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'We're sad to see Groupon SA die' - Fin24 users

Johannesburg - As the grieving process of Groupon SA begins, little did many users know that of the five stages of grief – denial, anger, depression and acceptance – ‘bargaining’ would be the most  ironic emotion. 

On Friday it was announced that the service would shut-down as of November 4, no longer offering deals to customers in South Africa. 

Scores of Fin24 and Groupon users subsequently shared their nostalgic memories of the service and mourn its passing. 

The general consensus of users could be summed up with a colon followed by an open-bracket parenthesis to make a sad face emoticon.

READ: No more deals as Groupon closes SA site

While the service never really offered baked goods but likely a discount voucher to a confectionary of some sort, Fin24 user Sthembile said that: “Groupon was the best thing after sliced bread!”

“To date, I’ve bought over 60 Groupons. I’ve been to top notch spas, traveled extensively in great hotels, ate at beautiful restaurants, bought luggage, pots, kitchen appliances, toys and online courses,” she said.

“I’m so heart broken, I don’t know how or when I’m going to get over this shock ,” she added. 

Still in the ‘bargaining’ stage of grief, Fin24 user Mark said: “I'm really sorry to hear of Groupon's demise. I have enjoyed wonderful deals from meals out to haircuts and massages to tyres for my car. DON'T GO, GROUPON!”

User Mduduzi shared his memories saying: “I have used Groupon regularly for everything from holidays to goods and services since 2012 and my last purchase was 31 October.” 

“In all instances I have never been disappointed not even once. I am at a loss for words. I will sure miss browsing deals everyday,” Mduduzi added.

Left speechless, Fin24 user Lehlogonolo said: “I am at a loss of words. I am in mourning. I’ve been a Groupon buyer for 2 years now. My latest purchase was just yesterday. Really saddened.”

Fin24 user Licia said: “This is the saddest day of my life. Why are they closing it, couldn’t they give three months’ notice? Groupon was my life, it was one stop solution for getaways, anything you can think of. What will happen to my every second week getaway? I was traveling around the world because of Groupon. They can’t do this to us, why mara’ why???”

READ: Rest in Peace Groupon SA

However it did seem Groupon was a raw deal to many, with some users not shedding a tear.

Fin24 user and business-owner Jaqui said: “My business has suffered as my deal went live yesterday (Thursday) only to have the company close the next day. I have already purchased the materials for my special…”

While user Andre said: “Good riddance! I had one of the WORST experiences with them ever! You receive no feedback from the consultants.

“My product was broken. And they refused to exchange it! Never bought from them again. They will not be missed!” he said. 

User Gerhard said: “That is fine. Groupon sounds good but when it comes to the crunch (buying goods or receiving services - especially) coupon holders are treated like third rate citizens. No tears at all!”

Meanwhile, on Twitter users made light of the closure of the service.

Read Fin24's top stories trending on Twitter:

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