might be worth ringing the centre and explaining your problem, as most businesses generally do care about their customers problems. Or just go when it opens or within an hour and you should be right

  • superklue on 08/07/2014 - 12:36

    Have your significant other drop you and your kids there for a couple of hours?

  • juventino on 08/07/2014 - 12:59
    +6

    the parking is not included in the deal, it is your responsibility, not theirs

  • Pooky1 on 08/07/2014 - 14:24

    I would go as soon as they opened in the morning or late afternoon when all the little kids have left for their naps! My closest play centre has this issue all year round I just have to avoid peak times and weekends/school holidays. I wouldnt buy a deal for school holidays as it is chaos.

  • curlycee on 08/07/2014 - 18:21
    +1

    Ok thanks everyone, glad I asked as it's given me a different viewpoint.

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