This Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa season, were you given a gift card?
Chances are good that you were. But do you know how to best utilize the gift of the gift card?
Even though no batteries are required, there are some good “how-tos” to know when when it comes to cashing yours in. (The first one being a nice, handwritten thank you note to the gift card giver, of course. Love, your mother).
Nearly $5 billion in gift cards never get spent, according to the Tower Group consulting firm, reports USA Today. Don’t let yours get added to the gross gift card abuse. I mean, unless it’s for some truly hideous place, surely there’s even the potential to regift the gift card? But this abject negligence, especially in lean times, seems somehow so un-American. People, use up those gift cards!
Here’s a good way to go about it:
- Use it quickly. This works for a few reasons: you will use it and not lose it, both in the literal sense of it very potentially going missing, and for the sake of its value. Some of these post-holiday deals won’t be around for much longer, so optimize your card by stretching the value.
- Write down the gift card number, so if you do lose it, you’ll at least have a record that you did, in fact, possess it at one point. You might have to pay a fee, but if it’s minimal, it’s likely worth it.
- Hold onto your gift card until you’re sure you’re not going to return any items you’ve purchased with it, as some stores will require the card for returns.
- Keep track of the balance if you don’t use it all up at once. To avoid any potential pre-purchase gaffes, make sure you have enough value left on the card.
- Check out Web sites on which you can resell your gift card. PlasticJungle.com, Swapagift.com and GiftCardRescue.com are just a few. Be sure to read the fine print for any restrictions or other disclaimers before you click.
Photo courtesy of Playerex@Flickr.