Quote:
Originally posted by Eclipse
For me gift cards are a little better than cash because it's easier for me to just "spend" the cash on stupid stuff...
|
You took the words out of my mouth. Cash is always cool, but it's nice to know that someone knows me well enough to know where I like to shop. Honestly, I can wear out a Wal-Mart or Target card because I can get basic life items there, but you can also splurge on CDs, PC software, electronics, etc. Rich's is also a good choice becuase it's definitely not a discount place, but most people can appreciate the store.
Quote:
Originally posted by Eclipse
Biggest drawback to gift cards vs cash: EXPIRATION DATES!!...I read in a recent newspaper article that unredeemed gift cards are a major money maker for department store. In addition to expiration dates, many cards have monthly fees if you do not use them by a certain point. For what?? It's not like they really have to DO anything, plus they are getting the money interest free!
|
That is some raggedy mess, but these coroporations are in the business of making money. I used to work in a customer service call center for a big retailer, and the best advice is to read the back of the card, call a store or company office, or visit the website for clarity. Everyone doesn't charge fees, and some companies, i.e. Barnes & Noble, even stopped charging fees in response to the public's outrage to those practices. Honestly, I can see letting a Bloomingdale's or Nordstrom's card lapse because everyone doesn't shop there everyday. Wal-Mart or Target...?
No sympathy.