GENERAL FAQ’s

 

What is GroupSkoop?

GroupSkoop is a virtual marketplace for one-of-a-kind and customized consumer goods, art, services and much more.  We give you fingertip access to unique finds by creative minds.

 

This is a marketplace where you can find unique, individually provided or produced goods and services. Sellers are creative and entrepreneurial types who don’t have any other platform to advertise their goods.

 

What is a Skoop?

Deals that have been approved to be “Skoop Worthy” that have passed our curation process, which means only the most unique and creative discounted products or services are up for grabs.

 

How long do deals run?

The power is YOURS! Seller creates, describes and determines the price, minimum benchmark, maximum allowable to be sold, policies, and how long the ad can run (1-7 days). GroupSkoop takes a small percentage of all sales made. No upfront costs whatsoever! Once your deal becomes “Skoop Worthy” and transactions are made, GroupSkoop takes a few cents on the dollar for lunch money and the rest is all yours!

 

What happens if a deal doesn't reach its required minimum number of purchasers? 

It is like it never happened.  It ends. The seller reserves the right to initiate that deal.

 

 

BUYERS

 

How much time do I have to use my Skoop? 

Our sellers set the expiration terms on each Skoop. The date will be listed on both the original Skoop and on your certificate. 

 

How do I use my Skoop? 

Once you’ve purchased a Skoop, you will be issued a certificate with your Skoop number.  Just contact the seller via the instructions provided to you by the seller on the Skoop itself and on the certificate. You can also contact the seller via the GroupSkoop system to set the details of the exchange. 

Can I buy a gift for someone else?

Absolutely! Any limits on number of items available are set by the seller. 

 

Am I billed as soon as I choose a Skoop?   

No, you will only be billed if the Skoop meets the minimum buying requirement set by the seller.  Once that threshold has been met, the Skoop is a go.

 

Does GroupSkoop validate sellers? 

Yes. GroupSkoop contracts with a third-party company to confirm the identity of each seller by cross checking their contact information against consumer and business databases. The ID Verification process is required for all sellers and helps establish proof of identity, which helps Skoopers feel confident purchasing and ensures the quality of goods and services GroupSkoop is known for.

 

What happens if my Skoop expires?  

Since the expiration date is printed on the certificate and GroupSkoop will alert you to expiring deals within the system, this won’t happen.  Please refer to our refund policy:

 

What about your return policy?

Due to the nature of our products or services, each seller is responsible to provide their customers with refund and return policies. GroupSkoop cannot accept returns except in very special circumstances. If you are, in any way, not satisfied with your purchase, please contact the seller first. If you’re still unhappy, contact us and we will work on making it right. We want all of our customers to be happy customers!

 

How do I leave feedback for a Seller? 

Once you’ve completed a transaction with a seller, you will be given the opportunity to leave feedback on the experience in your GroupSkoop account. Click the feedback button and all contacts that are available to feedback will be listed. 

 

Can I buy Skoops outside my own geographic area?

Absolutely! Just search under National deals for sellers that are willing to ship.  Skoop away.

 

What payment methods do you accept?  

We accept all major credit cards including VISA, Mastercard, and American Express.

 

Is my personal information safe?  

Yes we employ all the latest levels of internet security.  Your information is secure and we do not share emails.

 

How do I make a purchase? 

Sign up with GroupSkoop, find a Skoop you like, purchase the Skoop and once the minimums are reached, follow the instructions and enjoy your new goodies.

 

How do I redeem my purchase? 

Once a Skoop has ended, contact the seller via the instructions provided to you by the seller on the Skoop itself and on the certificate. You can also contact the seller via GroupSkoop system to set the details of the exchange.  Provide your Skoop certificate number and you’re done.

 

How quickly can I use my voucher?

Skoop certificates are valid the day after you receive your voucher.  

 

When will my voucher expire? 

Sellers set their own expiration parameters, which are printed on the Skoop certificate. 

 

What if I don't use the entire value of my Skoop? Can I use the remainder later?   Skoops are one deal/one seller. It is up to the seller to allow you to split the Skoop into parts.

 

Are Skoop’s transferable?

Skoops are redeemable within GroupSkoop by the purchaser or the recipient of the voucher only, however where and how you get the goods or services is between you and the seller.

 

Can I purchase an expired deal that was posted yesterday?  

Once a deal has expired, it is over.  However, with GroupSkoop’s Follow function, you can follow the seller and be ready to go when they post another Skoop.

 

What happens if an offer is sold out? 

Once a deal has met the minimum, it is up to the seller how many they can manage.  Unique finds often come in limited quantities.  If the seller has more, then they can up their maximum at anytime.

 

 

SELLERS

 

“What it takes” to be a GroupSkoop Seller? AKA What we looking for

GroupSkoop is a marketplace for creative, yet business-minded individuals seeking an audience for their unique products and services.  Simply put, we avoid offering large brands, mass-produced items or household name products. We are a community for the 21^st century consumer looking for homegrown quality and value.

 

In the sea of group buying sites and online deals, how do you know if GroupSkoop is the place for your business?  If you are an entrepreneur creating or offering goods and services uncommonly found online or in retail establishment, GroupSkoop is a fit. 

 

If you have a very limited supply of handmade goods or you are a witchdoctor who cures headaches and removes bullets with Rambo knives, your offer is most likely Skoop Worthy.  If you’re still not sure this is the place for your wares, check out the “What it takes” section for sellers or you can contact us and we can help you figure out what is best. 

 

How do I set up my first Skoop? 

We’ve tried to make this as easy as possible whether you’re a C++ programmer or newbie to the cyber universe. Click the MY STUFF tab at the top of the page and this will take you to your account dashboard. You’ll see My Deals on the left tool bar. Click this and add away. For additional help, follow the tips on the right side of the text fields. You will be asked to provide item details to add a new Skoop. Feel free to contact customer care at support@groupskoop.com for additional questions.

 

 

I’ve submitted my Skoop for review, what now?

Congratulations, you’re almost there. In order to ensure that our buyers get the best of the best, we have an approval process for Skoops.  Now before you think you’re being held down by the man, the reason we do this is to ensure that all Skoops jive with our underlying mantra: providing buyers unique items or services from creative minds. Our process is democratic and we strive to work together and resolve any issues with your offering.

 

I’ve been approved. Now what? 

Once you’ve gotten the green light, the ball is in your court. You set the Skoop's launch date and duration. 

 

My Skoop is published, how do I monitor my sales? 

Our seller panel under the Manage Sales section will allow you to monitor your Skoop's success. It will show you vital statistics in real time as the Skoop runs and account for total sales at its conclusion.

 

Can I cancel a Skoop? 

All Skoops go through an extensive approval process and only go live when you publish. Once a Skoop has been published, it cannot be cancelled.

 

How can I sell my wares on GroupSkoop? 

It’s easy!  Set up a seller account, go through the validation process, create your Skoop and start selling.  You set the minimums, you set the time frame and you keep the power.

 

How does GroupSkoop pay its sellers after deals are sold?  

Once a Skoop ends, sellers are paid, less GroupSkoop fees, when the certificate numbers are entered into the system and a check is requested.

 

What is a certificate number?  

When a buyer purchases a Skoop, a certificate is issued with a unique number identifying the transaction. This is the number used by the buyer to initiate transfer of product with the seller.  Each certificate has a unique redemption number attached.

 

My Skoop has ended and I met my minimum. Now what? 

Now that your Skoop is done, get ready for your customers. Each will have a numerically-coded Skoop voucher. 

 

Buyers will redeem Skoops in compliance with your instructions. In turn, you will provide this number on the Manage Sales page of your Seller Dashboard. Once GroupSkoop has this number in our system, your check is sent and you receive electronic confirmation of this via e-mail.

 

Tracking your receivables is easy. Visit “Track Payments” for a status check.

 

Ok but how soon do I get my money? 

Once you’ve entered the valid certificate numbers into the system, the payment process will initiate.  GroupSkoop releases funds up to 14 days after payments are collected.

 

How do Feedback ratings work? 

Once a Skoop transaction has completed, both buyer and seller can leave feedback about their experience.  You can only leave feedback where a transaction has occurred. Mention that a seller must keep a high rating to continue selling on GroupSkoop so providing feedback is crucial.

 

What items are prohibited to be sold on GroupSkoop?  

All offers posted on GroupSkoop must compy with all applicable laws and regulations. Don't post anything that is not legal to sell.

 

You can offer to sell just about anything on GroupSkoop, but there are some things that are not allowed. For example:

• Sexual activity of any kind or obtaining goods or services for purposes of sexual gratification is prohibited. However, delivery of sexual health items such as contraception is permitted.

• Drugs, alcohol or tobacco products, including prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia (rolling papers, pipes, etc.) or other controlled substances are prohibited.

• Anything related to weapons or unlawful activity is prohibited. This includes soliciting, inducing or encouraging illegal acts or requesting goods or services in furtherance of a crime.

 

More specifically, we do not permit the listing of any of the following items on GroupSkoop:

 

• Animals, plants and insects that are regulated or prohibited for sale under applicable laws.
• Blood, bodily fluids and body parts.
• Embargoed goods.
• Items designed to be used to commit a crime including not without limitation burglary tools, false identification and items used to manufacture illegal explosives or controlled substances.
• Material that infringes copyrights, trademarks or other third party rights.
• Counterfeit or fraudulent items.
• Obscene material, child pornography or material that is harmful to minors.
• Prescription drugs, medical devices, controlled substances, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia.
• Nonprescription drugs that make false or misleading claims that might require FDA approval.
• Services or merchandise that promote hatred and violence against specific groups of people.
• Services that are illegal including without limitation prostitution.
• Stocks and other securities.
• Stolen goods or property with serial number removed or altered.
• Weapons (including but not limited to firearms, martial arts weapons, silencers, ammunition, disguised or switchblade knives, BB guns, stun guns or tear gas) and weapons parts.
• Fireworks.
• Items containing hazardous substances or pesticides.
• Content that can intentionally or unintentionally violate any applicable local, state, national or international law, or any regulations having the force of law, including the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.