Ad
Posted in Schwabbies Schwabbies

"You know that Sharper Image gift card you got for Christmas? Right now, it's worthless. And other gift cards in your wallet could lose their value, too."

Read the full article here:

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080303/ap_on_re_us/bankruptcy_gift_cards

 

You must be a member of this group to post a reply. Join

Parent Replies to "OS - You may want to think twice before buying that gift card"

RSS View 4 replies: Newest-Oldest, Oldest-Newest
Display all replies
buckaroo
buckaroo March 5, 2008
Re: OS - You may want to think twice before buying that gift card
What's worse, is often those cards charge a monthly fee if you do not use it. Thus, after a few months, it will be worthless.

Zippity
Zippity March 5, 2008
Re: OS - You may want to think twice before buying that gift card
Also it irked me to purchase a card for $50 at a grocery store only to find they charged $5 for the convenience. Sorry, will never do that again because I inquired about my purchase but was not told of this fee. They didn't like it but I am in advertising and I know there are things one should do to help the buyer, especially when the buyer asks, "why do you keep saying this American Express card is for teens, I am buying it for $50 right? Anything else I should know? can't anyone use it?" I don't care if there was a tiny sign on the aisle kiosk halfway down. I am 5'6" and it wasn't eye level or where I picked the card. I also asked what else I needed to know about the card.

After calling the better business bureau and speaking to a store manager I received my $5 fee back and a gift certificate to the store for my trouble. I was young and burned by the "buyer beware" before. Now I know if I ask and they do not inform, that is an issue.

BTW I will never purchase an American Express card again for this reason. Check any card, I was disheartened to hear some cards take the fee straight off the gift card, mine was worked into the items I also purchased that day so I did not catch it at first. Then I read the card, looked at the receipt and then called the store back. Stinky way of doing business is correct. It is no sweat off their back.
Sleepy
Sleepy March 5, 2008
Re: OS - You may want to think twice before buying that gift card
I found it interesting that someone said they felt as if they were robbed. Basically, they were, just in fine print. That is definitely a shady way of doing business.
healthy11
healthy11 March 3, 2008
Re: OS - You may want to think twice before buying that gift card
It's probably worse now, with the proliferation of gift cards, but I got "burned" even in the "old days," after my dh bought a certificate good for a "spa day" and the place went out of business before I could use it. (Admittedly, I'd held on to the certificate for over a year, but it was during the time I was caring for my ailing mother, and I didn't feel like I had time to "relax.") Bummer....
Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of GreatSchools. GreatSchools does not check for accuracy in community posts or verify the contributor’s identity. If you are searching for health-related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Community Guidelines for more details.
AD
AD
Join the community or login
Join the community or
Read our community guidelines and FAQ
Community Moderator
Email the Community Moderator for help
tracker