Groupon "Pauses" TFT Promotion

[TempusFugit]

They're doing you a favor. I wouldn't go near Groupon long before this. Not all businesses are principled.

 

[Glockowner]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your submission! Although we typically respond to most emails in less than 24 hours, we're running a little behind right now. You should hear from us in about 48 hours. Sorry in advance for the delay!

Regards,
Groupon Support

This was my response when I sent them a message showing my disapproval. Glad to see that they are receiving enough negative feedback that it has them slowed down.

 

[jstrahl]

I sent close to the same thing Shoots4Fun did. I'll make sure to let my girlfriend know and she'll probably send something in too.

 

[LockStocksAndBarrel]

Cancelled and told them why.

 

[GuyRelford]

I've advertised with Groupon in the past and just the other day I received an email about our next deal. I am not currently locked into any agreement with them but would like to send a notice to stop contacting me based on the grounds that I do not agree with their policy.

Guy, since you have a way with words... would you be so kind to draft a letter that I may forward to my sales rep? Feel free to mention TFT and or any other company affected by this new stance they have. I want them to know that its not only the cash customer they have lost, but also the partners (Retailers) that are not affiliated with the Firearms industry.

I'm sure that there are several companies that would take a stand with you against Groupon and would benefit from such a letter.

Done! PM sent.

 

[looney2ns]

Outstanding Guy, thanks for all you do.

 

[Ripper]

I sent it to all of my sales reps, they seem to go through them like crazy. So Jacky, Devin, Jaclyn and the Merchant Services Mailer all got the same message!

Thanks for putting that together for me Guy. It's like you were in my head or something?

 

[GuyRelford]

I sent it to all of my sales reps, they seem to go through them like crazy. So Jacky, Devin, Jaclyn and the Merchant Services Mailer all got the same message!

Thanks for putting that together for me Guy. It's like you were in my head or something?

My pleasure!!

 

[Loc n load]

Boycott groupon

There was a gun shop owner / trainer on Fox last night, he was from Austin, Tx. Groupon had backed out on him as well, and he was quite angry.
He was running CC classes and they had cancelled out on him and told him the same thing.

 

[Dirtebiker]

I've sent a message to Groupon to cancel my subscription, explained why, and asked them to acknowledge my email.

ETA: Hi Chris,

Thanks for your submission! Although we typically respond to most emails in less than 24 hours, we're running a little behind right now. You should hear from us in about 48 hours. Sorry in advance for the delay!

Regards,
Groupon Support
support@groupon.com

Message-Id:FCY3V6RE_5101bf407f030_6ee85f00785954a1_sprut

Edit:
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us.

We understand that this is a sensitive topic, and that some of our customers may not agree with our choice to pause the promotion of firearm-related deals. Groupon has always aimed to offer a diverse range of products and services to meet the various tastes and interests of our subscribers. However, at this time, enough customers and merchants have voiced their opinions that we believe a hiatus is warranted.

Please note that we have never sold guns, and this hiatus only applies to firearm-related deals including shooting ranges, clay pigeon shooting, and concealed weapons training classes. We have not made a final determination regarding this category -- we are simply taking a break and may reevaluate in the future.

Per your request, I've unsubscribed this email address. You will stop receiving Groupon promotional emails within 48 hours.

We genuinely appreciate your opinion and the feedback you've given us. I'll be sure to share your comments with the appropriate people.

Regards,*

DeAndré
Groupon Customer Support

I can't imagine they have had more "customers and merchants (who) have voiced their opinions" against "gun" promotions as they have/will from the pro-gun people!
We need to flood them with emails and cancellations!

 

[9MillSBR]

I would also like to let you all know that this morning on my drive into work the morning guy Todd on X103's morning show made a comment about the decision that Groupon has made dealing with firearm related purchases and activities. Making a jokingly remark, "what is it a buy one get one free coupon ?"

He then said, but good news to everyone who was affected there is another website that you can go to for your firearm deals, its called "Living Anti-social" in reference to the site "Living Social". Not sure exactly what he was going for and i know someone else had to of heard this... it kind of chapped my ass the way he said it in a derogatory way..

 

[mk2ja]

Here's my letter:

Dear Groupon,

I recently learned of your decision to terminate all offers which are in any way related to firearms, without regard to whether they support "gun violence" or contribute to personal and societal safety, citing that they are "not a fit right now."

For example, I heard about your treatment of Guy Relford's agency, Tactical Firearms Training, LLC. Mr. Relford's work is incredibly valuable to responsible citizens seeking to learn how to reduce "gun violence" in Indiana, and your decision to pull his deals is unfortunate… for you.

Upon learning of this, I immediately decided to terminate my Groupon account. I will also be advising my family, friends, fellow gun owners, and fellow supporters of the American free market and capitalism to likewise terminate their Groupon accounts.

I waited long enough to submit this report because it is important that you know why you are losing this customer. I will be closing the account following this submission.

If you decide to reverse your opinion, please feel free to notify me <my.email>, and I'll be happy to reconsider the situation and evaluate if we are still "not a fit right now."

Respectfully,
mk2ja
Second Lieutenant
United States Marine Corps

 

[Scoutmom]

Just told them to stop my subscription and that they are irresponsible.

 

[Ambu]

I'm anxiously awaiting to see Groupon's response

 

[rabbitdave]

Response from Unconstitutional Business Practices

Here is the response I got from Groupon when I told them I can not support any company that does not support the 2nd Amendment.

Hi David,
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us. I've unsubscribed this email address and removed your Groupon account.
We understand that this is a sensitive topic, and that some of our customers may not agree with our choice to pause the promotion of firearm-related deals. Groupon has always aimed to offer a diverse range of products and services to meet the various tastes and interests of our subscribers. However, at this time, enough customers and merchants have voiced their opinions that we believe a hiatus is warranted.
Please note that we have never sold guns, and Groupons you've already purchased are still valid. This hiatus only applies to firearm-related deals including shooting ranges, clay pigeon shooting, and concealed weapons training classes. We have not made a final determination regarding this category -- we are simply taking a break and may reevaluate in the future.
We genuinely appreciate your opinion and the feedback you've given us. I'll be sure to share your comments with the appropriate people.
Regards,
Daniel B
Groupon Customer Support​

I hope Groupon goes way of other businesses that have stood against the 2nd Amendments like K-Mart. Dicks sporting goods is not far behind. Hope they notice the gun and ammo sales at Gander Mountain and Walmart.

Let your money do the voting and support businesses that support the 2nd.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

Trying to help out...Here's the comment I sent along; a little more terse than some as I don't think they'll take the time to read very long messages...hopefully it gets the point across though.

I have recently heard of Groupon's revised policy regarding deals associated with the legal use of firearms, accessories, training, etc. Like the vast, vast majority of gun owners, I am a law abiding citizen that has never used a firearm for any nefarious reason. Your new policy greatly insults and offends me. I respectfully, but assertively, request that you promptly reconsider and rescind this new policy. Thank you.

 

[AndersonIN]

Just received another Groupon in my email. Hey something I noticed is that when you click on the offer you can usually go to the web page of the company offering the savings.

I recommend going to these company pages and let them know why they will not be getting any consideration from you for using their company or products.

Let's see if we can't get a few more companies on our side and upset with Groupon.

Got my first reply:

Good morning Mr. ####. Just to inform you that this is groupons policy and not ours. We did not know that this was on groupon. We do sincerely hope you will visit us again as this is not something we told groupon to do. Sincerely, Chef Mike

Chef Mike's Charcoal Grill
7102 Woodland Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46278
(317)295-9490
Fax (317) 295-8825
http://www.chefmikescharcoalgrill.com

I put in the bold/red of course!

 

[Classic]

Here is my comment to Groupon:

I was very disappointed to hear that you are halting all gun-related promotions, including those involving firearms training and gun ranges. These are legitimate and safe activities and in my humble opinion you have no reason to blame individuals engaged in these activities for the wrongdoing of criminals and psychopaths. Personally I am offended, as I am sure are the other millions of legal and law abiding firearms owners in this country, by your actions. As long as you continue this policy I will personally see to it that no one in my household ever uses a Groupon for anything and will encourage all of my friends and relatives to do the same.

Here is the weak response I got to the email I sent to them:

Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us.
We understand that this is a sensitive topic, and that some of our customers may not agree with our choice to pause the promotion of firearm-related deals. Groupon has always aimed to offer a diverse range of products and services to meet the various tastes and interests of our subscribers. However, at this time, enough customers and merchants have voiced their opinions that we believe a hiatus is warranted.
Please note that we have never sold guns, and this hiatus only applies to firearm-related deals including shooting ranges, clay pigeon shooting, and concealed weapons training classes. We have not made a final determination regarding this category -- we are simply taking a break and may reevaluate in the future.
We genuinely appreciate your opinion and the feedback you've given us. I'll be sure to share your comments with the appropriate people.
Regards,
Amanda T.
Groupon Customer Support

 

[GuyRelford]

I received a response from Groupon:

[SIZE=+0]Guy,

I am reaching out to you in response to an email that you sent to Groupon regarding the company's decision to stop running "gun" deals at this time. We've been testing this category for the [SIZE=+0]p[/SIZE]ast 8 months and have decided that these deals do not currently work for us. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]We frequently review our policies to ensure we have our both consumer and merchant experiences as a top priority. Several types of deals have been restricted as a result of this process. This was not a decision that targeted any specific type of merchant.[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] [/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=+0] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=+0]Groupon at no point terminated its contract with TFT. According to the contract, Groupon reserves the right to discontinue promoting any merchant offering at any time. This is the course of action that Groupon has taken regarding its "gun" deals. All Groupon vouchers are still valid and any payments scheduled for you are still set to be delivered on time. Groupon fully expects for you to uphold the agreement as agreed upon. Your deal with Groupon is still in good standing, no refunds have been given, and all customers who still wish to redeem their vouchers should be allowed to under the terms of the agreement.

At no point during this process has Groupon attached TFT to gun violence and defamed your business in any way. Groupon has not taken a stance that is pro or anti-guns at anytime. The decision to pause certain types of deals, including "gun" deals were simply business related decisions.
[/SIZE]
Please let me know if you have any questions of concerns.

Thanks!
Nick Mendelke
Escalations Specialist

And here is my reply:

You misunderstand my email. Initially, you need not merely "pause" TFT's promotion, because TFT is terminating its agreement with Groupon pursuant to paragraph 2 of the agreement, which allows either party to terminate upon written notice.

Although TFT could terminate for any reason, the basis for our termination is that Groupon has, in our opinion, breached the agreement by failing to promote the voucher program as contemplated by the entire agreement while also failing to properly terminate the agreement as provided in paragraph 2.

In addition, your assertions that Groupon is not being "anti-guns" and that Groupon has not "targeted any specific type of merchant" are insulting to anyone of reasonable intelligence. You state specifically that you are taking action with respect to your current "gun deals." That sounds like a "specific type of merchant" to me - as it does to millions of other lawful gun owners across this country.

And your statement that Groupon "has not attached TFT to gun violence" is patently incorrect, because Groupon's salesperson, Rebecca Nottingham, specifically identified the reason that Groupon was "pausing" TFT's promotion as being "feedback from customers who have been personally affected by gun violence." If there was no attachment between "gun violence" and TFT, why is there a need to pause our promotion? Again, your protestations to the contrary defy common sense.

And just to be clear - TFT has never stated or implied that we will not honor any and all vouchers sold to date. Of course, we will continue to honor all such vouchers and to otherwise abide by the agreement between TFT and Groupon -- because unlike Groupon, TFT actually honors its contractual commitments.

As an "escalations specialist," I would expect you to be aware of this already, but just in case you're not - you should know that millions of gun owners are as outraged as I am, and we plan to take action. We are doing this on two levels - we are organizing boycotts of Groupon and encouraging all others to cancel their subscriptions to Groupon. In addition, we will be contacting merchants who are featured in Groupon promotions and advising them that, by doing business with Groupon, they are associating themselves with an organization that has declared itself to be hostile to the Constitutional rights of all Americans, and we, as law-abiding, gun-owning American citizens, will take their relationship with Groupon into account when we make our purchasing decisions.

You see, Nick - just as Groupon gets to decide with whom it will and will not do business, so do we.

Guy
----------------
Guy A. Relford
Attorney at Law
President and Chief Instructor, Tactical Firearms Training, LLC
Director and Chief Range Safety Officer, Eagle Creek Pistol Range

 

[the1kidd03]

All I can say is.... OO-F'n-RAH!!!!