I like photography, anyone who knows this blog knows that. I also like a bargain, which is why I subscribe to Groupon. Every morning, the Groupon e-mails are the first ones I scan to check for bargains; I'm particularly fond of those related to photo products because some of them are excellent opportunities.

I've previously blogged about our experience with a photography studio and started to tell us that as Groupon customers we were only entitled to a certain service. When I stood my ground, he backed down and quite rightly so. It doesn't matter where the custom has come from, a customer is a customer!

My mum mentioned in the middle of August that she'd like some canvasses made and I immediately popped over to Groupon to see what offers they had available. I purchased this one from You Frame on August 19th of last year. At only £12 a canvas, it was a bargain indeed.

Only bargains are not always what they seem. You see, it's not the fault of Groupon, more of the businesses who submit their offers without any real intent in fulfilling them.

Mum and I placed the order for the canvasses on 18th November and we were fairly confident that these would arrive in time for Christmas to give as gifts.

How wrong we were.

When I e-mailed them more than a week before Christmas to ask when it was coming, I had this reply:

Further to your recent communication with us, we would like to apologise for any delays you may have experienced with your order.

Due to huge demand for our special offers, we have experienced some delays with production.

Please be advised, we are now dealing with your request and your photo canvas will be printed within the next 14 working days.

That was 13 days ago.

Today, I had another e-mail from them:

Thank you for your email received and I am very sorry for the delay in our reply.

We have been and still are dealing with an exceptionally high amount of orders and this has caused more of a delay than we anticipated.  However, I can confirm that your orders are in production and should be despatched within the next 14 days.  I can only apologise for the delay and any inconvenience that this may have caused.

Thank you for your patience, we do very much appreciate it.

With the original apologetic e-mail promising it to be with us within 14 days and that deadline ending tomorrow, I'm guessing that it's not going to be here?

You Frame are currently promising Groupon vouchers a 21 day turn around on their orders.

Personally, I wouldn't hold your breath!