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Is there a point to "recharging" gift cards?

Rock Hydra

Rock Hydra

Diamond Member
I see that gift cards like at Wal Mart, Exxon, etc. are "rechargable" by putting more money on them...is there really a point or advantage over using cash or a credit/debit card instead. I've looked at some of the cards and they don't seem to have any incentives to re-use them printed on the card. Does anyone know about this?
 
There is a point, having just purchased a gift card solution for my company I can tell you that it is for the retailer and not for the consumer. For one they save money on additional cards which cost is just over .50 usd. Also, it gives the idea to the consumer to add more money and give it as a gift to someone else. It doesnt always work that way but each time it does we not only get another gift card sale but we also had $.00 in it since its the same card
 
Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
There is a point, having just purchased a gift card solution for my company I can tell you that it is for the retailer and not for the consumer. For one they save money on additional cards which cost is just over .50 usd. Also, it gives the idea to the consumer to add more money and give it as a gift to someone else. It doesnt always work that way but each time it does we not only get another gift card sale but we also had $.00 in it since its the same card
Click to expand...

see marketing ploy

"Lets make a shnazy name for us saving money!"
 
Gift cards in general are a major profit center for retailers:

They get your money up front with no immediate cost to them (except for the cost of the card). Sort of an interest-free loan
Some people lose their cards and don't bother attempting to get a replacement.
Some people forget about the cards entirely.
Some people never spend the full value of the card. They may throw it away with a few dollars left on it.

It all adds up. I would love to know what the average percentage of a gift card's value is ever redeemed.
 
nno point. i get them allthe time to starbucks form my sisters work. i go in and use them and when they are depleted the ppl alwyaas ask me "do you want to keep it, maybe for sentimental value?" as a joke of course and i say no so the throw them away, if you ever change your mind you can get aa new one
 
Originally posted by: alkemyst
for those without credit/debit cards there is.
Click to expand...

It will the day stores stop taking cash. Til then... it's to the company's advantage, not the consumers.

 
Originally posted by: DrPizza
Originally posted by: alkemyst
for those without credit/debit cards there is.
Click to expand...

It will the day stores stop taking cash. Til then... it's to the company's advantage, not the consumers.
Click to expand...

Sometimes explained simple concepts is difficult to this so-called above average intelligence crowd:

A lot of older people esp do not want to carry cash, they find it dangerous. Also they cannot write so quickly and do not want to be a check writing burden on other's in line.

A lot of poorer/maybe not so legal people do not have bank accounts and also don't want to carry cash due to the dangers of walking around with it.

Guadamaline (sp) people here in S. Florida with it's argiculture areas are constantly mugged as it's known a high percentage of the males usually they carry their cash on them.

I can go on about the advantages that could be had...I personally do not need those advantages.

I also hope you aren't the kind of doofus that brings cash to a car dealership thinking you can get a better price than your own bank draft. The dealer always ends up with 'cash' no matter how you pay...if anything it's in their best interest to push their own financing.
 
Originally posted by: AaronB
Gift cards in general are a major profit center for retailers:

They get your money up front with no immediate cost to them (except for the cost of the card). Sort of an interest-free loan
Some people lose their cards and don't bother attempting to get a replacement.
Some people forget about the cards entirely.
Some people never spend the full value of the card. They may throw it away with a few dollars left on it.

It all adds up. I would love to know what the average percentage of a gift card's value is ever redeemed.
Click to expand...

These are good examples of the reason they aren't 'smart' for the average consumer.
 
Originally posted by: Mike
Originally posted by: feralkid
Originally posted by: Mike
Originally posted by: feralkid
Originally posted by: alkemyst
for those without credit/debit cards there is.
Click to expand...

How so?
Click to expand...

allows you to order online
Click to expand...



You mean a gift card for each and every store you shop at online?
Click to expand...

If you don't have a CC/Debit, what is your other option?
Click to expand...

A prepaid visa or mastercard from sites such as ecount, obopay, Amex travel cards, many others to choose from. They don't require credit checks and can be used anywhere.
 
Originally posted by: feralkid
Originally posted by: Mike
Originally posted by: feralkid
Originally posted by: Mike
Originally posted by: feralkid
Originally posted by: alkemyst
for those without credit/debit cards there is.
Click to expand...

How so?
Click to expand...

allows you to order online
Click to expand...



You mean a gift card for each and every store you shop at online?
Click to expand...

If you don't have a CC/Debit, what is your other option?
Click to expand...

A prepaid visa or mastercard from sites such as ecount, obopay, Amex travel cards, many others to choose from. They don't require credit checks and can be used anywhere.
Click to expand...

Ok...still doesn't really discount the point.
 
I love gift cards. You take money, which amounts to a universal gift card, and severely limit its buying power by restricting it to a single retailer. This somehow adds value to the money. 😕
 
I do with my walmart one because I get a extra 3 cents knocked off my gas using it. I'm usually buying gas there when I go because they are the cheapest and then they are cheaper with 3 more cents taken off using the wally card.
Other then that, I don't "recharge" any other or it for any other reason.
 
Some retailers, like Wal-Mart, also have a gas-station alongside them. I know that the Wal-Mart in our area offers discounts at it's gas-station if you use a Wal-Mart/Sam's Club giftcard.
 
Originally posted by: Jeff7
I love gift cards. You take money, which amounts to a universal gift card, and severely limit its buying power by restricting it to a single retailer. This somehow adds value to the money. 😕
Click to expand...

Giving a GC instead of cash is indeed silly, BUT GC in lieu of an ugly sweater is good.
 
I think that it would be a good idea for parents that want to put a spending limit on their kids if they're irresponsible with money. Giving them a $50 Walmart card for college supplies for example might be a better idea than giving them cash (Hello beer money!) or a credit card that they'll end up racking up a couple of grand of debt on.
 
IMO, there are two gift cards that are the least sincere of all gift cards: gas station giftcards or supermarket giftcards. Unless you give it to a travelling salesman or something, whoever gives these to ppl needs to spend a little more effort.
 
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