Another Disappointment with Groupon
For Pride week, Rachel, the lovely president of Stern's LGBT organization (Outclass) organized a Mani-Pedi evening at Dashing Diva with a Champagne toast.
We ended up having a lovely time (it is the company not the location that counts most) but now....let me rant!
Melissa, Sydnee and Rachel - Stern Hotties
My friend Melissa is the Deal Queen - she always knows of the hottest offers on Gilt, LivingSocial, Groupon, etc. She mentioned she was purchasing the pedicure deal on Groupon for Dashing Diva (http://www.dashingdiva.com/DashingDivaStore/t-uslocation002.aspx). The offer was for a Marine Spa Manicure or Marine Spa Pedicure - it involved saving money, so I was interested!
Naturally, because it was Groupon, there was A LOT OF FINE PRINT! The manicure deal Mon-Wed was $13 and any other day of the week $19 ($26 value). The pedicure deal Mon-Wed was $27 and any other day of the week $35 ($55 value). We purchased the $35 pedicure, since the event was on a Thursday.
We read in the fine print of the deal that you cannot use the deal if you are in a group of 3+ people. We were also required to make an appointment, so we called to make one separate from the larger group. Shockingly, when we tried to book the appointment, we were told NO! Why? Because the "entire salon" was booked for the Pride event (which wasn't true). Ugh, ANNOYING.
We contacted Groupon for a full refund (was easy to do so - thank goodness) and just went to get a normal pedicure with a 10% NYU student discount. It ended up being still very pricey (over $30!) and didn't seem like the work reflected the cost. I went more to support Rachel and Outclass for Pride Week than for the "deal" - I certainly won't be going back - too many affordable/fantastic spots in the city!
Cheers!
Liz