January 22, 2009
What To Do with Unwanted Gift Cards and Gift Certificates
I can’t tell you the number of times while helping a client get organized we have come across gift cards the client forgot they even had. Some estimates say 16 percent of all gift card recipients never redeem the cards.Other estimates put the percentage of gift card "breakage" - the accounting term for cards that go unused - at 5 percent to 10 percent. That adds up to $8 billion this year in unredeemed, expired or lost gift cards.
If you don’t want to become a statistic, keep your gift cards accessible. I DO NOT recommend keeping them in your wallet because they can disappear and be forgotten among your credit/debit cards and papers. Another good reason not to keep them in your wallet is that if your wallet is lost or stolen, you’ve also lost the “dollar” value of the gift card(s). Instead, keep them someplace in your home or office where you will be reminded of them often so they won't go unused. Take them with you only when you plan to go shopping in the store they’re from.
As someone who helps people deal with too much "stuff" and not enough space for it all, giving gifts that don't clutter up the receiver's space or life yet are creative, thoughtful and useful are the best kind to give and get. I’m all for gift cards if they’re for services, classes or consumables, but, as an organizer, I’m not a big fan of them for just buying random “stuff". Most people already have too much “stuff” and many struggle with organization as a result; they don’t need more “stuff” to add to the misery. Also, keep in mind that when you give a gift certificate, you might be forcing the recipient to pay some of his or her own money to use it. A ten dollar gift certificate isn’t a whole lot at some upscale and technology stores. Your recipient may have to spend another ten, twenty or more dollars in order to use your wonderful gift. Food for thought.
If you received gift cards or gift certificates this past holiday season to stores you don't frequent or like or if you could use the money more then the gift card(s), there are ways of solving this problem. You can try selling your gift cards on craigslist , eBay or a bulletin board at work, your apartment building or in your neighborhood. If the gift card has a high value and you think it will be worth it, try selling through a newspaper ad. Ask if any of your friends or relatives are willing to trade or buy them. You may not get the full amount they’re worth or you may find someone who is willing to pay full price because they needed a gift card anyway.
There are also online websites were you can swap gift cards or sell them for money. You can even donate them online to charities to heal the sick, feed the poor or shelter the homeless. What this means is that like other unwanted gifts, gift cards are now very much returnable. Take the time to research online websites so you get the highest value you can for your gift card. Most of them also charge a small fee so pick one that has the lowest fee as well. Be sure to carefully read the users agreement on each site.
Here are some online options:
If all else fails consider regifting the gift card or gift certificate - be careful to check on the expiration dates! - to someone who you know would appreciate it.
Professional Organizer in New York City |
Professional Organizer in NYC Professional Organizer in New York | Professional Organizer in NY
Professional Organizer in Manhattan
C
o
p
y
r
i
g
h
t
©
2005 - 2010
MILLER ORGANIZING. All rights reserved.
14 Stuyvesant Oval
NYC, NY 10009
MILLER ORGANIZING. All rights reserved.
14 Stuyvesant Oval
NYC, NY 10009