The Struggle to Actually Use up Gift Cards by Mary Hunt on Creators.com

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The Struggle to Actually Use up Gift Cards

My love-hate relationship with gift cards has intensified. What a pain, really. I'm one who just forgets to use them, and when I remember, I try to figure out how to use each one to the last cent. I was reminded of my situation recently when I cleaned out my wallet and found a small collection of cards in need of action.

First up was a Verizon Visa Rebate Card. Why on earth does a Verizon rebate have to come as a debit card? I did recall finding a way to use up some of its credit, but now what? I called the number on the back of the card, and after a very long wait-on-hold, a snippy operator informed me of my 37 cent balance. How am I supposed to use that up? What a scam.

Imagine if Verizon and/or Visa skims off a few pennies from every one of these rebate cards? The fine print on the card revealed more. After a year, Visa takes a $3 monthly maintenance fee three months after you last use the card. Yes, I do hate that card.

But I love and adore my new Amazon gift card, which is personally signed, "I love you, my favorite Grandma" in the scribbling of a 2-year-old (just go with me on that translation). It is perfect, cherished and worth its weight in gold.

Next in my collection is a HomeGoods gift card. It's so old, I can't remember where I got it or what it's worth. And forget about calling to find out. This card reads, "For balance inquiry, please visit any of our store locations." How sneaky.

That company knows me. I can walk in perfectly satisfied and in a matter of minutes have an overwhelming need for hotel-quality linens and crystal stemware. They'll do anything to get me through that door. And if there's only $1.73 left on this card, I'm toast.

Look, I am not ungrateful. Really. I love the expression of love these gifts represent. That's why I have made a decision to use them up, thoughtfully. I'm planning to unclench my teeth and calmly visit Nordstrom, The Container Store and several restaurants soon. And I'm going to enjoy every moment.

Which prompted my husband and me to stop for dinner and use the $25 gift card for Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. My goal was to see just how close we could come to using it up to its complete value.

The sizzling enchilada plate was amazing and more than enough for us to share. With drinks, chips and salsa, I estimated that we'd come close enough to feel good about the experience. And grateful for the gift.

When the bill came, we placed the gift card in the little folder along with enough cash to allow us to leave with our heads held high. Our server paused for a moment, then placed the folder back on the table.

"I'm sorry ma'am. This is El Torito."

Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 20 books, including her January 2012 release, "7 Money Rules for Life." You can email her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

Comments

4 Comments | Post Comment

I don't like gift cards that much either, unless they're something like American Express that can be used just about anywhere. When my son asks for one, I tell him I'll just write him a check. He and his wife give each other gift cards, but I'm a dinosaur, I guess.

Comment: #1
Posted by: Joannakathryn
Sun Feb 12, 2012 11:46 PM

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Re: Joannakathryn

I agree with you and Mary, and try to avoid gift cards. We have reward points from one supermarket that can be redeemed at a catalogue shop. Not sure if these are common in USA. This is where you see everything (and I mean EVERYTHING you can think of) in a catalogue, and when you've chosen your item, they get it from the warehouse in a few minutes.

DH goes to the catalogue shop for, say, a new watch, and it costs GBP 21.99. But you can only redeem in GBP 2.50. I tell him just use GBP 20.00 worth of points and pay the balance in cash. But, No, he redeems GBP 22.50, and gets a gift card with 51p as change. Which means it sits in his wallet, maybe he forgets it. And you have to go back again to buy something else to get the value. And come back with yet another gift card! Yeesh.

Comment: #2
Posted by: Beguiling Miss Pasko
Mon Feb 13, 2012 2:00 AM

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I've started keeping a mini marker in my purse to jot down the amount of each card use right on the card. They are still trickery & a pain, but this helps.

Comment: #3
Posted by: Pat
Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:09 AM

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Different subject, similar solution- The pricy new curly light bulbs ceramic bases have a writable surface, so in pencil (marker might fade over several years) I write the store name, purchase date, years guaranteed, and a number or any fun code word. I cut the written guarantee and brand off the package, and file it and the receipt together. Add the code to the top of the receipt to make them easy to match. If there are several bulbs to a package, I write it on each bulb when I open the package. I decided to take the time to do this after 3 bulbs out of 6 failed within 6 months, but I had no proof of their origin.

Comment: #4
Posted by: Pat
Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:35 AM

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